GL Marathoners

To the thousands of runners setting out to conquer the Boston Marathon on Monday - good luck.   Jealous.  Very jealous. I made a promise to myself to run that beast of a race again someday. Stay tuned.

For all the runners out there I highly recommend Michael Connelly's 26 Miles to Boston.  Fab book detailing the history, triumphs and tribulations of the nation's most famous race. Fav excerpt from the intro:

Each April, people from every corner of the world travel thousands of miles to run twenty-six. Nowhere on the face of the earth do more people from more diverse backgrounds gather for a one-day event. The Boston Marathon is a celebration of tradition, a celebration of health-and-fitness, a celebration of life. From Hopkinton to Boston, the spectators and runners are provided a stage to act out a play that stretches the gamut from Shakespeare to Pee Wee Herman. Tragedy, triumph, love frustration and comedy are all components of this road race. 

The twenty-six miles of roads, sidewalks, and bridges are nothing more than a backdrop for athletic conquests, athletic failures, weddings, inebriated college students and overpriced vendors-all of whom play an intricate role in molding this race and its legacy. 

The Boston Marathon's ultimate purpose is as distinct as the people who embrace it. Whether your goal is to run, to barbeque, to say hello to your neighbor, to gather with your family or to delay studying for college finals, the race is a willing partner for all who come to celebrate. 


Best of luck marathoners.  I admire each and every one of you. xox