It’s been awhile
I’ve meant to post something much earlier. Since the last post, Iv’e run NYC and the LaPorte Half. This weekend, I will line up for the 30K in Sugar Land. The following is from my race synopsis. In general, no complaints from me. I’m moving quickly on this second lap around the world. This time, I may see the world. A bunch of us has signed up for Berlin in 2012. Ah yes, another summer of marathon training!
The races:
NYC Marathon
Running the NYC marathon has been a long time dream for me. I grew up in the area and remember vividly the likes of Bill Rogers and Grete Waitz winning this fall classic. Fred Lebow was a true character. With a thick accent, he exuded a vision and enthusiasm, which has left a distinct mark on the marathon scene. Back in 1982, I had the chance to stand at First Ave and 70th St and then move to Columbus Circle to see Grete Waitz and Alberto Salazar win. I’ve been denied entry through the lottery. But, last year, I was able to finally qualify. My dream had become reality.
The training started months ago. Again, it was difficult to train through the summer. The heat took a toll on me. I showed up to the start line with just one 20 miler in the tank. I kept up the weekly mileage, but I think the long run is more about building mental toughness than anything else.
The trip to NYC started well. Sadly, my original roommate had to back out due to injury. However, I picked up Chris Robbins. On my quest of completing the World Championship Marathon Series, Chris has been my roommate for the first three. It’s worked out. He doesn’t touch my beer and I restrain myself from the Mountain Dew. Also along for the trip were Virginia, Laura, Kerry, and Derek. We also met up with Laura Aguilar and her family.
The trip to NYC started on a good foot. Laura picked me up promptly. The plane ride was uneventful. And, the cab ride into the City was pretty good. We dropped our bags and then we were off to the Expo.
The Expo was OK. They were efficient on the bib pick-up and shirt give-away. Otherwise, I was not impressed with the Expo. I was disappointed in the souvenirs and marathon clothing. I did not want to linger too long. After all, standing around is almost as tough as running 26.2 miles
Friday night dinner was great. I love Italian food. We found a good place in Mid-town. It was family style eating, which I enjoy. It’s a great chance to sample a number of dishes. In NYC, they know what al dante means.
On Saturday, we headed up to Central Park to get a running preview of the finish. I was surprised at the hills. We ran the last couple of miles of the race. It was a great morning. The air was crisp, and you could smell fall in the air. After grabbing some food, we headed back out to see a Broadway Show. Laura made a great pick with “How to Succeed in Business”; fun musical with some great actors. After the show, it was a light dinner and early to bed.
Race morning! Kerry was kind enough to cook us breakfast. I had some pancakes and an egg. With the race starting at 9:40, it felt good to have a full breakfast. The bus ride went great. We waited maybe 5 minutes. Waiting in Staten Island was OK. The weather was ideal for a marathon. Temps in the 40s with a high in the 50s. Although I looked like the Marshmallow Man, I was happy that I wore the painter’s throw-away coveralls. They kept the cold out and I could sit on the grass without getting wet. I will have to say that the porta-pot lines were good. Getting in the corral an hour early was annoying and it negated the short porta-pot line. Then, they parade us to the start, where we waited for about another 20 or so minutes.
Boom! Frank Sinatra was singing. After two plus minutes, I hit the start line. The first mile was very slow. It was uphill on the Verrazano Narrows Bridge. It wasn’t the hill so much as the number of folks in front of me. Mile one was at a blistering 11 minute pace. Soon, I did start running well going downhill. Then, I almost did a face plant. If I tried, I could not do what I did. Someone throw off a sweat jacket. Incredibly, one foot went into one sleeve, and the other foot went into the other sleeve. I tried to kick it off, but no luck. Fortunately, I did not fall, but I had to stop to take off the sweat jacket. It seemed like this was the beginning of my destiny for today.
At mile 3, I’m moving well. We get to a water stop. I have a new earned respect for pulling into a NASCAR pit stop. As I grabbed my water, the volunteer in front of me stepped into the road to hand someone else water. I, of course, ran right into the water and got it all over myself. At this point, I’m still cold, and having a cup of cold water poured on me was not fun.
From mile 3 to 11, I’ve settled into a comfortable 8 to 8:15 pace. It’s not my day and I really had no goal in mind. .Apparently, I was pretty well hydrated. I had to find a stop near mile 11. There was a line for the porta-jon, and, I had to wait for a minute or so. I headed back out, and truly I don’t care. But, I’m back running an 8 minute mile.
Brooklyn was interesting. It was very old, and the crowds were out. As far as the course, it was the easiest section as well. Some rollers, but nothing bad. Entering into Williamsburg, you could feel the cold welcome by the Hasidic Jewish community. It went from screaming crowds to dead silence. But there was some irony. On one corner there was a Jewish couple cheering us on. They truly stood out.
