I am volunteering today at the Chicago Marathon start line and then I will head to mile 13 to cheer for my friends (and strangers). I LOVE to support folks in this awesome race even if I have to get up at 4 AM to do it! I will see everyone from the front runners to the mid-packers to the folks leading up the rear. And you know what? They are all winners! One of the things I love the most about the marathon is that there is no one type. You see “one of everything and two of most” as my friend Matt’s dad (who was also the CEO of my first company) used to say. Tall, short, thin, not-so-thin, old young, in costumes, blind, sighted — you name it… it’s there.
I always try to remember awesome signs that I see on the courses to write about in my recaps. I usually forget.
Here are some great ones that I have seen:
- Run like you stole it!
- Worst parade ever
- You thought they said “rum”?
- Run 26.2 because 26.3 would be crazy
- 19 1/2 – Paul Ryan thinks this is the finish line
- I love your endurance – call me!
- Why do all of the cute ones run away?
- I’m sure this seemed like a good idea 4 months ago!
- Toenails are for sissies
- You’ve got the eye of the tiger (and the legs of Gisele) – TY Lululemon!
- I’m proud of you, perfect stranger!
- Remember you paid to do this.
- Wall? What wall? I don’t see no wall.
- Touch here for POWER!
I love the signs and the cheers and I hope that my cheers and smiles will give some runners a boost! Every marathon is full of so many emotions for the runners and at the finish – JOY! Go runners!
What is the best sign you remember? What is your best spectating trick?