the NYC Marathon

I finally have some time to sit down and reflect on running the NYC marathon. I wasn't nervous leading up to the race; in fact, I was psyched to run. I couldn't wait – I was jumping out of my skin. I didn't get to rest that much prior. I took a yoga class at lululemon and then worked till 2:30. For some reason, I just couldn't sit still and rest. Kristen made me a great dinner of brown rice and salmon. We topped it off with a huge chocolate chip cookie.

Woke up at 4:15am b/c it was very necessary to be at the start at 6:30 for a 9:40am start! Met Ashley and Michael at the Staten Island Ferry and we were off. Riding the ferry was a highlight -it was something I have been wanting to do for a long time. So check! It was freezing though. Thank god for throw-away clothes and Dunkin Donut's hats!


We sat around, eating donuts and holding hot water to stay warm! The start area is really impressive – 3 different color starts. I met up with Tony in the green wave area. I was starting to get a little nervous b/c my legs were stiff and tired but I had already decided to just have fun, run and enjoy the experience. We sat around in the coral and waited and waited and waited. Finally, we were set free and we all shuffled to the start line. It was amazing! The Verrazano bridge, the people, the city skyline.

Started about 2:30 off the official clock. I was in the green wave so we started on the lower level of the Verrazano bridge. It was cold and windy. Holy god was it windy. I just kept looking for big guys so I could tuck in behind them!

Flew off the bridge and was in BK. The crowds started to grow and I was psyched. So much energy and I was just eating it up. Got onto 4th ave and it was electric. Tons of people screaming and cheering for us. I was passed the lulu ladies and was feeling great at mile 7. I saw a bunch of friends which gave me huge boosts of energy. Saw Allison and Carl a little passed mile 8 as we turned onto Lafayette. I loved that road. Great crowds and energy and such a picturesque road.

Brooklyn was incredible – I don't remember every part but Bedford Ave was fun and then we were in W'burg. I was feeling great and was making great time. I hit the half way mark at 1:39 and cruised up the Pulaski Bridge. The weather was great and I was happy to check another borough off the list!

Queens is mile 13-15 and honestly, I don't really remember it. There were some music and crowds but I think I was too focused on getting to Manhattan and conquering the 59th St bridge. The crowds right before the bridge are great and pumped me up. Now, I walked 2 of the hills in Boston and I never felt like I was good on the hills during training so I was prepared to walk a bit. I didn't need to though. I felt good and strong and no one else was walking so I just kept plugging away. I turned on my music and rocked it out till the crest of the hill. That bridge, by the way, sucks. It never ends! I turned off my music when I got to the top; I was waiting to hear the roar of the 1st ave crowds. There was this wall of sound as we neared the end of the bridge and turned into Manhattan. It caught my breath.

First ave was awesome but not as crazy as I was expecting. I stayed closer to the middle so I didn't really feel like the crowds were helping me. I saw one friend but missed a few others. I loved the crowds closer to mile 18. I think I walked at mile 18 to make sure I got water with my Shot Bloks.

A little note – I think elevation charts lie! First ave definitely rolls and then the bridges to get in and out of the Bronx were inclines! I cruised though – no stopping me.

The Bronx was fun. It was quick but the crowds were awesome! Go Bronx!

I hit mile 20 and almost started crying b/c I knew I had 3:25 in the bag. I was feeling good and had my running buddy to look forward to. Came of the bridge, turned into Manhattan with Michael Jackson and Jess getting the crowds going!

I was doing well but definitely feeling the effects of 21 miles. I stopped to get water at every water stop past mile 20. I was cramping more than normal and knew I would need that water and Gatorade those last few miles. The lulu cheer station at mile 21.5 was incredible. I felt like a rock star running past them. I didn't even hear the music they were playing b/c they were screaming so loudly. I rounded a corner, saw Carl and Holly and mentally prepared for the 5th Ave climb. I don't remember it being that hard (Jess probably remembers differently- I'm sure I was complaining!) I just remember the crowds and the people being soooo close and loud. I loved how we were crowded in a bit. I do remember waiting to turn into Central Park. I think I asked Jess 5 times when we were turning.

Central Park was intense and fun. Saw Stacy (didn't know it was her until 3 days later though). All the runners were so psyched to be in Central Park. There was an Italian guy behind me who went crazy when we turned into CP - vamos, vamos, vamos!

So this is when the marathon hit me and hit me hard. My quads were really cramping and my knee was really hurting. I was really worried about being able to walk and put pressure on it. I knew I could run 9min miles the last 2 miles and still finish in 3:25 however, that was looking a little worrisome. Jess just told me to run and think about my knee later. I look her advice and blocked out the pain in my knee and pushed on. The little hill after the 72nd transverse was a nightmare and I had to walk a bit.

I saw the end of the Park and knew I only had .6 or .7 miles to go. I picked it up a bit and tried to look up and see the crowds on Central Park South. I then turned back into CP and couldn't believe it. I started to get emotional as I saw the 400 meters sign, the 300 meters sign and then the 200 meters sign. I think I tried to pick it up but I was beat. The video of me finishing is pretty funny – I don't look like I'm running really fast! I crossed the finish line and felt like crap! I was so happy that I made my goal but everything hurt. My knee was in bad shape and I just wanted to get some water. Stopped and got my picture taken to revel in my moment! Walking to 77th st was terrible. We all just shuffled onwards. I didn't want to stop in the medical tent b/c I just wanted to get out of the park and sit down!

Overall, the marathon was an incredible experience. I felt like a rock star and only have good memories. I'm not making plans to run a marathon for a bit. Looking forward to relaxing and doing some chill, fun runs this spring. Thinking my next goal will be a 1:35 half marathon. Run Meghan run!