Pre-Race Day!!!!

Okay, no turning back now. Despite terrible hip pain, I am going to try this marathon! I feel like I have entered into a new world. The excitement in the city is noticable and 42,000 marathon runners are on the streets! Slept in today until about 10am and went for a 2 mile jog with Carmen who has been my running partner throughout this training. I feel like I needed to test the leg and it did hurt but got a little bit better as we proceeded along our route. We jogged up to Central Park and back to the hotel hoping to see a glimpse of the finish area. It all seem daunting to me and I tried not to think about it!

When I sawJustin Whittiker today, I knew I was in another world when I entered the Hilton. This is the headquarter hotel for the marathon and it was full of short, sleek people! The bronze medal winner for the 10,000 meter walked into the room while Justin was working on my hip. She chatted away that she was not running the marathon but would be "studying it" which prompted me to ask why? She had as assignment to watch the Elite runners and how they performed in parts of the course.???? I guess they want to rate the course or something! Anyhow, as I was leaving I ran into Ryan Hall who is in contention to win the marathon. As a middle age stroke survivor I was actually beginning to see myself as part of this whole marathon experience! But first I needed to just be able to walk!

By mid afternoon, I had not eaten a decent meal so I met Matt on 5th Avenue and we had lunch at the Armani Cafe. David had told us it was casual but as we arrived on the 3rd floor to a swanky room of black and grey decor, I stood out like a sore thumb in my running attire. As Matt looked at me, he said "Well, at least you are wearing the right colors".  Anyhow had my fill of rosotto and felt I had crossed one more task off the pre-race day of hydrate, eat, see doctor, etc! The next thing I knew it was time to meet my National Stroke Association team members at restaurant Sambuca.

It was exciting to connect with some other stroke survivors but it was not really the time or place to connect except for the marathon. We had a lovely dinner and chatted with a gentleman who had run some 25 plus marathons. Thus, we got some tips and he alleviated nagging fears of no water at stations, etc. It was the National Stroke Association inagural event at the marathon and I think it has potential to be quite a fundraiser for the organization in the future. I think our group raised nearly $100,000.00 which is impressive to me.

Now it is pre-race evening. Sorting through the clothing, fuel, phone and watch. Fumbled with the electronic tracking device for my shoe but discovered by going online for more information that the piece that I was missing was an optional piece that may or may not be included! The print instructions did not state that it was optional! Wondering if the old hip will hold up tomorrow. What happens when I hit 20 miles and have to go another 6.2! Will I hydrate well enough? What if I don't make it-how will I feel. Yeah, I know it is unbelievable to be here but my competitive side wants to finish too! I have worked so hard to get here. Although, I must admit that I never thought that I would feel so tired and well fed! But I know that I am stronger and I really do want to finish.

I think the stress of this situation and the anxiety of family members around me have not brought out the best in any of us. It will be good to be done and be home. It has been a long journey and now with it so close, I am ready!

Hoping for a good nights sleep. My brother and sister in law have arrived, Tom and Carmen Bittner are here to support and Share Van Dervort is here to support. I cannot thank them all enough! David and the kids have organized spots along the route for support but it is going to be hard to find them. Although, I am sure that by the end of the marathon that I will be easy to spot as the mob will have cleared away. Here is hoping for a dry morning!