Tuesday, April 27, 2010

The Boston Marathon

Last Monday was a wonderful day. I woke up early and took a great morning ride...


...and have taken some awesome rides since then...


But all this week, I've been thinking about what really made last Monday, April 19th, so special: the Boston Marathon! After all, cyclists and runners are kind of like cousins. We both take ordinary roads and turn them into something extraordinary.

Here in Boston, the third Monday in April is always marathon day and a state holiday (Patriots Day ... commemorating the Battle of Lexington and Concord). So most of us in Massachusetts get the day off to enjoy the race. I took these photos within the very last mile...





There are few things in life that are perfect, but the Boston Marathon comes pretty close. The way it starts in the country and winds its way into the city; the way we Bostonians cheer every runner that passes, calling out their names (knowing this, many runners write their names in big letters on their shirts); the thrilling wheelchair race; the world-class runners from around the word ... all of these things make it special. But more than anything else, it's the unique stories of so many people running such a life-changing race that make the Boston Marathon so magical.


That evening, I drove down to Rhode Island to attend a business conference the next day -- slightly suntanned and hoarse from standing outside and cheering on the runners. But it was well worth it. Later that week I was back on the bike, so inspired by those amazing athletes.

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