So I’m a marathoner. Yesterday, I ran the NYC Marathon, my first-ever marathon. I am so sore and so very happy. It’s such an overwhelming race. I can’t imagine how it must feel to come to NYC for the very first time to run it. I knew where I was about 60% of the time and still felt totally lost and small in the giant scheme of this 55,000-person experience.
Here’s how the day went down.
Pre-Race
I woke up at 5:30am. I went to bed at 8:30pm the night before (and gained an hour due to daylight savings time). So despite the early wake up, I was well rested. I ate a RX Bar and packed some Chia Health Warrior bars for the commute. I got dressed and Matt and I met our friend Jon in a cab near our house. We got to South Ferry Station around 6:50am. We technically signed up for the 6:45am ferry time, but there is literally no way to check ferry assignments at the station. It’s basically a tool for people management but it is not enforced at all. Not even attempted. Think of it as a polite, light suggestion.
Oh you know, just 5 days until the NYC marathon. Here’s how I’m feeling, Harry Potter-style. Practically speaking, if you want to track me (or anyone) here’s the link to do so. You just need a name. If you’re looking for general info on the race, I created a page dedicated to the NYC marathon where you’ll find resources including maps, great places to cheer and so much more.
Need even more? ESPN posted this excellent guide about running in NYC.
How did week 17 go? Well I ate everything within arms reach and then I moved over to eat whatever I couldn’t get to the first time. Life post-marathon training needs to have fewer trips to the office vending machine. A day with zero cookies will feel like a detox. In other news, I’ve had some toenail injuries (overshare?) but I think it’s all sorted. Anyone else dealt with that?
On the first week of taper, my true love gave to me:
Most training plans include a tapering period 2-3 weeks before a marathon. This means you run less, and slow the eff down in fitness and ideally in life. The theory is the work is done, your strength and endurance are built and it’s too late to try to work on speed. Now it’s time to relax and get/be healthy. The goal is straightforward: Show up to the marathon well-rested and eager to run.
I’ve heard the taper can make you go crazy. Some dub the moody response some runners have “Taper Tantrums.” I figured I’d have some issues here, but it’s not what I predicted. I expected to feel the desire to run more than I was permitted to and to feel frustrated and nervous about the lack of mileage, but au contraire. All I want to do is sit on the couch, forget running, take some naps and eat pretzel croissants from City Bakery. (I’m averaging three a week. Too much?)
I ran 4 miles yesterday at a 10-minute per mile pace (on the slow side for me) and it was a workout, not a casual jaunt in the park. Everything feels HARD. I’m still sore from the 21 mile run. Which was like, 10 days ago. So I’d say things are going only OKAY. I feel DONE.
Good morning! Let’s kick things off with some great things written by other people.
The things you’ll find on the internet. Evidently there is a secret Facebook group called “the Missing Chins Run Club.” Its 52 members have lost over 4,000 pounds through running and nutrition changes. I think that’s pretty cool.
Got race-day jitters? Cool me too. Robin Arzon, an epic spin instructor at Peloton and impressive runner has some tips on tapering and racing.
I love sports movies and I’m very excited to watch some of the films recommended by Race Pace Jess on her list of running movies to watch while you taper. Anyone with me?
Week 15 recap
