NYC Marathon – Run Read Repeat

From the smallest to the largest marathon- no two 26.2 mile races are the same

As I approached 40 I caught the marathon bug. 2020 was the year that I was going to run the NYC Marathon. The biggest, greatest, marathon of all marathons. A classic if you will. March 8, 2020 I registered to run as part of the Alzheimer’s Association team, in honor of my Dad who was suffering from Alzheimer’s. Two short weeks later COVID-19 began to impact the United States and the world more profoundly. Everyday life as we knew it had changed. Slowly but surely all races were beginning to be canceled- by June the 2020 NYC Marathon was like all others and it too was canceled. As was the case with many runners, I grieved the lack of racing opportunities, but this one hit hard. For a variety of reasons I was determined to run a marathon in 2020- big birthday around the corner, the 50th running of the marathon and I wasn’t sure my Dad would live to see November 2021 and wanted him to know that I had accomplished this bucket list item in his honor. I had two choices- pout that I wasn’t going to be running five bridges and boroughs in 2020 or do something about it. Despite the marathon being canceled I continued my fundraising and I decided to start my training cycle with the goal of running the Virtual NYC Marathon. I knew that with every training cycle I learned something new, so having a dress rehearsal if you will before the “real deal” seemed like a reasonable backup plan. Everyone says, be sure to carefully select that first marathon experience. Look for great crowd support- a course that will help you to go the distance. My first marathon was anything but- I ran in loops from my house. My crowd support consisted of some deer, squirrels and the guys taking down trees in my yard, until mile 20 or so when my family/friends came out to give me the final push to go the distance. While this was far from the NYC experience of running a marathon, I controlled a lot of the factors that you don’t get to control when running a major marathon. I slept in my own bed the night before. I was able to get up when I wanted and eat my normal breakfast. I listened to NY, NY by Frank Sinatra with my boys and hit the road. I didn’t listen to music. I didn’t have loud crowds cheering me on. Instead, I listened to an audio book and ran my solo 26.2. For what will likely be the only time I broke the tape that my then 5 and 7 year old children created as I crossed the home made finish line completing my first marathon. While I was initially disappointed that NYC didn’t happen, I honestly wouldn’t change a thing about this first marathon experience. Not many people can say they finished their first marathon in front of their home with their family and friends around them.

LIke many others when given the choice of my future guaranteed entry I selected 2021 as my first choice. Truth be told, I didn’t really think there was a chance of the marathon going off in 2021. So much felt unsettled at the time of making my election. However, I knew that I wanted the chance to run the 50th NYC marathon. I would still have the chance to do it during my 40th birthday year. But, as I suspected, I lost my dad a few months before the marathon and instead of running in his honor, I ran in his memory. This added to the meaning of the run.

As the date got closer, I was cautiously optimistic that the marathon would happen. For a long time, I was afraid to get my hopes up because I didn’t want to be disappointed by another canceled race. But this was the real deal and it was going to happen!! In contrast to my solo run, I spent the days leading up to the marathon taking in the sights with my family. We had the perfect few days of enjoying great meals, seeing the Empire State Building, Statue of Liberty and the Central Park Zoo. The weather was perfect. I was so distracted by making sure everyone had what they needed for the morning of the race- proper layers, snacks, and knowing how to get to the grandstand, that I lost track of the fact that I was about to run the biggest race of my life. I started the day by walking down Fifth Avenue to the bus to Staten Island. It was truly surreal. Crisp. Quiet for NY but not truly silent. As the city never really sleeps. Busses were lined up for blocks to take the runners to the base of the Verrazano Bridge. Fortunately, I made friends waiting in line who helped to pass the several hours we waited before our start time. While it was cold waiting in the start village (I knew that would make for the best running weather)- the time passed quickly sitting along the Verrazano Bridge, taking in the people, the sights and trying to settle my nerves. The energy was high and before I knew it I was making my way to the starting corral. On the top level of the Verrazano Bridge I stood in awe- thinking of all the times I had driven over the bridge, never once thinking that I would run across it. How would I describe the experience?? Intense. There is such a buzz at the start of the marathon where there are no spectators but all the runners are so excited. Once we crossed the bridge there were spectoros, music and excitement for miles. The only other really quiet stretch was the Queensboro Bridge. But then you have the spectators waiting on First Avenue to cheer you on. I’m still amazed at how many volunteers and spectators gave of their time that day to make the race possible. I wore a bib with my name on it and it was as though the spectators knew when I needed a boost and would call out my name.

I like to think of my two marathon experiences as my first marathon and my first “real” marathon. Trust me, anyone knows that 26.2 whether you do it alone or with 30,000 people is a marathon. But there is no describing the energy felt for the 26.2 in NY. In NY I was running as part of a community. When I ran alone it was a very personal experience. It was something I had to do for me. In NY it’s as though the entire city was cheering me to the finish. The sense of community with the runners, many of whom had been waiting two years like me to run in NYC was profound. But one thing remained the same- my husband and boys were there at the end. No, we weren’t in front of our house and they didn’t get to squirt me with water guns like in 2020, but when we called out to each other and locked eyes it was like no one else was there as I crossed the finish line of my first “real” marathon in the greatest city in the world!

