I’ve achieved a lot of personal goals in my lifetime. Running 26.2 miles through a windstorm hasn’t been one of them (and probably never will be!) but there are now 50,000 people who can claim it — they ran this year’s New York City Marathon in terrible weather conditions.
I headed out last Sunday hoping to catch a glimpse of a runner friend. I missed him at every viewing point I tried, and eventually found myself in upper Manhattan at the point where the course makes a final right turn, leaving the runners with a long straightway down Fifth Avenue to the finish line. Hauling myself as far as I could up nearby a fence for a better vantage point, I snapped a shot of this mass of people — who by this point, have run 23 miles or so — heading down the homestretch.
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Not a single person stopped for this red light. Anarchy! (“Last Leg” photo by Michelle W. (CC BY-SA 2.0)
Most of them were exhausted but jubilant. Spectators lined the length of Fifth Avenue, calling out encouragement or offering water, snacks, and high-fives. Few of them — nor I — knew any of these runners personally, but that didn’t matter. These athletes had achieved something huge, something that took training, dedication, and a not insignificant amount of pain. The least we could offer in the face of their achievement were some kind words and bananas.
This week, show us a photo that says “achievement” to you: people meeting a long-worked-for goal. Something tangible you’ve created. A view from a journey you’ve completed, or the stating point of a journey not yet made or a project you hope to finish. We look forward to being inspired!
Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.
Image may be NSFW.Clik here to view.
Image may be NSFW.Clik here to view.
Image may be NSFW.Clik here to view.
Image may be NSFW.Clik here to view.
Image may be NSFW.Clik here to view.
Image may be NSFW.Clik here to view.
Image may be NSFW.Clik here to view.
