On November 1, I will be undertaking my biggest challenge yet--running the NYC Marathon.
Up until about three or four years ago I sucked at running. I couldn't even run half a mile without panting and being out of breath, In other words it was a very sorry sight. My feeling was why run when you can walk. The only time you should run is when the cops are chasing you. Not that I have any personal experience with the police (at least as far as you know).
Somehow (alien abduction, pod people, suffered a blow to the head) I began to actually enjoy running and even grew to dare I say, love it?! In my running career I have completed many 5ks, a 10k, a 10-miler, and so far five half-Marathons. Number six will be happening in May. During the home stretch of a half in October, a thought popped into my head. I began to think of what my next race should be and since halfs were becoming, not exactly easy, but more doable than when I ran my first, I thought I should go for a bigger challenge next. In December I decided I would become totally crazy and go for the full marathon.
To chronicle (or document for the men in white coats) my craziness I am starting this blog to highlight all of my highs, lows and everything in between as I take on the marathon. For example, while on a training run in Oyster Bay/East Norwich Long Island, I became caught in the rain. No big deal, I have run in the rain numerous times, hell I even did a half in the rain. After finishing my run I returned to my in-laws and proceeded to head to the bathroom to shower. As I turned I caught a glimpse of myself in the mirror. Oh Boy!
I was wearing a long sleeve grey shirt as a base layer with a white dri-weave shirt over it. Apparently Mother Nature thought it would be funny if I was the victim of a imprompt to wet t-shirt contest! You could see all the way to my sports bra and apparently I was also cold. I did recall a card honking, but I thought it was at the traffic in front of it. Now, I'm not so sure. Mental note--no white shirts of any kind on overcast days.
I will also document my use of technology (apps, watch) as I try to become a better runner. At the end of March, my watch gave up the ghost. I began to use a free app, Map My Run, which I loved. While I would run a little voice would pipe up after each mile and would tell me my overall time, distance, and my split pace. One morning the voice even told me I was beautiful! Of course, it then launched into an add for some beauty product. That was the first and only time I ever heard it give me an ad.
While on a run in Brooklyn Bridge Park, it recorded my first mile at a pace of 9:27. Not bad and a totally possible time. However, at mile two (which was more like mile 1.4, but who's counting) it told me my time was 4:44. Humm, I must be the whitest Nigerian on the planet. Later when I looked at the data I realized that since I was running along one of the piers in the park the GPS must have had trouble tracking me. According to the app I ran across the river to Manhattan and then came back. I guess I can now perform miracles as well as being from Africa. Go me. You learn something new about yourself every run. Won't my family be surprised.
I have since bought myself an early birthday present and have a new watch. Let's see what I become with this one. Hopefully, a marathon runner!
I am running as part of Team Athletes to End Alzheimer's in honor of my mother who passed away in 2012. If you would like to help, feel free to click on the link below. Any help/support is appreciated.
