When I began training for my very first marathon, I was like a sponge. I purchased books, I read blogs, I followed training plans…but it just wasn’t enough. I was hungry for more.
Source: Google Images
Enter: Spirit of the Marathon.
I absolutely ADORED this documentary. I watched it several times while training for my first Full Marathon and as the countdown to race weekend approached, I found myself thinking about the documentary more and more. I cried and rejoiced with the runners as they crossed the finish line (I’ll admit, I still tear up). Knowing that each runner had a different goal and trained in their own way to complete the same race, same distance, same day – it’s insane to think about!
While nervously waiting in the New Orleans airport for our plane to Orlando, I listened to Spirit of the Marathon on Netflix on my iPhone. The words comforted and soothed me – helped me to relax during a time when relaxation was far from my mind.
2011, nervous yet excited about my first Full Marathon
I realized that once we boarded the plane and were in the air, I would no longer be able to watch and listen to those words that were such a comfort to me – it seemed to be the only thing holding me together at that moment.
What did I do? I did what any normal human being would do – I pulled out my Disney autograph book (doesn’t every normal adult have one in their carry on?) and I began taking notes. Logical, right?
*grin* These notes were my saving grace.
As a matter of fact, just two short years later, I found myself in the same airport, making the same trip to Orlando for yet another Marathon weekend…only this time, I was nervous for an entirely different reason. I was about to complete my first Goofy’s Challenge on a knee that didn’t want to cooperate at times.
2013, ready for my first Goofy’s Challenge adventure
Enter: Spirit of the Marathon – yes, AGAIN!
SO, can you imagine my excitement when I discovered that Spirit of the Marathon Part TWO was being released…and to theaters?!
“Spirit of the Marathon II” focuses on seven inspiring individuals whose lives will forever be transformed by the experience of preparing for the 2012 Rome Marathon in Italy. The event also features inspirational interviews with marathon greats Stefano Baldini, Paula Radcliffe, Frank Shorter, Kathrine Switizer and others as they offer perspective into this legendary race and its history. Deleted scenes and memorable outtakes from the filming of the documentary will also be included.
Additionally, the film’s producers—along with NCM Fathom Events and movie theater circuit partners AMC Entertainment Inc., Cinemark Holdings, Inc. and Regal Entertainment Group—will donate a portion of the proceeds from the “Spirit of the Marathon II” event to The One Fund Boston, assisting families affected by the tragic events of the 2013 Boston Marathon on April 15.
How awesome is that?!
Here’s the details!
- Spirit of the Marathon II will play in select U.S. theaters for one night only….Wednesday, June 12 at 7:00 p.m. local time.
- Tickets for “Spirit of the Marathon II” are available at participating theater box offices and online at www.FathomEvents.com.
- There’s over 600 theaters broadcasting this special – to search for a list of hosting theaters near you, click here.
If I didn’t convince you that you MUST see this movie, check out the trailer.
I’ll be sure to bring a few tissues, because I know I’ll shed happy tears at the end! Wait…who I am kidding? A few? I’m tearing up just watching the trailer….better bring a pack of tissue!
It’s going to be EPIC. Don’t miss it!!
Are you going to see Spirit of the Marathon II? If you saw Spirit of the Marathon I, what were your thoughts?
This post was perfect for me today! My marathon training for WDW Marathon starts TODAY! 30 weeks (I know, extra long, but I want to be mentally and physically prepared).
ReplyDeleteI didn't know it was only playing tonight! After I read this I purchased two tickets for tonight. :)
I'm sure I'll shed some tears :)
There's nothing wrong with being prepared!! Excited for you! :0) Just to clarify, it's playing on Wednesday night only - hope that's still ok! :0)
Deletel haven't seen #1 and all I hear is how amazing it is. I have to get on the ball. Great post! I am recommitted to watching the first one now. I can't see #2 at the theater, but I will be watching for it on tv or dvd over the next few months.
ReplyDeleteYou definitely need to see it! :0) It's on Netflix...and I'm sure Part II will be on TV or DVD soon! :0)
DeleteGah! The one night my friend asks me to take her running shoe shopping!! She has decided to train for her first half marathon. Guess I'll have to keep my fingers crossed that it comes out on DVD. I will be watching/listening to the first one today since I now know it's on Netflix! :)
ReplyDeleteOh no! :0( Bummer! I am sure it will make it to DVD soon. :0)
DeleteI convinced her to change nights so we're going together!!
DeleteYAY Jen! So excited y'all are going to see it! I like your plan!! :0)
DeleteI bought my ticket a couple weeks ago and can't wait for tomorrow. I still get goosebumps watching the trailer for the first one and when I heard about this second one, I was so excited.
ReplyDeleteAwesome!!! YAY!
DeleteYes I'm going to see it too! My post was about it today too lol! I can't WAIT to see it!!!
ReplyDeleteYAY! So excited!
DeleteFun! Have you ever seen 'Running the Sahara'? Its hilarious and awesome!
ReplyDeleteNo...I will definitely look into it! Thanks!! :0)
DeleteI'm not going to be able to see it. Totally bummed. Looks like an amazing documentary!
ReplyDeleteBummer! I'm sure it will be out on DVD soon!
DeleteI am also going to see the movie tomorrow night. Can't wait!
ReplyDeleteAwesome! SO excited! Can't wait to hear everyone's thoughts on the movie!
DeleteI have my ticket! Are running group rearranged track night to go see it.
ReplyDeleteHow fun is that!! Enjoy!
DeleteVery cool! I love inspiring sports films and will definitely have to catch up on the first. Plus, it's about a marathon on my racing bucket list!
ReplyDeleteAlso, it's awesome that you had your autograph book handy to write down quotes! Great idea! :)
Hah! Thanks...I'm a nerd! :0)
DeleteLooks like an amazing film. I'm going to look for part 1! Have you considered running the "original" marathon in Greece?
ReplyDeleteI haven't considered it...but that sounds like an incredible idea! Thanks!! :0)
DeleteI have heard about the first one, and never watched it, it looks amazing and powerful. I will probably wait until 1 and 2 are out and get them both back to back!
ReplyDeleteThat's a fabulous idea! I love the idea of a movie night! :0)
DeleteBoo Hiss! I really would like to see this, but
ReplyDeleteONE NIGHT ONLY??? It WOULD be a night that is almost impossible for me to get away! Oh well, I guess I'll have to wait for the Netflix release :)
I know! It does kind of stink that it's one night only and mid week. :0( I'm sure it will be on Netflix soon though!
DeleteI love that runners of any level and any distance can take away something from these movies. I'll be attending tonight in NH! And now I want to run in Rome ;)
ReplyDeleteYes that's a great point! The movies reach runners of any level. Rome sounds amazing!!
DeleteIm definitely going to try and check this out - I will need some motivation when I start training for my first half
ReplyDeleteThese are great motivation for sure!! :0) Yay for your first half!! So exciting!
Deleteoh i am still trying to decide if we are going tonight, I hope we do as I want to see it!!
ReplyDeleteI'm going to see it tonight and I can't wait! Going to take a notepad and pen to write down anything inspirational. I'm hoping it will inspire an early morning Thursday run :)
ReplyDelete