Finally heard from the NYRR, the group in charge of the lottery of the New York Marathon. The verdict?
Marathon registration status: Not accepted
Entry number: 909459
How do I feel about this? Kind of relieved, honestly! 8 days out from Boston, the thought of training for another marathon in November is a bit daunting. I like that I don't have to worry about another cycle of marathon training for a whole year!
That's not to say that I don't have any races on the horizon. I have two extremely hilly races planned for the early fall. One on Labor Day (a 25K that I have run before) and one on October 6th, a half marathon called Applefest.
Until then, a few things will become more frequent: hill training, strength training and hiking. (Hiking is just for fun, but really, it can't hurt - unless I fall and break an ankle...)
As for New York? They can't continue to deny me - I get automatic entry in 2013. :)
Wednesday, April 25, 2012
am i in?
So much hype, so much anticipation to find out this:
ING New York City Marathon 2012 Application is closed.
We are currently processing all non-guaranteed entries that will be announced on April 25.
Profile Logins will be available on 4/26 at 10:00AM
We are currently processing all non-guaranteed entries that will be announced on April 25.
Profile Logins will be available on 4/26 at 10:00AM
Hey New York Road Runners, when you say information will be available on April 25th, please make said information available. The buzz is all about checking credit card accounts. Um, I'd rather they send me an email first! Nothing to do but keep being patient...
Come back tomorrow to find out if I'M IN for 2012 (or if I have to wait one more year)!!
Friday, April 20, 2012
boston breakdown
I've put this off a bit because I haven't really wanted to admit that it's really over... And the thought of trying to put this experience into words is a little overwhelming. Reflecting on the training, the anticipation, the support and encouragement, and finally race day - April 16th, 2012 is probably one of the best days of my life. How does one describe that?!
The Nerves - It started a few days before. The BAA was sending out emails warning runners to not look at this as a race, rather as an experience. There were lots of warnings about staying hydrated but not too hydrated. They said if you didn't qualify, if you aren't fit, if you have a heart condition, if you are at all nervous about the heat: you shouldn't run. I immediately started to question my fitness level and all of my training. These nerves carried over into the morning of as I waited at Athlete's Village, as I made my way to my corral, and as the gun went off. The nerves stayed with me as I ran the first 6-7miles. People were passing me on the left and right, I was realizing just how HOT it actually was, I was running too fast but couldn't slow it down.
Settling In - At mile 7, I saw my friend John (who as you may recall spent many miles with me on the course in training). He had some words of encouragement and wisdom ("You're doing great!! Just slow down! Pour water on your head!"). After shedding a few tears about how hot it was and how I didn't think I could do it, I trudged on, knowing that I just wanted to make it at least halfway. Thankfully, I settled in enough to make it the whole way, feeling better in the second half than in the first!
Friends on the Course - Besides John and Shayne, there were a few other friends I got to see as I settled into a comfortable pace through Framingham, Natick and into Wellesley. A couple at mile 8.5, a couple at mile 10.5. I saw John again at 14 where he jumped in (with the emergency kit on his back - what a friend!) and ran the rest of the way. There were a couple at mile 17.5, just before heading up the hills. Another friend and her little bitty baby were at mile 19, just before Heartbreak.
High Points Along the Course - Besides the places where I saw my friends, a favorite spot was heading into Wellesley. It's got some rolling hills and looks more rural than any other place on the course. It's there you begin to hear the screams of the Wellesley College girls. They are LOUD. It was at this point that I started to see some of my fellow Respite Center runners. A couple were struggling but I tried to pass along some encouragement to keep them going. Another high point was getting up and over the highway overpass at mile 16. I hated this spot during training but during the race I was too distracted looking for a coworker that I didn't even notice it. Praise the Lord for small miracles there! Getting over the Newton hills was a huge relief. I ran better during the race than during training; so much so that the hills seemed a bit smaller. Perhaps it was my mantra of "Up. Up. Up." or maybe it was the fact that I was passing people on the hills... The last 5 miles were PACKED with people. Those miles were definitely a huge high point.