2021- TCS New York City Marathon in Review

For two years I had been mentally preparing to run the NYC Marathon. Fundraising for the Alzheimer’s Association in honor/memory of my dad. For the three months prior I was focused on my training plan and staying healthy, all while being just a little bit afraid the race would get canceled. Then Chicago and Boston both successfully happened and I felt comfortable that New York would happen too. We had turned the trip to the marathon into an extended family weekend. We had quality family time leading up to the race- hitting all the highlights. We saw the Empire State Building, Statute of Liberty and even enjoyed the sea lion show in the Central Park Zoo. We caught up with friends and had dinner at some of our favorite places. Quite honestly worrying about all the logistics of the weekend combined with having fun with frineds really kept me from thinking about the fact that I was about to run the biggest race of my life. That at 40 years old I was going to stand on top of the Verrazano Bridge and run the NYC Marathon. Even I still can’t believe this happened.

Did you even run if you don’t flat lay??

I’m a planner. Planning and making arrangements is my thing. I had all the details worked out and that kept my nervous energy busy. But there were so many things I couldn’t control. The weather, the fact that I had to get the bus at 5:15 AM and didn’t start until 10:40. Or that the logistics of how to get into the Grandstand seating for Jeff and the boys didn’t make any sense. I’m telling you all this “extra” worry kept me from thinking about running the largest marathon in the world. That is until I sat myself down along the Verrazano Bridge and took in the grandness of the experience. Listening to music I looked around at all the other folks about to embark on the same crazy experience of running five bridges and five Burroughs through New York. What was I thinking?? Primarily I was thinking how am I going to find Jeff and the boys at the finish so we see each other after they wait so long for me to finish. Not for a minute did it cross my mind that I wouldn’t finish. Crazy in hindsight- but also at about mile 20 when my hamstrings hurt so badly that running was a challenge- but we will get there.

I started out with the 4 hour pace group. Running sub four was my goal. It felt realistic. Felt- because I may have underestimated the hills on the course a tad bit. I felt healthy to start, I was fueling and hydrating appropriately and had a solid first half. Even chatting with the others in the pace group. Then I had to stop to go to the bathroom and lost my pace group. I had to work to regain my mojo a little bit. I enjoyed the camaraderie of running with a pace group for the first time. Plus now I had to do a better job of monitoring my pace since I was on my own. I remain completely blown away at the number of people who came out to support the marathon. I’m talking that some sections of the race were practically single file runners because the streets were full of people. While this amazing energy is profound for me, it was also a little unsettling. I’m not a huge fan of big crowds. Are you laughing- because I was running with 30,000 people? Yeah, I’m laughing too. But anyway, there was a stretch that was so congested with people that it really took me off guard. I felt claustrophobic and actually tried to put my headphones on to get into my own zone for a little bit. Shocker- it was actually too loud with all the people. Trust me- this is a blessing in comparison to the dreaded Queensborough Bridge. While I knew there was this quiet stretch coming I underestimated how long that damn bridge was going to feel when all you could here were feet. While the elevation gain is not the same as the Verrazano Bridge it…was…HARD. For the first time I had this little piece of doubt creep into my brain. Was I going to finish what I came here to do?

Mantras are important to me. So I dug deep literally and remembered that “I run for those who can’t” and damn it “I can do hard things!” My hard was short lived. The hard of those suffering for Alzheimer’s doesn’t get to come and go. When I started this marathon quest it was to raise funds and awareness for the Alzheimer’s Association in honor of my dad. My Dad lost his battle with Alzheimer’s in August so the marathon became even more meaningful. I know he was with me the whole way- but seriously dad I could have used a little help around mile 20 when my hamstrings knotted up so tightly that I again wasn’t quite sure I could in fact finish what I had come to start. When I finally got off that damn Queensborough Bridge I saw my friend from HS who I in fact haven’t seen since HS. She came out to support me that day and seeing her couldn’t have come at a better time!! Seeing the other folks out there in their Alzheimer’s Association singlets was awesome too. While the race is personal and individual, we were still running as part of a team. I’m not going to lie- I knew that there was a cheer zone for the Alzheimer’s Association and I had committed it to memory but somewhere along the Queensborough Bridge anything I had committed to memory left my brain. Until I started hearing tons of shouting from our cheer zone. Thanks to my Alzheimer’s Association friends for the support along the way. I honestly don’t remember what mile that was- but I love that you were there!!

I feel like my face says it all- so very tired but so happy at the same time!!

Pregnant women joke about pregnancy brain- I’m here to tell you marathon brain is a real thing as mine became mush. Another fun example of that would be when all of a sudden in my headphone I heard “hello.” It was my sister. Me: “Did you call me?” Ashley: “No, I texted and then you called.” She had been texting me all morning along with other friends and family who were following along on the tracker. That “crowd” support also meant so much. So here I was in Central Park with less than two mile to go delirious getting water and Gatorade saying to my sister- “Yeah I’m not so sure I can do this.” Now really, I knew that if I had to I would have crawled from that spot and I could finish. But man, my hamstrings hurt so darn badly. Shortly after I ran into that same friend again. I was on the far right side and she was on the left side- and I basically did a crazy car lane change across the traffic to give her a big hug for coming out. Basically I had been thinking about the fact that I should have stopped when I saw her the first time to thank her and here she was giving me another chance. A little more than a mile to go. Out of the park and onto Central Park South and then back into the park again. At this point I was kind of doing a run walk combination. No matter what I did I couldn’t quite loosen up my hamstrings. I was well aware that my four hour marathon dream died somewhere along the Queensborough Bridge (notice I’m not a fan). But I was the only one who cared about that silly time goal. My people- my husband, and two sons waiting at the finish line could careless what time I finished- just that I finished. Up to Columbus Circle we came- and back into the park. It wouldn’t be long now. We had walked the finish the day before so I knew there was one incline, but I also knew they had it marked. 800 to go. 400 to go. 200 to go and there are my boys jumping up and down, ringing their cowbells with huge smiles on their faces. In that moment it was if we were the only ones there as we connected and then I went the final 100 to cross the finish line of my first “real” marathon. Final time 4:18:55.

