Our condo is at the corner of Market Street and Church Avenue. The runners going by were going south on Market and turning west on Church. A good viewing position.
After seven years, it’s become a ritual for us. We always have a party to cheer on the runners in the Covenant Health Knoxville Marathon. For five of those years the party was at our home on Cherokee Boulevard when the runners came by about 30 minutes after the race started — we were on mile five of the course. But now we live downtown and runners are on mile 25 when they pass our condo.
There is a huge difference. On mile five, they are all bunched together, the marathoners and the half-marathoners. They are fresh and frisky. I was even slapped on the butt by one of the runners a few years back as he took a short detour through our front yard as we stood on the curb and cheered. (You know who you are!) Now, bless their hearts, they are exhausted when they come by our party. Many can barely manage a smile and a wave to acknowledge our yells. But the advantage for us (and it IS all about us, after all!) is that the party can start two hours later now! Trust me, it’s a lot easier to throw a party at 9 a.m. than at 7 a.m.!
So congrats to everyone who ran the race. And to everyone who had a part in putting it on. It is a great feather in Knoxville’s cap! Click here for a wrap up story on WBIR about the race and its record number of participants. Click here for the story on WVLT. Click here for WATE’s report. Click here for the News Sentinel’s story on the women in the marathon. Continue reading for photos from our 2011 marathon party.
Bloody Marys and mimosas, along with coffee, of course, help us prepare to watch the runners.
First, mingling and catching up while we wait for breakfast to come out of the oven.
From left, our upstairs neighbor Todd Sparks, our friends Richard and Dawn Ford, and Todd's girlfriend, Rachel Candy.
Peter Acly chats with Judith Foltz, who, as part of her job as the city's special events director, already had been to the marathon starting at around 6 a.m.!
Jim Nichols, left, and Bill Lyons. I'm not saying these guys are geeks, but they couldn't wait to get on Jim's iPad and trade tips.
Breakfast menu: biscuits and honey-baked ham with a couple of interesting spreads to choose from, fresh melon and pineapple, banana nut bread, and a great breakfast strata that I got off the internet. This strata is a good idea for an early party because you make it the night before and let it sit in the fridge overnight (a required step.) In the morning, you bake it for about an hour, which gives you time to get everything else ready and greet the first guests. Click here for the recipe.
Mickey Mallonee at the buffet.
Our salt and pepper shakers got a laugh!
Gay Lyons sitting pretty!
Because Michael Foltz was sitting next to the window, the poor guy was assigned to watch for the runners while he ate breakfast.
Desiree Fox nabbed a seat at the table.
So did Jim Nichols -- after we made him put away his iPad!
Finally some runners started to come by. The elite runners at the front of the pack just ignored our cheers. But as we got to the middle of the runners, we could tell they appreciated our support.
These were among the early runners.
Between clumps of runners, we would huddle by the windows.
On the lookout.
Here's what we like to see! Someone waving back.
Peter keeps an eye out.
A wave from Lady Liberty.
As our party wound down around noon, Jim said his goodbyes. Then we noticed that he had run (or walked!) around the block and was running down Church Avenue in front of our windows — iPad in hand! We gave him the biggest cheer of the day!
Our favorite runner -- with his iPad!
After everyone left, our shy calico cat, Rexie, came out of the bedroom to see if anyone had dropped any food on the floor.
Rexie
Then Alan and Rexie and I took a nap. Another advantage of having a morning party!
Next time be sure to send Peter with the canteen of bloodys (that he promised!) to fortify those of us on the 50-yard working! Lauren, Randy Kenner and I would have been most appreciative.
Thanks, Cynthia and Alan. That was a lot of fun! And if you only knew what Jim had on that Ipad!
Ellen: You are so right. We completely forgot about you guys when the party got started. Can’t imagine why! (Just kidding. We actaully talked about how sorry we felt for you.) And Bill: I WOULD like to know what had you guys so enraptured!)
Aww. What a cute picture of Rexie! Thanks for inviting us—and thanks for the recipe for the delicious strata.
Whoa… that Jim Nichols might have overdone it on the sprint to the car. I heard he had to ice his knees when he got home!
My, my! Looks like I may need a can of that Ron Popeil spray stuff for the top of my head! Great fun, even the pavement pounding 50 yards (of 26.1 miles) that I ran! But let’s don’t tell anyone!
Tiffany: I hope he didn’t overdo! I know he was looking forward to getting home and playing Granddad. Jim: Even if only for a short time, you were still our favorite runner!
Tell Alan I appreciate him yelling out the window as I went by!!!
Cynthia and Alan,
Thank you for the wonderful hospitality! A great way to warm-up after a very cold early AM on the Start Line!
I hope Rexie did find some food…but you have to tell me where you found those salt-n-pepper shakers. My mom has about 3,000 sets…but this would be the crowning jewel. She has JFK and his rocking chair and peanuts featuring a Jimmy Carter smile. Please, please….where did you find the salt-and-pepper shakers?
Hi, Debra! Thanks for your comment. We got the salt and pepper shakers at a store in Knoxville on Market Square called Bliss. Here is a link to their website: http://shopinbliss.com/
I hope your mother mother likes them!
Thanks…and what a great store. I haven’t found the salt-and-pepper shakers…but I have ordered a global warming mug for my boss’ birthday. In case they no longer carry the shakers, promise me I’ll get first dibs if you ever decide to place them on e-bay!
Debra: Just the other day, I saw a bunch of them in boxes in the back part of the store where the kitchen supplies are. But you can have dibs if I decide to unload mine!
Thanks, Cynthia…I’ll head down to Knoxville this weekend!
The event ended with a celebration party on the Volunteer Princess with about 110 tri-athletes and their families attending! We were lucky enough to see the swimming portion very early Sunday morning.
OOOOOPS! I guess I commented on the wrong race. I was commenting on the Sunday, 5/15 Tri-athlon. Oh well!
About the Author
What You’re Saying
What’s Hot
My Favorite Blogs
Archives