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New York Marathon 2009 - Race Report
11/19/2009 6:27:04 PM
Marathon #10 is in the bag. On November 1, 2009, I was lucky enough to start AND complete the NYC Marathon. This had been the race I anticipated most amongst all my races. I had dedicated this race to my Grammie, who has stood tall even in the face of advisory. I often wonder if I would be as feisty and courageous as my Grammie if faced with the unthinkable. There is one thing I am certain, I think my Grammie has bravery I don't yet posses. In addition to my Grammie, I ran this marathon on behalf of many others who have faced cancer in their lives. Some are still alive to tell their journey, others were taken too soon. For them, I ran.
The race was everything I had anticipated. I give this race a 10 out of 10 and hope to run it again.
Going into the November 1 NYC Marathon, the things of most concern were weather, the long wait at the beginning of the race and the gradual (but killer) hills.
We took a red-eye from SFO overnight to NYC landing on Saturday, Halloween. After checking in to the hotel, we walked the few short blocks to the convention center. Oddly enough, "So you think you got talent" was also holding auditions at the same time there. I debated, but realized I was there for the marathon, not to audition. The expo was fantastic. Imagine 40,000+ runners all checking in, milling about, etc. Could be chaos, but it wasn't. I walked right up to the station that was handing out my number, retrieved it, verified the chip worked, got my goodie bag and was set to wander the expo all within 3 minutes.
The expo vendors were great. The expo was nicely laid out with wide aisles and a good selection of vendors. It was definitely more 'upscale' than most expos. There were fewer "$10 shorts vendors" and more "Nike" "Asics" "Adidas" "Reebok", etc vendors. One nice tough was the center of the expo was the official race sponsor, ING. They had TVs set up showing the course, experts (like Bart Yasso) giving lectures in an informal setting and the thing that would later save me, they were handing out pace bracelets. More on why this saved me later. The pace bracelets came in a variety of projected finish times, 4:00 was out of stock, so I grabbed the 3:55. They were made of the same water-proof, tear-proof paper as the bibs.
I woke the next morning at 4:30am, dressed and hopped a cab for the quick 5 minute ride to South Central Park. We were catching the American Cancer Society bus, which would take us the entire way there versus taking the Staten Island Ferry and then hopping on a shuttle bus. This meant having to catch the 6:00am vs 7:00am though (Verazzano bridged closed to all traffic at 7am, so private shuttles had to hurry).
The bus ride was great. We chatted with Ian, Director of Marketing for Absolut Vodka. He told us great stories of what sales persons had to go through (try selling vodka to the Russians he told us) and then gave us tips on the course as he had run it a few times.
Tip #1: Never run near the edges across the Verazzano Bridge. If running on the under deck, always run straight down the middle. Why? It is tradition for runners on the top deck to pee off the edge and onto those on the lower deck.
We made it to the start area with 3 hours until the start time. This is a big complaint amongst most runners, the long start wait. But think about it, the race officials have to get 40K runners across a bridge, close it and then start the race...not an easy task. Luckily the rain had stopped and we were blessed with the most perfect running weather the entire course. Pat and I headed over to the American Cancer Society tent and were able to spend our wait time in there out of the chilly air.
Tip #2: Bring plastic grocery sacks to the start. Pat and I saw all these goobers walking around with plastic sacks around their shoes. How dorky we thought, until we realized that the start area turns into a red mud pit after all the runners have trudged through it. We quickly grabbed extras and dawned our dorky gear. Hey, my shoes were fairly new, can't have them dirty for the run!
Out of all the races I have been to, this had, by far, the best port-a-potty situation. I waited a max of 2 minutes in line and most port-a-potties I saw had zero line. Well done by race officials.
The wheel chair division started first, then the elite women, next came wave 1 (which included the elite men). I was in wave 2, starting at 10am and Pat was in Wave 3, starting at 10:20. We both started in different areas, so we said goodbye, good luck and see you on the flip side.
I was afraid the start of the race would be crowded and it would be hard to get into my groove. Boy was I wrong! It took me less than 15 seconds to cross the start line and then from then on, not once did I feel over crowded. For the first 8 miles, all 3 waves run a slightly different course, helping to clear things out.