I’m not going to lie, the walk back to the hotel was the longest walk of my entire life. Thirteen blocks felt like thirteen miles. I slowly but surely put one foot in front of the other and made my way back. All I wanted was a hot bath, champagne and pizza!! All of which were quickly arranged. The perfect end to the perfect marathon- and the perfect weekend. I would be remiss if I didn’t again say thank you to all the friends, family and strangers who donated to the Alzheimer’s Association in honor/memory of my dad. Another huge thank you for the support in the months…years leading up to the big day. I promise a small break in marathon talk for a bit. To my co-workers who supported me, made me signs and surprised me with a celebratory lunch- I appreciate you all so very much. And the biggest thank you to my amazing husband who supports my crazy ideas- encourages me to do my best, while at the same time take pause and realize that my expectations might be a little much- and who entertained our two boys for 5 hours so they could have front row seats to see me finish. I am truly blessed!!

So, what’s next? There’s always a next, right? Shockingly to my boys I took off all of this week and haven’t run since Sunday. It’s not that I don’t feel good. I actually feel great. I’m just recognizing the awesome thing my body accomplished and giving it a little bit of grace. But then I’ll be back it. Slow and steady to finish up 2021. With my sights on a new big goal in 2022. I’ll continue to raise awareness and advocate for the Alzheimer’s Association. Check out what’s next for 2022! Psst….See you in Bean Town in October!!

A week to go- two years in the making

Two years ago I was in New York City for training for work. I had just come off my first half marathon. Running a marathon had not crossed my mind. But, then I saw the City preparing for one of the largest marathons in the world. And a thought crept into my mind, maybe just maybe I should…could run the NYC Marathon. If you know me, once a thought has entered my brain, I’m going to research the heck out of it and do it. I hadn’t even been running for a year at this point and as I said, literally just finished running my first half marathon. Yet, during my run from my hotel to Central Park it became clear to me that I would run the New York City Marathon. Shortly, thereafter I learned that you could register to run by fundraising for various charities, including the Alzheimer’s Association. At the time my father was years into his battle with Alzheimer’s and the thought of fundraising and running for the Alzheimer’s Association gave my running new purpose. I quickly became acquainted with the woman who organized the charity race entries for the Alzheimer’s Association and marked my calendar for when I could register. This friends is how my quest to run the NYC Marathon began….in October of 2019. In March of 2020, March 8th to be specific I actually registered for the 2020 NYC Marathon. I was beyond excited, until like all other major races the marathon was canceled.

So here we are the end of October 2021, two years later and one week away from the 2021 New York City Marathon. God love my husband who has lived the ups and downs of the stress of this whole process- of registering, the sadness of the race being canceled, the questions of whether I would be able to run this year when the marathon was canceled in 2020. That’s not even going into the amount of marathon talk that has been going on over the last few months. Holy cow- what would normally be a twelve week training cycle has basically been 24 months. It is hard to believe that I’m eight days away from running the race that I have been mentally and physically preparing for the last two years. Many have asked “how are you doing?” The answer is simple- I know I’m physically ready. I know mentally I can go the distance. BUT, I know full well I’m going to be a bundle of emotions. The experience is going to be a tad bit different from my solo marathon around my neighborhood that I ran last Fall. I’m eager to take in all the sights, sounds and the full marathon experience in the greatest City in America. I’m excited for the boys to see a major marathon in action. I’m also totally nervous about all the logistic details. The getting to the bus, the start line and the waiting to start. My Type A mind is on overdrive trying to anticipate all the things I “might” need. I also know full well that I’ve put all of my dad dying energy into my running and preparing for this race. So I’m going to be an emotional mess as I cross the finish line. While he won’t be here to know that I did it, I’m certain he’s going to be watching me every step of the way, that he will be the wind at my back carrying me through five Burroughs and over 5 bridges.

You too can follow along using the TCS New York City Marathon App. My bib number is 19353. Mentally I have an A and a B goal. While the big goal is to finish the damn race. I wouldn’t be me if I didn’t have a time goal floating around my head too. More importantly I want to take in and enjoy the entire experience. Never in my life did I think that I would run across the Verrazano Bridge?! Stay tuned for updates next week when I’ll compare my solo marathon from 2020 with the experience of running the largest post Covid marathon in NYC with 33,000 of my closest running friends.

NYC Marathon-6 weeks to go

I’m half way through my training cycle for my first in person marathon. That’s right- I ran my first marathon virtually in October of 2020 when NYC was canceled because of Covid. I had the opportunity to defer my guaranteed entry and learned that I would have the chance to run in 2021. As the marathon wasn’t run in person last year this is still the 50th running of the NYC marathon. This is what I wanted. I wanted to run the 50th Anniversary year- I wanted to run for my 40th birthday (which was in January), so I guess I’m just extending the birthday fun. When this adventure began it was to honor my Dad, by running and fundraising for the Alzheimer’s Association. Less than two month ago my dad lost his battle with Alzheimer’s. So now I run to honor his memory. I was already a bundle of emotions, when I ran virtually last year, but now my emotions are on overdrive.

