So This Happened...

And it happened over a month ago. Running the NYC Marathon was one of the most amazing experiences of my life. I can't thank everyone who donated and supported me throughout my training and during the race enough. It was incredible and I can't wait to do it again someday. I am happy to report that Team in Training raised $1.7 million for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society from the the NYC Marathon alone.

I've been meaning to post a recap of the race for a while, and now that 2011 is coming to an end in a matter of weeks, I'm reflecting on all the firsts from this year. Running a marathon is one of the first things that comes to mind.

Here is my not-so-short race recap...Enjoy!


To recap the race...our bus was so late taking us to Staten Island that we got out and walked to the start, only to find out that our bus was almost at the start anyway. Our bus driver didn't have a clue (we reported to the bus at 5:45AM in Manhattan and didn't get to the start until 8:30AM). Traffic was so bad that he left the wheel and went in the back of the bus to use the bathroom. We were all a little nervous about that! When we got to the athletes' village, this security guard had us show our numbers and said "just your numbers ladies, I'm not a pervert." The rest of the morning we (me and my TNT friends Erica, Paula and Deanne) kept adding "I'm not a pervert" to anything we said.



The athletes village was crazy. 47,000 eating, putting body glide/vaseline on private areas in public, porta potties galore, and runners leaving their clothes, tents and sleeping bags everywhere. A NY firefighter sang "America the Beautiful" as we waited in our corral and after the gun went off they blasted Frank Sinatra's "New York New York" kicking lines ensued...Runners started screaming and cheering as we made it to the half-way mark of the Verrazano Bridge (and 1st mile mark of the race).



Brooklyn was a lot of fun - it was just long. It was 13 miles and the start of the race was hard for me since I was sick all day Saturday (the day before). It seemed impossible that I could finish the race from how I was feeling at the start, but I fed off of the crowd energy, focused on why I was running the race, and took it all in. One of my favorite moments in Brooklyn was when we passed a gospel church and the choir was belting out tunes. Amazing. I missed seeing Daniel, Tony, and Ryan in Brooklyn, but thankfully saw them later in the race.

As I crossed the bridge into Queens, I saw my friend Megan McKenna (she was my running buddy for my week-day runs). I was expecting to see her in Manhattan, so it was a surprise. I didn't see her, she spotted me, called my name and I saw her. It gave me an immediate boost in energy. Queens was a lot of fun - great crowds and energy. As we got to the base of the bridge in Manhattan, there were lots of porta-potties so I stopped since the lines weren't long. Paula stayed with me, and Erica and Deanne left us. I went to the bathroom and was all set to face Manhattan. I saw Daniel at 66th street and gave him a big sweaty kiss as I ran by. Saw my family at 90th. My brother came in to watch the race - he flew in on Saturday and surprised me. I started crying when he came through the door at my house. My sister was there too (but that wasn't a surprise). I saw my friends Ray, Tricia, and Paige (they are from TNT and train with me in CT) around 110th and that gave me a great boost to finish out 1st Avenue. People were also spilling out of bars and cheering and screaming our names (I had "Emac" written on my shirt).


The Willis Bridge into the Bronx was tough, but a group of old men playing bagpipes helped me through that one. Paula was hurting and walking frequently. I kept trying to encourage her "You can do this!! You own this race!! Trust in our training!!" I'm sure she hated me, but I didn't want us to walk so much. If we kept our pace up and broke the 5 hour mark at the finish, our names would have been in the NY Times, so I kept using that as incentive. She kept telling me to go ahead and run, but I wanted to stay with her. She waited for me at the bathroom, so I could help her the rest of the way. Lots of people started walking at the Willis since it was the 20-mile mark (the infamous wall). I didn't experience hitting "the wall," but perhaps it was because we were taking walking breaks starting at mile 16.



As we entered the Bronx there was a band playing the Rocky theme and that gave me an immediate boost of energy. The Bronx was lively and short (only a mile). As we went back into Manhattan, a TNT coach checked in with us and ran with us for a bit. I was getting tired, but it helped that Paula and I ran the last 10 miles of the race at a Saturday training run. I knew exactly what to expect. It also helped to know that my family was waiting for me at 111th and 5th. I saw them and gave them hug before tackling the 5th Avenue hill. To any person walking down 5th Avenue, you wouldn't notice an incline, but after 23 miles, it looks like a mountain. I saw Ray, Tricia, and Paige again. I saw Daniel another time (he was cruising around the race on his bike). The best surprise about half way through mile 23 were Ryan and Tony. I was so happy to see them. I gave both of them very sweaty hugs and Tony ran with me for a little bit. Shortly after I saw Tony, I finished up 5th Avenue and went in to Central Park. The park is really hilly, but at that point, I was running on pure adrenalin. My body felt like a machine and in looking at my splits it makes sense that I sped up. I felt like I was on autopilot.

