Some thoughts on Peter Wingfield and the NYC Marathon

[valoise]

I know folks probably think I'm going to post on my experiences with the Peter Wingfield Fan Club, Peter Wingfield and fangirly stuff, and I will later on, but after the amazing weekend in New York, what has left me truly awed is the absolute wonder I felt in watching the marathon itself. I cheered the runners from two points along the route. First at the 7 mile point and finally at the end of the route. The courage and determination in the face of each and every runner was beyond anything I could imagine. And the sheer number of runners was mind-boggling. Over 43,000 runners from all over the world, each one with his or her own motivation and goal for being there.

This morning at the airport there were runners and their family and friends everywhere I looked. Some wearing the marathon shirts, some still proudly wearing their medals. I got into a conversation with a young woman from South Carolina. When I mentioned that I had been at the marathon to cheer on a friend, she said that they all really appreciate it. She said that it makes a difference, really helps motivate to continue on when the spectators along the route cheer them on and clang the cow bells and call out their names. So hats off to the marathoners and to one runner in particular.



Really will write up my account of the weekend later.

Comments

[mackiedockie.livejournal.com]

Great picture, Valoise! Peter (and all the runners) really did run an amazing race, especially considering added self-imposed goals of voice posting and fundraising. Thanks to you and everyone who made the trip to support him in person!

[easilymused1956.livejournal.com]

Since I couldn't be at the race myself, I watched via internet. I also tracked Peter using the race website.

Can't wait to read the account later.

Will Peter be blogging about the race? And, does he plan to run again?

Renee

[just-ustas.livejournal.com]

Hi! Thank for information. I was away of connection to internet and just dying of Marathon news. Maybe it was great experience for you too. And you are lucky one! What's Peter's time??
(can't wit for answer)))

[valoise.livejournal.com]

Trust me, it was an honor to be able to help. I was really humbled by the whole experience.

[valoise.livejournal.com]

In answer to your questions, I don't know. It was really an ordeal, training and running, especially with work and family. Only Peter knows the answer to either question.

[valoise.livejournal.com]

He wanted to come in under 4 hours, but his time was 4:01:48. I think that's great, especially when you think about how his work schedule kept interfering with his training schedule. And then there was that whole recording his thoughts during the race. That had to be a bit of a distraction.

[easilymused1956.livejournal.com]

Yeah, he kinda went through hell the last couple of months. Moving, then his little 'chicken stunt.'

Guess I'll have to keep an eye on his site.

Thanks for answering.

Renee

[anya2112.livejournal.com]

Thank God..someone from SC that wasn't in the news for alien sightings or 'why we need better dental care in the South'!! *snerk*

I can't imagine running for 4 minutes, nevertheless, 4 hours!

I echo Renee..filming, moving and his little 'chicken stunt'...I ALMOST feel sorry for the razing he is going to get in SA..(notice, I said, almost)!!

LOL! Great pics! Look forward to the report!

And, I am very proud of Mr Wingfield!

[just-ustas.livejournal.com]

O, yes! all we are proud of him!!! Wow!

[just-ustas.livejournal.com]

O, thank you! I think it's good time anyway. And ... in Peter age! I am much younger but can't run even few minutes. :)

Is it your photo? Would be glad to read your detailed story about this day!! You are lucky to see those great passion of all this people. It was really great day!

Thank you one more time.

[valoise.livejournal.com]

Yeah, that's a picture from the after-race meet up for the UNICEF runners and their supporters. The rest of my pictures are at:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/81628226@N00/sets/72157622732496144/