A parade of nations kicked off the marathon weekend on Friday. Excitement penetrated the air while Audrey and I watched from the bleachers. My left leg was beginning to hurt more as I sat so I propped it up on the seat in front of me.
The day before the marathon, we went back to the Expo. We took it somewhat easy because we wanted to be rested for Sunday.
MARATHON DAY
Our wake up call was 4:30 a.m. on marathon Sunday. After a quick brekky We walked to the New York City Public Library to catch the bus to Staten Island. I had a quick nap on the bus. I was so tired. The ride was about 45 minutes.
Time flew by quickly as we waded through and with the crowds on Stanton island. I was getting really super nervous. I think I visited the toilet five times before we started running. Others were much more prepared than we were. It was so bloody cold.
At 9:30 or so we went to our corral where there was another toilet (thankfully). I thought I was going to puke with nerves. By the time we made it to the starting gates, I was settled and ready to run.
I was surrounded by people from all different countries and nationalities. Truly inspiring. A lady beside me carried a handheld video camera and others were busy snapping photos.
I wanted to enjoy every moment so I left my camera at the hotel.
GO
I set off in an easy pace. From Staten Island, we ran over the Verarzano-Narrows suspension bridge through to Brooklyn. This is the largest suspension bridge in the United States. It’s also the bridge that’s featured in those ubiquitous New York marathon photos.
A few people stopped to take pics on the bridge. I tried to stay on the outside and avoid the tossing of sweaters and jackets. I had this outrageous fear that I would be the first person to fall off the bridge while running the marathon.
As we came off the bridge, we were greeted with large and boisterous Brooklyn crowds. Spectators High-5ed us and waved clever signs. I was so moved. I felt wonderful.
For the next three miles we were in Queens. The crowds were just as boisterous. At the half-marathon mark, I began to think about the next half of the race. I knew I was almost there. I just had to keep my head into the marathon.
HERE WE GO
I think it was at mile 16 or 18 when my left leg started to feel heavy. Up until this point, I stopped at every other water station. I decided to walk the remainder of the stations to give my ailing limb a break. There were countless tossed cups everywhere. The ground was sticky. I wouldn’t be surprised if someone took a nose dive. Fortunately it wasn’t me.
HUG IT OUT
I’m not sure which mile but at one point I needed a pick me up because I started to doubt my finish. I spotted firefighters lined up in front of one of the stations. They were clapping and cheering. I ran by the first firefighter and gave him a big hug. Then I high-5ed the rest and kept on running. Shortly after, a guy with a Brooklyn accent ran up to me and said, “you sure made those firefighters’ day.” Bahhha!
I struggled on the third bridge. (We ran 5 bridges on the course.) There were no crowds and it was cold. My feet hurt and the runners beside me were incredibly quiet. I couldn’t wait to get off the bridge. I was thankful for the crowds when we did see them again.
TO THE FINISH
I kept running but my pace was getting gradually slower and slower. If you were to look at my pace chart you will see exactly where it all went down hill. By mile 21, I was walking quite a bit. I had enough but I knew I had to finish strong. I has to finish.
I think the last 300 metres were the toughest. It took everything in me to run strong to the finish line with a smile on my face. I hugged the guy on the other side. I just wanted to cry. Okay I cried a little. Thank Buddha for sunglasses. I can’t believe I had just run a marathon. And I felt great (except my left leg).
My official time was 4:23. You know I wanted to hit the 4 hour mark but I am totally okay with my time. I just ran a marathon.
Thank you, New York.