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.

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

Echoing that.

aurelia, I'll never look at catalog models the same way again. That was funny!

I'd love to run a marathon, but seeing as I can't quite get my asthma under control, I may never make it to a brisk walk down the block. Speaking of which, while diving through the archives, I found a post I wrote in 2004 where I said "y'all have just about convinced me that I really am asthmatic". I should have listened; y'all were, as usual, right.

I'm glad your friend has you looking out for her (and her cat), Theo. You really stepped up.

As I lay in bed this morning before the sun came up, before the cats demanded I let them out, awake but not quite ready to get up, I could breathe easily and my muscles were not sore and the day seemed full of potential. All of that has changed.

Shoulda stood in bed.

I have the 0.0 sticker! It's from The Oatmeal!

I'm not a runner, but I love cheering them. Those moments-when you get a weak grin, someone whacks your tambourine, the mouthed thank you to whatever you shouted, the pumped fists at mile 22/9, the held eye contact and a nod, watching someone clearly spent stand a little taller, step a little stronger, telling someone stopped with a cra

Sounds like you were doing it all kinda of right, Sara! Two years ago I went to cheer my roomie on at the Seattle Half, and ended up staying for hours, with my cowbell. Last year we went to the worst hill on the course and cheered for like, 4 hours with signs and a vuvuzela. This year I was all excited when I realized I'm coming back from thanksgiving on Saturday, so ican cheer again this year!!

It seems like a .131 or a .262 one would be nice, as well.