The New York City Marathon

 The Start

I awoke about 5:00am and was happy to know that I had slept about 5 hours. I had struggled to get to sleep the night before which I am told is common for a runner before a marathon. As I departed my hotel on Sunday, Nov. 1st it never occured to me how pivitol this moment was in my life but I could sense that this day was big. Maybe it was not so much the day but the decision that I had made months ago when I joined the National Stroke Association team to complete a marathon. I had surpassed my fundraising goals but still wanted to get to $10,000.00 and was already planning how I could achieve that goal after the race. And I was thinking about how could I turn this energy into education about stroke. But first I must finish the marathon! Everyone told me to celabrate achieving the goal of training but those who know me well could not imagine that I would be thinking of anything else but completing it!

It was 7:00am and dry outside but a bit windy as I climbed into the NY taxi with Annalise(a National Stroke Association staff member) and my husband, David. As our taxi turned down 5th Avenue to begin our journey to the Staten Island Ferry, I was stunned to see the number of buses on the road to transport some of the 43,000 marathoners to the start! As a runner, the NY marathon assigned you either to a bus or the ferry for transportation to the start. It was an amazing site to see buses lined up as far as the eye can see. We were soon at our transportation assignment-the Staten Island Ferry and I had a tearful goodbye to David as only runners where allowed to go to the start line. Any time I face anything emotional since the stroke than the tears just start flowing and I knew how much he had supported me and we were finally here! He handed me a handwritten note to read once I was on the ferry and we parted ways. I knew we were both a bit nervous if this was the best idea for me medically. Annalise and I merged into the endless line of passengers as David went to find a subway to support me at about the 4 mile mark and explore Brooklyn where had spent some summers with is aunts as a child.

Once aboard the ferry we found a seat and I nervously checked my gear. We chatted with a runner from Houston and heard about his company that was raising money by running for a charity too. Other runners paced the floor and took a moment to step outside to take a photo of Manhatten and we watched as the buildings becoming smaller as the ferry pulled away from the dock. I thought the next time that I visit Manhatten that it will be on foot or at least I hoped so!! And I was drifting farther and farther away from it. Upon arrival at Staten Island, we all walked uniformily to board buses tthat would transport us to the entry of the Wadsworth Fort where we could see the Verrazono-Narrows bridge looming above us and thousands of runners anxiously preparing for the start of the run. We were prepared for a long wait at Fort Wadsworth with our emergency blankets, old clothing and rain gear but there was no time so spare as we had to quickly organize our gear, check our baggage, use the bathrooms, and grab a quick bite to eat and drink. We had a laugh when Annalise opened the porta-potty door on a fellow runner which eased the tension of the morning! Before we knew it, we were being called to the start too. Annalise put on her garbage bag due to the rumor of folks urinating on runners on the lower deck of the bridge as we gathered with all of the runners. And I had on my raincoat and we were ready for any actions! We were packed into a narrow entry with runners all sharing stories and nervously exchanging information about the route, training, etc. and I felt as though it was not really happening...could we really be starting to run a marathon!! We cheered the 2nd wave group of about 14,000 runners as the started over the bridge and within 20 minutes we followed in their footsteps. Bang! Off went the start gun and we crossed the start line. I tossed my green pullover to the attendee collecting clothing and said "Goodbye to Stroke".


Staten Island-Verrazano Bridge and Brooklyn.

I stayed with Annalise for about 10 minutes as we climbed the first mile onto the bridge and then stated that I should walk a few minutes. I had promised myself to walk early and try to follow the Galloway technique of an alternating runs and walks. Since my left side is weak and runs out of gas after a few minutes, I have found the walk breaks give me time to recharge my battery on my left side. While I appear like I have normal strength on each side, I have found that my left side can perform repetitive movements for only so long and the muscles will tire and begin to not perform. Walking gives my muscles a chance to rest and recharge which allows me to jog again. The months of running a track and planting my left foot on the white line to run a straight course would be tested today. We wished each other luck and went our seperate ways-although moving in the same direction but at different speeds. I watched her disappear into the crowd while I made my way to the side of the bridge and marveled at the city scape.

