Run this town.

2013 ING NYC Marathon

Margaret here! Time for an update. :D

So, as most of you know the 2012 NYC Marathon was cancelled after the hurricane. We were disappointed but understood the reasons - if only they cancelled it sooner than 2 days before the race!

It took a while for NYRR (New York Road Runners) to make decisions and I did not expect to be offered a refund. Once NYRR contacted us with our options it took me a little while to decide which option to choose. The options were:

1. Guaranteed entry for the 2013, 2014 or 2015 Marathon, paying the entry fee listed in the year chosen.
2. Guaranteed entry to the 2013 NYC Half, paying the entry fee.
3. Refund of $255, no guaranteed entries to any races.

I really had a hard time deciding because I really wanted the chance to run with Fred’s Team, for real! (Not like I wasn’t going to wear my Fred’s Team gear whether or not I was officially on the team.) So, I wanted to wait and see what their response to the NYRR offerings was going to be. I already had a guaranteed entry to the 2013 NYC Marathon (I did the 9 + 1 program where you run 9 qualifying races and volunteer once during the calendar year prior to the marathon you want to run) so I did not need to take that option. I was wavering between entry for 2014 or the refund. 

I knew I couldn’t ask people to donate again so I could never sign up for Fred’s Team anytime soon. The minimum amount to raise was tough to reach, and I was unable to reach it. Because of the unfortunate events leading up to the cancellation of the race, Fred’s Team did not charge us for the remaining amount, however they usually do. We signed up to meet a goal, to run with a world class group and although the charge would have been tough to cover, I do understand it. But never mind about not reaching my fundraising goal - Fred’s Team is allowing us to rollover our fundraising to the races made available to us by NYRR and since I was already in for 2013 I’m still able to be on the team again for the 2013 Marathon!

I was so excited and I’m so glad I waited a while to see what our Fred’s Team options would be. I’ll be able to hold a fundraiser at a bar like I wanted to, get some Fred’s Team pint glasses made for it, and hopefully close the fundraising gap! I’ve rested a bit from running in the past few months but recently ran home from school with my colleague, Julie, and I’ve got the itch to run back and I’m ready to hit the pavement. I look forward to Sunday long runs with Mia AND Amy!

So, here’s to 2013, here’s to running and here’s to another training season preparing for the 2013 NYC MARATHON! :D

Thanks, Amy. We miss running with you, too!

So proud, Mia and Margaret

So you might be wondering, I thought there was a third friend who was supposed to run this race. Well, yes, there was but then life happened and there was a little change in plans.

One of my first posts was my take on why I run and and I talked about always wanting to keep searching and always to be healthy. So I found myself at a crossroads with the option of leaving my stressful job in NYC and to head down under to Australia for a half year with Christian. Although it was the chance of a lifetime that I had always wanted, I felt torn because this was marathon year! Mia and I worked for an entire year together to run 10 races and qualify and Margaret was going to be by our side. It broke my heart to postpone my entry to next year but knew that the girls would be there next year to cheer me on.

I also knew that they would be a great team together and following their posts whenever there is internet on my farm in the bush I am so proud of their hardwork. In my first entry I also talked about how much I love to see the city on early morning runs and now as my days are coming to an end I do the 14 hour time change in my head and picture my girls getting ready to start one of those runs I wish I was next to them on. 

I am surrounded by beautiful landscapes and beautiful people everyday and think how it would be a perfect place to train for a race. The big missing piece to the puzzle is running with my team. I smile when I think about them and the hard work they are putting in everyday. I pray for their health and hope they know that I am here, half way around the world, cheering them on when the going gets tough.

Let’s go girls! Keep making us proud! I love you both and miss you dearly!

xoxo

Amy

My current choice for a trail run- Wish we could do it together.

“Totally destroyed!”

After 20 miles today I don’t have energy for a good post haha. But we did it! Mia, I’m proud of us! I love the challenges we choose to conquer together! Xo

Week 15 of 18: Autumn Musings

On today’s long run, I scaled back my miles in preparation for next week’s 20 mile run, the climax of my training before tapering down till Marathon weekend. I felt strong and prepared and happy. At a brisk 50 degrees with overcast skies and a few rain sprinkles, I felt the season of fall in my bones.

The fall is my absolute favorite time of the year, although every year it seems to fly by with the wind. I love the foods and spices of the fall harvest. I love the rich mahoganies, ochres, and hues of rust that creep their way into nature’s palettes. I love the crunch of leaves under your boots, and throwing on your favorite sweater and scarf. I love the crispness in the air that makes you pull your blanket tighter and snuggle closer with your sweetheart. I love spotting fellow runners in all corners of the city, and nodding ‘hello’ in mutual understanding and support.

Today on my run, I silently cheered for my friend Becky, who was running the Chicago Marathon this morning, and Margaret who was running the Staten Island Half Marathon. One by one, I thought of my friends and family members, and wondered how this autumn morning was speaking to them. 

~Mia

Goal for the week: Conduct a successful first Running Team practice with my newly-recruited students!

Countdown to the Marathon: 27 days