The entire park was lined with people and as I went by Columbus Circle and finished up my 26th mile, Jay Z & Alicia Key's "Empire State of Mind" was blasting. The .2 of the race is a hill, which is kind of heartbreaking since you are past 26 miles, but the finish line is in view. I focused on the finish and kept pushing despite the incline. I raised my hands up as I crossed and started sobbing immediately when I finished. It was a life-changing moment. I've never felt such relief and pride.



We got our medals almost immediately. It took 45 minutes to exit the park from the finish line. We had to reclaim our belongings at baggage check. I'm sure we all looked like zombies shuffling through the path with our foil blankets. Several people were passing out from exhaustion and other ailments I'm sure. Medics were attending to those who needed help - that part was kinda scary. I made it out of the park and took the subway to meet my family and Daniel for dinner.

So many people on the street stopped me to say congratulations going to and leaving dinner - it was ridiculous. NYC has never felt so friendly. All in all, it was one of the most incredible experiences of my life. I still can't believe I did it. Now I've got my sights on breaking that 5 hour mark so I can make the NY Times next year :)

Wow!

Wow, do I have amazing support for this marathon or what? My awe-inspiring friend Tricia (she just ran the Marine Corps Marathon last weekend!) just sent me the sign she'll be holding on Sunday. I'll be looking out for her around 96th.

This sign is just one small part of the support she has offered me throughout my training. We ran together over the summer and conquered the intense heat & humidity, practiced some Bikram yoga (great for our breathing), and she gave me great fundraising tips for my half marathon and full marathon goals.

Can't wait to see her on Sunday!

It's All Coming Together

The NYC marathon is 10 days away and my outfit is coming together. I have a trip planned to the DCA Thrift Story on Saturday to buy my throw-away clothes. I'm still waiting on a shipment from Under Armour, and I'm obsessively checking the weather so I can get a temperature range for next Sunday.

I am thrilled with the piece of my race outfit that I received today from my kindergarten class. A race hat with "Trained by Tom, Believe in Yourself" on it. I think I probably beamed as much as in this picture when I tried it on in front of the class today.

A big thank you to the Holland family and Miss Novotnik's kindergarten class for the support and encouragement!

Running to the Golden Gate

When anyone asked what I was doing for Labor Day this year, I joked that I was going to San Francisco for dinner. Although that wasn't too far from the truth, I did manage to fit in a lot more during my weekend trip. Prior to my trip, I was hoping to run over the Golden Gate Bridge for bridge practice and also because I had never crossed it on foot. I didn't make it over the bridge, but I did get to run to it, and ran a total of 13.5 miles.

Running in San Francisco was very different from the conditions I've experienced in Connecticut. It was still dark when I started running and for the majority of the run, it was cold, windy, and really foggy. I loved it. It was easy to breathe, the temperature was comfortable, and I seemed to be one of the first runners out that morning. It was almost as if I had the streets to myself.

The run to the bridge was beautiful. I ran along the water to avoid any major hills and took my time and walked around for a little while once I got to the bridge. The run was slightly more difficult on my way back, but just as I started to lose steam, I saw someone walking around with their Team in Training jacket on. Instant inspiration! While it helped to see a TNT participant/mentor/coach, I was even more excited when I ran past Fort Mason and saw swimmers coming in from Alcatraz. Talk about inspiration, their morning was definitely more difficult than mine! I stopped at the finish line of the swim momentarily to marvel at the swimmers' accomplishment.

My run continued on the Embarcadero, past the Ferry Building, and eventually back to Union Square. After such a great run, what could make this morning better? A Mission burrito and Philz coffee.

Bummer

This is not a good week for running. I'm back from Rhode Island, back in school, and Hurricane Irene isn't making things any easier. I haven't done any of my runs this week and it's Thursday and I just got word that the half marathon I was supposed to do on Sunday is cancelled. To top it off, the YMCA is closed for summer renovations. I'm hoping that I'll get up earlier enough tomorrow to get in at least 4 miles. 6 would be preferable.