I had labeled the back of my shirt with the statement "I am not a plodder! I am a stroke survivor." and it did not take long for the first person of many runners during the day to say " Great statement and good luck". They had seen the NY Times article about slow runners in a marathon and supported the fact that we all deserve medals no matter how long it takes! These conversations only invigorated me as well as the crowd support along the way. When we came off the bridge, I was impressed how many people were still on the sidewalks cheering us all on at the back of the pack! The elite runners had already passed this spot nearly an hour ago. This crowd support only grew throughout the day and the energy from the crowd was so uplifting to a weary runner as the day wore on. I saw a sign "Go Kate" and immediatel jogged over and thanked theses strangers who obviously were supporting another runner. However, we adopted each other during the day as I saw them along the route. I had a smile on my face as I relished in the fact that I was actually participating in this event and kept my smile on throughout the day. In fact, at times I thought some people may wonder why this middle aged women has this big smile on her face and I knew it was too difficult to explain. I was feeling pretty confident and good at this point and walked around mile 2 and then as I went through the support stations. I met David at about 4.5 miles and again at about 7 -8 miles and had stopped at a few porta-potties which was to be a common theme for the day! Oh, the bladder control of a 49 year old mom! Oh well....

Queens

I continued to feel good as I jogged/walked this route. I realized that I was probably a bit in shock about being here  and was cautious to assure that I did not push it to much. I made sure that I tossed in some walking but it was difficult with all the excitement. The neighborhood folks were out in force and providing a feeling of energy to all of the runners. I was clearly in the back of the pack but working my way past other walkers and runners. Dont get me wrong as many went flying past me too! I noticed some orange bibs around me and realized that I was working my way into a pack that was partly from my green wave and partly made up of runners from the orange wave that had started in front me. So I knew that I must be keeping a decent pace although when I glanced back, I saw the dreaded sweeper truck! I had last seen David at about 7 miles and he informed me that my next supporter had her train delayed so that I likely would not see anyone until close to the Queensboro bridge. He also assured me that thousands of runners were behind me and ignore the sweeper truck! The running field had thinned and water stations were easy to access as well as the porta-potty which allowed me opportunity to drink and make a pit stop as frequently as needed! I made sure I drank about 4 ounces of gatorade at each stop and kept hydrated. The bands were playing on each street corner and people were on balconies, fire escapes, and along the route cheering us all on! I had settled into a group of fast walkers and alternating walk/runners. I would jog and pass several of them. Then when I walked, these folks would pass by me. I met a chef  and his running mate. They had "Vino and Pasta" printed on their purple shirts and we supported each other over the course of about a 20 mile stretch going back and forth past each other. Two speed walkers kept close by too. I wish I had asked the chef where he worked as the vino and pasta sounded good when this would all be done!

We ran through the Orthodox Jewish neighborhood. Sunday is a work day and school day for this neighborhood and I appreciated their support of the marathon as I am sure we disrupted business. It was very quiet with no bands playing or the rowdy support along the way. It was a pleasant break in the frenzy of the marathon but I did miss the cheers of the crowd. But every once in awhile, I would catch the glimpse of a little school girl walking along the route and observe a small wave or smile to all of us. While not my first visit to this neighborhood, it provided a stark contrast to the other parts of the route and was quietly appreciated. I thought of our friend, Dr. Larry Resnick who had died from prostrate cancer and the wedding we had attended for this son in this neighborhood. I thought of  my friend in Portland recovering from a massive stroke and several friends battling cancer. It is for these folks I am doing this marathon for too. Just because I can run. This was a priviledge today and I understood that this was what it was all about. That's what kept me smiling. It was about this time in Portland that I knew my Thistle women's soccer team had begun their routine cheer before the start of our weekly soccer game and I am sure that I heard them yell "Go Kate" which they promised to do today! Again, another reason to smile! I always said hi to the folks around me and cheered on the few I passed.

We started over a roadway that seemed like a bridge but I knew it must be too soon to be the Queensboro bridge. And to my disappointment, I was correct! But we were passing 13.1 miles-we were half way there! It seemed like a long time to me to be out running today. I felt that it was longer than my training runs but I was running on pace and told myself just to focus. Could I really make it? The damn sweeper truck (it was really a bus and a police car) kept creeping by me and stopping for runners that were injured or needing support. While my watch was tracking the time, I had failed to get the GPS started at the beginning of my run and relied less on my own device but on the mile markers along the course. I assure myself that there must be several runners behind me and to just relax and enjoy the moment. It was easy to do. Except when I would think of "The Wall". Would I hit it?

My daughter Maggie and brother in-law Jack greeted me just before the bridge and we took photo's and chatted about the run. David appeared at this stop to the surprise of everyone as he quickly adapted to the use of the NY subway. I quickly got back into the pack and made my way to the Queensboro bridge which I had read in a book was a climb. They gave me an energy bar and I chomped it as I embarked on the next few miles.

