ING New York City Marathon Diary
See Savvy Mommy Run
Follow the journey of a mom of three as she prepares to run 26.2 miles
I know what you’re thinking – “better her than me.” I’ve uttered those same words on numerous occasions but this time, I’m the one making the eyebrow raising comment to friends, family and all who will listen.
After four years of being a cheering spectator for the 37,000 amateurs and professionals hailing from around the world; I have made the decision to join them and run the 2007 ING New York City Marathon in support of NYRR Foundation Team for Kids, an organization which combats one of America’s greatest medical problems – childhood obesity.
Now is probably the time I should be upfront with everyone about the run of 26.2 miles I have ahead of me – not to mention the miles and miles of training required for the big day. My not so secret confession will not come as much of a surprise to anyone who has known me for a mere hour. While I’ve always been what many would consider to be fit, I was never on the track team in high school or college. In fact, the only running I’ve done besides the running I currently do after my toddlers; is the timed physical education requirement I completed in high school gym class.
This well thought out decision to participate in this year’s marathon was the result of me making more than one New Year’s Resolution this year. Have a healthy baby without finding out its sex topped the list. Participating in this race may have been listed as number seven but it definitely was not an afterthought. I certainly don’t think of it as one.
As intimidating as the marathon sounds because it is considered to be the preeminent long-distance annual running event in the United States according to some people, I heard from some professional runners that any first time runner who wanted to run it and trained for it could do just that. They didn’t mention the word “easily” or the phrase “without a lot of sweat and tears” so I realize that once training begins, my body will be in for a real “treat”. One with delightful ice and heat pads, probably.
The biggest thing that has this New Year’s Resolution making me feel uncomfortable is the fact that Lance Armstrong, a seven time consecutive winner of Tour de France ran the marathon last year and stated he wasn’t sure he would ever attempt it again because “the race was extremely difficult”. Yikes! I should probably also remind everyone that while Lance Armstrong ran the marathon in less than 3 hours, I am not trying to attempt it in less than 12 hours. Um… ok, I’ll be serious for a moment. I will honestly just be happy to cross the finish line in November in whatever is considered to be a reasonable time for a first time marathon participant.
All of those factors I’ve been told and the surprised looks I’ve been receiving from my family and friends are not going to deter me from running the marathon. I have made a pledge to raise $2,500 for Team for Kids and friends and family have already begun sending in tax deductible donations to the charity using my last name and entrant’s number to make sure I also meet my fundraising goal. (Thanks, guys!)
Right now, it’s the beginning of May and there is exactly six months to go before the marathon. Thankfully, my training won’t start until next month though. I have a birthday coming up and I have always been known for being realistic with my goals. Sticking to my training wouldn’t allow for me to celebrate this birthday properly. And nothing spoils a goal more than setting impractical expectations.
And not to mention, a few days ago, I gave birth to my third child. I have a little resting to do. *smile*
But with all of this excitement around me, I still don’t doubt I will cross that finish line in November. This here begins my training diary for the 2007 ING New York City Marathon – check back next month to see what happens when I lace up my running shoes for the first time.
Follow my training for the 2007 ING New York City Marathon here - (coming soon)