Spectators - The people who came out to support the runners were nothing short of amazing. They brought everything from garden hoses to ice to popsicles to cold, wet paper towels. They stood tirelessly in the heat cheering on the runners as we passed by. Shade was hard to come by for the runners, but equally hard to come by for the spectators. I think I'm a bit spoiled for having run Boston and experiencing a 26.2mile wall of people. The college kids that lined the course from BC into Boston were probably a bit drunk...but that just made them cheer louder. I believe that it was absolutely the crowds in those last five miles that pushed me to keep running a sub 10:30min/mile pace.
The Volunteers - I cannot say enough about the support of the volunteers. The water station volunteers, the starting line volunteers, the finish line volunteers - all had a smile and encouragement for the runners as we passed by, gratefully grabbing aid along the way. A huge thank you to all the EMTs, firemen, policemen and medical response teams. Thankfully, I didn't need their help but so many did and this race would have been far worse if not for their involvement and care.
The Finish - I saw that Citgo sign - the one mile to go mark - and I nearly cried in relief and sadness (both because the race was almost over). I knew that after all the pain that I had just endured, I was GOING TO DO THIS. There was no stopping me. I stepped on the gas (what fumes were left) and pushed myself down Comm Ave, up Hereford St and finally onto Boylston. Up ahead was the 26mi marker and a bit further, the finish line to the Boston Marathon. I ran towards it, arms in the air, determination in my eyes. That last mile I ran a 9:58min/mi. After 25mi in 88deg heat.
Post Race - Immediately, I started crying. I looked at John and kept saying in disbelief, "I just ran Boston. I just ran Boston." Even he got a little teary-eyed but you couldn't tell b/c he kept his sunglasses on. :) I was immediately starting to cramp up so we kept moving. I saw my friend, Bonnie and ran over to give her a giant sweaty hug, all the while crying my eyes out. I pressed on through the finisher corral, got a heat blanket to get the sun off of me (and because those last few miles I was getting a little cold) and finally got my medal. When someone offered me some kind of protein recovery drink I said no, until she mentioned that it was cold. Those last few miles, all the Gatorade and water was warm and not too refreshing. So a cold drink was incredibly welcoming. We made it through the finisher corral and went to the corner where we were to meet our friends. It was so great to see the support, encouragement and pride on their faces when they saw me. I started crying all over again.
It's still kind of a dream that it actually happened. Almost a bit surreal. I'm still trying to process everything - what I've learned about myself, the amount of strength I have and the power of prayer. But, friends, I must stress this: I could not have finished this without the support of you. Knowing I would be able to share this was a huge motivator to get me through.
So, THANK YOU for supporting me financially (I am just $400 from my goal! You can still donate!!), emotionally and prayerfully. And thank you, Boston, for an experience of a lifetime.
The Nerves - It started a few days before. The BAA was sending out emails warning runners to not look at this as a race, rather as an experience. There were lots of warnings about staying hydrated but not too hydrated. They said if you didn't qualify, if you aren't fit, if you have a heart condition, if you are at all nervous about the heat: you shouldn't run. I immediately started to question my fitness level and all of my training. These nerves carried over into the morning of as I waited at Athlete's Village, as I made my way to my corral, and as the gun went off. The nerves stayed with me as I ran the first 6-7miles. People were passing me on the left and right, I was realizing just how HOT it actually was, I was running too fast but couldn't slow it down.
Settling In - At mile 7, I saw my friend John (who as you may recall spent many miles with me on the course in training). He had some words of encouragement and wisdom ("You're doing great!! Just slow down! Pour water on your head!"). After shedding a few tears about how hot it was and how I didn't think I could do it, I trudged on, knowing that I just wanted to make it at least halfway. Thankfully, I settled in enough to make it the whole way, feeling better in the second half than in the first!
