If you're not running the Erie Marathon at Presque Isle this weekend (or the 1/2 or 5K), I hope you'll consider going down to the park to cheer the runners for a while.

For the runners, PISP can be a leafy, boring course. It's beautiful, sure, but there are few people to look at (besides other runners and race support staff) and most of the view is obscured by leafy trees. Spectators, however, can put a spring in even the most tired marathoner's step. The sight of someone clapping and cheering you on is inspiring to runners of any caliber.

And, you'll be inspired too, when you see hundreds of people just like you who are out there putting their body through the ultimate physical challenge. You'll see overweight people. You'll see middle-aged, balding people. You'll see young, hard-bodied runners who look like they're not even trying (you'll need to get there early to see them though!). You'll see generations of families running together. You'll see young teens doing their first marathon and older women doing their last.

And, you will say to yourself, "I should do this next year. If she can do it, so can I!"

So, why not spend an hour or two at the park this weekend cheering on normal people who are doing an extraordinary thing. Be inspiring and be inspired.

See you there.