Stretch It Out

You think when you train for a marathon, you're in shape. Wrong. I went to yoga for the first time in months, and man it was tough. A gentle reminder to take a bit more time to stretch every day!

I also did something crazy today... put my name in the lottery for the Philadelphia Marathon. I probably won't get in, but I was starting to feel like I had jipped myself by not trying to find another marathon to run after training so long. The Philadelphia Marathon opened up a special lottery just for NYC Marathons, so maybe I'll get one of those 3,000 spots!

Seriously, if nothing else, this experience has taught me that runners are pretty great people. Nearly every marathon around the US, from Texas to California to Philadelphia, has made special arrangements for displaced-would-be New Yorkers. Discounted registration, registration proceeds going to the Red Cross, even free registration just by showing your NY bib number. Philadelphia has been sold out, but they decided to open up space--- hopefully I'm lucky enough to get in 2 marathons with 2 different lotteries! Not holding my breath, but it would be great!

Now for a fun street shot... seriously, only in NYC:

Run Stats: No run, just yoga today.

The Day After

On what was supposed to be the day after the NYC Marathon, a run through Central Park. The marathon signs are in the process of being taken down, but the 25 and 26 mile marker as well as the finish line are still there. It was important for me to run up to the finish line, take a moment to reflect on training, Sandy, and the marathon that didn't happen, and then to run away with more resolve to keep running until I DO get to run the marathon I've wanted to do and waited to run for so long.

Even though I had tears in my eyes, I celebrate what this experience has given me:

I celebrate being in great shape.

I celebrate being able to run 20 miles.

I celebrate the early morning discipline I've learned.

I celebrate the clear thinking my runs give me.

I celebrate NYC.

Morning run: Out the door at 7:15, 5.15 miles, 50:45 (didn't stop watch when I stopped to take a picture)