Have you ever witnessed a flash mob? It’s when out of nowhere, people just all of the sudden bust out a dance routine in the middle of a public place. Like in “Friends with Benefits,” ya know? So today in Central Park, all of the sudden there was a marathon going on. You get 41,000 runner together from all over the world, and that’s what you get! Just like I said before-You can take away our marathon, but you can’t take away our spirit.

We were planning on doing a long run as a team, and went over to the park around 9am. We knew there would be a lot of people running, but we had no idea it would be like this!

I mean, seriously!? I wish all of you could’ve been there! The pictures aren’t even doing it justice, because the atmosphere was electric! There were spectators thanking us for running, holding up signs, and passing out water. Thousands of runners converged on Central Park to have their own marathon, and we got to be a part of it. What an amazing experience!

Ari and I ran with the team around CP, and to 96th St on the west side, and then down to the Hudson river to run along the path there.

Then, we have the goose that runs this town, evidently. This animal was fearless! He stayed put right in the middle of the path, and wouldn’t budge when people walked up to him (or her.) Then, he/she would honk when you left, as if to say “yeah, that’s what I thought! I RUN this path!!”

Then, Shauna and I ran back to the park, and finished up the loop.

SO much energy and support! Definitely an amazing experience!

People filled the bleachers at the finish line, and were screaming and cheering at the runners crossing the “finish line.”

Needless to say, this was an amazing experience! We didn’t get out marathon, but as you can see, our spirit lives on!!

Here is a summary and GPS map of the run:

Yes, CP is most definitely hilly! Hills are your friend, right coach Susan!???

More on today’s events tomorrow. I am crashing from my caffeine overload tonight at Vintage. We went out to dinner, and out to a lounge and had a blast! Off to bed for me!

Happy Trails!

Stacey