I’ve been cautiously optimistic as I started my training cycle that the marathon will go off as scheduled. The closer we get to November 7 and the further I get into my training cycle the more optimistic I am that the marathon will happen and I will really toe the line in Staten Island. Things suddenly became very real this past weekend. I had my first longer run (12 miles) at marathon pace. My biggest challenge when running an in person race is to keep my cool at the start and not go out too hard. I imagine I am not alone with that “problem.” There’s so much adrenaline at the start of race- the excitement of running with others- the support along the route to keep going. I’m not sure I can even begin to fully appreciate what it is going to feel like on race day morning. So here I am six weeks to race day and in full freak out mode. I’m trying to anticipate all the things- what is it really going to be like to wait in the starting village for HOURS? What is the weather going to be like? What throw down items of clothing should I pack? Should I get arm sleeves/warmers? How much water should I carry? How am I going to make sure my phone stays charged? What if my watch battery dies? Will the new Apple Watch come out in time?? What in the world is my family going to do all that time while they wait for me? What am I going to want for dinner when I’m done? We would really go back and cheer on the other runners after I finish. This is just a sample of all the practical questions and thoughts running through my mindI’m thinking about. This isn’t even taking into account all of the emotions- I cried last year as I went out to run by myself. I can’t imagine the emotion as I begin to cross the Verrazano Bridge! Forget about when I see my family and enter the park to finish. This is not a DNF situation. Come hell or high water I will cross the finish line! That said- no pressure right??

I’m also in that window where staying healthy is key. There’s not much time for illness or injury to happen and get fully better without derailing this portion of the training. Granted if I accepted the idea that my only goal should be to finish- I could pack in the training now and know that I could finish a marathon. But I don’t want to “just finish.” I want to enjoy the experience. I want to take in the entire experience and I want to honor my father’s memory with each and every step. Again…no pressure! I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention the unwavering support I get from my amazing husband. But for him believing in me, helping with the boys and making sure they were always there to cheer me on I couldn’t do it. I’m truly blessed and grateful.

I looked back at my posts from my last training cycle and felt grateful that I took the time to blog each week about that week’s runs. This weekend after my 12 miler the outside of my left knee feels funny- sore, tight. This isn’t a new pain, just a pain I haven’t had for a while. So I went back to my notes. It actually was’t until week 10 of training that this same knee pain popped up last year, but much worse- like couldn’t run much worse. I opted to lift this morning rather than do my scheduled run. Experience gives you a lot of things- when it comes to training it gives you the confidence to modify your running plan to listen to your body and hopefully avoid a more serious injury. We shall see what tomorrow brings as I go for a nice and easy few miles on the treadmill. Knock wood this go round, I’ve managed to avoid the nagging hip pain that plagued me through most of the last marathon training cycle. That said, I’ve fallen into the same trap of focusing on the miles and letting the cross training/lifting go. The last two weeks I’ve been a little bit better and added one lifting day. Core and strength training are really just as important as the miles so it’s important to make the time to get both the miles and the strength training done!

So what will the next six weeks bring?? Lots and lots of overthinking just about everything. Talking to my friend, Suzy of RunLIftMomPod, who will talk me off the wall and give me some helpful pointers. I will select an outfit…and a backup. I’ll commit to shoes, socks, waist pack- the whole nine yards, while likely packing back ups of everything. Deep down I know I can do it, I just need to get over not controlling the logistics and go with it. I can only prepare so much- the other pieces will fall into place. I will trust my training. I will take in the experience. Less than 40 days until the NYC Marathon!! On your mark, get set- GO!!!

Balancing Act- work, kids, and marathon training

Let’s be real life is always a balancing act right? Kids, work, working out, volunteering, time for your spouse, the house, laundry, more laundry. As the years go on the balancing changes. For example, when the boys were young and I was a stay home mom- it was balancing finding time to shower and make dinner with feedings, diaper changes and nap schedules. Then they got a little bit older and it was balancing having two kids instead of one. Trying to make their schedules mesh. Then one starts school, one is home and you are doing all the mommy and me activities. You get the idea as years pass by we are just changing the things that are always at a delicate balance. I laugh because Covid has just made the balance like a see saw. Every time we think we are in a good place there’s some sort of monkey wrench thrown into the mix.

Last year for the first time in my years as a mother both of my children were in school full time for the very first time. I had this grand plan for a life of luxury. I would drop them off, have time during the day to train for my marathon, read, write. I laugh, because within moments of them both being in school I started subbing basically full time at school. Let’s be real, I’m not really the take it easy, have a lot of time on your hands kind of person, so this wasn’t a huge surprise. We figured out the balance and it worked out well. I was happy to be at school with the boys and they were happy to have me there. I learned a lot about myself and the fact that I was really ready to go back to work.

Fast forward to July of 2021. Back to work full time- for real. I was a host of emotions- worried that I couldn’t truly find the balance, worried that I couldn’t remain the mom that I wanted to be to the boys. We quickly got into our summer routine and realized…this will work! Not only would it work, it was really important for the boys to see me doing something beyond being their mom. I’m not for one moment saying being a mom isn’t enough. Quite honestly, if you are blessed to be a mom I consider it the number one and most important “job.” That said, it was healthy for them to see me working on projects and doing other things. Once I got settled I realized how much I needed this for me too. So I worked on getting acclimated. The boys enjoyed camp and we got into a routine- a balance so to speak.

