Smile With Your Eyes




Welcome!

I'm Sarah and I'm training for the New York Marathon this November 1st, while raising funds for the Anxiety Disorders Association of America, in memory of my mother Robin Hunt.

She always used to tell me "Smile With Your Eyes," so that's what I named this blog. Over the years I've come to realize that phrase means a lot more than just how to take a good photo.

Please visit my fundraising page here.

For more information on ADAA please visit their website www.adaa.org.

You can read "Robin's Story" here, as written by my Dad.

And "Living With Anxiety, Advice for a Surviving Spouse".

I can be reached here: sarah.hunt1 at gmail dot com.

Thanks for stopping by!

28th October 2009

Link

I'm Pretty Sure I'm going to Cry on Sunday →

Just reading this made me teary eyed! I’m so excited!

Is New York Really the Best?

Q. How has the NYC Marathon established itself as the ‘best’ marathon to run in? Many sports commentators and writers pick New York as the Marathon to run – it’s not the fastest, it’s not the most prestigious, but everyone seems to want to run it? PS I ran New York in 2007 wearing a Phillies hat— even through Queens and got a bit of respect!

— Michael Rowbotham

A. Michael, the New York City Marathon is not the most prestigious — in terms of tradition. That goes to Boston, running since 1897.

It’s not the fastest — Berlin (home to Haile Gebrselassie’s 2:03:59), London and Chicago take that mantle among the world marathon majors.

But what makes New York unique, and for most runners, so memorable, is the chance to be part of a grand spectacle. More than 40,000 spectators run through New York’s vibrant and eclectic neighborhoods in all five boroughs, crossing over five bridges beneath the backdrop of skyscrapers and expansive avenues, cheered virtually the entire way by 2 million fans. A 26.2-mile standing ovation, as more than a few runners have described it. Bands, bagpipers, accordion players and church choirs serenade marathoners throughout the course. And participants get to experience the melting pot that is typical New York, as about 51 percent of the field comes from outside the United States (118 countries).

All the pageantry aside, New York’s marathon is an incredibly challenging course. The hills on the bridges and those in and around Central Park demand smart tactics and strong legs. Crowds can at times be frustrating, as can be the long wait at the start. New York tests runners, so when they do cross that finish line, they feel that much more triumphant.

Finally, I must commend you on your daring choice of lids. Even Mets fans would agree: “Ya Gotta Believe.”