About two weeks ago, my husband ran the ING NYC Marathon in 4:47. It was his first marathon and I'm so proud of him. 4:47 is pretty good considering his lack of training. Due to my husband's hectic work schedule, he didn't have the time to properly train. He ran a 16, 18 and 20 miler with a few six mile runs in between but that was basically it for him. I knew my husband would finish because he's determined and never gives up. However, what I didn't know was that he would finish in under 5 hours! Most people train to do the marathon in under 5 hours. He just winged it. I'm glad he finally experienced the full 26.2 miles and what better city to do it in than your hometown.
This was my first time spectating the ING NYC Marathon. I was fortunate enough to have received a finish line pass so I quickly made my way into the city before noon to catch the elites finish. I was pulling for Meb and although he did not win, I still became teary eyed when I saw him run past me with his USA singlet and cross the finish line. He's an inspiration.
I also witnessed Shalane Flanagan make her marathon debut and finish 2nd amongst the female elites. When I saw running in towards the finish, I got goosebumps all over. She did amazing. I screamed and yelled so loud when she walked past with the American flag draped around her. I think her smile says it all.
After the elites finished, I briskly walked across central park to make my way to First Avenue. I was meeting up wtih friends at the 16 mile marker. We thought we'd catch my husband but unfortunately didn't. I was afraid that we missed him, so we hopped on the subway and ended up on 116th and Fifth Avenue where we finally saw him! It was between mile 21 and 22 I believe and he was walking with a cup of water. As soon as he heard us call his name, he quickly threw down the water and started running again. After he passed, we made our way over to the west side to meet up with him on Central Park West. When we found him, he looked like he had been through hell. He was in pain but was happy he finished the 26.2 miles.
As for my NYC Marathon experience, it was fun but exhausting at 8 months pregnant. I wore my running sneakers because I knew I would be running/walking/waddling around the city all day long. I was so caught up in my marathon map and trying to find my husband that I forgot about my baby. By the end of the day, my braxton hicks contractions were more frequent and stronger and my legs were aching. It's a good thing I didn't go into labor while spectating! Watching the elites finish and the runners at mile 16 made me want to run another marathon right then and there. I was so envious of all the runners and it brought back all the wonderful marathon memories I earned a year before. However, seeing the runners at miles 21-22 reminded me of the pain and exhaustion that comes with the marathon. I don't know if I'll ever run another marathon again. Of course, a giant part of me wants to take on the challenge and set a pr. I loved the feeling of finishing and would like to feel that again. But another part of me doesn't know if I'll have to strength (and time) to train for another one since I'll have another little person to take care of in a month or so. Working full time and training for a marathon is one thing but add on taking care of a child and it's a whole other ball game. I will just have to wait and see what my marathon future holds.
Side Note: My husband ran for the charity Malaria No More. He and his team raised over $130k for a great cause. I couldn't be more proud!