Half the race is in Brooklyn. Finally, we crossed the Pulaski Bridge and headed into Queens. We are in Queens for about 2 or so miles. Lady luck was not shining on me. I felt some chafing and wanted to get some Vaseline. I made a big mistake. Instead of seeing the folks with Vaseline on a stick, I stepped into the Medical Tent to find the Vaseline. It’s kind of like being a roach, “once you check-in….. “ They wanted to know what was wrong with me and they wanted to take my vitals. After a minute or so, I signed a waiver and then I was back on the road. This happened right before the 59th Street Bridge.
The 59th Street Bridge is a breaking point for good reason. It is one long, slow climb. Trying to make up time was a bad idea. I charged up and down pretty well. The bridge empties out to First Avenue. And, it lived up to its hype. The crowds were at least 6 deep on First Ave.. My brother and nephew were at about mile 16.5. I was running OK. I was trying to look good for them. After mile 17, the wheels were coming off. I took one of many walking breaks. From mile 18 to 20, it was a mix of running and walking.
When I got in the Bronx, there was a guy yelling on the Willis Bridge that “walking is not allowed in the Bronx”. Well, if some guy in the Bronx tells you to run, then you run! I felt good running through the Bronx. The crowd support was great, and it was flat. We turned south and entered Harlem. I also enjoyed Harlem. The people there are great.
After mile 22, it was over; I just did not want to run anymore. I was tired and I was getting bored. I saw a few folks that I knew and I would run up to them to wish them well. But, I could not keep going. I caught up to Chris Mc’Grew at mile 24. I ran for about 30 seconds with him, and then I let him go. But, I started to feel good again.
The end caught me by surprise. The last 3/4 of a mile was a slow grind uphill. And, I was whopped. Finally, I’m back into Central Park and the finish line. My official time was a 4:06. Not my proudest moment. But, I set off in Staten Island and I finished back in Manhattan in Central Park. I had no serious pain. In my book, and at this time of my running career, I was good with another marathon finish.
After the finish, the walk to the exit and baggage claim was awful. It was a narrow path and about a half mile plus walk at a slow pace. It was truly the worse part of the race. I felt OK; I just wanted to head back to the hotel. But, I was stuck with the crowd going at a slow shuffle.
After getting my bag, it was good to see Kerry’s face. We walked to a subway station. And, we were able to ride free back to the hotel. I caught up with my brother, and then we all headed out to dinner.
We went to Little Italy for some serious Italian food. Afterwards, we went to Ferrera’s Bakery to get a cannoli. Later that night, I met up Laura Aguilar and her husband for a couple of cold beers. It was a good time.
It was dream come true or me. NYC does have some logistics to it. And, the course is a difficult one. However, the international flavor makes it special and running through the five boroughs is wonderful. My favorite part was the run through the Bronx and Harlem. While growing up, you get cold and prejudiced. It’s part of our nature to survive. Running on Sunday, I realized what wonderful people there are in the Bronx and Harlem. It feels good to have my eyes opened.
My fellow BARCers all ran well. PRs for Virginia and Laura B. And, Chintan set like a 30 minute PR. Chris and Laura A ran solid. For my friends that were along for the ride with me, thanks for keeping me out of jail and on track. Without you, I may still be wandering around the Village.
December 4, 2011 LaPorte Half
I had some hopes of getting back under the 1:40 mark. But, the weather was not in my favor today, nor was my right leg. Something bad is going on with it. It took over five miles before I started to feel OK. I did take it out quick with a 7:20 and a 7:33 first couple of miles. From there, I struggled the next 4 miles to even being under an 8 minute pace.
As for the weather, it was dramatically different from last year. The temps this year were at 70F with 100% humidity. I still felt that I had a shot at going under a 1:40. Last year, we had a cold northern wind. This year, the wind was out of the south.
First mile was OK. My leg was not feeling good, but I was moving along. Mile two was a struggle. And in my mile three, it got real bad. At mile five we hit the bridge. Jess Scott caught me here. I ran with her going up the hill. Pace was not real good. We were running about an 8:20 or so. After reaching the top, I took off and ran my best mile of the day. The flat mile around the marina was another good one for me I was feeling good at this point. I just needed to go back up the bridge and run to the finish.
The next climb over the bridge was tough. It was tough on everyone. I could barely run a 9:15 going up. Incredible! I’ve run up and down the bridge on tired legs a lot faster than a 9:15. When I passed Jess again, I thought she was done for the day. Once again, I scampered down the hill. At mile 12, I was tiring a little. But, I was still able to keep the pace under an 8. Jess came back and passed me near the end.
In all, not a great performance race for me. A lot of people suffered on the course. But, I felt OK aerobically. I just could not get my leg going in the early part. The warm up was good. But, it just was not meant to happen.
