The 2007 P.F. Chang Rock 'n' Roll Marathon, a yearly race that takes you some 26 miles through the streets of Phoenix, Scottsdale and Tempe, forced runners to brave a chilly day this year. When we made our way to the part of the course in Old Town Scottsdale, it was about 40 degrees at Mile Marker 18. Each Mile Marker was supposed to have its own musical acts, but as we walked to Mile Marker 19, the stage was empty, but hundreds of runners of all shapes and sizes proudly and courageously nonetheless made their way along the course. At Mile Marker 18, we were entertained by a '50s band, Come Back Buddy.

We spotted groups of runners on the course for a cause, and we saw runners with families along the route cheering them on, and we saw runners just striding toward the finish line because of the amazing accomplishment that running a marathon represents.