Thoughts on Spirit of the Marathon II

Did you see Spirit of the Marathon II last night in theaters?

I did, and I couldn’t have been more excited! One of my BRF’s (Kelli) agreed to accompany me for dinner and a movie and we had a great time!

Our original plan was to eat at McAlister's for dinner – you know I never pass up the opportunity for McAlisters sweet tea! After discovering that O’Charleys was running a special for FREE PIE Wednesdays, we quickly changed our minds. Free Pie, I’m so there!  (It was delicious and worth every bite, too.)

I had a laugh when we parked at the movie theater, there were several cars around with 13.1 or 26.2 stickers on their windows…we knew we were in great company!

We were able to sit with several running group friends in the theater – it did feel kind of odd to see them in “normal” clothing! :0) My local theater was rather empty, I was sad to see just a handful of people sitting down when we walked in.

What were my thoughts of the movie? I loved it! I got chills when the Rome Marathon began, I cried when Julie discussed her father and qualifying for Boston, my heart broke for some as their ultimate goals were not met, and I cheered with the first timers (and everyone) who crossed the finish line.

Spirit of the Marathon II showcased running at its finest. This movie inspired me, lifted me up, and I became even more excited about my next running journey.

(Perhaps one of my favorite parts of the movie was Jeff Galloway in his runDisney hat! LOVED it!) :0)

Did you see Spirit of the Marathon II? What were your thoughts?

Disclaimer: I was provided two free passes for Spirit of the Marathon II for this review. All opinions expressed are my own.  Despite receiving the passes, I would have gone to see this movie on my own.

Spirit of the Marathon II

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?