I was on this year’s race brochure so of course, I would have run this race.

I decided that the race was late enough (1 pm) to be able to drive to Chatham and watch my friend Mary run this race. 

Friday’s RW quote also came to mind:

Running is not, as it so often seems, only about what you did in your last race or about how many miles you ran last week. It is, in a much more important way, about community, about appreciating all the miles run by other runners, too.–Richard O’Brien

The last 17 weeks have been all about me.  I have been feeling sorry for myself cuz I can’t run.  I have been jealous of everyone running, training and racing. Everday I wake up and curse Dec 29 and wish I never went for that run.

So yesterday was a perfect running day (just a little too windy) but cool & sunny.  I got to the race early enough to wish Mary luck before the race.

Then I was able to do what I have never been able to do.  I watched the runners start.

I got to see all the runners go by.

I even watched the winner (at an amazing time) cross the finish line.

Mary, who is tapering for her marathon next weekend, did great.

Of course, we had to have our free ice cream cone together again.

I think it’s supposed to be a reward for racing but it still tasted good.

So my first spectating experience wasn’t half bad.  It’s fun if you know someone racing.  Of course, I prefer to be in the race….and I will be next year!

Afterwards we went out for coffee and talked about my comeback –whenever that may be.  Hopefully we will race together in the near future.

Happy Running!  Have you ever spectated at a race when you’ve been injured?