Anyone with any knowledge knows that those that really threaten the US don't come from Afghanistan, Pakistan, Iran, or anywhere in the middle east. They come from Kenya, Ethiopia, and, particularly the women, Russia. They have threatened our roads and conquered our best for over 20 years, yet you never hear much about it. Unless you happen to be a runner, that is.
Today was a great day for US runners. Kara Goucher and Ryan Hall, both good old home grown US citizens, entered today's Boston Marathon — not with the intention of doing well, but with the intention of winning. Winning. The Boston Marathon. An American. Did you get that? They, and a lot of other insiders, thought going into the race that both of them had a chance of actually winning. I still get goose bumps at that pleasant thought. It has been over 20 years since an American has even finished in the top three.
Ryan led, or was right up at the front, for a good portion of the race before dropping off the pace near the end. With guts and determination, though, he fought back and came in third.
Kara ran like a goddess. The Greeks would have idolized her back at one point in history. As the end came in sight, Kara was in the lead — all the way up to about Mile 26. She had whittled down the entire field to two other runners and was staying just steps ahead. Unfortunately, though, those two challengers came from Kenya and Ethiopia. In the end, they had just a little more gas in their tanks than Kara did and Kara finished in third place as well.
Non-runners may not understand what it took, physically and emotionally, for these two to accomplish what they did. It is hard to explain to someone who hasn't tried to run a marathon how incredibly draining this distance can be. It's like taking your entire body, mind, and spirit, and running them through an old-fashioned clothes wringer. The guts Kara and Ryan displayed was nothing short of breathtaking.
Two American runners, both finishing on the podium. Today is one sweet day.
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