Weekly Runner Photo Challenge: Memorabilia From Your Favorite Race

By , April 22, 2012 6:27 pm

I was going to tack this on to the end of my weekly recap, but it was just too long. So… you get two posts today. Sorry! To make up for it, come back tomorrow for a sweet women’s running apparel giveaway…

Maggie just started a Runner Photo Challenge – check it out here, and participate! This week’s challenge: A picture of memorabilia (bib, shirt, medal, trophy, etc – can be just one thing or multiple things) from your favorite race. Include an explanation of why it’s your favorite race. 

Hands down, my favorite race is the New York City Marathon. And not because I PR’d, or because it was my best race ever, but because it showed me the true spirit of running, and the amount of support I have in my life.

I got in to the NYC Marathon via lottery. Opening Day was 4/27 last year. It was the same day my NYC bff (Gina) had her son, and a day before my grandpa passed away. I really felt like someone was watching over me that week. That is kind of hard to explain, since I am not very religious. But it’s just a feeling I had.

Everything said about how awesome the NYC Marathon is is true. The spectators, the race itself… the runners. I had a man from France, that I did not know, or could speak to, help me run the last few miles of the race. It’s just amazing that all of those people (from all over the world!) come together on race day.

And support. My sister and her boyfriend came from Iowa to watch me race. My NYC bff and her husband housed us and spectated. All of my family wore “Team KIMBOT” shirts that day, even though they couldn’t be there. I called my Chicago bff (Erin) when I finished and babbled/cried to her for a good 20 minutes. Bobbi was sending me encouraging texts during the race. A lot of my Facebook friends were really supportive. And Steven. I cannot believe he puts up with all this running. He is the best!

Anyway, the NYC Marathon was just a truly spectacular experience that reminded me why I love to run. I hope I get to try it again someday!

Opening Day for NYC is 4/25! Did any of you enter the lottery?

12 Responses to “Weekly Runner Photo Challenge: Memorabilia From Your Favorite Race”

  1. Kelly says:

    I totally just forced Napoleon to model my medal just like Data. Napoleon did not appreciate it.

    • kilax says:

      Ha! Can’t wait to see your pic! Data was pretty chill. I think he was enjoying a sun bath 🙂

  2. Maggie says:

    Awesome, thanks for participating!!

  3. abbi says:

    Love this – both the photo challenge and your description of NYC!

  4. Red Runs says:

    Love your entry!

  5. Erin says:

    What a great post! When people ask why the New York Marathon is better than Chicago I’ll point them to this post 🙂

    • kilax says:

      I bet people from NYC who run Chicago think of it this way! They are both great races! I do feel like NYC wins with crowd support though. You are only alone on the bridges, where spectators are not allowed.

  6. Cary says:

    Oh my gosh. I watched the clip of you hugging your French marathon friend, and I got teary-eyed! What a great story!

  7. Xaarlin says:

    Very cool post! NYC is such a special race in so many ways 🙂

    I love the medals since they aren’t all colorful- looks nice and classic.

    Reading about the memories from these races is so inspiring!

  8. […] Kim – Ilax Studio: Hands down, my favorite race is the New York City Marathon. And not because I PR’d, or because it was my best race ever, but because it showed me the true spirit of running, and the amount of support I have in my life. I got in to the NYC Marathon via lottery. Opening Day was 4/27 last year. It was the same day my NYC bff (Gina) had her son, and a day before my grandpa passed away. I really felt like someone was watching over me that week. That is kind of hard to explain, since I am not very religious. But it’s just a feeling I had. More. […]

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