Running in Rhode Island

First, I need to say that I shattered a personal record today. Up until today, a half marathon was my longest run and I had only done 13 mile runs twice in races. Today I did a 14-mile training run and I felt fantastic. I know that the mileage is going to go up from here, and I'm still 12 miles short of a marathon, but I'm pretty darn proud.

I didn't snap this photo on my run this morning, but this is the view I've had all week from our house. This week has been full of this amazing view, incredible food, and really great runs. In addition to a lot of rest and relaxation, I was able to completely stick to my training schedule for the first time all summer. This week left me in a great position to start a new school year. If I can adhere to my training schedule like I did this week, I'll feel more than ready for November 6th.

Running in Rhode Island has been wonderful. The roads are flat (no rolling hills here!), the sea air is refreshing, and the scenery keeps my mind occupied. Although I missed running with Team in Training this week, this was a great running-filled vacation.

Bridge Practice

A week ago today, I was so happy to train in the city, especially since it was a NYC Summer Streets Saturday. I wasn't so psyched about catching the 5:30AM train, but that's something I'm going to have to get used to. TNT meets at 8AM on Saturday mornings and the 6:30 train doesn't get me in to the city quite early enough. So 5:30 it is.

Not only was I excited about Summer Streets (when they close Park Avenue for people to exercise), but I got to try out bridges. Our run started with the Brooklyn Bridge, followed by the Manhattan Bridge, and ended with an out and back up Park and back to the World Financial Center. The weather couldn't have been more beautiful, the views from the bridges were breathtaking, and I was so enthralled with the city, 12.5 miles just flew by. I've been having trouble with my long runs for the past couple months and this one seemed to be a turning point for me. Ever since that run in the city my runs have felt amazing. I'm feeling strong and ready to tackle the last 11 or so weeks of training.

The above photo is a view from the Manhattan Bridge. My friend and running buddy, Paige, took it during her visit to a Brooklyn Flea market. We must have just missed each other on the bridge. I was glad she had her camera to capture what a spectacular day it was.

New Threads

My brother and sister were home in CT visiting for their birthdays a couple of weeks ago. We had our friends (who I should really just call family), the Mitchells, over to celebrate my siblings' birthdays, and they so generously brought gifts for all three of us. My birthday was in February, but they still had a gift for me. So nice! Not only was it unnecessary, it was a perfect present. A new running shirt. My running wardrobe has more than doubled in the last year, and for good reason.

I was so happy to show off my new shirt on a run the very next day. While most of my shirts are reminders of races I've run, this shirt will make me think of the Mitchells, and all the amazing support I have for my first marathon.

Whoah Humidity!

With the record-breaking heat and humidity this week, it was hard to muster motivation to get my running in. Thank goodness for my CT Chapter TNT teammates - I wouldn't have made it through a 10-mile run without you! Although the run was discouraging to say the list, I completed the 10 miles. Sure I had to walk A LOT, but 10 miles is 10 miles. Since it was so hot and humid, I managed to drop 4lbs in water weight during the run. Wow! After the run it was imperative to hydrate, hydrate some more, and keep hydrating the entire day. Although I usually like to push myself, I took it easy yesterday. When my body was tired, it was time to walk.

Being safe and taking it easy can sometimes be frustrating. I was happy to read some tips from my TNT NYC coach this morning on "bad runs." For all those runners out there, here is what she had to say:

1. Focus on the health benefits. Even if you have a bad run, you're still getting lots of benefits, such as stress relief, calories burned, and other health benefits.

2. Don't forget the mental training, too. Getting through a tough run makes you stronger mentally. These tough runs will help teach you how to deal with rough patches during your race.

3. Figure out what went wrong. When you have a bad run, it's helpful to understand why it happened. Was it the weather? Are you sluggish from overtraining? Did you eat and hydrate properly? Are you getting enough sleep? Figuring out the reason behind your bad run can help you avoid a repeat experience and can also help you make adjustments to your training.

4. Write about it. It may seem like writing about your terrible run will only prolong the agony, but expressing your thoughts about it in your training journal or blog can help you work through it. Having a record of what you think went wrong will also help you prevent you from making the same mistake in the future.

5. Appreciate your good runs. The silver lining of having a bad run is that it helps you better appreciate your great runs. After a terrible run, try to push the bad run out of your mind by thinking back to the runs when you felt incredible and experienced that intoxicating runner's high.

6. Talk to others. All runners, from beginners to elites, have days when it's tough it get through a run. Comparing bad run stories with other runners will make you feel better about your own experience because you'll know you're not alone.

