The Nike+ Human Race.

A bobbing, swelling sea of crimson, united behind three charities (The UN Refugee Agency, The Lance Armstrong Foundation and The World Wildlife Fund) and driven by one energetic passion: running. There was sweat, pouring from temples, underarms and tired straining legs. There was grunts and heaves of pain on the hills of MLK Blvd. There was encouraging shouts of support from the bystanders who lined the streets of Austin. Plastic cups stranded in disarray on the pavement. Paramedics rushing to the side of a girl, collapsed with dehydration. Young girls with ribbons in their hair, teenagers, mothers, wrinkled old men. All running (at least partly), and running with zeal and confidence. Running in a group of 15,000 strong. It was the Nike+ Human Race in Austin, TX and it was an event not to be missed. It was expertly organized and managed. As a runner I felt completely taken care of, before, after and during the race...thanks to the volunteers and staff members who contributed to the event. It was an invigorating and worthwhile experience, despite the cramping of my calves along the second mile. I thoroughly enjoyed the uncontrollable unity created by glancing up and seeing a mass of red shirts. I felt a part of something bigger than myself...small yet significant at the same time. I hope everyone who ran last night was as satisfied with the event as I was.