New York Marathon Recap: 26.2 Random Thoughts

You know the weekend surrounding the marathon must have been good when you’ve written two recaps and haven’t talked about the 26.2 at all.  This weekend definitely required it’s own posts but now it’s time to tell you how the actual run went but instead of just running down almost 12 hours start to finish, I thought I would give you 26.2 random thoughts that all kind of play into a race recap.  Ready?

1. I’m amazed at the logistics management of this race.  50,000 people all having to get to the starting line.  It felt like a movie…planes, trains and automobiles…whatever it took.  I’m pretty sure every bus in the area was rented for this event.
2. Never underestimate the need for pre-race apparel.  I shared my get up on the last post.  After last year’s stories about the weather, I really worried about how many layers to pack.  My lesson is there is no such thing as too many.  You can always donate them.
3. I should’ve put my name on my shirt.  I guess I thought they would be on the bib or I guess I just didn’t think about it but this race, this crowd, you want them to know your name.
4. Friends on the course can provide so much support!  Seeing Toni and Christine on the course were so nice.  I can’t put into words how much I got out of a quick embrace but this picture embodies it.

Stopping to say hi was so valuable! 5. Don’t expect to run with your friends.  Even if you put the same estimated finish time.  So what’s a girl to do?  Make new friends!

6. The security at the race is NO JOKE.  I felt safe the entire time and that has a lot to do with the vigilance of police, and other agencies.  Whenever I could, I tried to run a little out of my way to high five and thank them.

7.   No one pees off the bridge.  I’m classifying this as an urban myth at this point.  It’s all I heard about going into the race but race officials were on it!  Warning racers in 4 different languages.

8. The hills were hilly but nothing that I couldn’t handle.  Similar to St. Louis, the hills rolled long inclines meant that my approach was to just let the hill come to me.  I never took them too aggressively and really don’t think they contributed to my late race demise.

9. There’s no need for music.  Not to mention that if you use your phone, the last thing you want to do is drain your battery.  You just don’t need it on this course.  I took my headphones but never put them on.  The crowd was amazing and worth my undivided attention.

10. I’m pretty sure the running community is the only place you can get real compliments on your fanny pack.  Oh yeah, I had one and loved it!!

11. Don’t change a thing on race day.  I debated changing what I was going to wear, capris, tights, or shorts.  Luckily the weather was so mild, I could stick with the shorts I had trained in the entire cycle.

12.  If you would’ve told me at the beginning of August that I would run a marathon before my 36th birthday, I would’ve laughed.  I had been toying around with the idea of putting one on the calendar next year but when this opportunity came up, I knew I couldn’t pass it up (and I’m so glad I didn’t).  No regrets!

13. It doesn’t matter how seasoned of a marathoner you are, all the prep in the world may NOT always get you across the finish line the way you expect.  Just check out my friend Jen’s race recap.  Running continues to teach me to just roll with the punches.

14. Never under estimate the power of a shoe and the company that makes it.  Asics Gel Nimbus was my shoe of choice and there’s good reason.  It’s amazing and if I haven’t said it yet, the Asics team is pretty fantastic too.

15. It’s amazing the deals you’ll make with yourself when you’ve hit rock bottom.  This marathon was a string of internal negotiations.

16. There is so much excitement , I haven’t had to turn my music on.  I need to remember to use my fuel.  2 honey stingers every two miles…and drink.

17. Well, there it is.  The “wall”.  I was hoping I wouldn’t hit it.  I thought I had trained well enough to overcome it.  I guess not.

18. Dear IT Bands…you suck.  Why didn’t I do two 20 milers?!  I don’t know if I’m going to make it.

19. Crap…Yep, I’m sitting…I’m stretching.  Everything’s on fire and I still have 6 miles.  Where am I going to find the energy to finish this thing?!

20. How many bridges have we crossed?  Are we there yet?  I’m so thankful for the hug from that preacher in Harlem.  It’s the only thing keeping me going.

21. Central Park really is beautiful.  I’m able to see it so well now that I’m walking…AGAIN!

22. There’s Scott!!! OH MAN!!  I LOVE THAT MAN!  It’s amazing the energy you can get from seeing your loved ones!  If he weren’t standing on that light pole, I would kiss him! Only one more mile!  I’m gonna do it.

23.  25.7  just run till you hit 25.7…..25.9…25.9  Just run till you hit that.  What is this pace?  I haven’t got this fast all race.  Just keep it up!

24. These people…I don’t know how they do it.  They have been cheering for hours.  I’m so grateful that they are here.   THERE’S THE FINISHLINE!!

25. I did it!  I did it!  **Insert tears**

26. What do you mean I’m not done?  I have another mile to walk to get out of the park?!  I’m not gonna make it.

26.2 Rickshaw.

Well, there you have it…My marathon experience in 26.2 random thoughts.  It was an amazing day and I’ve learned a lot about what I’m capable of.  If you want to see all these thoughts played out, you can check out the Team Asics last video.