7. Don't wait too long to run again. Bad runs are usually pretty rare, so don't assume that you'll feel the same way the next time you run. So don't get discouraged and stop running for a week because you're afraid you'll have another tough run.

Cross-Training

My marathon training did not get off to the start I was anticipating. After the NYC Half Marathon in March, I got pneumonia and had to take it easy for a while. My rest period lasted a little longer than it should have.

I was so happy when my friend Thea wanted to complete her first triathlon since it motivated me to do a little cross training. Although I didn't get to do many workouts due to some traveling in the last couple weeks (squeezed in a run in Chicago and a swim in Montreal), we completed the triathlon, and Thea did so in amazing time! Although I didn't set any personal records, I was very pleased with my run (I shaved off 11 minutes from the run last year).

Now that the Pat Griskus triathlon is over, I can focus more on running & fundraising...unless I find another tri to do. Perhaps one at Todd's Point in Greenwich? August 7th? Seems like my triathlon addiction is only getting worse.

Pre-Season Goodness

After my amazing experience with the NYC Half Marathon, I got pneumonia. My training came to a halt and didn't do much moving for two months. Bummer, I know.

Now that my lungs are feeling better and my work load at University of Bridgeport has been considerably less, I'm able to start my pre-season training for the New York City Marathon. I'm starting to get excited...first full marathon, turning thirty, oh my. It is all coming up so soon! And by soon I mean at least five months ;)

I joined my new Team in Training teammates this evening at Bethesda Fountain in Central Park for some cross training. After a quick 10-minute run, we did lunges, curtsies, push ups, jumping jacks, planks, squats, standing ab work, and ended with some stretching. It was a beautiful evening in Central Park and I think my first time at Bethesda Fountain/Terrace. It was at times difficult to focus on jumping jacks while working out under such a beautiful ceiling. I look forward to many more work outs with my new teammates and discovering more of New York in the process.

(photo borrowed from bleekerstreetphoto.com)

Half Way There

The New York City Half Marathon was in a word, AMAZING. The weather was perfect, the crowds supportive, and the course, incredible. My favorite part was running through Times Square with "Footloose" blasting. I couldn't help but dance a little while running. I was so happy to have my Mom (pictured) and her friend Claudia there to cheer me on and the support from Team in Training was unending.

Was it my best run? Probably not. I went out a little too strong for the first 8 miles and then paid for it in the end. Is this discouraging? No. Makes me want to be even more prepared for the marathon in November. I am officially signed up for the ING NYC Marathon with TNT and will continue my fund-raising efforts on a new page (http://pages.teamintraining.org/nyc/nyc11/emcintya93).

Thank you again to all of my generous donors. Your donations were part of over $1 million raised for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society from the CT, NY and Long Island TNT chapters alone. Now that's amazing...

One Week Away!

This time next week I'll be finished with the NYC Half Marathon! I'm hoping to run a little faster than my first 1/2 and finish at or a little before 2 hours.

The team had a nice and easy 5 mile run today. So much easier than last week's 12. This week I'm going to take it easy, eat right, and get psyched up for Sunday. Luckily I have spring break for the University of Bridgeport this week so I should be able to get extra rest.

The race starts in Central Park and ends in Battery Park. Can't wait to be running through Times Square!

Soaked to the Bone

Anyone who has seen me post-workout knows that I sweat a lot. Kind of gross to admit, I know, but this is not sweaty picture of me people. Around mile 6 of the 12 mile run this morning, it started to pour. At this late stage in training, Mo Nats* is testing my perseverance.

The NYC half marathon is only two weeks away and I completed my last long training run before the race. For the next two weeks, I'll be running, but taking it easy. If you ask my Mom, I've been "tapering" for the whole 16 weeks of training, but at least I've completed my weekend runs without a problem.

Stay dry today - it is nasty out there.


*Mo Nats = Mother Nature

21 Days Until Spring...and the NYC Half Marathon

This sign is about a mile from my house and it is fantastic. During the worst winter I have ever experienced, I'm so happy it's been there. Little did the owners of this house know, they've been keeping a countdown for my next half marathon.

I missed out on posting about my 11 mile run last week due to a winter vacation trip to Florida. Since I was on vacation, I was able to get my weekday runs in and, oh man, 80 degrees felt too hot compared to the CT temps. Never thought I'd say this, but I think I prefer running in CT. It felt good to be back and running with the team today. We had a break this week with only 7 miles to run, and next week we're going big with 12.

