After we crossed the NYC marathon finish line, we had a half an hour walk to the UPS buses where our stuff was stored. I will remember it as the painful walk to freedom. I wanted to curl up in a ball on the ground. I was done with being on my feet. A medic told us we had to keep walking for about 20 minutes.
I was cold, crowded and done. I chatted with a woman from San Francisco. It was the first conversation I had in five hours. She told me to be sure to wear my medal around New York.
I understood immediately after we left Central Park.
People shouted, “congratulations” everywhere when they spotted our marathon medals or jackets. We felt like stars. We were applauded in pubs and restaurants. It was unbelievable. The city really knows how to support the marathon. What a great experience and what a great response.
Now I don’t expect applause wherever I go now. Although I did bring my medal to Local Heroes on Saturday night. The guys were impressed.