MCM 2012......

One week from right now I should be celebrating my 3rd marathon finish & Kevin's 1st marathon finish....but instead we'll be right here at home watching football (which isn't a bad thing....maybe just maybe the Bills will win....). 

Kevin and I deferred our MCM entries to 2013 and will plan to run it next year.  While training, Kevin was having massive knee pain and after a series of dr visits in August he learned he needed knee surgery to repair the damage.  I was still on the fence, hadn't been training much with the move and the job search, but was thinking I may be able to do it.  That thought abruptly left my mind on Labor Day when I had a serious fall while playing tag at the park with Kevin's son and a bunch of other kids.  We actually thought I broke my ankle and immediately headed to the emergency room.  It wasn't broken, but it was a severly sprained foot & low ankle.  Awesome.  Ankle wrapped, air casted, and on crutches with several doses of ibuprophen in my system and I got to go home.  Rock on.  Oh, and they found an old running injury in my heal and are now concerned that I have calcification of the bottom of my achilles.  Pretty sure that's not good, but oh well! 

At that point, I knew there was no way I could sneak in enough training to get ready for MCM.  So, we both deferred to next year.  :(

Right now, I'm fairly out of any kind of running shape and have lost a great deal of muscle tone.  I have a lot of work ahead of me to get back what I've lost physically.  I haven't really gained much weight, but I can tell my body is different, weak, and I'm not loving it.  I don't feel as strong and solid as I had been prior to all this moving/job searching/ankle busting/etc.  I've been back in the gym the last 2 weeks, easing into it, and wow can I feel it!!  Sore sore sore!  My goal is to be ready for a Thanksgiving day run.....so I have about 5 weeks.  I should be able to handle that!!

So, no marathon for me in 2012 :( but that's OK!  I'll get it back and Kevin & I will be ready to rock MCM 2013!!

MCM 2011 breakdown....

Better late than never!!  October 28-31, 2011 marked my second marathon, Marine Corps Marathon in Washington D.C.

This will be short because it's been nearly 11 months since MCM 2011, but I want to get a few things out there.

MCM weekend was awesome!!  Especially being able to experience it with 2 awesome running ladies, Diane & Patti!  We left early friday morning, drove 7 hours and arrived at our hotel in Alexandria, Va.  We quickly checked in and zipped off to the expo to see what fun running gear we could find!  We all picked up some sneaker jewels from BeeCause Charms, along with our race bibs and packets.  Dinner was fantastic at a downtown D.C. restaurant and then we headed back to the hotel to get that 'best night of sleep'! 

Saturday brought on some nasty wintery weather and made us rethink our running attire for the next day.  We just relaxed on saturday, visited a running store, went to my brother's house to say hi, and then to Target to pick up some disposable baselayers because the startline temp was going to be in the 30's!!  Yikes......  Along our travels, we found a little italian resturaunt in Old Alexandria and decided that is where we would carbo load saturday evening.  Dinner was fantastic and the resturaunt was filled with runners shoveling in their carbs in nervous anticipation of sunday!  Once we were fully carbed, we headed back to the hotel, made sure each of us had all that we needed for the big day, and hit the hay.

We were all up bright and early sunday morning and nervous as hell!!  We got suited up, boarded the hotel shuttle, and headed to the bus taking us to the start village.  It was FREEZING!!!  High 20's at best.....we had so many layers on at this point! 

 The start village area was starting to buzz in the darkness of the wee hours of the morning and the tent began to fill with runners just trying to stay warm before the run.  The military chaplain then began his morning prayer that we all had a wonderful and healthy run.  It was still in the low 30's and I'm pretty sure I was beginning to lose feeling in my toes....yikes....

As the sun came up, we headed over to check our bags (I was trying to hang on to it as long as possible because I wanted to stay warm in my post run fleece!!).  We headed to the startline, met a bunch of super fun runners, and tryed to calm our nerves.  The energy at the start was incredible!!  There was also a flyover, which just made the event even more exciting!!

The gun went off and we were off and running.  Diane started in a different coral, so it was just Patti and I at this point.  We started off with the 5:30 finish group, not realizing they had planned a run/walk for the marathon.  That wasn't how either of us trained, so we left the group and went off on our own.  After about 3 miles, Patti and I split and wished each other a great run!!

