Running is a Spectator Sport

Last weekend was the Philadelphia Marathon. I wasn’t running it, so the least I could do was cheer on the runners.

And honestly, it is so much fun.

You may think — really? It’s fun to cheer on runners? The sport where people go by you, and then you have to sprint to another section of the race course to find them to cheer them on again

I’m here to tell you that it is absolutely fun.

Reason 1: The signs. People had signs at the Philly Marathon like “Jess Do It!” “Number 1 Daddy” and my favorite “You have run more miles than the Cowboys have wins this year!”

(I mean, this is Philadelphia)

Reason 2: Watching people figure out how to get to the next spot to cheer on their friend or family member is entertaining. It’s like a real-life “Amazing Race” episode. They must figure out a real-life maze, often including a hazardous crossing in front of runners. Some manage this crossing gracefully, while others….not so much.

Reason 3: The crowd is all hyped up. There were woos and clapping, and I even got to bang on a three-foot traffic stopper protecting runners from relatively freshly poured concrete. Seriously, how fun is an activity where you can live out your percussion dreams? (I’m referencing you, the music major class in my sophomore year where I played the triangle. Ringo Starr, I was not.)

Reason 4: if you have a Fitbit, your watch thinks you are exercising. According to my watch, I got…