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I’m not sure what I find harder to believe; that it’s almost a month since the New York Marathon on the 4th of November or that I’ve only just watched the video tape of Paula’s triumph at the event! - Such an amazing athlete as I’m sure you runners agree, world record holder and champion of seven out of the eight marathons she has ever competed in… bring on a much deserved Gold medal in Beijing 2008! As for my run… I absolutely loved it!! One of the most memorable days of my life!! New York is a vibrant and energetic city and I feel lucky to have experienced a race that mirrored such characteristics. The entire route was lined with supporters and over 100 bands performed at various points to encourage athletes through the 26.2 miles. The race takes you through the five boroughs – Staten Island, Brooklyn, Queens, The Bronx and Manhatten. As a visitor there’s no doubt you enter areas that would be unadvisable on any other circumstance and I was relieved to find I didn’t need the baton that was offered to me at customs to ensure my safety! I began the run (thankfully) on the upper tier of the Verazanno-Narrows Bridge and felt like I was flying through the first half marathon crossing the timing mat at 1:35:39. The jelly-legged feeling struck at an early 15 mile mark as I crossed the Queensborough bridge, which since completing the event I have been glad to learn is a particular nemesis for many runners. I managed to master a brave face as I past Mum and my family at around 17 miles, but unfortunately slowed up somewhat for the following few. It was interesting to hear their account of the event afterward as at 17 I was reportedly red in the face and smiley and by 21 I was pale and looking a little worse for wear! Fortunately at 22 miles (Harlem) a thought of “there’s only 30 minutes more running” combined with the onset of a song on my i-pod that reminded me of a very influential friend spurred a determination to not sit back, but to give it my all to the finish line. From what I remember miles 22-24 were a slog up a gradient, but on entering central park and the enthusiasm of the crowd I believe I managed to pick up the pace for the last couple. Seeing Mum and co again over the last mile was another boost to the system and I managed to cross the line in a time of 3:17:30. Although I didn’t achieve the sub 3:15 marker I am still thrilled with my run and would definitely recommend New York for any runners out there considering a marathon. I would like to take this opportunity to give a huge thank you to all those who have given so generously to the charity ‘Get Kids Going’ for whom I’ve managed to raise around £1500, sponsorship is still coming in and if anyone feels inclined please contribute to a this worthy cause. Finally and by no means lastly a massive thank you to my Mum who as many of you know, is such an amazing support and for me her encouragements make every success all the more worthwhile. |
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