Monday, October 01, 2007

Another Spartathlon win for Scott!

Greetings from Athens!

As many of you already know, Scott has WON again! It's his second Spartathlon win in a row. This year he finished in 23:12, well ahead of the second place finisher.

This race is amazing. The athletes are incredible. So much richness and texture and color and culture! I have so many stories and incredible moments etched forever in my mind... I am very grateful to have been a part of this experience, so fortunate to have had this opportunity.

In my opinion as an ultrarunner, there is no better way to tour and experience Greece than by foot through the course of the race. The townspeople, the children, the respect, the language, the food, the graces, the mountains, the glorious beaches, the honor, the culture, the history, the families....it's just thick with color here ... Oh, and did I mention the glorious beaches?

We have one more post-race festivity to attend tonight, which is the formal awards presentation and dinner for the athletes. There was another awards ceremony in Sparta Saturday night after the race, but despite the podium, national anthems, flag-raisings and awards, tonight is the "real" celebration. There will be more hugs and kisses and congratulations and smiles and hobbles and congratulations and promises to come back again a year from now.

The Greek people are so gracious and honorable and the families so loving and respectful. They come from all over to share in the victories and defeats at the Spartathlon. And boy do they shower admiration on the winner! Gifts are given, kids are handed to Scott for holding, people reach out for touching and kisses, and invitations for food and celebration are endless. And this all from the locals. It's been an amazing experience for sure.

We have literally thousands of pictures. Glenn sure has his editing work cut out for him when we get back. I'll post the link when it's ready.

Must go for now. We have some unscheduled time for putzing around today before the awards. So, we'll either hit the town square, the beaches, or both. It's sunny and warm and looks like it promises to be another 80 to 90 degree spectacular day in Athens.

6 comments:

Journey to a Centum said...

Congratulations to Scott and his fabulous crew! Sounds like an EPIC event. Enjoy your celebration! You all earned it.

Eric

Olga said...

Yay, guys! We were wondering about it while navigating the Bear course - and happy to hear Scott won! Can't wait for the photos and story.

Ben, aka BadBen said...

Lisa,
Congratulations to you (and of course, Scott)!
Thank you for being there for Scott and being such a vital part of his American crew.

Happy trails,
Bad Ben

Barefoot Ted said...

We ROCKED Greece.

Great crewing with you.

BFT

Lisa B said...

Woo hoo! Thanks everyone for the support. Pictures are pending - some from me, MANY from Glenn.

Yep, Ted, Pure Greecey Fun!! Looking forward to the mantra on video. :)

-Lisa

Bob - BlogMYruns.com said...

WOW SOunds awesome Lisa...Way to Defend Scott!! Congrats!

Great job Crew! Look forward to seeing pics!

I know a few cigars were lit after this one :-)