Wow, I am really here! Gotta race over to the Expo center to pick up a cheap rainsuit-forgot to get one yesterday! And rain is in the forcast!
Met Grete Waitz yesterday and got her autograph. Two months ago if you asked me who she was as an athlete I would have not even known of her! But now, as an official marathoner, I am in the know! The nice guy at the Asics booth let me into the last spot in the line. Actually, the line had closed but I just started talking to him about the free sports bar I had just picked up at another booth. I had no idea the line had closed until he told the next person. I thought to myself that this is a good omen for the marathon!
Had to walk about 45 minutes to the expo center and by the time I got home, my right hip was screaming! I thought a short workout would help but it just made it worse. Sleepless night with the pain and will seek our Justin Whittiker who is here working with the elite athletes. Family arrived in the middle of the night and need to balance time with them and getting ready for this marathon. Currently, just want to be able to walk pain free.
Read some blogs that water stations start folding up after the main group of runners come through the stations. Tried to talk the race organizers into an earlier start time but had no luck. The look on the race organizer staff's face was priceless when I explained that I had a stroke and need to assure that I have access to gatorade and water! I think he thought that I had just had a stroke since signing up for the race! He assured me that the neighborhood folks stay out and make sure everyone is supported. Thanks but not really what I wanted to hear. So, I will packing lots of gatorade with me!
After finishing the book "A Race Like no Other" on the flight to New York, I am very excited and scared to death. After reading it, I am so excited to meet the "neighbors", listen to the bands and likely create some friendships with other runners. I am trying to connect with a 6:00 hour informal pace group but they do start ahead of me so not sure how that will work.
The book has brought the reality of the difficult moments of the race. Especially, after leaving the Bronx and heading uphill back into Manhatten. And I know how deceptive Central Park can be to runners. It has lots of hills that have you going up and down. And an uphill at the finish...ughh! But I just hope I make it there to even try attempting a finish. I should have asked Gatorade for a sponsorship as I talk and dream about it non-stop! And Jay Harris at ESPN, I hope you are reading this. Remember you told me to contact you and I need that coverage for stroke prevention and women! Off to find a fabric marker for my shirt!
Gotta go...family up and moving at 2pm!
Katie
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