Then the balance was thrown out of whack…my dad died. While he had been battling Alzheimer’s for years, this sudden decline and death seemingly came out of no where. Understandably so the balance that we were just holding onto got undone. It would have remained undone but for the fact that school was starting as was marathon training. Time to kick it into high gear when all I wanted to do was nothing at all.

I don’t think it’s a coincidence that marathon training began the week after my dad’s funeral. The reason I caught the marathon bug was to fundraise for the Alzheimer’s Association. He was my why for doing this big scary thing called running the NYC Marathon. The week following his funeral I couldn’t have been less motivated to lace up my shoes and run, but I’m a stickler for following the training plan. So in a good way it forced me to get my butt in gear, lace up my shoes and put one foot in front of the other.

Shortly thereafter would come the true test- back to school madness was about to begin. I think we can all agree that September is a crazy month. Everyone is getting back into routine and there are so many new things- new activities, back to school night, etc. etc. Throw into the mix that I had several programs for work in addition to the Jewish holidays along with the back to school madness/marathon training. Oh my goodness- it was a blur!! By the end of each day I am completely exhausted and falling asleep most days when the boys go to bed. But like always, we somehow found the balance and made it work. We still found the time for books and snuggles and movies. We found the time to discuss, highs, lows and buffalos each day. The boys found ways to help me get ready for events at work and we enjoyed more than one golf cart ride together. Was it easy? Heck no. Would I trade it for the world? Also no. Someone recently asked me how I was really doing regarding my dad. The truth is, there are good days and bad days. There are moments that set me off for no reason. I think the crazy schedule and being busy helped. He wouldn’t want me to be sad. He was always hustling and working hard. He’d be happy to know that I am too.

At the end of the day- I couldn’t be happier with my new job or the fact that I get to work where the boys go to school. I joined an amazingly supportive community, where family still comes first. I work hard, mom hard and run hard everyday. All while finding time to read for pleasure- my other guilty pleasure. We’ve found our balance…for now! Until something changes and we work to find the balance again!

Marathon Training Week 5- getting in a groove!

I’ll say it until I’m blue in the face- having a training plan that is flexible is key for my mom life schedule!! This is the last week of “summer vacation” also known as the never ending spring break. So this is the last week for quite some time that I’m going to have any real flexibility in my day. That means getting up earlier to get my run in. It also means having to juggle my distances from one day to the next to get all my miles in. Having one key effort each week and knowing I can make the rest of the miles up any way I please keeps training fun and less stressful!!

The key effort for the week of August 24-August 30 was speed work and the total mileage goal was 28 miles. On the heels of the trail race last Sunday, I purposely planned to keep Monday light. While I would usually get my key effort in on Monday I pushed it to Tuesday this week.

Monday– August 24

All things considered for the day after feeling like I was getting chased through the woods for nearly 7 miles I feel good. I had originally penciled in 2 miles to kick off the week to keep my run streak going and to give my body a little bit of a break. Since I cut my half marathon to a 10K I didn’t feel like I needed quite as much of a break. Still kept it light and the pace easy because I was a little bit sore. I have this reoccurring pain in my right hip that I’m constantly keeping an eye on. I ran 3 nice and easy miles on the treadmill to kick off the week.

Tuesday– August 25

Key effort run!! Speed work is still not necessarily my most favorite thing to do. It pushes me well outside of my comfort zone, but is SO CRUCIAL for form, drive and ultimately helps with overall pace. The key effort this week is 800X5. To this I added 1 mile warm up and at least one mile cool down. Additionally, I ran a 400 or a quarter of a mile in between each 800 (half a mile) to catch my breath. My goal for my 800s is 4 minutes. I’ve found that doing speed work on the treadmill gives me the most control to hit my target paces. All in all I finished up with 6 miles and felt great. The 800s are work but I’m feeling good with the effort!

Wednesday– August 26

I got outside today!! Again, I had penciled in three miles for the day but wound up doing four instead. I was feeling good. While the pace wasn’t super fast it was still decent. For the last several weeks I’ve consciously been working on slowing down my pace and lowering my heart rate. Not every run is a race and “slower” runs are critical pieces to the training puzzle. Four miles with an average pace of 8:28 per mile works for me.

Thursday– August 27

Back on the treadmill. After a busy morning of crossing things off my to do list I didn’t get to exercise until mid morning. My right hip and hamstring are feeling sore/tight. So before I ran I did about a half hour of yoga. This concentrated, focused stretching has proven to be most helpful when I find myself getting tight. Schedule called for four miles. I somehow turned that into 5.29. No idea why other than I was feeling good after warming up with yoga and trying to stretch out this last week of the month to meet a larger overall mileage goal.

Friday- August 28

We had a lengthy laundry list of items to do today. I knew we needed to leave the house by 8:30 AM (PS this is an hour later than we will have to leave for school), so I had to get my run in early to allow enough time to shower and get everyone ready. While the pacing and my watch were totally off for timing purposes, I got another five miles in and another episode of Bosch on Amazon Prime.

Saturday-August 29

It was a rainy and humid morning. While running in the rain doesn’t scare me the humidity is not my friend. That said, and I’m not complaining about the treadmill because I love it (and anything is better than trail!- but I was getting a little bored with get on and run. Despite some glute and hip soreness I opted to push the envelop with a hill program. I’ve officially used the programs on the treadmill more in the last five months than in last 18 years combined. While the hills KICKED MY BUTT- it mixed up the run and kept me on my toes. I chose a 60 minute program. That equated to twenty 3 minute segments. Some were certainly easier than others. And the doubles at full incline and top speed left me sucking wind, but it also made me appreciate the recovery segments that much more.