Okay, now I am hurting. It was a long slow climb to the midpoint of the Queensboro bridge. I ran most of the way but decided to walk for part of it so that I could save my energy. I joined in conversation with a man from Washington DC but raised in Manhatten. He told me that the route today showed him parts of NY city that he had never visited in his entire life. He talked about stroke with me and I felt like I had educated one more person on the prevention and effects of stroke. This was the point of participating and so far I had talked to several runners. I took about 5 minutes struggling with my IPhone to start up some music as I felt a need to plug in as we had no crowd or music support on the bridge. I played Annie Lenox as I started my journey into Manhatten. I know it is not the most uplifting music but her music is always thought provoking to me. I encountered many fellow athletes with disabilities that made the bridge a challenge and was humbled by their tenacity to participate in such a physical challenge as this marathon.The roar of the crowd at this late time was not evident coming off the bridge but my hips were screaming with pain so I tried to tune it out with the music and the hope that all these folks that had such physical disabilities would meet their goals. There were amputees with metal running legs, amputees in regular wheelchairs pushing themselves backwards up the hill, blind runners and runners with other physical and mental disabilities. Again, I wondered how the NY Times could run that plodder article only 2 weeks before the marathon. Where was this writer and the coach that stated "how low will we lower the bar  for entries" to allow any particpant into the race? Perhaps they should have witnessed these incrediable athletes before making such statements as these folks were the true maratoners of the day and their marathon is a lifetime not just today. It is not about winning but about participating.

As I turned onto the avenue after coming off the bridge, I did begin to feel the energy of the Manhatten crowd that was lined along the street overflowing from bars and restaurants. Tom and Carmen Bittner were there to cheer me and I jogged over again for a photo opportunity and chat about the day.  Within the next few miles, I encountered my sister in-law Betty and my son Matt. The held a sign "GO KATE GO! which was inspiring as I continued my journey straight ahead to the Bronx. I felt pretty good and alternated  running with walking. I tried to focus on the next mile marker and take it one mile at a time. At about mile 18, I spotted the National Stroke Association members and welcomed their cheering. It was a long & slow journey up this street but the crowd literally propelled you along. Jack and Maggie missed me as they made a hamburger stop at a "White Castle" only to see me go by from behind the window. Tom and Carmen did not make it to the next stop before I went by it either. They all said that I had sped up but I don't think so! Either way, it was fine and I enjoyed hearing these stories from the suppport team later in the evening. Thus, I ran along listening to my music and wondering if I would hit the wall at 20 miles. Needless to say, I was quite entertained as I made a stop at every mile to drink and urinate! It was getting a bit chilly and I became more worried about my electolytes and the thought of something happening to me medically. Was this really worth it? Should a stroke survivor really be testing their physical limits? But I do not want to live like I am dying! I want to live my life fully. But what would happen as I went past 20 miles??

The Bronx

The passage into the Bronx was over a small bridge and our time spent in the Bronx was too short. A volunteer handed me 3 ballons to carry and I bounced along for about 3/4 of a mile with them but decided the drag from the balloons was bringing me to a crawl! As I turned the next corner, I handed the balloons to a mom and her toddler and thanked them for supporting all of us. As I rounded this corner, I saw Share and her daughter Noelle who were out there yelling at the top of their lungs! Wow, I was so fortunate to have all these folks here and they encouraged me to keep going. Tom and Carmen had travelled from Portland. Jack and Betty from their home in New Jersey and Share & Noel from their homes in New York. As I crossed over the bridge(the last bridge of 5!) into Manhatten I looked both ways along the river and soaked in the feeling of the day. The sun was low in the sky and it was a beautiful Fall day with boats gliding along the river and the leaves vibrant with the colors of Fall.  I truely was enjoying the moment and trying to forget the pain.

Harlem to Central Park

I have been through Harlem in taxi's but never on foot like today. As throughout the day, the marathon provided an opportunity to see NY without the distraction of cars. It was great to see the faces of crowd and it seemed they all were enjoying the festivities of the day. Parts of this neighborhood are very poor and the drab public housing looms above you. But there is a positive energy on the street and the crowd welcomed us with open arms. As you approach the outskirts of the district closer to uptown, you can see urban renewal projects and a community revitalized. I only hope that there will be resources for all of the community.