Now, let's get back to that pace bracelet which I almost threw in my gear check bag thinking I didn't need it. The race started on the Verazzano bridge and thanks to tip #1, I ran in the middle on the under deck. However, I looked down at my trusty Garmin 405 only to see I was running an 11 minute pace. WTF I said to myself, I am a gazelle right now! Turns out, I was losing GPS signal in the bridges. This thew me way off. It threw my virtual running partner way off, which at the end of the race, said I was 11 minutes behind my goal time (which was 4:00, but I finished 4 minutes faster than that). So, as in usual Jana fashion, I said to myself "Carter, all strategies just went out the window. Garmin being off means Jana doesn't follow a plan, Jana can run like the wind and forget about Kevin's negative splits". So that is what I did. I ran. Run Jana Run. I had "JC" across my jersey and for 26.2 miles I heard ever few seconds "GO JC". Talk about needing momentum at times, that'll do it.
I have never experienced such spectator support like I did in NYC. Over 1.5 million people came out to watch they projected and I felt it every inch of the course. I did carry my iPod, but, no joke here, I could not hear it at all the entire race. That is how loud the crowds were. I must have slapped a hundred little kids hands and waved my thanks at all those who shouted out.
How fascinating it was touring through each of the five burroughs of NYC. Each were so different. We were first met with singles & families in Brooklyn coming out to show their support for complete strangers. Next we went through the Italian district and were met with Italian flags and shouts in Italian. Jacob and I ran together the first 10 miles. I have no clue who he was and never did spot him, but all I heard was "Go Jacob!". I almost wanted to kill Jacob if I heard that name one more time.
After the Italian community, we ran through the Hasidic Jewish community. This was so fascinating. The crowds became much more quiet and everywhere I looked I saw kids in black clothing, girls in dresses, men with the traditional curls down the sides of their faces.
Next we ran through Harlem. What a fantastic place. People were out in full force. It was a great boost of energy in the later parts of the race (miles 17-20). The kids were awesome at this point too.
The aid support was fantastic the entire course. The only complaint is that after running through each aid station, you felt like you were running through a movie theater floor the next 100 yards. The bottoms of shoes got so sticky from the Gatorade.
Around mile 5, I saw a man, early 20s or late teens perhaps, inching his way along the course. He used the aid of two crutches and one prosthetic leg that replaced the fact that he had no legs. He was surrounded by his posse. He clearly had started 1.5 hours earlier than I did with the wheelchair division. I remember thinking "It will be well after dark before this kids finishes." and I said out loud to myself "Carter, you have no right to complain during this race if you are too tired or your legs hurt.". Another humbling moment was when I passed a woman clearly in her 80s moving quite slowly. Across her back was a picture of perhaps her grandson and a note she was running on his behalf. I also passed a few blind runners which was inspiring.
The first 13.1 miles flew by. One of the best 1/2 marathons I had run to date (not the fastest, but I felt terrific). The half way mark is on a hill leading up to a bridge. This is the bridge most runners fear. It was so long and felt never ending. This bridge takes runners into Manhattan and we are greeted with a deafening roar at mile 16. The crowds are many people deep at this point. I actually felt ok most of the race, but definitely slowed down in the last 6-8 miles. I knew I was going to make it, never felt like quitting, but there were a few spots where I would have given anything to see the finish line.
The finish is great. It is in Central Park. Around mile 24, you enter the park. You can feel the end so near. There is electricity in the air, then you see it. You see the countdown makers: 400 yards to go, 300 yards to go, 200, 100 and then...the finish!
But let me take a step back here readers. I mentioned the pace bracelet saved me. Well, after throwing all caution to the wind, I decided to run the first 13 miles any way I wanted, ignoring any times. At the 13 mile mark, I started to refer to the pace bracelet to get an idea of how far behind or ahead of the 3:55 finish I was. I used the total time on my Garmin and checked this against the 'suggested time for each mile'. I was able to easily see how many minutes I had to play with to ensure I finished in under 4:00.
Now comes the WORST part of the entire race. The finish. After you cross the finish line, you are immediately put into a cattle herd. It's awful. You are shoulder to shoulder with other runners for about 40 minutes as you make your way down this path, fenced in on both sides with 10' fences. You finally make it to your UPS baggage pick up, grab your bag and continue to shuffle your way down this path. They offer no place to sit, no place to stretch your legs, eat your food or chat with other runners. There is absolutely no place to stop and watch other people cross the finish line. Runners have complained about this for years, but nothing has been done.
