Running Down a Dream

On Patriots Day, a Live Glimpse at a Stunning Spectacle

MOST OF THE RUNNERS sported nylon shorts and tank tops. Others had t-shirts and hats. I spotted two dressed as Elvis, and one as the Riddler. Thousands of them streamed past us along Route 135 in Natick, 10 miles or so into the Boston Marathon, intent on making their way from Hopkinton to Boylston Street downtown. You wouldn't think that standing along the side of the road and cheering on complete strangers, all while keeping your eyes peeled for a single friend, could possibly be any fun. You'd be wrong. Tremendous goodwill pervaded the spectators; the runners pounding near the sides of the road reached out for high-fives from members of the crowd. Applause greeted every marathoner who came into sight, and when special competitors appeared -- racers in wheelchairs, runners pushing disabled people -- the cheering got even louder. Spotting our friend Donna elicited far greater excitement in us than it ought to have -- shouting hello, taking her picture, and handing along some nutrition, we felt privileged to have been a part of her day. And if I wasn't quite inspired to take up marathoning, watching all of those goal-oriented people working their asses off to complete what they had trained for for so long certainly made me consider what I want out of life, and what I'm willing to do to get it. And for that I'm grateful.