Sunday- August 30

Sunday, rest day. I joke. Today was my 100th consecutive day running (at least two miles each day, almost always more)!! When I started my streak back in May I would have never imagined that it reach trip digits. Now to see where it can go. Another big milestone was hitting 800 miles for the year!! I originally set a goal of running 1000 miles this year. COVID hit and my miles increased and it became clear that barring injury 1000 would be “easy” so I upped the goal to 1255 or 2020 KM. It will be a stretch but I’m feeling confident that I’ll get there!

Subscribe to follow along on my journey to a marathon in 2020.

As a reminder- I run for those who can’t. I was scheduled to run the NYC Marathon on November 1. Despite it being COVID Canceled I committed to do the training and to running a virtual 26.2. I run for my dad, who was diagnosed with early onset Alzheimer’s several years ago. I run to raise awareness and important dollars to find a cure. Please visit my donation page for more information.

Marathon training when your race is canceled- Week One

The Spring of 2020 saw COVID hit the United States. With it came the closing of schools, work places, and basically the end of travel. Of seemingly far less importance there came widespread cancellation of organized racing. Major marathons such as Boston, NYC, and Chicago were canceled. Some found themselves mid-training cycle and unsure of what to do. Do you finish the training cycle? Stop and just go into maintenance mode? Take some time off?

Truth be told, I’m some people. I found myself mid-training cycle for a ten mile race and a half marathon. I completed the training cycle and ran both races virtually. It provided “closure” for the race and the training cylce.

The harder question wasn’t those mid-cycle races for me. It was what came next. I set my sights on running the NYC Marathon in 2020. I successfully became part of the team for the Alzheimer’s Association and registered for the marathon in the beginning of March 2020. In my mind at that point, there was no way the marathon didn’t happen in November. Come on, it was months away.

I clearly underestimated the impact of COVID on life in general. What I anticipated would be a seemingly brief disruption to life was actually beyond my wildest dreams (nightmares!) We were/are in this for the long haul. Granted keeping our family safe, engaged and happy is priority number one but there were lots of disappoints for canceled life cycle events, birthday parties, and for me races.

The news of the NYC Marathon being canceled did not come as a huge surprise when it was announced in the summer. Quite honestly, I knew it was coming and I know it was 100% the right call. While I was disappointed I began to shift my focus to my WHY and my training. When I put into perspective that my WHY- was to raise funds and awareness for the Alzheimer’s Association in honor of my dad. So, really, when I got down to it I could certainly continue to fundraise and share my story as to why the Alzheimer’s Association is important to me and my family.

One such fundraiser was with Momentum Jewelry. I love their motivational wrap bracelets. Not only are they great for wearing when you exercise but all the time. Using the Alzheimer’s Awareness color of purple and meaningful motivational sayings was a huge success. (There’s still time to get one if you are interested. $20 each shipped directly to you. Secure yours today by sending $20 via Venmo to @kelly-blavatt).

Additionally, this was a valuable teaching moment for my children. Why? I was disappointed. There may have been tears. It showed them that they weren’t the only ones who were upset about things being canceled. But why else? When you say you are going to do something you do it- no matter what. So COVID wasn’t going to stop me from fundraising, nor was it going to stop me from sporting my purple and lacing up my running shoes.

In June I organized a virtual 5K for the Longest Day (summer solstice). I also ran a mile ever hour for every hour of day light. 16 hours equals 16 miles run. We sold t-shirts. The boys and my husband ran. We talked about why Mommy was trying to raise money. It was the first real conversation we had with the boys about the fact that my Dad has Alzheimer’s. There were many questions. Many of the same questions I still ask. And there were tears. But there was also a new understanding of WHY doing something is so important.

I had to ability to defer my NYC Marathon registration to a future year. In 2021 I’ll find out if I’m running in 2021, 2022 or 2023. Honestly, I also struggled with this news. It seems silly now, but when you are focused on accomplishing a big goal- a goal that requires a high level of physical fitness three years actually feels like a lifetime. But, with time and perspective, I realize I’ll be fortunate whenever I have the chance to run five bridges and through five boroughs.

In the meantime however, I was left to decide what to do this year. Did my Longest Day 16 miles provide me with the closure I needed? Did I want to run the Virtual NYC Marathon near home? Was I still going to accomplish my goal of running a marathon in 2020? I had some time to decide. As the months went on I saw my weekly and month mileage continue to increase. I was consistently hitting anywhere from 28-32 miles a week, well over 100 miles a month. When I looked at the training schedule from Run Lift Mom I saw that weekly I was already hitting the heaviest weeks of training. Granted my long runs would be getting longer but it wasn’t a lot more miles per week. Additionally, wouldn’t I want to learn now how my body was going to react to a full training cycle, rather than when a “real” race was looming on the horizon? Clearly the answer is yes!! But, as I’ve discussed before running is just as much mental as it is physically- do I really have it in me to run 26.2 miles BY MYSELF?? The answer to that question is- time will tell.

I registered for the NYC Virtual Marathon. Heck, if I’m going to run 26.2 I’m certainly going to get a medal! While I had originally planned to run my at home marathon on the scheduled race day of November 1, I literally called an audible (my favorite football term) and on day one training moved up race day to the weekend of October 17-18. Per the rules for the virtual race it can be done any time from October 17-November 1. I definitely do not want the pressure of leaving it to the last minute!

