Gear Check: Spectator Gear

In one week I'll run my 17th marathon. Liz has been there to cheer me on for over 5 years and she has become an amazing support for me during the race. She's a Super Spectator!

She has it down to a science. I know where she'll be on the course, what side of the street to look on, what she might be carrying for me, and how to spot her from several blocks away.

Sometimes she's carrying Gatorade or snacks that I want at specific mile markers. Sometimes she's just there to cheer me on and give me something to look forward to in the later miles of the marathon. She's always encouraging and she's a great example to other people cheering for their friends and family as they run by.

Liz has collected quite the stash of Spectator Gear over the years.

She always has a bright yellow "Roadrunner Crossing" sign that I bought at a pet store for a quarter. She holds it up and I can see her long before I get to her spot on the course so I never miss her when I run by. She also has a variety of noise makers... cowbells, whistles, plastic clappers, maracas... they make a lot of noise and don't hurt her hands. (You'd be surprised how painful several hours of clapping can be.) I've also run a lot of marathons in cold weather and she can wear warm, thick gloves and still use a cowbell when clapping isn't an option.

When we're in New York next week, there will be 45,000 other runners and 2 million other spectators. Even with those staggering numbers, I'm confident Liz and I will be able to find each other during the race.

This ain't our first rodeo!

Saturday
Goal For The Day: Rest.
Distance: 0.00 Miles.

Notes: It was a fun Fall day with the in-laws! We went to Stuckmeyer's Farm to pick pumpkins and then to Kimmswick for the Apple Butter Festival. Good times!

Daily Miles: 0.00 Miles.
Blog Totals:
  Run - 532.49 Miles.
  Bike - 144.45 Miles.
  Swim - 13,450+ meters.