We learned a few things during our rehearsal. Most of these things I knew already, but it was a good slap in the face reminder. Some were new considerations for Rob altogether. We always overdo it - adding unnecessary stops and obligations. We thought it was a good idea to lug my bicycle into Manhattan because it needed a repair. On the surface, not a big deal. But added some time and logistic pressure that should have been avoided. Our dinner was lack-luster and disappointing, and even a touch too late with slow service. Despite having the hotel, we did not get a good night sleep. We tried a new hotel to be closer to the ferry - specific to this Half, and we didn't like it. Not a big deal for one night, but can certainly ruin the vibe for 3 nights leading up to a marathon.
The next morning, we left plenty of time to get to the ferry, but it wasn't enough. The terminal was crowded. We didn't get on the boat that was just departing and had to wait for the next one. Rob was Wave 1 - 8am and I was Wave 2 - 8:30am. We both had to use the bathroom again. When we finally arrived in Staten Island, Rob just had enough time to take off his sweatshirt and run to his corral. Keep in mind this was only a small race of 9,000 runners, and the corrals were right next to the ferry terminal. The marathon will be 55,000 runners, 5 waves, 2 million spectators, and major road closures.
The morning of the marathon we need to take a subway to the ferry, the ferry to Staten Island, then a bus to Fort Wadsworth. With no issues at all, it's about a 3 hour journey. They DO run more ferries that day, it was a constant flow last year. But regardless, this snags during this experience left is a little uneasy and paranoid.
Net-Net: There are so many things out of your control for a race that would be normally be in your control during training.
During the race, neither of us were happy with our clothes. I was ridiculously hot from the second I started running. I cannot physically wear less clothing besides just my sports bra, but then I have no where to pin my bib. I've tried about 25 shirts and it feels too late to make a change now. I'm wondering if making some adjustments to my existing shirt could help, but would still need to test that out again. For Rob it was less about temperature and more about being uncomfortable - his shirt was rubbing in all the wrong places.
But lots of things DID go well. Really well in fact.
We spent time together and had some little moments walking around Seaport. Looking at old ships, fresh produce and flowers, getting a really good coffee, talking to some dude on his motorcycle, playing our favorite game "spot the Italians". And we got to catch-up with Kara and Amanda after the race on Sunday for brunch.
We ran well - and at the end of the day, that's what matters. Even if we were suffering during it (though it would be great to prevent as much of that suffering in advance as possible).
Rob set a new Half PR of 1:44:48 and I set a new course PR of 2:14:05, significantly beating both of my times from 2022 and 2023. I had planned on taking it slow but was able to keep up with the 2:10 pacer for 2/3 of the course. Once I was approaching the Verrazzano though, I felt myself slowing and her cadence was no longer mine. I knew there were a bunch of giant hills ahead and pushing to keep up with her wasn't going to end well for me. So I let her go - and ran my own race until the end.
The views under the Verrazzano and the Manhattan skyline were simply breathtaking. You feel so small next to them, but also so big at the same time. It was a weird paradox - none of this matters, all of this matters. I think the thing about running that people don't truly understand is that it's not really about running at all. It's about humanity. It's about struggle and triumph.
This week I will take on my last long-run - 20 miles. It will take me a little less than 4 hours and I will definitely be taking it slow. Last year I ran this with my friend Megan. This year, I'm not sure yet if it's going to be a solo venture. Then I will have a 2 week taper with much lighter running and activity overall. I think normal people call it REST.
As we approach November 3rd...
Hopefully the temperature starts to cool down.
Hopefully we figure out our clothing issues.
Hopefully we find more of those little moments to remind us about the humanity of running.
See you in 3 weeks Staten Island for the "full show".