So what did this change in schedule mean for my training? As I mentioned above I was already running approximately 30 miles a week. I was mixing things up in regards to having longer run, speed work, and easier runs. I had to find a way to eliminate two weeks of training to allow for a proper taper before “race day.” The beautiful thing about a flexible training plan like the one that Run Lift Mom offers is one key run a week! What did I do, combine weeks one/two and three/four. Say what?? Well the key effort for week one is a 10KTT and for week two is 8 miles with a total of 24 miles total for the week. Monday I ran a 10K and Friday I ran 8 miles. In the end I’ll have closer to 28 miles on the week, so I don’t feel as though any value was lost. Again, if I had not already been running 30 or so miles a week I would not have felt comfortable making this scheduling change, but I feel confident with the earlier weeks. In addition to running I made a much more concerted effort regarding my strength training this week. I’ve come to learn that the strength training is just as important as the running. The goal is to get the runs done, strength training done and avoid getting injured. I’m having some hip pain, which I know means I need to also make sure yoga and more structured stretching is in my future.

There is joy in the journey! Each run, each training session is another step in the journey!

What does that mean for the coming week? Technically week two of official training but really weeks three and four. Week three’s key effort calls for speed work (800×4), while week four’s key effort is a ten mile run. Total miles for the week 26 miles. How’s this going to break down? Monday I’ll kick off the week with the speed work. Check that right off the list. Then I’m going to run light the rest (2-3 miles a day with some strength training) of the week because I’m registered for a COVID compliant half marathon on Sunday. Yes, I know that 13.1 is more than 10 miles but I’ll take a little longer rather than shorter. A week from now, I’ll be “caught up” on the training plan and on target to be ready to run 26.2 mid-October.

The next two months will not only be for physical training, but also for fine tuning race day nutrition and the mental strength for running without the adrenaline/fan support of a “real” race. That said knowing that my husband and boys will be waiting for me at the end will certainly keep me going!

Stay tuned for week two! Subscribe to get updates!

Join me to #ENDALZ

The Longest Day is the day with the most light — the summer solstice. On June 20, people from across the world will fight the darkness of Alzheimer’s. Let’s come together and run or walk a virtual 5K. All registration proceeds from the Virtual 5K will be donated to the Alzheimer’s Assocation.

I’m fundraising for the Alzheimer’s Assocation to honor my dad. I’m also training to run the NYC Marathon as part of the Alzheimer’s Team. Alzheimer’s has robbed my father of the prime years of his life. It’s a disease that has taken away his ability to do the most simple things that I no longer take for granted. Every time I run my mantra is “I RUN TODAY BECAUSE SOME DAY I WON’T BE ABLE AND TODAY IS NOT THAT DAY!” Along with “I RUN FOR THOSE WHO CAN’T!”

My Dad is not alone, currently, more than 5 million Americans have Alzheimer’s disease and that number is expected to grow to as many as 16 million by 2050. Our future is at risk and we must come together to change the course of this disease.

There are several ways that you can join the effort (without running a marathon!):

Register to run, walk, or sleep in on June 20th All registrants will receive a downloadable race bib and completion certificate. And I’ll run a mile on June 20th for every person who registers for the Virtual 5K.

Purchase a t-shirt to commemorate our virtual race! – T-shirt proceeds will also be donated to the Alzheimer’s Association.

Make a donation: http://act.alz.org/goto/kellyblavatt

Join the Event page for updates, giveaways and more!

Share your experience by tagging #longestdayvirtual5K

Grieving the loss of racing

I know what you are thinking- this is a pandemic. People are getting sick. People are dying- how can you talk about grieving the loss of racing? Here’s the deal- I’m not undermining the unbelievable seriousness of the COVID 19 pandemic or the people who have gotten ill and especially not those who have lost their lives. I’m also not so short sighted to see that there are folks who have had their lives completely turned upside down, life cycle events that have been postponed and cancelled. So yes, I get it. But here’s what else I get I’m allowed to grieve too. Yes, grieve- that’s the feeling that we’ve been having about the normal parts of life that have been lost, basically ripped away from us. For example, pre-school graduation, end of the school year traditions, the fact that my kids only see their friends through a computer screen. Yes, I know it’s not High School graduation- it’s not going off to college. But it’s sad and it’s upsetting to watch as a parent.

So my point is we are entitled to grieve the loss of racing. Ask any runner who trains for a race- it’s the thrill of all the runners lining up to run. It’s hearing “on your mark, get set, go.” It’s the people along the course of the run cheering you on. It’s pushing yourself to run the very best race that you can. And it’s that moment when you cross the finish line. Win, lose or draw knowing you gave it your all! Finally, for me it’s knowing that my husband and boys are waiting for me. Proud of my no matter what time I come across the finish line.

There have always been virtual running opportunities. Once racing was cancelled for the indefinite future even more virtual opportunities sprang up every where. You know what, for the first several months they fulfilled a real need. Nearly every time I went out to run it was a virtual race. Whether it was the Un-canceled Project, Rock n Roll Virtual Series or a variety of others, I was pushing myself harder and my times continued to improve. But then the “real” race cancellations start to pile up. First it was a 4 miler with my sister, our first race together. Then it was a 10K that was supposed to be a fun course. Up next came a half marathon that also included a race for my boys the day before. 2020 was supposed to be this amazing racing year. I had carefully selected a variety of races and locations. I was training hard and it was all leading up to running the NYC Marathon, November 1, 2020.

