Spectating at the Harrisburg Marathon! (GO TYLER!!!!)

On Sunday morning, I had the pleasure of cheering on my brother and hundreds of other runners at the Harrisburg Marathon. Tyler's first marathon was Philadelphia in 2009. Although he has always been very active playing soccer and cycling, running hasn't been a big part of his life during the years in between these marathons. That means, he basically started from scratch several months ago when he decided to train for Harrisburg. The thing about my brother though is, when he sets his mind to do something, he does it.

***This is not meant to be a recap of Tyler's race (that's his story to tell!), but more my experience spectating.***

I didn't have much of a plan when I woke up Sunday morning other than I wanted to try to see Tyler as many times as I could. After studying the race course a bit (it had changed a lot since I last ran the race in 2012), I decided the first place I could connect with him was Mile 8, which was right at the Market Street Bridge on the Harrisburg side.

To save the headache of race day traffic, I parked in Lemoyne and ran over to Harrisburg. It was just under a mile and a half, so no big deal. I timed it up so that I made it to my cheering spot about 6 minutes before Tyler ran past. Talk about calling it close!

He looked strong and determined!

I was glad I had sunglasses on because whenever I cheer at a race, I inevitably start to cry. Cheering on runners is so good for the soul. It was like a wave of human spirit flowing past me and it filled my heart with joy.

From there, the runners headed over to City Island to do a loop. I jogged about a quarter mile North and waited at what would be Mile 10. There were one or two people nearby and none of them were cheering very much. I'm sure it doesn't surprise you that I cheer very heartily at races. I'm not going to just stand there and watch people run past. I clap and cheer and shout words of encouragement. 

Tyler looked great at Mile 10- in a groove, chugging along.

After that, I ran back to Lemoyne, hopped in my car, and headed over to 6th street in Harrisburg. There was a little bit of traffic, but I made it to Mile 15 about ten minutes before Tyler did.

I was nervous to see how he was holding up. He had been really sick with a cold and was still fighting it. He barely got any sleep the night before. I was hoping he was doing okay, and at Mile 15 he still looked good!

If I stayed right at my spot, I'd see runners again as they looped back and it would be about Mile 20. To kill some time, I ran about 4 miles. I did not run along the marathon route- I stuck to nearby neighborhoods. I ended up peeing in an ally because there was literally NO PLACE TO GO.

When I was done with my little run, I hunkered down at Mile 20 and did some hardcore cheering. What do you say to someone at Mile 20 of a freaking marathon? There are times I have felt great at Mile 20 and times I have felt like death. I tried to say the right thing to each runner as they came by.

Tyler came by a little later than I expected him. He stopped to chat for just a few seconds and said his energy was completely gone, but he was going to keep going and finish the race. I did not expect any less of him! "Drink water!!!" I yelled to him as took off. There was dried salt all over his face and since he had been sick, I wanted him to be extra hydrated.

My plan was to drive to the finish line, but I texted Ana and she was at Division Street (about Mile 22) so I stopped there. I got to hang out with her for a few minutes and meet her son! Tyler came by and I walked through the water stop with him. He seemed to be in good spirits and had slowed his pace a bit so his heart rate stayed where it needed to be and he could finish strong.

Next stop... The FINISH LINE! It was a little stressful finding a spot to park but I finally found one. I ran several blocks to the finish line and stationed myself about 1/10 of a mile ahead of it. I started screaming my head off for people and crying under the guise of my sunglasses.

And then came my brother... kicking it into the gear at the end and sprinting to the Finish Line. I AM SO PROUD!!!!

B

Unfortunately it was so crowded and his phone was on the fritz, so we weren't able to hook up after the race. He called me on his way home and I got to tell him how awesome of a job he did. I never ran a marathon sick, and I hope I never have to! He was stopping at Wendy's on the way home. I can't think of a better post race meal!

Whenever I plan to cheer at races, I am always afraid I will have FOMO. But then when I get there, I never get that feeling. Instead I feel so motivated and filled with joy. Seeing all of the athletes complete something as huge as a marathon... whether it was their 10th or their 1st was such a sight to see.ut it was especially great to see my brother complete something he worked so hard for. I am so proud of you, Tyler! I am in awe your focus and determination.  WAY TO GO!!!!

Still sick, but relaxing in the post race glory!

Oh, and not only is he recovering from the marathon AND still sick, but he's GETTING A VASECTOMY ON FRIDAY. Go big or go home, right? Wish Tyler luck on his snip-snip!!!

Are there any qualities in your siblings you admire?

Do you cheer loudly at races?

Does your partner have a vasectomy? Did you get your tubes tied? SPILL!