Look at this ol' guy giving it his all during the last leg of the race. He was so cute. It is just amazing to me that someone his age was running in a marathon. Actually, among the 40,000 participants, I was surprised at how many people over the age of 50 that were running. I even saw a couple, definitely in their 70s, holding hands while they ran. I was so moved when I saw that, I teared up a little--it was just unbelievable. I was already feeling worthless as it was in my hungover state from Halloween the night before, and this was the icing on the cake. Thank you, New York, for making me feel like a lazy piece of shit.
Some runners got into the Halloween spirit and ran in costumes. This firefighter outfit was pretty cool, but I couldn't believe someone would run an entire marathon in that thing. I guess the 26.2 miles alone wasn't enough of a challenge for him.
So, I've been saying for the last couple years that I am going to sign up for the NYC Marathon, but it just hasn't happened yet. The most I have ever run at one time is 10 miles, and while that ain't nuthin' compared to running a marathon, I think I could do it.Think I should do it? Would you? Who has ran one already? C'mon, hit me with some comments and get me pumped up here!
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You can do it! I ran my first marathon in Nashville last year- I had never been a runner before-- I went from no running to a marathon in 9 months! Look online for a Hal Higdon training program-Let me know if you have any questions about anything!
ReplyDeleteThanks Ashley! Oh my gosh, so you ran the Nashville marathon? I heard it was SO hard because of all the crazy inclines. Did you do the one that has live music playing throughout? I've been saying I'd run that race for years, too! ha. I'll check out that training program...what did you like about it? I also heard of a book called "Run less, Run faster." The title alone is quite appealing. haha. This guy I met SWEARS by it. Basically you run only three times a week (short run, middle run, long run), and then bike/swim/elliptical train the other days to keep up your endurance. The idea is to work really hard when you do run without breaking your body down. I definitely like THAT idea!
ReplyDeleteEllen, I haven't done a full marathon but I have done 13.1 miles with almost no training at all. My longest training run was 6 miles and I was really nervous (Napa to Sonoma is no small feat- very hilly but rolling so not as hard as say the Nike Women's marathon in San Fran). I was a runner in high school and was injured most of the time because I ran DAILY. I was even told if I continued to run I would end up with screws in my ankle. However, since doing the elliptical and bike and adding weights to the routine with a day of rest, I have really been able to run farther, faster and with little to no pain. I plan on doing another 1/2 in Boston next year and am very excited about it. The adrenaline really gets you through it and the competitive spirit you have will help!
ReplyDeleteEllen, You can totally do it. It is more mental than physical so you just have to tell yourself you can do it and you will. Besides the feeling after you finish is amazing and in NYC the feeling on first ave doesn't compare to any other. If you need help or a plan let me know, marathons are my specialty! Oh and you scared me so I had to checked, the lottery is open until March 5th. If you still want to run and don’t get in, there a bunch of great local marathons. I can also suggest a few other good ones for your first time. Crowd support is key at least the first time so you want to try to find one where the locals come out in force. Keep me posted on what you decide to do and if you have any questions!
ReplyDeleteHey, Jess! OMG, I miss you!!! Thanks for the support! Sorry to scare you about the lottery admission...I think my brain was a little foggy this am. My brain read NOVEMBER 5th instead of March 25th. Haha. It's good that I've got a little time to think about it, although I don't think there's much to THINK about...I need to just do it! I will def be in touch with you. Hope all is well :)
ReplyDeleteLord, there I did it again...OK, MARCH 5. five. Cinco. The deadline MARCH 5th!!! haha
ReplyDeleteYou can do it! I am not a runner, but my Dad still runs distance races at 59 (well, he was 58 the last time he ran a distance race because he turned 59 a few weeks ago, but you get the idea). I think if you have a cause, that sometimes helps. I know someone who ran her first half marathon in San Fran (the Women's marathon referenced above) and she trained with Team in Training. I believe there is some controversy as to their training techniques, so do your research (sounds like you have plenty of great sources). As much as you seem to enjoy fitness, it could be a good motivator for you.
ReplyDeleteI am happy to be a spectator. Cheering people on and making silly signs is more my cup of tea.
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Impressive, LIS! Any desire to go the full 26.2 miles one day???
ReplyDeleteAnd Shannon, I have heard about TIT. It is a bit intimidating, don't know if I would do it. But I DO like the idea of running for a cause. You're right, I definitely need motivation!!!
Elle, want to do the Nashville Half Marathon with me?!? It's April 24th. I haven't signed up but I'm also trying to convince myself because I've always wanted to!!
ReplyDeleteI had the EXACT same response when I watched the Pittsburgh Marathon last spring. I saw runners of every shape and size and every age, too and I was fighting back tears! It's so inspirational and it definitely gave me some motivation to run my first race - a 5K - in September. It's addicting! I'm running a 5 mile on Turkey Day and maybe the Pittsburgh Half in May!!
ReplyDeleteOh wow, good for you twentyfifth! Now YOU'RE inspiring me!!!
ReplyDeleteAnd Molls, yes, let's just DO IT. Less talk, more action. Let's chat about the details this week!
Hey Ellen! I ran the Chicago Marathon a few years ago and it was AWESOME! Really flat and lots of spectators to cheer you on. I also did it with Team In Training. It was great to have a group to run with during my long, Saturday runs. Do it!
ReplyDeleteHi Haley! I FLAT course...I like the sound of that!! haha. Good for you! I'm going to look into TIT...might need the motivation!
ReplyDeleteellen, you and molly should definitely do the music city marathon on nashville-it is awesome. i mean, i am NOT speaking from personal experience (other than meeting my friends who ran that day out to celebrate with a lot of beer) but still...a girl i knew a couple years ago NEVER worked out and started training about 7 months before the half marathon and did it very successfully. i am cheering for you!!!
ReplyDeleteThanks, MA!! If I do it, will you bring a pony keg and squirt beer into my mouth every two miles?? ;)
ReplyDeleteEllen, I thought I was totally caught up on your blog, but I just found this post! You should definitely do a marathon! I'll run with you anytime in Central Park :). I'm using Hal Higdon's training plan for the Phoenix marathon in Jan and it's great - totally agree with Ashley!
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