Why? Because Sweating Brings People Together

Yesterday, I volunteered at the NYC Marathon. My job was to cheer on all the runners, especially those who helped raise money for the organization I now work for. The NYC marathon is bittersweet for me for a number of reasons. First of all, while it brings the majority of New Yorkers together in a positive, non-hostile way, it also makes it very difficult to move around the city because so many roads are blocked off. This makes for those who do not partake in marathon events very hostile. If you can't beat 'em, join 'em. This brings me to my next point of bittersweetness. First the sweet: I want to run the NYC marathon. Now, the bitter: I'm scared out of mind. While I got such an incredible rush by watching literally thousands of people in all shapes and sizes pass by the 18th mile mark, I also felt a little jealous. It's not to say that I CAN'T run a marathon; in fact, I think I probably could but here are my worries: 1) the massive amount of time it would take to build up my endurance. I know finishing time doesn't matter when you're just a peon running the race but because I do run super slow, it would take me an incredible amount of time to get up to 26.2 miles in my training. 2) the 2008 nyc marathon will be just a couple weeks after my wedding. How am I supposed to relax in Tahiti when I know I should be training? 3) my menstrual cycle (as in, I'd like to have one.) But there are pros too 1) the overwhelming sense of accomplishment and pride I would feel. 2) Raising money for the organization and really feeling like an integral part of this new team. 3) I have all the training and support resources built into my job. 4)I'd be in kick-ass shape.

In weighing the pros and cons in this decision, perhaps I should take into account that as I left my post on 96th street and 1st avenue after 4 1/2 hours of shaking maracas, holding banners and shouting "you can do it," I was completely spent. My back was stiff and my feet were hurting. My nose was running, too. When my mom asked me how the marathon was, I said: "exhausting," as if I had been running in it.

I have some time to think about it and be convinced one way or the other. To be continued.