MARATHON WEEK KICKOFF RACE.

alright, lady and 'gents, it's tuesday and the marathon is this sunday and i'm a mixture of excitement and anxiety.  it's not the same type of anxiety i had last year a few days before the marathon because that was my first one.. but idk, i kinda feel like i didn't take my training as seriously this year.  last year, i was so worried that i wasn't going to be ready for the marathon that i followed the training meticulously.. and this year, i fudged a lot of things.  i knew what was important.  i've gone to most weekday group runs, i got my long 18 mile runs in, a 20 mile run a few weeks ago, etc.  and i'm now tapering and carb-loading as i should.  but idk, i guess i'm just second guessing now because it's getting closer. 

i'm gonna have to really trust that my body can handle 26.2 miles.  i have to trust that my mind can handle 26.2 miles. i have to trust that if my body can run 20 miles, it can run 26.2. must-trust-the-training. gahhh.

Coach Frank

anywho, this past sunday was 2 things. (1) halloween and (2) the marathon kickoff race.  it was a good, fun run.  TFK members and coaches dressed up in crazy green costumes (myself included, as you'll see below) to run 5 miles through central park.  with about a quarter mile left, i had an older man run up next to me to thank me for 2 things.  first, he said that never in all his years of racing, has he been able to stay behind someone who kept such a steady pace throughout every mile.  he said that i helped to pace him throughout the entire 5 miles.  secondly, he said that my outfit was "so psychadellic" that it gave him energy when he wanted to stop or slow down.  i didn't quite know what to say to him because he continued to thank me for all that i'd done for him during the race, when essentially, all i did was dress like a whacko, put on my sneakers, and run through central park.

but i'm glad my whackiness could help someone out so all's good.

so a few of the coaches have talked about a mental strategy to help you get through the last 6 miles of the marathon.  apparently, if you dedicate each of the six miles to different people, it helps to get through those six grueling miles right at the end.  so i said sure, why the hell not.  yesterday i posted on facebook that i dedicate mile 20 to seth and katie because they are my man of honor and my second half, my metaphorical sports bra and bucket #2.  they've been my constants for the last 7 years and it's rough being in a different city than both of them.. but they visit and they support my running from afar (and near, when they can!). 

later tonight, i'll reveal who i've decided to dedicate mile #21 to and why.. although i probably won't post it on here until after the marathon.. mainly because i'm lazy. 

alright amigos, time to sign off for the last time before the NYC Marathon 2010.  wish me luck and see you out there.



Team for Kids, NYC Chapter 2010