I was feeling AWESOME!!  I was running well ahead of my planned pace and felt strong.  I was easily hitting the checkpoints ahead of schedule and continued to feel incredible.  I made a point of taking in all the sights and sounds of Arlington/D.C. and was enjoying every step.  It also turned out to be an amazing weather day, even though it was a bit cold, the sun was shining and there wasn't a cloud in the sky.  I still felt awesome even after I had a near wipe out at a water table around mile 7!  I went for the water, but there were so many runners around me still (30K runners so it was kinda packed) that I didn't notice the huge pot hole in front of the table (way to go on the planning of that one) and just about went down.  Thankfully, the runners near me grabbed my and made sure I didn't hit the ground and that I was able to continue running.  That was a close one!! 

After about 15/16 miles the tables turned for me....I started feeling every step in a very bad way.  I couldn't believe how fast I went downhill in this run.  I felt like I could run forever and then I felt like I wanted to cry out in pain with every step.....and I still had 10 miles to go before I had a break.  I really tried to focus on running through the monuments and by the capital but I couldn't get past the pain in my feet/knees/legs/hips.  It was as if everything just shut down at the same time.  All I kept thinking about was the finish.  I wanted to cry.....yep, I said it.  I wanted to cry....during a marathon....it was awful.  How could it go from SO good to SO bad?  But, I gave myself a little pep talk (that included 'THERE'S NO CRYING IN RUNNING') and kept my feet moving. 

The big goal was to 'Beat the Bridge' at 20 miles.  Once I got to the bridge, I knew 2 things.  1. I would make it to the finish and not be removed from the course, and, 2. I only had 6.2 miles left!!  Unfortunately, they were the longest and most challenging 6.2 miles of my life.  I gave myself a significant walk break as I crossed the bridge and then tried to run a bit when I got into Crystal City. 

At this point, I made 2 fatal errors.  First, the food station around 21 miles was Dunkin Donuts....and they were giving out munchkins.  Seriously, I thoughts donuts would be awesome running carbs!  But alas....after running 21 miles, a munchkin is a horrifically bad idea.  Probably would have been better followed by a beverage, but it wasn't and so I was choking on the dryness of the donut and looking for anything that would quench my parched self!  Second fatal error.....the first beverage I found was beer.  Yep, I said it.  Beer.  There was a table of people with a keg around mile 22 and they were giving out shots of beer.  Rock on!!  So of course, I took some beer.  I figured what the hell....I was in excrutiating pain....parched from the damned donut and 4 miles from the finish.  Another bad idea.....hahahaha!  I just didn't care anymore!!  I wanted it to be over.

At mile 23 I had enough.  I physically couldn't make my body run another step.  3.2 miles to go.  Ugh.....I made the tough decision to speed walk the final 3 miles.  I just couldn't take another running step.  I wasn't the only one....I made some new friends as we all shuffled our way to the most welcoming sight....the finish line.  As we approached the final hill (the finish is straight uphill to the Marine Corps Monument in Arlington) I found the strength to run to the finish.  The hill is lined with Marine's cheering you on and pushing you to finish strong....how could I not run with that kind of motivation!?!?  I made it up that final hill and there it was, the finish.  What an amazing sight....I started to feel the pain wash away as I crossed under the arch and walked toward the Marine's who were ready to place the medal around my neck.  Now I really wanted to cry.  What a trying day.  What a challenging run.

I made my way to the monument, had my finish picture taken, and then shuffled off to find Diane and Patti....but not before I stopped at the med tent to get some tylenol.  After I was medicated, I got my post run food box and met up with Diane to decompress.  Patti joined us after a little bit and we all started reliving the event. 

We headed for the beer tent and met some awesome finishers, shared some beers, and then found our way back to the hotel.  Along the way, we also met a flight crew and had some super fun witch finger cookies!  :)  People are so much fun....and I'm pretty sure they thought we were crazy in our post marathon delerium!  Once we were showered and rested, we headed out to a little Irish pub in Old Alexandria were we tried not to fall asleep in our food and replenish our bodies.  We continued to relive the day and plan for our departure Monday morning.

In hind sight, it was an incredible experience.  Even though I had a difficult time, I still overcame and finished.  That is what matters most and that is what I've taken from this marathon.  Overcome & Finish. 