At mile 22, I met Betty, Matt and David. As I stepped away from them, I thought that I may actually finish this marathon! Instead of feeling weary, I became energized and started to run faster. It had become chilly and I had been warned of this uphill climb back into town but I was pumped and ready to take anything on. David handed me a jacket which tied around my waste but I never needed it during the last stretch. In fact, about  a half mile later it had fallen to the ground and I was lucky not to go tripping over it! I stopped and chuckled as I tried to get myself untwisted from it. Mile 23; another break and time to stretch. The neck and shoulders were tiring so I had a nice stretch only to look up and see Jack and Maggie on the side of the road. I think they thought I was looking for help from above! Again, another boost of energy and I started running faster than ever!

Everyone was out along the Upper East side of the park and the lovely condo's that line the Upper Eastside overflowed with occupants out for a stroll and to cheer the marathoners. I passed the Frenchman runner in the Eiffel Tower outfit  and continued along this slight incline of the route. It was evident that many runners had hit the wall and they were barely walking. However, I continued to feel good and took the opportunity to try and keep on pace.

Soon I was rounding the corner into Central Park. I mentally prepared for the difficult  rolling hills but it did not come as much of a challenge. Carmen and Tom were there to cheer me on. I was hot and sweaty and a bit concerned about hydration but I knew I only had about 2 miles to go! Soon I passed the marker that read only 1 mile left. I knew now that I would make it. Thoughts ran through my mind about my job, how would I take this experience and assure I used my resources to improve stroke education, and how lucky I am to have such a wonderful family and friends! I rounded the corner onto 59th street and exited the Park. Past the Plaza hotel to the shouts of the crowds along the way. I saw David at about mile 25.5 but did not stop to talk-I had to keep moving! I was in a race to the end!

The Finish

I looked ahead to Columbus Circle and saw the entry back into the park. As I rounded the corner, I kept looking for the finish line. Soon signs appeared that marked off 400 meters, 200 meters and the end. I looked ahead and tried to run faster. I had tears steaming down my face and was very emotional. I tried to gain my composure and was successful! So many emotions and miles behind me-was this really the end. I sprinted towards the finish line and glanced into the stands to see if I could recognize anyone but did not. The woman in front of me crossed the finish line with arms in the air and I did the same as I came across it. We were done! But it really is only the beginning for me.

I moved forward through the weary volunteers and got my medal, picture, blanket, water and sandwhich. We were all channeled through a walkway lined on the left by UPS trucks and a tarp on the right hand side. It was so late that the crowd was thin and I was able to get my belongings without any wait. I had to walk to 77th street before I could exit and coordinated meeting with my family and friends via cell phone. As I approached 77th street, I was greeted by Carmen and Tom. I shed a few tears and we laughed with some relief that it was over! Carmen has been walking and jogging with me from a few weeks post stroke as we took our first stroll around a block. As we ventured down Central Park West, we were soon greeted by all the family and it was a joyous moment to see everyone. It was over but in some ways it was just the beginning to me. What an experience and what a humbling journey along the road of life.

The journey back to the hotel was as normal a family affair as any evening. We joked and argued over what subway to take-typical McCarron style. I found myself feeling ill on the subway which was a concern and I just wanted to get back to the hotel .We grabbed a bicycle Rickshaw to cover the last few blocks as I was starting to feel very ill and did not want to get sick on the street. But in an hour with fluids and some snacks, I was feeling good enough to venture out to celebrate. Although, if we do this again, I think we will order Pizza in! But we had made this journey together and it was time to celebrate. We had a fun dinner at Il Vagabondo which is a restaurant that I picked as we went there when Matt was little. I did take a moment to look in my fanny pack to assure I had the medals my mother had given to me for the journey. Sure enough, I had them safely in my belt pocket and so I was able to have her with me the entire 26.2 miles.  Before the race, I had opened a small package that she had give to me for race day. It contained a short note and a request to carry these medals with me so I would be protected me along the way and a part of her would be with me. A quick phone call was made to her to assure her that  daughter and medals were safe and the marathon was complete. I could not have acheived this journey without the support of family and friends and a thank you is due to each and every one of you! And I hope my National Stroke Association team had a successful day too. It is so surreal to me even today and I am missing my long run this weekend...well, just for a moment! I am just starting to realize that this marathon was just part of a journey that is never ending and life has so much to offer. The moment I had around mile 24-25 when I felt stroke free and was my old self was worth every minute! And I know my brain has registered that moment and I have the ability to improve my mobility! And I know I have a responsibility to assure other stroke survivors have the resources available to assure they have the best care possible. Thank you INGNYCMarathon for lowering the bar low enough for we can all participate!