Friends on the Course - Besides John and Shayne, there were a few other friends I got to see as I settled into a comfortable pace through Framingham, Natick and into Wellesley. A couple at mile 8.5, a couple at mile 10.5. I saw John again at 14 where he jumped in (with the emergency kit on his back - what a friend!) and ran the rest of the way. There were a couple at mile 17.5, just before heading up the hills. Another friend and her little bitty baby were at mile 19, just before Heartbreak.
High Points Along the Course - Besides the places where I saw my friends, a favorite spot was heading into Wellesley. It's got some rolling hills and looks more rural than any other place on the course. It's there you begin to hear the screams of the Wellesley College girls. They are LOUD. It was at this point that I started to see some of my fellow Respite Center runners. A couple were struggling but I tried to pass along some encouragement to keep them going. Another high point was getting up and over the highway overpass at mile 16. I hated this spot during training but during the race I was too distracted looking for a coworker that I didn't even notice it. Praise the Lord for small miracles there! Getting over the Newton hills was a huge relief. I ran better during the race than during training; so much so that the hills seemed a bit smaller. Perhaps it was my mantra of "Up. Up. Up." or maybe it was the fact that I was passing people on the hills... The last 5 miles were PACKED with people. Those miles were definitely a huge high point.
Spectators - The people who came out to support the runners were nothing short of amazing. They brought everything from garden hoses to ice to popsicles to cold, wet paper towels. They stood tirelessly in the heat cheering on the runners as we passed by. Shade was hard to come by for the runners, but equally hard to come by for the spectators. I think I'm a bit spoiled for having run Boston and experiencing a 26.2mile wall of people. The college kids that lined the course from BC into Boston were probably a bit drunk...but that just made them cheer louder. I believe that it was absolutely the crowds in those last five miles that pushed me to keep running a sub 10:30min/mile pace.
The Volunteers - I cannot say enough about the support of the volunteers. The water station volunteers, the starting line volunteers, the finish line volunteers - all had a smile and encouragement for the runners as we passed by, gratefully grabbing aid along the way. A huge thank you to all the EMTs, firemen, policemen and medical response teams. Thankfully, I didn't need their help but so many did and this race would have been far worse if not for their involvement and care.
The Finish - I saw that Citgo sign - the one mile to go mark - and I nearly cried in relief and sadness (both because the race was almost over). I knew that after all the pain that I had just endured, I was GOING TO DO THIS. There was no stopping me. I stepped on the gas (what fumes were left) and pushed myself down Comm Ave, up Hereford St and finally onto Boylston. Up ahead was the 26mi marker and a bit further, the finish line to the Boston Marathon. I ran towards it, arms in the air, determination in my eyes. That last mile I ran a 9:58min/mi. After 25mi in 88deg heat.
Post Race - Immediately, I started crying. I looked at John and kept saying in disbelief, "I just ran Boston. I just ran Boston." Even he got a little teary-eyed but you couldn't tell b/c he kept his sunglasses on. :) I was immediately starting to cramp up so we kept moving. I saw my friend, Bonnie and ran over to give her a giant sweaty hug, all the while crying my eyes out. I pressed on through the finisher corral, got a heat blanket to get the sun off of me (and because those last few miles I was getting a little cold) and finally got my medal. When someone offered me some kind of protein recovery drink I said no, until she mentioned that it was cold. Those last few miles, all the Gatorade and water was warm and not too refreshing. So a cold drink was incredibly welcoming. We made it through the finisher corral and went to the corner where we were to meet our friends. It was so great to see the support, encouragement and pride on their faces when they saw me. I started crying all over again.
It's still kind of a dream that it actually happened. Almost a bit surreal. I'm still trying to process everything - what I've learned about myself, the amount of strength I have and the power of prayer. But, friends, I must stress this: I could not have finished this without the support of you. Knowing I would be able to share this was a huge motivator to get me through.
So, THANK YOU for supporting me financially (I am just $400 from my goal! You can still donate!!), emotionally and prayerfully. And thank you, Boston, for an experience of a lifetime.
