New York, Check!!!

[IronGoddess]

I once foolishly said to my family of marathoners that I would only run one marathon and it would be New York. So that year I put my name into the lottery, didn't get in and decided to do Nike women's Marathon in San Fran instead. But each year I continued to put my name in and get rejected and foolishly sign up for other marathons. So when my chance came up this year I was excited but nervous, I always do big events with my girls and for this I was 'alone'. But I sucked it up and trained very differently for my fourth marathon. I joined a new group, had an amazing new coach and did long runs on my own ( which was actually really nice ). I survived my training in excellent shape, thanks to 30 min every damn night with the foam roller, stretching and core work not to mention regular visits to my chiro and RMT.

We arrived in NYC on Thursday night but went out to check out Times Square and didn't make it back to our hotel until about 1:30. I was so excited to get to the Expo, I was up at 7:00. We were there by 10:00 and it was a zoo but a well organized zoo. Number pick up was easy, I spent about an hour shopping. Of course I needed the jacket and Garmin had the 910xt for 299. so that came home. Anyone want a 310, I have used one in great shape for sale. So Friday was spend wandering around finding out where the library was and seeing a few sights. Saturday we drove to Philly, DH had some business, so that was fine I sat all day playing co pilot and sleeping. Dinner was the most amazing pizza and then to bed. I actually slept very well and woke up so excited but worried about the wind.

I made a decision to wear a long sleeved base layer, then my maple leaf short sleeved shirt, and gloves. I left my visor, and sunglasses and later really wished I had the glasses. I was worried about the long sleeved shirt because I had never run in it for more then 15km but I grabbed my body glide and carried it in my pocket for the whole race, just in case. DH walked me up to the library for my 6:30ish bus and that all went well. I got to Statin Island by 7:30 and found a tent and sat with my new friend from Spain. I actually had a very nice time chatting with her and we are now Facebook friends. So I went to my corral and pulled off all my extra layers and walked to the lower level of the bridge and got started. Funny at this point I was all business, I didn't feel nervous or scared just ready to go.

Once the gun sounded we were off. Nothing like starting on an incline with cold legs and 45 mph wind gusts blowing you into other runners. All I could do was laugh. I used this time to warm up and actually went very slow. By 8k my legs were warm and I was already to 'keep moving forward', the crowds were amazing and before I knew it I was at the half. I was right on my target and I actually remember thinking darn halfway already. The entire race was amazing the sights, crowds, everything. I felt so strong right up until the last incline heading into Central Park, my stomach went from happy to angry so quickly. I did not think it would be ok to vomit on Park Ave. so I let myself wak for 2 mins and luckily my guts settled enough to let me get back on track and finish strong.

There is nothing like finishing a marathon. But to finish NYC feeling so strong just added to the amazement. Not once did I feel whiny, or weak. I felt powerful and strong for 42.2 km and I may not have a PB to show, ( it was soooo close) but I really am going to call this race a Personal Best, because I ran this marathon the best I ever have.

Thanks to all the maniacs who supported me through out training and on race day. I carried you all in my heart and felt the power of orange.

[chunkymonkeymelonhed]

There is nothing like finishing a marathon. But to finish NYC feeling so strong just added to the amazement. Not once did I feel whiny, or weak. I felt powerful and strong for 42.2 km and I may not have a PB to show, ( it was soooo close) but I really am going to call this race a Personal Best, because I ran this marathon the best I ever have.

Thanks to all the maniacs who supported me through out training and on race day. I carried you all in my heart and felt the power of orange.

THIS is awesome. Congrats to you Kendra. You trained so well and I am so happy that you had such a stellar race. To feel powerful and strong for 42.2k? Priceless!!!!!!!!

[marymac442]

Glad you had a great race, like you mine wasn't a PB but I had the "best time"

[Spirit Unleashed]

thanks for the report.

[purdy65]

Great report! Congratulations! I'm glad that you were able to make it to the 'Big Show'! NYC was my very first marathon 7 years ago, and I still remember it like it was yesterday.

Rest up and let us know what is next up!

[Jwolf]

Congratulations Kendra! I was following along last week and I was putty sure you'd be happy with the time. I'm glad you had such a good experience overall.

[Habs4ever]

Great report! Congratulations on a "best time".

[IronColl]

Congratulations on finishing and having a wonderful experience!

[Hammie]

Congratulations! New York is a really mind-blowing experience. Between the course itself and all the logistics, I think it's a much tougher marathon than most. Great job!

[RA.]

Sounds like it was a great experience all together! Congrats!

[La]

Congrats!

New York is a really mind-blowing experience. Between the course itself and all the logistics, I think it's a much tougher marathon than most. Great job!

I'd agree with that!

[HCcD]

Congratulations, on conquering the Big Apple Marathon, Kendra...

Eta: What's next? Mickey Mouse? Goofy and/or Dopey, perhaps??

[MikeM]

Congrats on the race and excellent report! Between the logistics of the day and the windy conditions, that's an impressive performance. It really is an amazing experience, isn't it.

[IronGoddess]

Andy, Dopy challenge is on the bucket list. I have to convince DH the kids are all in.

[Ken B]

Excellent report. Congratulations on a great race!

[Robinandamelia]

That's terrific, glad you had a good time on a rough day! Nice work out there.