Congrats to Diane & Patti on completing your first marathon....I'm so glad I was able to be there with you.

Boilermaker 2012....and the start of Marathon #3 training!!

It has been a while!!  So much to update from Marine Corps Marathon this past October, but I'll get to that another time.  As for right now...I have some Boilermaker 2012 updating to do!! 

Smiling the night before Boilermaker!

This years Boilermaker was an absolute blast because I got to share it with someone very special to me.  Life has thrown a few curve balls over the past few years and now I have a new man in my life who is loving the running world I've introduced to him!  Boilermaker marked his first official road race!!  Whoo Hoo!! 

We got there Saturday, just in time to catch the tail end of the expo and pick up our packets and race bibs.  Once we left the expo, we headed to the hotel, and took in some pool time to just chill out a bit before dinner.  We enjoyed some fabulous carbo loading at the always wonderful Micheal T's in New Hartford, NY.  Kevin enjoyed his first experience with Vodka Chicken Riggies while I feasted on rigatoni and meatballs.  Once we were done with dinner, we headed back to the hotel to prep for the morning and relax watching the Red Sox game!!)

Boilermaker Startline!

Race morning was perfect!  We were up and out of the hotel by 6:15, stopped for coffee at the gas station and zipped over to Whitesboro St. to park and catch the morning shuttle to the start line.  We were both starting to feel our nerves kick in and took some time before the start to take in a bit more water and stretch our legs.

14,000 people waiting for the start!!

We stood patiently with 14,000 of our closest friends as the national anthem was performed and the announcer prepped us for the starting cannon.  8:00am and we are off....well....actually 8 min after the cannon we finally crossed the start line!!  Kevin and I started together and then he went ahead so we could both run our own races (he's a tad bit faster than me...which isn't hard!).  I had one of the best experiences running this race!!  I felt good the entire time, ran the majority of the course (only took a few short walk breaks) and just focused on enjoying myself and taking in the experience. 

Post Race Party!

I saw all the things, people, and animals (we go by the zoo!) that I have seen every year!  The mother daughter team who runs every year in matching sequined running outfits, the Blues Brothers, the donkey, the volunteer on stilts between mile 7 & 8, the band that greets us at the top of the golf course, and the list goes on and on!  I just LOVE this race.  And when all was said and done and I met up with Kevin at the finish, he also had fallen in love with it! 

Once we met up, we headed to the finish party, got some lunch (PB&J...thank you Price Chopper) and met up with some friends of mine who had come in from Rochester.  We celebrated, danced to Nik & the Nice Guys (so much fun to have them back this year!!), watched the military flyover, and just enjoyed our first post race party together! 

Celebrating with the Eagan's

We left the party around 11:30, headed back to the hotel to take a dip in the pool and chill our bodies before we got on the road to head home to Massachusetts.  All in all, it was a fabulous weekend of running!  Now on to MARATHON #3 TRAINING.  Bring it on MCM 2012!

Blog Revamp!!

Please stay tuned as I rework & reorg the blog! 

New stuff & lots of training coming soon!!

MCM 2012!!!!!!

Get Moving!!

It's been a long time since I last checked into this blog and actually wrote something!!

I'm getting back into running and hoping to get back into blogging!  I think I needed a break because life had taken over, but I'm back now and ready to pound the pavement over the upcoming months!!

Back in the saddle!

Had a nice 5 mile jog/walk yesterday!  It pretty much rocked because it was on one of my favorite trails in Rochester.  It was a gorgeous day, not quite as hot and steamy as it's been lately!

Turning Point Park, Trail, & Rain Garden

I felt pretty good for a few miles and took it easy for a mile or so.  Don't want to kill my recovery process....finally taking deep breaths without pain!  :) 

I'm still fairly far behind in my marathon training, but I feel that this is a step in the right direction!

Happy Summer Running!

Injury rundown

# 1 Injury:

Who knew tubing would take a month off of my running/workout schedule??  Ugh!

