Congratualtions to Meb Keflizighi, Derartu Tulu, and all of the other 2009 New York City marathon participants!  If you missed it, the marathon was this Sunday and it was a beautiful day for it!  If you're a NYCer and have never experienced the marathon, I encourage you to - there were around 2 million spectators this year.  Or better yet, volunteer at the race!  I worked at the start of the race in 2008 and it was one of the most amazing experiences I have ever had.  I lost count of the countries the runners I talked to represented, and everyone seemed to have an incredible story about why they were running or how they got to this race.  The 2009 men's winner has a very inspiring story (as I think most marathoners do), and I had goose bumps watching his finish on the news tonight.  The men's wheelchair race came down to an at-the-tape finish between the top two finishers!

I hope to run a marathon someday.  In the meantime, I participate in some shorter races, usually in Central Park.  If you enjoy running (or walking, or just being outside and doing cool stuff), I encourage you to check out New York Road Runners.  NYRR hosts a race almost every weekend at varying distances, from a mile to a marathon, for professional runners, joggers, walkers, and everyone in between.  NYRR also has running classes and clinics, and cross training activities such as deep water running and pilates.  The NYRR races I've participated in in Central Park are always a great atmosphere (even in the rain, 8 degree temperatures at race time, etc.) with tons of support and encouragement along the way.  This is great for a novice like me, and I'm sure gives the more experienced runners a boost, too!  Each race does have an entry fee, but the fees are less for NYRR members.  For more casual (and cheap!) running or walking, I've found that it's easy to find an impromptu group at any NYC park on a Saturday morning.  NYC has a ridiculously friendly running/walking community and I encourage you to check it out!

Are there any other marathoners/runners/walkers out there?  We'd love to hear your stories!

Now let's see if New York City can keep the celebration rolling with the Yankees' 27th World Series title!