countdown: 24 days

with just over 3 weeks until my first marathon, and with the recent emergence of some training difficulties, this story gave me my much needed inspiration today:
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The most beautiful site

Just as impressive as Chicago's historic landmarks are the random acts of kindness and sportsmanship you'll witness throughout race day. Carey Pinkowski, who's marking his 18th year as race director, recalls his fondest moment: In 1999, now four-time champion Khalid Khannouchi was at mile 15 with the elite men going west on Adams when the group came up on a physically challenged runner. "Out of the back of the pack, Khannouchi darts across the street, puts his hand on the man's shoulders and gives him a thumbs up, then darts back to the leaders pack." With all the pressure, the science behind the pace and the seconds that are so valuable, says Pinkowski, Khannouchi was willing to break away and encourage a fellow runner. He ended up winning that day in world record time: 2:05:42.