Got my NY on during the 2014 TCS NYC Marathon
At the end of this year, I would have covered at least 7 marathon distances for the year Watchung Ultra (31 mile), 2 marathon training runs, Bear Mountain (31 miles), San Francisco marathon, New York City and now NYRR 60k (~38 miles). I’m still in awe. Well, I haven’t done the 60K as yet so let’s talk about NYC—my 5th official marathon.
Windy—but first let’s talk about this journey.
Training for this marathon was a journey within itself, as you can tell from my last post. In the end, it was mostly psychological obstacles that I had to get over to get to this point and the results but I enjoyed every bit of it. I’d always been a technical runner (if there’s such a thing or a data-driven athlete)—Data drives me. It might not be fun for some people but I love how everything adds up to the moment you’re at the startline: the amount of sleep, the way you train, the food you eat, the strides, your cadence, how you drive your arms, lift your legs, breathe, relax, distract, and use will to reach the finish. I know it’s a great deal, and probably not what all runners think about but that’s how I’ve come to enjoy getting better, stronger, faster and built for that distance. I’m a marathon, life’s a marathon…
However, let me not get ahead of myself.
Parade of Nations
I started off Marathon Weekend (Oct. 31) by representing Dominica at the Parade of Nations (it was broadcasted on ABC News 7). There were only two of us from the Commonwealth of Dominica and one of the people representing the UN came over and asked whether I’d like to hold the UN flag and walk with them. I talked the other Dominican girl into it and was so happy she said yes. We basically felt like stars because immediately after the walk we were rushed by foreigners to take photos with us. I think it’s because we had the most colourful traditional wear.
Today’s the day!


Ready, Start Garmin, Run!


Marathon Expo (didn’t get the results in time for this post however, I’m sure I’ll post it on Instagram).

Post Race
My official time was 3:48:33, it wasn’t a PR. Infact, Space Coast Marathon was (3:47:27). I had run my best for both marathons according to how I trained and I realized that NYC was a much tougher route and, the windy conditions is only a testament of how strong of a runner I’ve became. I’m really fortunate to have kept training with my team and watch as I transform myself into a better fitness level. My body has been through 5 official marathons and 2 ultras. Nuts! It’s so crazy that the human body can do that. Out of the 50,000 runners that day: I placed 9284 overall, 1785 in my gender and 357 in my age group. I’m happy with the results. I’ll train for BQ next time.
Also, running NYC marathon is a super great honour. The energy from the crowd support is exhilarating. I’ve yet to experience anything like it. San Francisco has been my all time favourite because of the views but NYC is my favourite for the support. I’m in love.
Anyway, more highlights from great week… selfies with Boston Marathon American Winner: Meb Keflezighi:
He also signed my medal which I got engraved and I got an autograph! He’s one of the nicest people ever! After my team had breakfast and a talk with him, his brother was rushing him off to Physical Therapy and I just happened to be in the same elevator. The elevator almost closed on him and he had to squeeze his way through… my words: “I can’t believe I’m riding the elevator with Meb.” His brother, “The unbelievable part is how he got in.” So I went down with them.
All in a great week so far! NYC Marathon crossed off the bucket list and another sub-4. I’ll take it.
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