Ms. Plainwell might have finished in the top 10%. But not necessarily, since everyone who finishes gets a finisher’s medal — not just those who finish in the top 10%. Even the runner who finishes last gets one. That’s why it’s called a “finisher’s medal.”
Admittedly, her statement in the 2nd frame is somewhat ambiguous. I think she means that only about 10% of those who try to run the Boston Marathon (send in the necessary paperwork, etc.) are good enough (i.e., fast enough) to be allowed to run the course that day. That’s the “about top 10 percent” that Ms. Plainwell is in — and that’s just one more reason why she is so impressive.
Frazz’s shirt:(1) undoubtedly a reference to Hell, Michigan — a small (pop. < 100) unincorporated community in Livingston County about 15 miles northwest of Ann Arbor.(2) very likely homage to “One Helluva Ride” — an organized ride in mid-July each year sponsored by the Ann Arbor Bicycle Touring Society that includes a 100 mile route.
A human-sized scale model of the Nighthawks diner is in the lobby of the theater lighting manufacturer Electronic Theatre Controls — about 6 miles west of Madison, Wisconsin. Very cool! The receptionist desk is the counter in the diner, and the entire lobby is a theater set of a town square. (Full disclosure: I have NO connection of any kind with Electronic Theatre Controls.)
Ms. Plainwell might have finished in the top 10%. But not necessarily, since everyone who finishes gets a finisher’s medal — not just those who finish in the top 10%. Even the runner who finishes last gets one. That’s why it’s called a “finisher’s medal.”
Admittedly, her statement in the 2nd frame is somewhat ambiguous. I think she means that only about 10% of those who try to run the Boston Marathon (send in the necessary paperwork, etc.) are good enough (i.e., fast enough) to be allowed to run the course that day. That’s the “about top 10 percent” that Ms. Plainwell is in — and that’s just one more reason why she is so impressive.