Today is May 28, 2020. Today the Boston Marathon, that was previously postponed to September was cancelled. While this isn’t the first marathon to be cancelled. It’s the first major marathon in the United States. Am I surprised? No. I knew it was coming. Just like I know that shortly hereafter the marathons in London, Chicago and NYC will follow. But you know what, knowing something is going to happen and having it be final are different. Right now, the NYC Marathon is still on as scheduled, but in my heart I know that I will not be running in NYC on November 1st. I know that I won’t be taking part in the 50th running of the NYC Marathon, in honor of my Dad who suffers from Alzheimer’s. I also know what you are thinking. Racing isn’t cancelled forever. If it’s so important you’ll do it another year. But you know what- you’re right. I will run the NYC Marathon. It will happen. But there was just something special about this year. I turn forty in January. It was this perfect combination of 2020, 50th Anniversary and a milestone birthday.

I also know that there’s a flip side to look at this situation. I know it could be a blessing in disguise. That I could be in even better shape next year. Trust me, I’m the kind of person that believe that everything happens for a reason. But right now I’m not past the grieving stage. Right now, I’m sad for what I know is coming. Yet, I’m still in denial until it becomes official. I’m full of questions. Will I be able to defer to next year? What happens to the donations that people so generously made on my behalf? What if I’m not able to run next year? Do I start my training cycle? Do I run 26.2 on November 1st regardless? Can I really run a full marathon without the adrenaline, the fan support, the full experience?

The answer to many of these questions are beyond my control. The truth is time will tell. I also know that as long as we all stay healthy this is just a blip. But you know what else, I’m going to give myself the grace I need to be sad before I move on. So for now, I run and I wait.

I’ll never run a marathon or so I said

In February of 2019, I set out a plan to run the Disney Princess Half Marathon in 2020. Along the way, I began adding more races along the way. August 2019, a twelve miler the Charles Street 12, October 2019, the Baltimore Half Marathon and some 5Ks and 10Ks along the way. During the Baltimore Half the half marathoners met up with the marathoners along the way. And all I kept thinking was I can’t imagine running a marathon.

Then I was in New York the week before the New York City marathon. The energy was palpable. I carefully studied the race route. Then I saw posts on social media and became obsessed with the marathon. I learned you could run for charity. The wheels started turning. Never say never.

A little bit of history. In 2015 my father was diagnosed with early onset Alzheimer’s at the age of 58. Yes, 58. Alzheimer’s continues to rob my father of the prime years of his life. Taking away his ability to remember and do “normal” day to day activities that we frequently take for granted. Not only is the process difficult for him it’s painful for the entire family.

The week after the NYC Marathon I couldn’t stop thinking about it. I still can’t stop thinking about it. So I did what I always do when something is on my mind. I research the heck out of it. And I reach out to my friend Suzy, Runlift Mom to get her opinion. I knew that tackling a marathon is a whole other beast than a half marathon. There are certain things you can fudge on so to speak…i.e. nutrition, stretching, etc. for a half marathon but that is not the case for a full marathon.

I continued my research. I learned that the 2020 is the Fiftieth Anniversary of the marathon. How cool to be part of a historic run??? Again my curiosity continued. You run through all five boroughs and over five different bridges. I learned that you can secure a spot in the marathon by time qualifying (not me) or by lottery. I anticipated that with it being a historic race that the lottery entries would be high. Were they ever. Nearly 185,000 entries for 4200 spot. Wow!! But wait, remember what I said above- you can also run for charity! And you guessed it, the Alzheimer’s Association is one of those charities.

The 2019 NYC Marathon was run on November 3rd. On November 6, I emailed inquiring how I could be part of the 2020 team for the Alzheimer’s Association. Eager much?? Just a little bit. They told me that I was on their list and they would circle back around with me closer to registration. Fast forward to the end of February 2020 and it’s go time. I received the online document to complete agreeing to be part of the team and to fundraise $4000 for the Alzheimer’s Association. In doing so I’ll be part of a team, a community committed to raising fund for the Alzheimer’s Association who will run the 2020 NYC marathon. So this is why you should never say never.

The way I see it- this is the PERFECT time to run a marathon and to have it be my FIRST. See I’m already not saying it’s going to be my only. Both my kiddos will be in school full time for the first time. So it looks like I’ve found a way to fill my “free” time…lots of running!! I’m originally from NY so it’s special to run the NYC Marathon. It’s the 50th Anniversary! And I get to do it for my Dad!! How could I not??

Well, it seemed like the perfect time to train and run for a marathon when I registered on March 8, 2020. But in the weeks to follow the country has been overtaken by COVID 19. We have been home for weeks and there is really no end in sight. There is talk about a Fall resurgence. As a planner, the unknown is difficult!! But I’m going to be optimistic and keep the faith that on NOVEMBER 1, 2020 I’ll be running five boroughs and five bridges in honor of my dad!!

I look forward to documenting my journey along the way. Additionally, if you would like to join the fight to #ENDALZ by making a donation to the Alzheimer’s Association in honor of my father you can do so here: http://act.alz.org/goto/kellyblavatt

Truly no donation is too small. Each and every contribution will help us to get one step closer to find a cure and provide support to those suffering from Alzheimer’s and their families.

Thank you in advance for your support!