Lucky me...I just got my NY Marathon registration form stating; Start time 10:40am (Last wave-right in front of the sweeper truck!), Corral #63(just like a cattle herd) and assigned to the Green wave(bottom deck of the bridge). Now, if you have been a neurotic obsessed first time marathoner like me than you know what all this means as you have read every blog, discussion board, etc. about this marathon. In case you don't, it means I got into the last wave start of the marathon which has the Elite runners starting at 9:40am. It also means I am on the lower deck where the possibility of someone urinating on me is nearly 100%! Yep, states on the NYRR discussion board that pee is a major issue on the lower deck. Seems those runners on the top deck just have to go and do so right over those of us on the lower deck! And if the wind is blowing, we are really in trouble as a mist could form across the lower deck! Okay, that is me exaggerating but I bet it is true! Most posts suggest wearing a garbage bag if you are on the lower deck and trying to huddle into the middle section to avoid being by a side. I can't wait!
I read that it can get quite chilly on the bridge too. The race instructions state you should try and discard any heavy clothing you don't want before going to the start so it can be given to charity. But between the cold and need to cover from my fellow urinating upper deck marathoners, I needed another plan! Last night I reached into my Goodwill bag I had ready for a donation and pulled out a bright green pullover. It had been an emotional parting with it a few days earlier as I tossed it to the Goodwill bin but I was ready. It was one of the first tops I bought post stroke. See, no one really warns you that you may have difficulty dressing when you get home from a stroke. They do tell you about this challenge but until you are alone trying to dress, you don't really get it. No longer could I button my tops work or zip my jeans! I distinctly remember going to the store with my husband and 11 year old daughter and splurging on new "stretch athletic wear" that I lived in for the next several months. It did give me independence at the time but it this green top had become such a reminder of those days. Anyhow, as I looked at it crumbled in the bag last night, I thought what a perfect send off for it as I embark on my marathon. Thus, it will travel with me to the NY Marathon and keep me warm while on the bridge and I will ceremoniously toss it to the wind as I set sail across the start of my 26.2 mile journey! While it won't go directly to charity, I think that it will land where someone will fine a good use for it.
I should mention my training run yesterday. Only 3.5 miles at a steady pace. As I reflect back several months it is quite astonishing training run as I could not go that far without stopping in June 2009! Time to toss the top and move on! Good luck training to all my fellow National Stroke Association team members. Look for me in the old green top in the Green wave running with the garbage bag around my body! Wishing you an orange or blue start time!
Kate
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