64.8

64.8

That's the number of racing miles I logged in one month--from October 25 to November 26. It was quite an exciting running month and I'm so happy to have run through it healthy.

The [official] training started back at the beginning of June before school year 2008-2009 had finished. I decided that since I had entered the New York City Marathon lottery I should start getting in shape in case the unheard of happened, aka my number came up in the lottery. I wasn't feeling so hopeful about it since it was my third year entering the NYC lottery. So, figuring that I was biding my time until the NYRRC had to let me in on my 4th year (their policy), I would pick a marathon to run this fall. My brother who was on a true health and fitness campaign seemed like an ideal candidate to persuade into running a fall marathon with. (You can read about his exploits and his awesome cooking on his blog!) He hasn't always been an avid runner (read: didn't really like running growing up), but I pitched the idea to him. And he didn't say no. Which to me, is all systems go. :)

So, we looked at the race calendar and thought that the Philadelphia Marathon would be a great marathon to train for. And then, while in Oklahoma, I sealed the deal when in a moment of spontaneity (probably before Jon had fully committed to this idea) I signed us up.... Race day was set: Sunday, November 22, 2009.

Somewhere in between all systems go and registering for the Philly Marathon I found out that miracle of miracles, my number came up in the NYC marathon lottery! I was in!!! Race day was set: Sunday, November 1, 2009.

So, to put the calendar together thus far:

Sunday, November 1, 2009: NYC Marathon (26.2 miles)

Sunday, November 22, 2009: Philly Marathon (26.2 miles)

That meant that a lot of training had to happen in between. Training happened in earnest for me a lot this summer in the Oklahoma heat. It was a beautiful setting for running: Chickasaw National Recreation Area and it helped me lay the foundation for my running this fall. I loved it. I will not rehash my running exploits, but you can read about them on my Ranger Amy blog--a healthy mix of my time as a National Park Ranger and as a runner. :)

The training continued this fall and proved to be a great outlet to a lot of the upheaval that was happening with the new school year. The miles helped me to process all that was going on. The first official "race" of the year for me was at the end of the September with the DCRRC National Capital 20 Miler in Alexandria, VA. I really was running it as a training run, just happy to have someone to run the 20 miles with, especially in the still sticky Virginia/DC heat--even if they were complete strangers. The race went well and ended on a high note when I ran into a friend at mile 18 who was just starting out on her own 22 mile run.

The following weekend we went to visit my parents (who live outside of Annapolis) and I had what became a 15 mile run (down from it's original 18 mile goal) on the B&A Trail. The following week Jon and I ran 12 miles through Boston together. I loved our run together because it gave us an opportunity to run together (obviously), talk, and to see Boston together.....and boy was he on fire!!!! Jon was smokin' on our run!

Before I knew it, it was Sunday, October 25 and my first fall race was before me. It was the Marine Corps 10K. I had hoped to be at Lauren and Chris' wedding in Austin, TX, but just couldn't swing all the time off with my November schedule. So, the 10K seemed like a good idea. I liked the idea of a practice run before my marathon the following weekend. The race was beautiful and fast. I felt good when I crossed the finish line and ready for my next race: NYC!

The week leading up to the marathon was one of full fledge worry....I ate Vitamin C like I was self-treating scurvy. I used hand sanitizer constantly. I avoided people with any water eyes, nasal drippage, or if they were even holding a kleenex. By Saturday morning, when we boarded the train, I was a wreck from excitement, nervousness, and germaphobia.

I was so gung ho about getting to the expo that I barely ate lunch. Table? No, we were getting our lunch to go. Mark and I gobbled our sandwiches on a street corner while hailing a cab in Little Italy. Soooooooooo excited!!!! The expo was oustanding...the shirt cool...everything about it was just what I wanted it to be!

And then, we got to meet my brother at the Bolt Bus corner! Wooohooo! We were complete! I was so honored that he took the bus down from Boston to see me run! Yahoooo!!!!

We headed to Little Italy for of course, a pasta dinner!!! Yum! Yum! And thanks Jon to treating us!!! :)

That night was of course, spent tossing about, checking the alarm clock, and getting up to go to the bathroom (a side effect of the great hydration I had done!). And before I knew it was time! Let my journey to the start line commence!

I first took a taxi from our hotel to the Staten Island Ferry terminal. Waited for my departure time.
Took a "cruise" on the State Island Ferry.


Took the a bus from the ferry terminal on Staten Island to Fort Wadsworth, the holding grounds for the runners.

Then, around 10 am we finally were herded into our respective corrals and made our way to the start line! Before I knew it, the gun went off and I was running! It was cool to run right past the turnpike toll gates and right onto the Verranzano Bridge. It was awesome! People and skyline for as far as the eye could see!!!

I really enjoyed the race. I could not imagine it being my first marathon and almost feel sorry for those people whose first marathon it was! I don't know how you could top it! Water stations at every mile. People cheering every step along the way!!! It was such a rush! How cool to always want to see what was next--who was around the next corner ready to cheer. Just awesome.

I didn't find my brother and Mark until Mile 15--we had missed each other at Mile 8 (go figure with all the people!). I was so excited when I finally spotted them!!!


I hit a wall at mile 18 and then again at mile 22. But going into Central Park was a shot of revitalization---that and a playlist change to my Chicksaw Running Mix. I couldn't have timed it better---as I began mile 26 on came the Black Eyed Peas "I Gotta A Feelin'" my fall 2009 theme song. I felt like I was cranking it out, when in actuality it put me back on my 1o minute mile pace. I crossed the finish line exhausted but so happy.

I'm not sure I will run NYC again but boy was it cool to do once. What a great, great race! The Big Apple certainly didn't disappoint. Thanks to everyone for their support!


Stay tuned for Part 2 to learn about the other half of my running exploits this past month!