I was going to do a marathon watching recap, but I’m not. Didn’t run the damn thing. So instead, I will direct you to people who did run the marathon or do more exciting things than I on Sunday:
Megan PR’d by something like 20 minutes (right?) and looked exceptionally cheerful doing so.
Tracy beat the Chilean miner in her 90th race in a month
Kelly broke four hours in a sa-weeet marathon debut
E. didn’t let a dead guy by the subway get in the way of a course PR
Elgin blasted through a marathon debut with a stunning 3:42
Julie got to hobnob at the finish line
And in a land more purple…
Marie duked it out with pain and came out on top
Meanwhile, in mid-distance land, I ran 13 miles before the race and got to see Jenny Barringer, Alicia Shay, and I think Joan Benoit Samuelson all running in Central Park. I probably saw some elite men, too, but they all look the same to me.
Watching the marathon is always an interesting experience for me. This is my fourth year as an active spectator, and the first in which I knew a substantial number of people in the race. I love cheering, I love the energy in the city, I love watching the emotion on runners’ faces, and, sure, I love the smiles I get when someone I’ve cheered for responds.
Sometimes it makes me want to run a marathon. Other times, not at all. This year, I’d say the marathon urge was at 48 percent. It’s higher than in years past, I think, because as I practice more with a true mid-distance group, I’m realizing that I am really more of a distance runner trying to live a mid-distance life. Marathoning, I’m pretty sure, would come with fewer frustrations, and probably a little more glory. I’d be relatively better at it. We like to do things we’re good at.
But, in the end, I’m not registering any time soon. Instead, I’m running mile repeats tonight. And for kicks and giggles, here’s a tempoish workout I did in preparation for the 10K I’m running this weekend:
3 x 2000 meters at 10K pace, with 400 meter rest
#1: 7:44 (6:13 mile pace)
#2: 7:44 (6:13) mile pace)
and…wait for it…
#3: 7:43 (6:12.5 mile pace)
I am a model of consistency! This workout hurt like hell. Don’t think I can run a 10K that fast, but, you know what they say…
I laughed aloud (and really freaked my cat out) when I read my “90th race in a month.” From now on I will spend more time using your spectating tips and less time paying money to participate in races. That whole “do tons of races, just mediocrely” thing is out of my system.
Congrats to all the runners and THANK YOU to all the spectators!
Glad to give you a giggle. Seriously, I’m impressed by your tenacity. And travel! We should join forces, and we’d race just enough.
Ever the media whore, I’ll mention that I sat one table away from Jenny Barringer. She was the only celeb runner I spotted on Sunday at the banquet. Also spotted Joanie at the finish. I just love that they both went for a run.
Nice 2000s.
i love your signs. very fun and i bet your runners loved them
and yay consistency! i think i want to do that workout soon. enjoy the mile repeats later today. i did them last weekend and, while hard, i had fun. if that’s possible for track work
Thanks for the shoutout!! I too laughed out loud at Tracy’s mention. Thanks for cheering! It was a great day for spectating and racing
Nice tempo! You inspire me to become more speedy and do more tempos… maybe even some mile repeats once I’m recovered!
3 x 2K! YIPES. Blame it on the rowing, but 2000m has particular salience for me as “most intimidating distance ever to be associated with speedwork.” (…though it’s rare that I drum up the backbone to do track speedwork to begin with). Holy hasheeeeesh, you do some hard workouts.
Annnnd thanks for all the links. I love me some marathon race reports.
Holy workout! I’d say you’re setting yourself up for a nice 10K PR, eh? Go get em!
I love the signs. Why was Elgin grumpy? Hahaha.
I’m glad the dead guy made it for my comment
Thanks for being out there as a spectator. It’s what make this race so amazing.
48%? Sounds a lot higher than it’s been. Are we starting to infect you???
Great race!! Again!
i was thinking that while watching the marathon: sarah would kick ass at this. where is she?! spectating and not running like me ’cause it’s much more pleasant.
i too experience waves of “this would be AWESOME!” followed by “WOW i’m glad i have a quasi-drinking problem instead!” meh. at the end of the day – yes, bring on the booze. one day, however… i’ll get serious. and not fun. and kick ass at marathons. yeahhh.
you are an awesome spectator, signs and all. i like your spirit. good job, team.
48% is almost to the tipping point of 51%! Luckily (or not luckily?) you still have several months to decide!
I am definitely not running! Ha! But I will feel a little pang when the deadline goes by.
what a nice round up!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! you’re such a great friend/ supporter. loved all the signs too!
WAY TO GO on your speed work. you are rockin!
I’m glad we saw Megan, Marisa, Grace, and other people twice whom you stayed with me to watch! I think you gained some fast-twitch muscles while power-walking it from 1st to 5th ave with me ;o)
For reals I did! I walked extra-slowly on the way back to my car to compensate.
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Where is my “Whip it out and swing it around sign”?? Photo or it didn’t happen!!
Hehe, but I know that it DID happen and it was awesome. Thank you #1 cheer squad! And nice milege beforehand!
Twice! We held it up twice! And got a lot of sidelong glances (and comments) as a result.