I spent 4th of July weekend at my friend's lakehouse in Canandaigua, which was an absolute blast!  We went tubing and I flew from the tube once....so, clearly I had to redeem myself and got on again.  The second time I held on for dear life, but after a few hard hitting waves and some quick turns by Terry, I once again flew from the tube.  Unfortunately, this time hitting the water felt like hitting a rock!  I felt my entire rib cage crush and then my body went into shock.  My lifejacket was my savior that day!  I floated for a minute b/c I couldn't move right away, and then they pulled me back into the boat.  I was sore for the rest of the day, and was just hoping I didn't do any serious damage!

Over the next few days, I was REALLY sore and was having a hard time moving around, breathing, laughing, coughing, and pretty much anything that required my rib's.  In fact, one sneeze brought me to tears!  With Boilermaker only a few days away, I decided to visit my doctor (who is also a runner) and have her take a look.  Initially she thought I cracked a few ribs...SERIOUSLY?!?!  After x-rays she called me and said no cracks massive bruising.  Cool, I can still run Boilermaker and go from there.  Little did I know, this injury takes forever to heal!!!!  I'm still feeling some soreness and it's been a month since it happened.  At least now I can take deep breaths and run and get back into the gym.  In fact, this is my first week back at the gym in a month.  Hopefully this is the end of it!

# 2 Injury

Foot/Calf Cramps!!!  I've talked about this a few times and have learned that I never really recovered from when I first had Plantar Fasciitis.  While the pain decreased, it never really went away.  I've just been running through it, but recently, I can't get up over 9 miles without the massive foot/arch cramps that ultimately make it difficult to continue running.  I'm also waking up with the heel pain and end up hobbling around for a while until it loosens up.  So, in order to continue running and get through this the right way, I'm increasing my stretching exercises, adding Yoga to my training, and working to strengthen my feet, ankles, and calves.  In a little over a month I'll run the Rochester half and will hopefully see a difference in the cramping and pain! 

I have 3 months to Marine Corps and with a lot of focus and hard work, I should be able to get myself into acceptable marathon condition!

Updates to come

I've been struggling with my running as well as injuries, so as I'm easing back into the swing of training, I'm hoping to get back on top of blogging!

13 weeks to Marine Corps Marathon! Let's see if I can pull it together and get back on track!

Unintended Running Break....

Apparently my body would like to take a running time out....I rolled both ankles at my softball game Tuesday night, followed by slamming my foot into the brick fireplace hearth Wednesday night, ripping my pinkie toenail mostly off and turning 2 toes into black and blue messes. Pretty sure there are some broken toes in there somewhere that have yet to be discovered. Seriously?!?

Prior to my softball game, I had a great 4 mile run with Sara, so I thought my body was starting to get back into running mode.....clearly, that wasn't the case. My plan was to run Temple Beth El this coming Sunday, but I'm thinking I will go and cheer my fellow runners. The next race is supposed to be the Fast & Furriest 10k, but I will have to see where I'm at and possibly will have to switch to the 5k. Boo!!!!!!!!!!!!!! With Boilermaker coming up on July 10th, I can't afford anymore ridiculous, accident prone, clumsy, injuries!!

Happy Running!!

Updates.....

It's been a few months and I have a few races to discuss! I've not really been on top of this thing lately, kind of a lot going on most of the time. I need to learn to just sit still sometimes!!

Anyway, I didn't end up running Johnny's Running of the Green! First time I haven't run that one in years....just wasn't feeling it that morning. Oh well, on to the next run.

After a few training runs, I ran the Flower City Half Marathon on May 1. I was nervous b/c I hadn't really trained for it and wasn't sure I should have been running it. I had been in the gym alot working core and weights, but not really running. Fortunately, I had an awesome run right up until about 8/9 miles. I was actually running at a pace that kept me in front of the 2:30 finish pace group! That is crazy for me considering my best finish was 2:37. Unfortunately, my lack of training came through at that point and I struggled with the last few miles. My foot cramp started up again and I had to keep stopping and stretching it every half mile or so. Then, just before the 12 mile marker (I could see it up ahead, I was that close!) my foot cramp was so bad that it collapsed my Achilles and lower calf and I couldn't get my foot or leg straight again. Not good! And all of this with only a mile left. I had actually been on track to have my best finish time ever. Booooo!! Luckily, a very nice runner stopped, laid me down, and stretched my calf to work out the knot. I checked my Garmin later and it noted that I was on the ground for 7 min. Sucks with 1 mile left!! At least I was able to finish and I still beat last years finish time for this run. Not too shabby.

