Category: Running

Thanks to people jumping in front of the camera, I didn't get many photos!

New York City Marathon

I ran the 2002 NYC Marathon, something I never imagined I would be able to complete a few years ago. It is amazing what you can do when you believe in yourself! There was a poster at the expo that I thought was interesting and after completing the marathon it was so true.

The race started late for me at 11:30. In order to get to the start line in time I had to leave the hotel at 7:00, so it was a journey just to get to the start line. First a bus to the ferry dock, then a ferry to Staten Island and then a bus to the start area. With over 50,000 runners it was such a large race that they have three “villages”, each village was a complete start area. The amazing thing with my village is that I never waited for a portable potty, which is a first in a race for me. They had hot tea and plenty of water and places to hang out until your wave was called.

The race started great the first mile was the biggest incline, the Verrazzano bridge. I learned it is the largest suspension bridge in the world and is almost 1 mile of incline to the center! Due to the number of runners they had us on both sides and on the bottom lanes of the bridge. It would not be until mile 8 that all the runners joined together. The race was going great even with the record temperatures for the run at 74 degrees. Unfortunately at the mile 10 aid station they ran out of cups and this continued at 6 of the next 7 aid stations so I got pretty dehydrated, started having some cramping and getting light headed. Then I took on too much water and got sick on the course. I thought about quitting and was going to just walk the last few miles, but I had a temporary tattoo that said “If not now, then when” so I decided to finish running. It was definitely an emotional finish and I am so proud of myself for completing the race.

Race highlights were running through Brooklyn, the crowds were so much fun! It was like running through a block party for miles, and then you ran into 2 blocks of silence. Everyone on the streets looks at you like you are crazy. I found out later it is the largest Hasidic community in the world. Finishing in Central Park would have been a bit better if it would have been light out, but starting at 11:30 and with daylight savings time that wasn’t going to be an option for me.

We finished the day with a long walk back to the hotel, but did stop off for some pizza and a nice beer!

Thanks to people jumping in front of the camera, I didn’t get many photos!
by Categories: New York, Running Leave a comment

Berlin Marathon

This marathon was tough. The start line was fun but after the first 5k I was just done and bored… I didn’t really want to be there, but we had come all the way to Berlin, so I didn’t want to quit.

I don’t know why I struggled so much mentally on the run. It was definitely a lonely run with the other participants not offering much support. I thought a lot about why I run, it is not about improving my health (as all this running is maybe not the best for your). Maybe it is about having control over something in your life and to defeat those that say you can’t do it? All thoughts I had during the middle 30k, but the last 7k I started to enjoy the race.

How did I feel at the finish- alone. The finish line was exciting, but after that it was a long walk to get out to see your family and friends. I finished 30 minutes faster than my first marathon, but probably the best thing was I was not sore the next day.

The best thing about this race was that is prepared me for the NYC Marathon. I am working on some running meditation and more prepared for the crowds.

by Categories: Running Leave a comment

Berlin Marathon

In September I will be running my first major marathon in Berlin. It is definitely not something I ever thought I would be doing. It has taken hard work and discipline to get here and I have another 12 weeks of work before the race.

Yesterday started with my first long training run of 15 miles. I didn’t sleep well the night before and I wasn’t looking forward to running in the heat.. but I went out and completed the run. I was a mess when I finished!

by Categories: Running Leave a comment

Disney Princess 1/2 Marathon

The start time is 5 am and it takes waking up at 1 am to make it to the start line using Disney transportation. To top that off a good number of people who run the race are not runners and do not follow basic runners etiquette, which makes running difficult. I don’t know the number of times I had someone come to a complete stop in front of me without any warning.

This past weekend was the Disney Princess 1/2 marathon. It will definitely be my last Disney run, even though it is the only race I have gotten good photos from

Overall I had to get in a 14 mile run so it fit into my training plan!

by Categories: Disney, Florida, Running Leave a comment
14 miles and still have a smile on my face
Made it to the lake around mile 13
New murals on the trail

15 Mile Run

Saturday was another long run. I decided to run to Clermont instead of doing an out and back run. Richard, Rich and Cat all came over and met me for lunch then gave me a ride home. The run was slow, but I kept to my heart rate zone most of the run. I hope that the runs get faster, but the good thing is running at that heart rate I didn’t get tired!

14 miles and still have a smile on my face
Made it to the lake around mile 13
New murals on the trail
by Categories: Florida, Running Leave a comment

Key West 1/2 Marathon

The weather wasn’t looking good (wind and rain).  The first two miles were tough, but I thought it will get better.  I had a slight pain in my knee, but nothing serious.  We reached the southern most point of the U.S. and that is when it really got tough.  With the wind I was either pelted with sand or salt water. The winds had created such rough seas that the water was coming over the sea walls and would pelt you with salty sea water.  If you didn’t get hit with water you had to watch the ground as it was not only wet, but had tons of sea grass on it (which is even more slippery).  It was an out and back course, so most of the next 7-8 miles were like this. By the time we were back in town and had the wind at our back I was just miserable and didn’t even want to run.  

What kept me going- Robin’s outdoor runs on peloton and Patricks podcast on embracing the suck.  

Positives- Even though it was the worst time for a 1/2 marathon, I did finish and I didn’t let the course beat me.   Definitely one to put in my cookie jar!

by Categories: Florida, Running Leave a comment

Foot update

I am just a little over 10 days post surgery and doing great.  I have been up and moving more so you can see the swelling.  The first photos is 3 days post op and the 2nd is from yesterday morning when I had the surgical dressing changed. No pain and I am moving around pretty good on my scooter!

Too bad I am going to have to go and pick up my 1/2 marathon packet on my crutches on Thursday!  Not sure I will be up for the race this weekend!

65b5b135-839c-4cf3-8ad8-9961d0f450a7

5zdhxom0rls15ie4swe2qq.jpg

by Categories: Running Leave a comment