As a runner, can I just say thank you so much to all who cheer? It really does make all the difference in the world.

That is awesome.

I once went to cheer the runners in the Boston Marathon at Wellesley College, which is around the 20-mile mark, and that was awesome. I get a little teared up, thinking about people cheering for other people.

One story that always gets me is the story of the Nigerian Olympic swimmer who'd never swum in an Olympic-sized pool (I think he was Nigerian, anyway). And he was dead last in his heat at the Olympics, but people were cheering so hard for him, that he got out of the water and asked if he'd won.

Hee. [link]

I like cheering for people (though it's more - but not entirely - parades more than races here) even though I am the furthest from a runner you'll ever see.

I actually saw an awesome car magnet/bumper sticker that was the same format/font as the marathon/half marathon "26.2" and "13.1" and it just said "0.0". I NEED THAT.

One story that always gets me is the story of the Nigerian Olympic swimmer who'd never swum in an Olympic-sized pool (I think he was Nigerian, anyway). And he was dead last in his heat at the Olympics, but people were cheering so hard for him, that he got out of the water and asked if he'd won.

Was that at the Sydney Olympics? I think I remember that one.

I actually saw an awesome car magnet/bumper sticker that was the same format/font as the marathon/half marathon "26.2" and "13.1" and it just said "0.0". I NEED THAT.

Ha!

When I lived in Boston I would go cheer for people in the afternoon, figuring those were the ones who needed it most! (I realize I could still do it, living in Somerville, but it's more of a hassle than walking down the street. And actually, I think my current job is open on Patriot's Day. Which is bullshit.)

At the marching band/social justice parade last weekend, we did a lot of specific cheering for issues, but also kids and whatnot.

I actually saw an awesome car magnet/bumper sticker that was the same format/font as the marathon/half marathon "26.2" and "13.1" and it just said "0.0". I NEED THAT.

I saw one of those last week and took a picture of it! Because I SO need one, too!

Went to see Minet's Mom yesterday, most especially to take her phone charger, which in the excitement of getting her to the hospital by the ambulance crew was left behind.

(And yes, it was a deliberate overdose of heart medication, which she changed her mind about before passing out, thank goodness. In the longer run, this suicide attempt will be a good thing, since it will get her some psychiatric treatment as well as social worker help on finding permanent housing.)

Anyway, getting her phone charged up was a big priority to me, since feeling lost and alone in the hospital, cut off from online community is a Big Deal to someone who is emotionally fragile.

Theo, I hope your friend gets the help she needs. You're a good friend.

In stunning synchronicity with the marathon posts, I found out about an hour ago that my BiL is running a marathon RIGHT NOW. He should finish in about 2 minutes.

Tim and I, OTOH, are spending our Sunday at the chocolate festival, because I would rather stuff my face with chocolate than run. Come on.

You're a good friend, Theo.

I am the world's biggest slug this weekend. At least I cleaned the bathroom.