M . . .

. . . is for MARATHON

So . . . what do you know about Marathons?
Some quick facts :

The race is 26.2 miles long . . . more like 27 miles. Who can stop on a dime at 26.2 miles?

There are PROFESSIONAL Marathon runners. They are called the ELITE. Elite Men can run the race is about 2 hours. Elite Women can run the race in about 2 hours 30 minutes.

Many Marathon runners loose their toenails.

This year, The Chicago Marathon was capped at 45,000 runners.

This past week-end, 10-10-10, was the Chicago Marathon. First let me say, if you ever have a chance to see a Marathon, DO IT! You will be amazed at the dedication of the runners.

This is the second time that 2 of my children have run in the Marathon.

The first time I was able to see the beginning of the race. It starts with the wheelchair racers.

                                                              (Pictures from 2008)

Then come the ELITE

                                                                (Pictures from 2008)

This year, 2010, the first runner to cross the finish line was ELITE Runner, Sammy Wanjiru from Kenya. His time was 2:06:24. He also won in 2009. Liliya Shobukhova of Russia won the women's race with the time of 2:20:25, which is the new Russian Marathon Record.

Runners of Note:
Desiree Davila (USA) finished in fourth place and top American in 2:26:20, a significant personal best.

 Joan Benoit Samuelson (USA), now 53, finished in 2:47:50. And Heinz Frei (SUI), now 52, set a new wheelchair course record, finishing in 1:26:56.

The reason I go to the Marathon . . . of course it is because my children are running. BUT ... it is VERY hard to find the 1 person you are looking for in the race. In fact, we have never seen our son running. I go for ALL the runners. I enjoy seeing them and cheering them on. I know that I could never do this and I APPLAUD all who make this commitment.

                                                              Pictures from 2010
                             
                                                             ABC WEDNESDAY

Thematic Photographic 114 - Reflective

Cities are a great place to find all sorts of unique photo opportunities.
Here's a shot of  "The Bean" in Chicago.

~Reflective~

Unique Exposure's Photo Challenge ~Chairs~

Chairs at the Jay Pritzker Pavilion in Chicago

See more CHAIR photos at

Unique Exposure's Photo Challenge

WEEKDAY PHOTOS ~ URBAN #2~

Today's challenge for Weekday Photos is ZEBRA CROSSING ... you know ... those lines that define a crosswalk.

 My photo is taken from the Signature Room of the Hancock Building in Chicago.

Michigan Avenue

For More ZEBRA CROSSING photos go to

WEEKDAY PHOTOS

ABC WEDNESDAY ~E~

E is  for EXHIBIT.

To put something on public display.
n.
The act or an instance of exhibiting, a public showing; an exhibition.

The great thing about visiting a large city is all the sites you can see. On our visit to Chicago we went to the Museum of Science and Industry. It's an exciting place where you can explore and  engage in Exhibits with great enjoyment.

In the Circus area you can ~

Play with the "Funny Mirrors" ~

Make music with the lights on the floor ~

Or be a clown ~

You can walk through The Hall of Transportation ~

You can visit the Science area ~

and see Thermal Imaging ~

or stand in an acrylic box and whisper to the person across the room ~

Who will hear you as if you are standing right next to them ~

You can visit the War Exhibit ~

Where you can listen to Holograms tell you the position of the Enemy ~

All in all, a visit to this museum is an experience which can be enjoyed by everyone.

ABC WEDNESDAY

ABC WEDNESDAY "C"

Here it is, a week later and time to move on to the next letter in the alphabet, C. The problem with this letter is choosing the item you want to highlight. There are so many items that begin with the letter C. Just look around, you don't have to leave home to find one. Sitting right where you are I am sure you can see an item or two. . . computer, clock, cabinet, cup . . . may be a few that are right in front of you. But, alas, even though my home is filled with C items I traveled afar for the one I am sharing.

C is for city . . . CHICAGO

Chicago not only has tall buildings

It also has wonderful neighborhoods

Tree lined streets

And wonderful sites

A beautiful lake

And of course . . .

PEOPLE

Big cities are wonderful places to visit!

You can view more "C" postings here:

ABC WEDNESDAYS