November 7, 2010 : Happy World Run Day!

I celebrated World Running Day by marathoning in the city where the “world comes to run”.

On Saturday, I ventured to the Expo at the Javits Center.  Slightly disappointed that the only official race shirts left were in unisex sizes L and XL, I was forced to purchase additional gear with the NYC Marathon emblazoned on it.  Terrible, I know.  My favorite purchase was this Sugoi shirt and arm warmers with the skyline and a bright yellow cab.

After doing my part to stimulate running gear sales, I left the expo to head back to my mother in law’s apartment on 69^th Street between 1^st and 2^nd avenue.  You wouldn’t think this would  be a challenge for someone that lived and worked in New York City for seven years, but I’ve been known to develop severe direction dysfunction when I am excited or nervous.  Hmm.  NYC marathon the following day… check for both of those emotions.

I exited the Javits Center walking in the correct direction.  I was chatting with Monika and Natalie on the phone, and although I missed the entrance for the first subway I could have taken, I made it onto a second, heading in the proper direction… uptown.  I exited the subway at the correct station, I looked to one side and thought I saw Central Park, so I started off in the opposite direction.  Unfortunately, I was heading west instead of east, and when I caught a glimpse of the actual park, I laughed to myself, called Scott and turned around.  Duh.  At least it was not as silly as the time I was heading to a Rangers game from Connecticut and ended up in Queens instead of Manhattan.

Eventually, I made it to my mother in law’s place.  We got the kids settled, and I prepped some of my race gear.  D Tag on my shoe, check.  Gels in my race belt, check.  Race number on my race belt, check.  We kissed the kids good night and left to head a little farther uptown to Scott’s cousin’s apartment.  Staying in the apartment of a 20 something bachelor in NYC was a trip.  He even left us snacks and beer.  I made a final decision on what to wear, laid everything out for the morning, and crashed for a surprisingly good night’s sleep.

The race does not always belong to the swift but to those that endure to the end.
From a carpenter's shop window on 1st Avenue.

I awoke even before the 5am alarm from some crazy dreams.  In one dream, I was at the race start and ran into some friends from Connecticut.  In another dream, I was hanging out with someone I worked with over 10 years ago at Corsearch.  

The walk from the 4/5 to the Ferry.

Race morning, we were heading to the subway by 6am.  Despite some confusion about whether or not the 4/5 was running, Scott and I caught one heading downtown after a short wait with a dozen or so other runners.  My personal escort to the Staten Island Ferry ensured there was not a repeat performance of my direction dysfunction.   Scott delivered me to the Staten Island Ferry in plenty of time for my 7:15am departure, which turned into a 7:45 departure because of some ferry issues.  Throngs of runners queued up at one gate, only to find the ferry docking at the opposite end of the terminal.  As we pushed to the other side, they announced closing the doors, and we had to make our way back to the area where we were standing in the first place.  I think the ferry operators were just having a little fun.

The Lupus Butterfly

Once on the ferry, I sat upstairs in the center of the boat, across from a quirky Brit painted yellow and dressed as a butterfly.  For real.  He was running his 18^th marathon and raising money for Lupus research.   The race was filled with costumed runners, some of whom were also raising money for various truly noble causes.  Gumby, Superman and Gene Simmons were there.  So was Coatman.  He ran in his coat, carrying a butler’s tray with drinks glued to it.  There were jogglers, too.  As if running a marathon isn’t enough, picture juggling through it.  Seeing how many runners raised money for charity was definitely inspiring.  From injured firefighter funds to NF research, runners on Sunday spread a lot of good through the world.

Ready to board.

Also among the runners, were some celebrities.  Some ran more than others.  I had the pleasure of seeing Edison Pena (5:40:51), one of the rescued Chilean miners.  I also passed Veronica Webb (4:59:12) in Central Park.  Other celebs in attendance included:

Bobby Flay (4:01:37)
Anthony Edwards (4:04:45)
Jared Fogle from Subway (5:13:28)
Meredith Viera (5:59:00)
Robin Quivers (6:09:00)
Al Roker (7:09:44)

Where's Cathy?

Over 45,000 of us pounded the streets of New York, as a tsunami of runners through every
borough.  It was unlike anything I’ve ever experienced.  I had watched the marathon before, and even volunteered at it, but nothing beat running it myself.  The energy of the crowds was overwhelming at times, the volunteers were gracious and encouraging, and the city was stunning.  From the thrill of crossing the Verrazano, I saw historic neighborhoods in Brooklyn, 2 bagpipe bands, karaoke singers, Queens residents handing out paper towels, orange slices, bananas, and Halloween candy, a  gospel choir in Harlem, and throngs of people lining 1^st avenue and 5^th avenue, all the way back to Central Park ~ one of my favorite places in all of NYC.  The crowds cheered for friends, family and strangers all the same.  Just amazing.

Scott was waiting for me a mile after I crossed the Pulaski Bridge into Queens.  His giant, singing balloon was just the thing for me to spot him effectively.  After I passed along some sweaty hugs and kisses, I jumped back into the race.  At 1st Avenue and 69^th, Alex and Tyler were lined up with Rachel and her friend Elayne for further inspiration.  Finally, in the home stretch in Central Park, I saw Scott, Rachel and the kids one last time around mile 25.  Once again, the balloon helped me spot them.  Knowing they were all there made my heart soar.  Goofy, I know, but it meant so much to have their support on race day.

Thank you, NYC!

The finish was mine alone.  The cold weather had knocked the wind out of me a bit from the start.  Potty breaks slowed me down after the half way point, and my knees were achy by mile 18.  I pushed on, taking bananas and walking through some water stops.  Two little known facts about me are that I cannot run (or walk) a straight line, and I cannot drink and run or  I end up with water or Gatorade up my nose.  With a half mile to go, I started to sprint as best I could.  With the finish line in sight, I couldn't believe it was over already, although I was grateful for the end.  As I dashed across, my smile was wide and my arms were raised exuberantly.   I did it, and I had a blast.

I didn’t qualify for Boston.  I didn’t break 4 hours.  I didn’t finish faster than my marathon in Vegas last year.  I soaked up every second of the experience, and I will never forget it.

Maybe, just maybe, I’ll run the streets of NYC again sometime.

Now, my sights are set on the Philadelphia marathon on November 21st.  Two marathons, two weeks apart.  Ambitious, I know.  In Philly, I have the option to run the half instead of the full marathon.  I'm leaving the decision up to my body on race day.

Many thanks to Scott, Tyler, Alex, Rachel, Elayne, Jason, and Maddy for all their supportive efforts during the NYC marathon race weekend.  You guys rock!

Place	Gender Place	Age Place	Runner No.	First Name	Last Name	Age		State/ Country		Finish Time	5 km
21879	5503	949	41369	CATHERINE	OGUR	39F		PA	USA	04:19:44	00:28:19

10 km	15 km	20 km	13.1 mi	25 km	30 km
00:56:31	01:24:48	01:56:34	02:03:09	02:27:59	02:59:50
35 km	40 km	Minutes per Mile
03:34:21	04:06:48	09:55