NYC Marathon

This past Sunday morning I caught the NYC marathon on television. I don't recall ever seeing a marathon televised before, but hope they keep it up. I had not expected much from the broadcast, my thinking being that running, like golf, is an activity to be performed rather than watched. Happily, I was wrong. It was an emotional roller coaster. Probably the best thing I have seen on TV all year.

My favorite parts:

- Hearing them start each wave of runners off with a gunshot and Frank Sinatra's New York, New York.

- The profiles of some of the athletes. These were akin to those profiles they do during the Olympics, you know the ones that make you feel like a jerk for having indoor plumbing.

- Haile Gebrselassie ("Geb"). Geb is one of, if not THE greatest long distance runners of all time. He holds the current world record for marathon running, which he set by beating his own prior record. Despite his awesomeness he has never run NYC. This was supposed to be his year, if he won NYC he solidifies his greatness. All the other runners knew this, but what they did not know was that he had a swollen knee. As the race started, an elite pack of about 15 male runners keep Geb's pace. A strangely slow pace, but no one seemed to dare challenge Geb. Then comes mile 17, Geb in agonizing pain slows to a walk, then finally stops. He pulls out of the race just before 1st Avenue. The sound and the feel of the crowd at 1st avenue is why athletes want to run NYC. It's supposed to be overwhelmingly emotional and Geb just missed it. Following the race, Geb announced he was retiring from running. Whoa. Pass the tissue...

- Watching one of the Cuban miners run the race (an ice pack on each knee at one point) and cross the finish line. NYC race officials were waiting for him with a medal and the Cuban flag. More tissue please...

Can't wait til next year.