Thursday, April 19, 2012
marathon hangover, a definition
This is perhaps something that you think I have made up...but trust me, it's real. It's a Marathon Hangover. What exactly is this, you ask? Let me explain some symptoms:
Speaking of which, I find out if I will be running the New York Marathon in just one week. Guess this hangover will last at least until then...
- sore quads (and calves, hamstrings, shoulders, neck, abs, etc)
- grimacing and grunting while attempting to go down stairs
- an ability to only talk about the hours spent running the race or hours spent training for the race
- a perma-smile
- the ability to stand up for short periods of time
- the ability to sit in one place for short periods of time
- the need to sleep 12hrs a night for at least a week
- a desire to drink water/gatorade non-stop
- a sadness that it's over - no more anticipation, no more training, no more countdowns
- the realization that as hard as it was, it was over too quickly
- a foggy brain feeling such that you can't focus on one thing for too long (without thoughts of the marathon creeping in)
- the necessity of walking like an 80 year old until you build some momentum
- the need to read every article you can find about the marathon you just ran as well as look at every picture and browse every blog also relating to the marathon
- staring at your medal/bib/poster/jacket/race shirt in utter disbelief that it actually happened
Speaking of which, I find out if I will be running the New York Marathon in just one week. Guess this hangover will last at least until then...
Monday, April 16, 2012
countdown to boston - FINAL photo!
I told you. A tired, hot, accomplished runner:
THANK YOU for supporting me and the Respite Center. I could NOT have finished Boston without the incredible support I had along the way. You all are amazing. From the bottom of my exhausted heart: Thank you, thank you, thank you!!!!!!!!!!!!!
More on the actual race to come at a later time... I'm going to get a burger and a beer. ;)
THANK YOU for supporting me and the Respite Center. I could NOT have finished Boston without the incredible support I had along the way. You all are amazing. From the bottom of my exhausted heart: Thank you, thank you, thank you!!!!!!!!!!!!!
More on the actual race to come at a later time... I'm going to get a burger and a beer. ;)
Sunday, April 15, 2012
countdown to boston - photo #6
Sorry this post is a bit late...I've been a little preoccupied today. Hmmm, can't imagine why. :)
Remember the number below and be sure to sign up for text updates from my 10K, halfway, 30K and finish line check points. Just text RUNNER to 345-678 and you will be prompted to text back my bib # which is:
Tomorrow's picture will be a bit late too...but it might be of a very tired, hot, accomplished runner. ;)
Remember the number below and be sure to sign up for text updates from my 10K, halfway, 30K and finish line check points. Just text RUNNER to 345-678 and you will be prompted to text back my bib # which is:
Tomorrow's picture will be a bit late too...but it might be of a very tired, hot, accomplished runner. ;)
Saturday, April 14, 2012
countdown to boston - photo #5
Currently the weather prediction is 86deg and sunny. I'm more nervous about this than I am the Newton Hills! The key is to just slow down and stay hydrated and as cool as possible.
With that in mind, I picked up a few items yesterday for my friend John to have available at the places he'll be watching for me. Below is my marathon emergency kit. :)
With that in mind, I picked up a few items yesterday for my friend John to have available at the places he'll be watching for me. Below is my marathon emergency kit. :)
Friday, April 13, 2012
countdown to boston - photo #4
My last run before Boston will be the annual Chase the Gorilla Down Argilla! This will be my 5th year doing the race; it's always fun, there's a great course and there really is a gorilla!!! (Okay, it's a guy dressed up as one, but still...) If you're not busy tomorrow morning (9am) and you find yourself in the North Shore (Ipswich) area, come on by - we start and finish at the Ipswich YMCA.
Here's a pic from two years ago:
Here's a pic from two years ago:
Thursday, April 12, 2012
countdown to boston - photo #3
Encouragement from around the world. From the Netherlands, to be exact. This takes incredible forethought! (I admit, I nearly opened it before I saw the back of the envelope; and the largely printed command almost didn't stop me.) Thanks, Meghan!!!
