Counting The Days

Thanks goodness I have been busy with work as these days leading up to race day can drive you crazy. With each passing day I get just a little more anxious. Spoke with a friend of mine today who's also running the race and I can tell the feeling is mutual.

The biggest obstacle at this point is controlling my excitement - I learned this from my first marathon I was so hyped up that I think I ran the first five miles in record time - only to pay for the fast start at mile 20 -controlling the emotion and sticking with a solid pace prevents burn out and really helps as the miles begin to add up

The weather forecast continues to look good - only a few days away CAN'T WAIT

Gearing Up

Another race day tradition is set, it's just as important to look good as run well - so with each marathon I buy gear specifically for race day - this is one reason I watch the weather forecast so closely - thankfully the forecast continues to improve with the chance of rain decreasing and nice cool temps - actually if the forecast holds up this will be my first marathon with temperatures above 45 degrees - this is a new experience for me and one I'm looking forward too.

I am also pleased to report that donations are coming in more rapidly as race day approaches - thanks and keep it coming - tell your friends, co-workers, family members basically anyone you can think of - see you tomorrow

The hardest week of all

All I can do now is wait - with no running this week that's all I can do other than check the weather forecast each day - frankly it's easier when I'm running- I have lots of nervous energy as the big day approaches - between eating pasta and drinking lots of water ( a race week ritual for me) - there's not much else to do

I have mentally run the race several times - trying to visualize how I will be doing at various points during the race - this is actually not as easy it sounds especially when you consider I have never run the NY race only Chicago

This may seem hard to believe but running the race is the most enjoyable experience and not all that hard - I know baring something unforeseen that I can run the 26.2 miles - I'm sure the NY fans will be as helpful as everyone at the Chicago Marathon - there's something very special when people who don't even know you encourage you to keep running -there is just something special about running through a major city and NY is one great city and I can't wait to be with 40,000 other runners sharing this great experience