To say the NY Marathon course is exhilirating would be an understatement. At virtually every step of the way, there are crowds cheering you on. At some times (like on First Avenue, heading uptown in Manhattan) the crowd is 8 - 10 people deep, all screaming for the runners.

At the suggestion of a couple of friends who have run the race before, I wore a sign with my name across my chest, so that fans could root for me. I had no idea what an experience that would be. It's uplifting to run by a crowd of hundreds of people, all shouting your name as if they know you. Definitely keeps the spirit going, even when your body is tiring out.

I shot a few clips of video with my iPod Nano, featured above. You'll see the crossing of the Queensboro Bridge, entering Manhattan at 59th Street, and a couple of clips from the run up 1st Avenue in Manhattan.

I've always loved New York City, but this was beyond anything that I have ever imagined.

At mile 18, I was feeling a little beat down, so I "rewarded myself" with music - by turning on the iPod, and running to a soundtrack of songs that I had selected. To my amazement, the crowd volume was louder than the music. I kept it that way, and enjoyed the spectators all the way to the finish line.

Love you, NYC!