The day before

Less than 24 hours until the race. I can't believe it's actually here! I'm definitely nervous, but also very excited. There will close to 15,000 runners, and likewise I'm sure lots of spectators. Today is a high of 75, and it is so hard to not go for a jog in the park. We didn't have training today, since we should be resting not running, but we did meet at Pershing Square Cafe, across from Grand Central, for coffee and breakfast. It was really nice to get together as a group and actually be able to have legit conversations, instead of chit chat between hill repeats. It's weird to see the same people you've seen in running clothes 2 times a week for the last 2 months wearing normal clothing (of course Coach Ben was in workout clothes, since he was going on a long bike ride post-breakfast in training for his upcoming duathlon....5 mi run+ 85 mi bike + 15 mi run. Oh my!)

After breakfast, I went down to the Expo. This is where every runner has to go by 5pm today to pick up their bib number and t-shirt. The t-shirts have the skyline of Manhattan on the front and it says "Run Through the Heart of it All." There were various booths set up selling energy gels, running gear, etc. As I mentioned before, the MS Society also had shirts made up for each runner, w/our names on the front. They re-ordered the women's shirts, since the long-sleeve ones ran extremely small. Last night we had a team pasta dinner at the MS Society office, and received our new shirts. I'm really happy the 2nd shirts are short-sleeved, since it'll be pretty warm out by the time I get running tomorrow. Unfortunately......the unisex sized shirts they ordered this time run HUGE. I got a small and it is gi-normous. Not entirely sure what to do, I definitely want to wear the shirt tomorrow, but it's just so baggy.

Tomorrow will be a very early day. Planning to wake up around 4:30, leave the house by 5, so that I can aim to be up by Central Park between 6 and 6:30. I have to have my bag checked (w/ dry clothes to put on at the finish) by 7 sharp, so want to allow plenty of time. Runners are put in corrals based on their bib #. When you register for the race you estimate your finishing time, and this is how they assign #s. 7:15 we have to start getting into corrals. Not to mention a good chunk of 15,000 people will also be waiting in line to use the port-a-potties prior to corraling. A good tip I learned is to wear a junky long-sleeve shirt for the start of the race. Since we are starting so early, it could be a bit chilly, but will definitely warm up quickly. A lot of runners will cut a little V in the neckline, then once you start running and are ready to shed a layer, rip of the shirt (Superman style) and toss it on the ground. After the race, the Road Runners club will sweep the ground and donate the clothing to charity....although now that I think about it, clothing ripped in half doesn't do much good, but it just sounds so much more fun than pulling it over your head like a normal human.

Will update on how the race goes later! Thanks again for everyone's support. Because of everyone's generosity, I have exceeded my fundraising goal and raised over $2,300! The MS Society team has collectively exceeded the goal of $40,000. Way to go!

The final week

Sorry it has been a while since i've posted. Things have been very busy lately. Anyways.....last week I was sick. Took Thursday off work, and missed out on my weekend running. It was the best weather we've had in a looong time. Tried to do an easy run last Saturday since it was so gorgeous out, but the exercise was aggravating my cough. I ended up just walking the majority of the 3.5 miles around the park, and wasn't able to do my long run last Sunday.

The longest training run we are doing leading up to the race is 11 miles. Monday I was feeling well enough to run at the gym, although running on the treadmill for that long is not fun. Jogged to the gym, did 9.5 miles on the treadmill, and jogged home. Tried my first Gu (energy gel) and it didn't taste nearly as bad as I expected it to. Did get a bit of a side stitch after, so might have to try walking for a bit or slurping it down more slowly on race day.

Tuesday night the MS team had a happy hour at which our team shirts were distributed. To say the women's shirts run a bit small would be an understatement. I tried my shirt on when I got home and the only way I can describe the fit is "olympic athlete" tight. While it might help shave 0.01 second off my finishing time, I'd rather be able to breathe. Luckily, they are going to re-order larger shirts for any ladies who need them. Friday night we are having a team pasta dinner, which should be fun. Definitely going to try and get as much sleep as possible this week.

Yesterday (saturday) was our last saturday training. We did a bunch of drills followed by some very light hill repeats. I almost didn't go since it was cold and rainy again, but luckily the major storm didn't hit until last night. Did about 5 miles in the park this morning, and saw at least 4 massive trees were down, blocking the road. Crossing my fingers for good weather next Sunday!