By the way, Meghan and her husband Tim are set to run the Edinburgh half marathon on Saturday. Go Meg and Tim! Eat those hills for breakfast! :)
By the way, Meghan and her husband Tim are set to run the Edinburgh half marathon on Saturday. Go Meg and Tim! Eat those hills for breakfast! :)
Wednesday, April 11, 2012
countdown to boston - photo #2
.jpg) |
| still smiling! |
 |
| i am a finisher!!!! |
If you missed Countdown to Boston - Photo #1, find it here.
Tuesday, April 10, 2012
Countdown to Boston - Photo #1
I thought it would be fun to journey to Boston together these next six days through some photos. Some will be new, some will be old. Enjoy!
Photo #1:
This is not ideal... It will be great for those of you watching, but for those running this will be challenging. There's still 6 days to go; let's hope the weather forecast drops about 30deg!
Photo #1:
.JPG) |
| Weather forecast for Marathon Monday |
This is not ideal... It will be great for those of you watching, but for those running this will be challenging. There's still 6 days to go; let's hope the weather forecast drops about 30deg!
Thursday, April 5, 2012
that's not my jam
A couple of weeks ago, when the weather was in the high 70's and sunny, a friend suggested we hit the bike trail after work one day, ride into Arlington and get dinner. At the time, it sounded like a great idea! I'd done it before, it's not that far, it would be fun!
I was pleased that yesterday was a pretty nice day, just over 60deg and sunny! It seemed a bit windy...but I didn't think it would be that big of a deal. My friends arrived at 5:30 or so and after filling up the tires, we headed out towards Arlington on the Minuteman Bikeway. It was a nice night, lots of people out walking, biking, rollerblading, and biking.
To be honest, I hated the first three or so miles. It was hard and it hurt. But after that, it felt easier and I relaxed and enjoyed the evening and the company. Once we got to Arlington, we locked up the bikes and headed to Thai Moon restaurant for dinner. If you get to Arlington Center and enjoy Thai food, go there. It's delicious! (I highly recommend the Tropical Noodles and fried banana squares for dessert.)
While we were in the restaurant, it was getting close to sunset - so it was not getting warmer and it was getting darker. I was starting to get slightly anxious. Little did we know, enjoying dinner in the little restaurant, that rain clouds were slowly gathering to the north and headed towards us.
It was about 20min after 7 by the time we were finished paying the bill and back on our bikes headed to Lexington. It's only 5mi, not too bad right? Let me tell you, those were the hardest 5mi I've had to get through in a long time. Not only was it freezing, the wind was blowing 20mph straight at us, it was now dark (and we're all wearing black), but by now it had begun to rain. I was miserable. I was cold, wet, tired, and for some reason, it was physically challenging for me - and that just made me mad. Not a great combination...
The whole ride home, I kept thinking how I would much rather be running these 10mi than biking them. I can run miles and miles and still feel good but I can't bike 5 measly miles without being completely exhausted? I told my friends to please count me out the next time they decide to go for a bike ride. I'll go for a run instead. Biking is not my jam. Running? Now that's my jam.
I was pleased that yesterday was a pretty nice day, just over 60deg and sunny! It seemed a bit windy...but I didn't think it would be that big of a deal. My friends arrived at 5:30 or so and after filling up the tires, we headed out towards Arlington on the Minuteman Bikeway. It was a nice night, lots of people out walking, biking, rollerblading, and biking.
To be honest, I hated the first three or so miles. It was hard and it hurt. But after that, it felt easier and I relaxed and enjoyed the evening and the company. Once we got to Arlington, we locked up the bikes and headed to Thai Moon restaurant for dinner. If you get to Arlington Center and enjoy Thai food, go there. It's delicious! (I highly recommend the Tropical Noodles and fried banana squares for dessert.)
While we were in the restaurant, it was getting close to sunset - so it was not getting warmer and it was getting darker. I was starting to get slightly anxious. Little did we know, enjoying dinner in the little restaurant, that rain clouds were slowly gathering to the north and headed towards us.
