Urban Athletics/NYC Marathon 2009

..So much has happened over the last several days, I don’t know where to start.  Great workouts, untimely deathly, seeing great friends, running a race to support a great cause.  Let’s quickly go through the workouts…

After last Tuesday’s 18×200m, I was back at the track for a tempo run on Thursday.  I was looking to hit it at 6 minute pace.  I was really intimidated by the thought of it as last year, I was not able to maintain the pace and each lap which should be run at 90 seconds would slow down by seconds per lap.  I just couldn’t hang onto the pace.  But this is a different year and clearly a different result as I dipped just under 6 minute pace for the 3.5 tempo run on the track.  What made it even better was the 2.5 mile cool down had my legs feeling alive as opposed to exhausted as they would have been a year ago.

This took me into Sunday’s Hope & Possibility 5 Miler in Central Park.  Although I held my chip in my hand because I was to due the race as a workout, I enjoyed the opportunity to run with a teammate for nearly the entire race.  She ran a beautiful race, while I watched and practiced taking water (I am pathetic at it).  Cara is a great downhill runner and although I was supporting her, I was also learning through her how to be a better downhill runner.  Her stride is perfect…there isn’t any energy wasted….now I just need to apply it to my race.  I was wondering if she noticed when I tried to take water at the 2 mile mark, I started choking as I just don’t have the whole running and drinking down.  That’s why when I drink, I am usually firmly planted at my favorite bar….but seriously, at last year’s marathon, I had people throughout the course handing me bottles as I am aware of my inability to drink on the run.  If the elite get their own bottles, then why shouldn’t we all??

The race really puts life into perspective.  If you are having a rough day, come out for this race.  I’ve done my share of complaining…heck, it’s part of my DNA…but the reality is, we have nothing in terms of difficulty compared to an amputee or a double amputee.  The race was incredibly inspiring as well as moving….

What else…wow, what a week for losing icons??  I say that loosely as Farah Fawcett, Michael Jackson and Billy Mays are questionable icons…I mean the most successful one out of the group is Billy Mays!  Hey, I was just mentioning him last week…are you a bit weirded out or even a bit scared that I might mention you??  SO HOW ‘BOUT THOSE RED SOX???

See ya’ on the roads.  ;-)

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