Post-Marathon Blues

So, aside from the whole no official time thing, I'm kind of sad that it's over. You work towards something for about a year and then, poof, it's over.

I've been taking the week off to recover. I thought I might try and run today, to help with the post-marathon blues, but instead I'm going to go for a walk in the park.

I'm one race away from my 2011 resolution. And I've been asking myself: then what? I know I'm going to run NYC marathon next year - where I'll wear the bib on my torso, outermost layer and (hopefully) finish in under 4:30. But otherwise, I'm drawing a blank. I'm thinking of taking up something besides running...surfing, maybe? Anyone have suggestions?

The 2011 ING NYC Marathon

Well, my legs are sore, but I'm about to go test them out on a walk. But before, I do, I thought I'd post my 2011 NYC Marathon experience for you all to see. Yes, see. I knew that I wasn't going to PR on this run (read the lowering expectations post) and decided to have fun. I took lots of pictures, some of which I sent into work. But I also got some sound. So I'm going to subject you all to an audio slideshow of my NYC Marathon experience. There was some great energy on the course, and I even saw some people I knew along the way, who cheered me on! That was fun and gave me a boost. But people were giving out swedish fish, chocolate, cookies and wipes along the course. It was really great. It was also challenging. I really didn't train as hard or as much as I should have. And the late start really did effect me. I need to learn how to eat before I run. 

Now, I've sent in an email to the marathon organizers about my no results. I really think the bib didn't register. I'm somewhat disappointed, but there is always next year. I would like to finish a marathon - this one in particular - in under 4:30.

I know, I know, I said NYC would be my last, but if I run it again, it will be my last!

5 Boroughs, 5 Bridges and 26.2 miles

I finished the ING NYC Marathon! It was a fun race, and I'll write about it later. My Garmin had me finishing in 5:16:26. I'm a little concerned because my official race results are not up - even though the scores of people behind me are up. Hmmmm.

I have a sinking suspicion that the bib tag failed me. Anyway, here's the info from the Garmin.

NYC Marathon: Packet Pick-Up

I went to packet pick-up this morning. I got there just after it opened and the line was long and snaking. But I got in got my bib in about 15 minutes time. The race shirt was nice - a blue, long sleeved shirt with all 5 boroughs named on it. But I couldn't stop myself - there were some other cute shirts that I bought. Yes, now I have a selection of NYC Marathon race shirts.

The official race shirt is on the bottom. The NY Apple shirt says 26.2011.

Lululemon's Port-a-Potty Window Display

I thought it was funny and very appropriate for Marathon Week!

Countdown to the 2011 NYC Marathon

I did a short run through Central Park this morning - the lower loop. I wanted to familiarize myself with the last few miles of the course, which I know will be the toughest for me. As you might know, there was a snowstorm that blew through this past weekend and did a lot of damage to the Park. As many as 1,000 trees were damaged.

They've put all the cleared branches to the side of the road, but it goes for quite a bit. Along Central Park South, it really does change the view from the Park. Anyway, I kept trying to imagine what I'd be feeling like at miles 24 and 25, and part of the reason I wanted to run this portion, besides keeping my runs this week short, was to really prepare myself for when I do hit miles 24 and 25. I figure at that point in the run I'll be bargaining with myself, and it's much easier for me to do when I know what's up ahead, to know that when you think you're turning to the finish, you're really not, you've still got about half a mile until you turn into the finish. I'm preparing myself mentally... until I see this:

(except I imagine it will be much more crowded). Then I will be very, very, very happy! It was fun to see the race preperation. They even built a walkway over the course on the 72nd street traverse. Now, I think it would cruel, though, to make marathoners walk up 2 flights of stairs and then down 2 flights to cross the street. I'm hoping that's for spectators. One scary thought, though, is I read it will take an hour from crossing the finish to getting out of the park. This marathon will be a full day event!. I just hope I won't need one of these at the end.

Garmin, You Served Me Well

My Garmin has died. Nothing I try gets it to work again. It had a short, but eventful life and went with me on many, many runs and races.