Dear Fellow Penguins,

This was my fourth and my most awesome marathon experience! Originally, my boyfriend was supposed to travel with me to the marathon but because of work, he could not make it. In the same week, my beloved Giants blew the World Series and I was to go to the Big Apple all alone. Help me, Mr. Wizard!  In my grumblings of discouragement, my dear running buddies, Bunny and Glen, suggested that I should hook-up with the Penguins. Bunny sent me a link and then I signed-up for the New York list and cast an email out stating my plight. I soon heard from Peggy Harper (thank you, Peggy!) and then shortly thereafter, Ron Horton (thank you, Ron!). Ron told me about their plans and that I was certainly welcomed to meet with them. I then switched hotels from my $165 to the Penguin's hotel at Portland Square for $65 per night.  Things started looking much better already knowing that I was saving big dollars as well as staying at the same hotel with some Penguins. I also just kept on telling myself that I was about to meet some future friends.

I then met-up with the gang on Saturday morning to cheer on Kelly at the international fun run. I then got to know the folks during the course of the day. I also got to attend the Penguin/Dead Runner Dinner because of a last-minute cancellation. At the dinner, surprisingly, I had the honor of being given a pink Penguin Brigade hat from Karen Bingham as the newest Penguin, only a few days old. (The funny thing is that I looked in and called a number of shops to find a pink hat before I came but to no avail.)

Then came race day. I started running with Ron, Lauren, Mike, Mary, et al. Lauren got separated from us after being half-way through Brooklyn (sorry, Lauren!). So it was my new buddy Ron and myself from thereon out. We literally entertained the five boroughs of New York as we danced, high-fived, and had our pictures taken with families on their brownstone steps. Ron also emailed as we ran. I also climbed on top of a fire truck to have my picture taken with some very handsome firefighters, which I'm sure is not a strategy listed in the book "How to Run Your Best Marathon". When our energy levels dipped, one sure thing to help was, not only Power Gel, but even more so the energy from the crowd. I'd tell Ron, "I need some energy" and then I'd go to the side of the road to get some power-high-fives. It worked well for both of us. 

I have never had a slower time at 5:50 (by over one hour) but I've never had nearly as good of time, thanks to Ron, the rest of the Penguins and the wonderful crowd and volunteer support. I found that Marathon Day in New York City to be the happiest place on earth. (Move over Mickey and your Angels baseball team!)

Also, as a big credit to the spirit of the Penguins, I never for one moment felt alone. Thank you, Ron, Peggy, Karen, Lauren, Mike, Catherine, Daniel, Kelly, Lola, et al! God bless you all and Waddle on! I'll see you around soon, my new friends!

Carol