I would not hesitate to run this marathon again. I give the race organizers 9 out of 10 (finish line needs work people) and the spectators get a 15 out of 10. The course was beautiful and weather awesome. The best part was, the city felt alive with this race. For the two days after, everywhere we went, we saw runners wearing their finishers shirts, medals, walking a bit off kilter and it felt like you were part of something.
I am a New York Marathon finisher. And yes, I have earned the right to brag about it in one blog post :-)
Goal: 4:00 hours
Actual: 3:56:19 (WOOT!)
Best Sign #1: Erik, do it for Chase! (it showed a picture of chase, which was the mans dog)
Best Sign #2: You look like hell, good thing you are almost there
New York, I'm Coming For You!
8/2/2009 9:58:29 PM
Back from wherever I went…
It has been a long time since my last post. Odd, I feel suddenly as though I am in confession. Hopefully I won't be assigned any hail Mary's.
From a race perspective, this past year has been a turning point. After taking a bit of a break in 2008, I am back in the swing of things. Since I wrote last, I have completed 4 more marathons (San Francisco, Honolulu, Phoenix Rock & Roll and Big Sur – for the 2nd time). Next on tap is the grand-daddy of them all. This is by far, the race I have been waiting for. The New York City Marathon. When I sit down and think of where I want my running to take me, it is at the start line in New York. I have idolized this race for so long and cannot wait to experience it. One particular reason is because I am running this race in honor of my Grammie.
She is the most amazing person in the world and I have held-out dedicating a marathon to her, just waiting for the perfect opportunity; and NY is it. My Grandmother has so graciously battled ovarian cancer, not once, but twice. She has shown strength when I might have sat down and cried and screamed "it's not fair!”. So, running the New York City Marathon is not a solo experience. I am running to fight cancer. I am running on behalf of my Grammie and The American Cancer Society. So many people have donated thus far. I am speechless at the generosity I have received, but I am not done yet. I have a ways to go before I fulfill my goal.
I have vowed to right the names of cancer survivors and cancer victims on my race day jersey. I will proudly carry their memories with me throughout the race. When I want to give up, I will think of them and how they never once gave up. I am running for beautiful people like Helen (my Grammie), Kay, Forest, Carol, Celia, Susan, Ruth, Ammie, James and many I am honored their loved ones have allowed me to take them on my journey. I would love to write the names of many more on my jersey.
I will write much more over the next few months as race-day draws nearer (November 1). If you would like to support me and the many who battle cancer, I encourage you (PLEASE!) to donate. It is easy to donate online: http://tiny.cc/RunNYC (My race page).
Thank you to everyone for their support and encouragement.
-Jana
SF Marathon (T-164 days)
2/20/2008 5:25:46 PM
I finally signed up for a marathon in 2008. I will be running the
San Francisco Marathon on August 3, 2008, in where else, San Fran. This marathon will be a bit different. I will not be going for a PR time (personal best), but for the first time in my marathon career, I will be running with a first-time marathon runner helping to coach them through the finish. I am sure they will be coaching me along the way as well. I think it will be a rewarding and fun experience; less stress too...no worries or pressure of beating previous times. My running partner is surely an inspiration and has battled through a lot. This is their victory and I am just glad & humbled to be a part of their journey.
Well, T-164 days.
PS. I am sure I could have chosen a more forgiving course for a first time runner..I apologize in advance for the hills :-)
California International Marathon - Completed
12/4/2007 10:03:52 AM
Marathon #4 on the year is complete (#5 if you count an unofficial run on Mt Rainier in August). I think I can say with confidence this is my last marathon this calendar year. I will admit while running the CIM (California International Marathon) and immediately after, I wondered if it would be my last marathon. Nahhhh, life's too short to quit now. I am a bit burned out on marathons and my body feels tired, so choosing the next race will take some time and a lengthy recovery period.
I confirmed yet again that endurance is my skill; not speed during a marathon. I always make the catastrophic mistake of starting too fast. I do this every marathon. I tell myself before the start 'don't start out too fast Carter' (yes, I talk to myself). However, when the gun goes off, so does my competitive drive and I want to go out guns blazing. This marathon was no exception.
I made it to Sacramento on Friday to register (online registration had closed & forced to sign-up in person). Got my number, #5439, and wandered the expo. The expos are never that thrilling, same vendors, same crap being sold.