The week after the half, I decided to run a 5k with a friend from the gym. It was her first 5k and she really wanted me to do it with her. I haven't run a 5k in ages!! It was great, I felt alright through most of it. I had the massage people work on my leg before and after the run, and that definitely helped, but it was still bugging me. I ended up having my best ever 5K finish time at this run, so that was exciting! I think I'm going to add a few more 5k's in this year, I'd like to keep getting faster.

Overall, it's been a good start to my 2011 running. Next up will be Temple Beth El 5K on June 5th. I haven't done this one in a few years so it will be fun to get out there again. Also, getting ready for Boilermaker in July, that is sneaking up really quickly!

Happy Running!

Super Excited!!

I'm so excited because 2 of my running friends (Diane & Patti) signed up for Marine Corps! This will be their 1st marathon and I'm so excited that we get to do it all together!!

We've spent the past few days creating training schedules because we also have a half marathon in 9 weeks! Yikes! Better get moving!

Now if only the snow gods would stop raining down on us......

MCM 2011.....

Here I come! Registered this morning! All set to run my 2nd marathon on Oct. 30, 2011.

Let the training begin! :)

Tofu Fried Rice (w/Brown Rice)

Yum!! I had tofu and was planning my tofu and bean threads dish.....except I'm in the process of moving and almost all of my stuff is packed and now at my parents house! So, when I tried to make the dish, I realized I didn't have what I needed for the recipe. This is where I began to improvise! Yes, that's right, me.....potentially the worst cook around! :)

My improvising, included tofu, low sodium soy sauce, brown rice, mixed veggies, and eggs. What does that make?? Tofu Fried Rice! I'm soooo proud of myself!! I didn't even measure anything (except the rice). This is a first for me. But, I need to start learning to cook for myself! No husband to do that anymore! I enjoyed a delicious and super healthy dish that I totally created myself..... and sadly, may not be able to recreate!

Decision Made!!

OK, I made a decision for my 2011 marathon.....Marine Corps Marathon 2011!!

My brother lives in northern Virginia and just bought a house, so I could turn the trip into a visit and a marathon! I'm glad the decision is made....now I just wait for the Feb. 23 registration date.

On another note, I registered for Flower City Half Marathon and Boilermaker last week, so I have 2 definites on my running schedule.....better get training, May 1 will come fast!!

Which Marathon to choose.....Oh my!

Chicago Marathon registration opens Feb. 1, 2011! I really need to make a decision soon!

I am also interested in Marine Corps Marathon and that registration opens Feb. 23, 2011.

A decision will be made soon!! Which one will it be????

I booked a hotel in Chicago, just to make sure I'm covered if that's the one I choose.

Should I book one in D.C. as well......just in case???

Oh decisions decision decisions!

My toes!!!!!

Hey there blog world! It's been a while!!

So, just wanted to check in now that I'm starting to think about my 2011 running schedule........and, vent about my toenails still being bruised from the marathon!! Seriously??

Sorry if this is totally gross, but seriously...it's been over 2 months!?! How long do I need to wait for all my marathon wounds to be healed??

On to 2011! Yay! This will be a great year, it HAS to be a great year!

My 2011 running schedule is just starting to come together and I'm about to register for my first run this week. It's been a rough 2 months and I've not been very active and kind of put on a bunch of weight. So, I have ALOT of work to do before my first run.

March will mark my first run of 2011 with the St. Patrick's day 5 mile run. I'll follow that up with the Flower City Half Marathon on May 1st, and I'm contemplating adding a very challenging 15K in early April. I've chickened out of that run for the past few years and I really think I need to do it this year! No fear this year!

Also, registration just opened for Boilermaker 2011 in July and I'll be registering this week. Our hotel has been booked since this summer, so that one is ready to go! I'd love to do the Lake Placid half, but not sure if I will add that one in this year. And, thinking about what marathon I want to run in the fall! :) Yep, I'm ready to do it again and do it much better. Thinking of Chicago, but also might put my name in the lottery for NYC again b/c my friend Diane is also in the lottery this year. Fingers crossed that we could both get in!

That's it for now. Starting the Gold's Gym Body Transformation Challenge 2011 next week and I can't wait!

Happy Running!