It was about 20min after 7 by the time we were finished paying the bill and back on our bikes headed to Lexington. It's only 5mi, not too bad right? Let me tell you, those were the hardest 5mi I've had to get through in a long time. Not only was it freezing, the wind was blowing 20mph straight at us, it was now dark (and we're all wearing black), but by now it had begun to rain. I was miserable. I was cold, wet, tired, and for some reason, it was physically challenging for me - and that just made me mad. Not a great combination...
The whole ride home, I kept thinking how I would much rather be running these 10mi than biking them. I can run miles and miles and still feel good but I can't bike 5 measly miles without being completely exhausted? I told my friends to please count me out the next time they decide to go for a bike ride. I'll go for a run instead. Biking is not my jam. Running? Now that's my jam.
Tuesday, April 3, 2012
1 phrase, 2 ways
On Sunday, one phrase got stuck in my mind and I kept repeating it to myself over and over. It was, "I got this." There were two ways that it was playing on the tape in my head - here's why:
"I GOT this." Said to myself as I ran the last 4mi of the Boston course, from the finish line to Cleveland Circle and back. I felt really strong and fast. I have loved being able to train on the course and see it all first hand. I've read a ton of articles and blogs about it, but there is something about running on the course itself that is incredibly confidence boosting. Especially for me, especially for this marathon. This phrase has stayed with me over the last few days too. I just feel ready and excited and full of anticipation. I cannot wait to share this experience with my friends and with all of you!
"I got THIS!" Said to myself after the run when John and I popped into Marathon Sports (literally AT the finish line). I tried to wait patiently while John shopped for running shoes but I drifted back to the BAA official gear and tried on The Jacket. It is a beautiful thing. I didn't think I was going to like the color much (you'll see why in the pic posted below) but I actually don't mind it! It'll be great for winter training as it's lined and wind/water resistant and incredibly bright! I wanted to run this marathon for many reasons...the jacket might be one of them. :)
Two things not to forget to sign up for (you can then say, "I got this!"): If you haven't already, consider donating to The Respite Center. Just click the box to the left.
Part of what I'm terribly excited about for Marathon Weekend is meeting all those who are a part of the Respite. They are hosting a BBQ for all the runners and their families on Saturday, the 14th. I can't wait to see the faces of those who I'm supporting. A blog will be coming about that, not to worry. :)
Also, don't forget to sign up for Athlete Alert! I know you'll want to know where I am along the course throughout the day. You'll need to know my bib number: #22268. Thanks!
"I GOT this." Said to myself as I ran the last 4mi of the Boston course, from the finish line to Cleveland Circle and back. I felt really strong and fast. I have loved being able to train on the course and see it all first hand. I've read a ton of articles and blogs about it, but there is something about running on the course itself that is incredibly confidence boosting. Especially for me, especially for this marathon. This phrase has stayed with me over the last few days too. I just feel ready and excited and full of anticipation. I cannot wait to share this experience with my friends and with all of you!
"I got THIS!" Said to myself after the run when John and I popped into Marathon Sports (literally AT the finish line). I tried to wait patiently while John shopped for running shoes but I drifted back to the BAA official gear and tried on The Jacket. It is a beautiful thing. I didn't think I was going to like the color much (you'll see why in the pic posted below) but I actually don't mind it! It'll be great for winter training as it's lined and wind/water resistant and incredibly bright! I wanted to run this marathon for many reasons...the jacket might be one of them. :)
Two things not to forget to sign up for (you can then say, "I got this!"): If you haven't already, consider donating to The Respite Center. Just click the box to the left.
Part of what I'm terribly excited about for Marathon Weekend is meeting all those who are a part of the Respite. They are hosting a BBQ for all the runners and their families on Saturday, the 14th. I can't wait to see the faces of those who I'm supporting. A blog will be coming about that, not to worry. :)
Also, don't forget to sign up for Athlete Alert! I know you'll want to know where I am along the course throughout the day. You'll need to know my bib number: #22268. Thanks!
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