While it is exciting to know that spring is only 21 days away, I think I'm even more excited for the NYC Half. I am proud to say that I reached my fund raising goal for the half marathon this week at $2,000. I can't thank all of my contributors enough. I know I've said it before, but I couldn't do this without you.

29 Today

I know what you're thinking...29 miles from 5 miles last week? Not quite. I ran 10 miles this morning and I think you can see from the picture that I took right after the run that I am happy as can be. You can also see that my bangs have a mind of their own.

It is my birthday today and the start of my 29th year. Which means I have exactly a year to run a marathon. My training during the week has been taking a back seat to school now that I'm back in class three nights a week, so I've been more than a little nervous for the long weekend runs. I definitely need to do some strength training to help what feels like iliotibial band syndrome.

Aside from some knee pain, the 10 mile run felt great this morning. I can't think of a better way to start a year.

Oh and if you want to get me something for my birthday this year, please make a donation to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. I'm only $250 away from my Half Marathon goal!

http://pages.teamintraining.org/ct/halfnyc11/emcintysts

If you have already donated and you're reading this, thank you again. I am so grateful.

Tropical Vacation Run

This morning's run was a short one. We are on a "recovery week" and my knee needed it. Not only was the run only five miles, but it was 35 degrees out. I felt like I was in tropical paradise. After several runs in sub-twenty degree temperatures, this morning felt like a vacation. I didn't wear my winter hat, only wore two layers on top and about a mile in, I was starting to feel too warm.

Perhaps the groundhog was right this week. Maybe spring is on the way.

New PB

I set a new personal best this morning. Longest training run - 9 miles. Prior to my first half marathon, I fizzled out on my training and stopped at 8 miles. I planned on running a lot more and then some snow in Idyllwild, CA, got in the way.

I wasn't too good about keeping up with my training this week. I had sore knees from last week's eight miles. I'm hoping to be more consistent next week, even if Mother Nature throws me another curve ball. Next weekend I'll be running 10 miles and I'd like to feel ready for it.

Although I was disappointed in missing so many runs this week, I'm pretty excited to have set a new PB. Here's to many more of those...

7:30AM + 8 Mile Run + 7 Degrees F = Lots of Layers

It was really cold this morning. Our car thermometers had a couple of different readings but they ranged from 1 degree Fahrenheit to 9 degrees Fahrenheit. In any case, it was in the single digits at 7:30 this morning and we had to run eight miles. With three different pants, a cold weather running shirt, a sweat shirt, a jacket, a fleece gator and gloves, I was all set. Sure, I felt a little bit like the little brother, Randy, from "A Christmas Story," when he's so bundled up he can't stand up, but at least I kept warm.

With two quick stops in a country club parking lot for water and a lap around the middle school parking lot to squeeze out the mileage, we finished all eight miles. Since I was the only non-coach/mentor who showed up, I was named "Most Dedicated Runner" (unofficially of course).

Next week will mark my longest training run at 9 miles. Hopefully the thermostat will be a little more forgiving.

7 Miles, 30 degrees and Still Tons of Snow on the Ground

So this picture is from Wednesday when Mother Nature was generous and gave us almost two feet of snow. I did a little running inside this week and some kickboxing, but was feeling less than prepared for today's 7 mile team run.

My Mom got an e-mail last night from our friend Kate, who will be having a bone marrow transplant any hour now (she lives in Australia and the procedure is scheduled for Monday). The e-mail was an account of what she went through this week in order to prepare for the bone marrow transplant on Monday. After reading Kate's e-mail and since she is my inspiration for the marathon, there was just no way I could complain about about running 7 miles. Not at all.

The 7 miles went by quick, so much so that I ran further than 7 by mistake. Bring on the mileage. I'm ready.

Run in Snow Boots?

So does this mean I should run my 6 miles tomorrow and my 5 miles on Sunday in snow boots? Is it spring yet?

This Week's Mileage

Happy 2011!

This is what I'm looking at for this week. I've already done the 4, the 3, the rest, and the 3. I've got another rest and then some longer runs ahead of me and of course the forecast is snow. After a ton of Christmas cake and holiday celebrating, exercise wasn't feeling as effortless as it used to. When I started running again, it was after about a year of rest. I did a triathlon in July, but didn't end up training for it the way I should. My three mile run felt really good today, which makes me feel a little more positive about the end of the week.

Let's hope the weather cooperates (or the plows are super efficient)!