The nerves had kicked in and I was anxious for Sunday to arrive. I hadn't trained much for this race; maybe 10+ training runs since the Portland Marathon in early October. I am gluten for punishment I suppose. I stayed in the host hotel (Sheraton) and was surrounded by runners. Every elevator ride had at least another marathoner in it (you can pick a marathoner out easily). The Rockets were also staying in our hotel and I was lucky enough to have a few elevator rides with them too (basketball players are also very easy to pick out
). Even got to ride with Jack Sikma, member of the 1979 Sonics championship team (only true Seattlites would remember him).
Ate my prerace meal around 5pm Saturday; white rice, and tried to get to bed early. Didn't sleep much that night. Too much tossing and turning and staring at the clock. Woke about 4:20, got ready, headed to the lobby to catch my school bus to the start. Made it to the start & got in the never ending porta-potty line (a must stop for any runner prior to the start). With about 10 seconds until gun time, I lined up.
Gun went off and so did I. I ran a pretty fast first ½ (for me anyway). My first few miles were in the 7-minute range and I finished with a 48 minute 10K time and 1hr46minute 13.1 mile time (11 minutes faster than my time the Sunday before at the Seattle ½ marathon). I kept up with the 3:20 pacers until about mile 13 when I waved them on. Then, the hardest part of the race, around mile 18 I saw my Boston dreams run by when the 3hr40minute pacer passed me. Maybe Boston is not for me…not if I start out this fast it won't be.
The course was advertised as 'downhill', but the rolling hills were brutal. I could feel every one and they seemed endless. The worst part of the course were the long stretches. You could see forever into the distance and the roads seemed endless. We had great spectator support however…well done and hats off to all those who cheered us on.
The headwinds kicked in around mile 13, but the weather was perfect aside from that (no rain, about 40 degrees at the start). As usual, there were many times I wanted to stop, sit on the side of the road and go no further; but, I persevered and kept telling myself this pain is only temporary and the end is near.
The most beautiful site on any marathon course (aside from the finishers chute) is mile marker #25. This is when you know you will make it. After several grueling hours, it is almost over. You can almost taste the victory at this point. This is also when the spectators are out in force; this marathon was no exception. We had the National Guard lining the last mile, kids waving flags, adults yelling 'almost there' and the sound of dozens of pounding feet around us. I love mile 25. I love it so much I always dedicate this mile to the most special person; and I did. I was impressed with myself, I remembered every mile I had dedicated to people along the course and thought about each & every person during those miles.
I rounded the corner near the capitol building in Sacramento and I could see the finish line. Oh what a site! I pushed myself as hard as I could so as to finish strong ('finish strong' I always tell myself, even if I struggled the entire way, 'finish strong'). I think I finished a bit too strong as I was having a hard time getting a breath. My breathing was very shallow and I contemplated waving the paramedics over to get some oxygen, but eventually I evened out my breathing. I got my medal, found my entourage and I was done. Another marathon in the bag…
Results:
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10K: 48 minutes
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13.1 Mile: 01:46:49
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Finish: 03:53:13 (PR)
Seattle 1/2 Marathon / Callifornia International Marathon
11/27/2007 3:23:29 PM
The California International Marathon (CIM) is just 4 days, 15 hours away – I feel very unprepared. So why run it? Well, why not! I will just take myself down to Sacramento, get up in the wee hours of Sunday morning, bus to the start, stand around in the 30-40 degree weather, mentally yell at myself for 26.2 miles and then cross the finish line and think "That is why I ran it”. I am not sure if I have a time goal, I suppose just setting a PR is my goal. Well, I do have goals, but will keep them close for now; then I only have myself to disappoint. For those 2 or 3 folks who read this blog and know my prior race traditions, I have asked my close friends to send me songs that inspire them to add to my marathon playlist and have requested specific miles from a few folks to think about them when running those portions of the race. I am still working on my dedication, so can't discuss that quite yet. I will dedicate the race to someone, as I always do.
I had a good training run this past Sunday running the Seattle ½ Marathon. It was my first ½ marathon I have run in and I have to say, it was damn good to see the 13 mile marker and know I didn't have another 13 miles to go. I had a great time running with 'my boys' from the running group. Thanks to Matt, Jerry, Bob, Andy & Chul for a great time. A few photos added (the upclose was taken at the start line & the other at the finish).
On a side note, I ran into a guy I knew in college that I had not seen since graduation day 10 years ago. I had always wondered what became of him and it was very shocking to see him at the marathon. I suppose it is a small world.