NYC Marathon Weekend 2010 Recap #2

Sunday Nov. 7, 2010 ** Race Day**

I woke up at 4:30am nervous because I wasn't sure if my phone had actually registered the time change (I knew it did, but I was still nervous). I laid around for about 45 min and then got up for my pre run shower. Diane and Alex stayed asleep until about 6:15 am, which was perfect because I really needed to be with my own thoughts. This was a big thing I was about to do and I had no idea how the day would play out. I just wanted to think and find peace and quiet.

Alex got up and drove me to the subway (only 5 blocks, but it was dark and he didn't want me walking alone) at 6:30 and I headed down to the platform, fully ready to see other runners......but I didn't! Still nervous that I had my times messed up! Then another runner showed up and another one, so I felt more at ease. We all stood around in silence, mentally preparing for the day. The R train pulled up and we were greeted by many more runners on their way to the South Ferry station.

When we got off the train, there were mobs of runners, all headed up the stairs, up the escalator, and into the ferry terminal. I then stood shoulder to shoulder with hundreds or more runners waiting for a ferry to pull in and take us to Staten Island. I was able to get on the 3rd ferry to pull in and was on my way to Staten Island by 7:50am.

I could just feel the excitement building!! I met a woman named Regan, who was born and raised in NYC and had run the marathon 11 years ago. We met in the terminal and stayed together until we headed into our separate start villages. I also met a man from S. Carolina who had run 10 years ago and a woman from N. Carolina who was a first timer like me! I took pictures as we went by the Statue of Liberty and I was reveling in the fact that it was the most beautiful day I have ever experienced!! Not a cloud in the sky, perfect sun, and 40 degrees. I couldn't ask for a better day to run!

We arrived in Staten Island and waited to get on a shuttle bus to Fort Wadsworth and our start village. When we got off the buses, we passes numerous cops making sure only runners entered the start area and were asked many times to show our race bib. Regan and I parted and I headed to the Orange start village to drop my bag and get some coffee and a bagel and just relax before my start time. I made it in time to hear the canon for Wave 1 and watch them start over the bridge....how freaking cool!!! I stood in awe when I first arrived, just looking at the Verrazano Narrows bridge and thinking about running over it....amazing.

After quite a bit of a wait, they called Wave 3 to the corral staging area. As we were walking, the Wave 2 cannons went signaled the 10:10 start. We lined up, waiting to be let into our corral and I met a few more people who would be starting the race with me at 10:40. We were in corral 53 in the Orange group. At this point, I was just getting more and more excited and started thinking that I could actually do this!

We entered our corral, walked to the start, met some more people, and then the cannon sounded our 10:40 start!! Frank Sinatra's New York, New York was blaring over the loudspeaker and everyone started singing. So awesome!! We were off and running!

As we crossed the bridge, I couldn't help but feel like I was having an out of body experience. I felt suspended in time and space and totally free as I ran along. Reality set in just before the 2 mile mark when I realized I was running at a pace 2 min faster than my planned and practiced marathon pace! Yikes!!! I just felt so good!! I checked back into reality as I came off the bridge and headed for 4th ave in Brooklyn. I slowed my pace for fear that I wouldn't be able to finish if I kept it up!

Brooklyn was amazing! The crowds and cheers were amazingly helpful! I had my name where I was from on my shirt, so people were calling me by name and yelling encouragement. Loved it!! Totally kept me going!! I saw my family at 7.5 miles and gave them my baselayer. I had already shed one layer b/c I was starting to feel overheated already. After some quick hugs and kisses, I continued on to complete my journey. It's funny, I remember the whole day, but the memories are fragmented and fade in and out. I think I really spent a lot of time in my own head and while I was taking in all that was around me, I wasn't fully present for that part of the day. Strange....

Anyway, Brooklyn pretty much rocked and the people were incredible! I saw the Bishop Loughlin HS band performing the Rocky theme, the hasidic jews going about their day (pretty much the quietest part of the day), and all the people of Brooklyn lining the streets for 13 miles to cheer, support, and help us on our journey. Lots of high 5's and lots of cheers!

The bridge to Queens was not too bad, sharp incline but otherwise not a bad trip over the bridge. Amazing view of Manhattan as we crossed the halfway point of the marathon! Clearly I wasn't in a competetive section because we all were stopping to take pictures! We were in Queens for a short 2 miles and then up and over the Queensboro Bridge. Seriously, this was by far the most difficult part of the run.

Queensboro Bridge was a 1 mile gradual uphill between 15-16 miles and was insanely tough! Everyone around me, including myself, dropped to a speedwalk. I started feeling a calf cramp and pulled off to the side to stretch and try to head it off. I knew if I didn't deal with it, there was no way I would finish. I did have 1 fleeting moment on the bridge where I felt I was done and over it......pretty sure I could have just stopped at that exact moment, but, I pushed that through out of my head and reminded myself what was waiting on 1st ave in Manhattan!

1st ave was incredible...although I was insanely jealous of all the people cheering with beers in hand! :) It was a tough go at this point for me, gradual uphill AGAIN!!! Ugh, I swear, NYC is the town of gradual uphills! One foot in front of the other all the way up 1st ave. Headed for the Willis Ave Bridge, I speed walked the sharp incline onto the bridge and ran again once I crested the top. Trotted right into the Bronx to loud cheering crouds and a jumbo screen where we could see ourselves running. Through the Bronx for a hot second and some seriously soulful cheering, then up and over the Madison Ave Bridge back into Manhattan for the final stretch of our journey. At this point, every step is further than I've ever run....WOW! I think that though re-energized me! Insane.....

On our way down the bridge into Manhattan, a large crowd was waiting, cheering, and blasting Empire State of Mind by Jay-Z. It was the perfect way to start the last leg of the trip. I ended up with a group of people that were just having fun running.....and one asked "is it possible for your hair to hurt right now?" Which we all answer a resounding YES! So we continue......Just keep running, just keep running....don't remember much of this part, except that the miles seemed to start ticking off a bit faster and I was still in disbelief that I had actually made it 22+ miles. I saw my family at this point, they surprised me with big hugs and big cheers! Just what I needed to finish this thing!

The last 4 miles were kind of a blur.....of gradual uphills!!!!!! Seriously!?!? I mean, I knew it was coming, I had read all the books, studied the course, I knew right where it was.....but still, it was tough. I'm pretty sure I started focusing on what I was going to eat b/c my stomach started growling and how yummy that beer was going to taste!

I remember lots of cheering as I came down 5th ave, but that's about it. Lots of people calling my name, which helped, but I don't remember smiling too much b/c it took too much energy! My thumbs up even became half hearted b/c lifting my arms was becoming challenging. As I entered Central Park, we were greeted with more crowds and encouraging onlookers, again, helpful because we were all pretty beat at this point. We had been running for well over 5 hours!

We exited Central Park, wrapped around the street for a minute and then re-entered for our final trek to the finish line. At this point the sun was just about down, and I swore I would hit that finish line before it was completely gone! As we re-entered the park this last time, we were greeted by a large screen that showed us running and a fantastic band. As we turned the corner, we could see the 26 mile sign and knew that just feet beyond that was the finish.....although, you couldn't actually see the finish until you were on top of it!

When I finally saw the finish and realized I would be making it in barely under 6hrs, I pushed my legs to the finish to make sure I made it! I can't even describe the feelings that were whipping through me as I approached the finish line. Pure elation, relief, disbelief, shock, joy......and on and on......

It was an absolutely incredible moment. I crossed the finish line in daized disbelief, and was becond by the woman holding the medal to come over and get my bling. My eyes started welling up with tears as she said "congratulations!! You did it!!" YES I DID!! I stopped to take my finish picture with my medal and then headed over to get wrapped in the heat sheet. I was then handed a bag with food/water/recovery drink and then started walking to get my bag with a change of clothes. Once I retrieved my stuff, I stepped to the side to try and slip my clothes on and warm up.....and just stop moving for a minute.

Official Finish Time ~ 5:59:02

All I wanted to do was stop moving at this point! I called my husband to let him know I'd crossed and figure out where to meet. It was after dark, so I didn't want to have to go far by myself. I then sat on a stone wall at the corner of 77th and Central Park West and dug into my bag of goodies to begin my recovery and reflect on the day. What an amazing day!!

I met up with my husband and friend Diane and began the quest to find food and beer! What a day, what a day......as I ate and drank and talked with my family, I just couldn't stop thinking.....I actually finished a marathon today! AND....I would do it again! :)

What could be next.........

NYC Marathon Weekend 2010 Recap #1

Well, this time last sunday I had finished my first 26.2 miles, reunited with my husband and friend Diane, and found the closest pub to down a beer and some yummy food! I can't believe it was just a week ago that I finished my first marathon! Now, time to reflect about the weekend!!

Friday Nov. 5, 2010

Up bright and early (5am) to load my car, pick up Diane, and hit the road to NYC by 7am!

I was rather frantically running around the house trying to make sure I had exactly everything I needed for the big weekend, and still felt I was forgetting something! In fact, I made a list of what I needed to bring, packed my bags the night before, unpacked my bags, repacked my bags, and so on.....a little OCD?? :) I picked up Diane and we were on the road by 7:30.

The drive there was absolutely uneventful, we chatted and she continually tried to calm me down because I was speed talking. So much anxiety, self doubt, aches/pains, fear, you name it, I was feeling it! In fact, I had multiple sleepless nights the week before the marathon. I just couldn't bring myself down to a calm state to sleep. Seriously, it was ridiculous!!

We arrived in NYC around 2pm, checked into Holiday Inn Express in Brooklyn (2 blocks from the marathon course, perfectly convenient for marathon viewing)! We immediatly got directions to the Javits Center for the expo and headed to the subway. As we exited the subway, I fell UP the subway steps...yep, that's me, grace! What a way to start my marathon weekend!

The expo was good, we found our way to check in, picked up my race number, took lots of pictures, and then rummaged through the vendors and purchasing items here and there. I picked up a NYC marathon half zip tech hoodie, love it! We also bought some powergels & bars, and I found a pair of sport sunglasses I love!!

After the expo, we headed back to Brooklyn to visit with my friends Stacy, Scott, and their kids. It was wonderful to see them and catch up, it's been a very long time!

Through this entire day of travel and getting into NYC, I missed a meal and did a lot of walking. By the end of friday, I was absolutely spent, hungry, and thankful I came a day early to get situated!

Saturday Nov. 6, 2010

I woke up a bit early for my liking on saturday morning. First, I woke up in total panic because I had absolutely no idea where I was, what was going on, what day it was, or anything! Talk about freak out!! Then, as I woke a bit more, I realized I was also on my way to a migraine. Seriously! All I wanted to do saturday morning was get up, head into Central Park and go for a jog, not deal with a massive headache. Diane and I headed down to breakfast in the hopes thatI could eat a large number of calories and kill the headache. I added in some mild drugs as well!

After a bit, we got ourselves together and hopped the subway into the city to check out the marathon course in Central Park. It was awesome to jog part of the course and check out the finish line. After checking out the finish line, we jogged around the park a bit more and then headed back to Brooklyn to meet up with my husband who had just driven down from Boston.

The rest of the day was spent relaxing, checking out a pub in lower Manhattan, and deciding where to go for my pre run pasta dinner. We picked a little place called Sophia's of Little Italy in....you guessed in...Little Italy. We also met up with 3 of my cousins who had made the trip to NYC to cheer for me during the marathon. Dinner was fantastic!! I had Gnocchi with red sauce and it was incredible!! Diane made me eat the entire plate of Gnocchi because she knew I was still in need of more calories!! After dinner, I was still having some anxiety about the run and was pretty tired, so we headed back to Brooklyn to get my stuff ready for the morning and get a good nights sleep!

Take that NYC!!

I did it!! I finished the NYC marathon this past sunday....I'm still sitting in amazement that I actually did it AND felt OK!!

I came back late monday night and was back to work yesterday, so I haven't had time to post a full weekend report. I will chronicle all my experiences during the 4 day trip in the next few days. Until then........ Veni, vidi, vici !!

Track me on Nov. 7th!

It's almost here! Just a few more days before I leave for 4 glorious days in NYC!

If you want to track or check in on my progress, click here.
Tracking opens the morning of Nov. 7th.

Here is my runner info:

Runner Registration #528147
Bib #53332
Color: Orange
Wave #3
Corral #53

Start time: 10:40 a.m.

If you want to send a message to play on the course, click here.

Thank you so much for all the support over the past few months!!! I can't wait to get to NYC on Friday and take the final step in the journey!!

Hugs!
Melissa