Well was not the prettiest and certainly not the fastest have run but the NYCM was most definitely one of the most awesome events have ever taken part in. One of the best days ever! Got to the finish line on 11/01/2015. Time was 6:22 which is 2 hours and 47 minutes off personal best. But, hey that time mise well been done by somebody else as it took place when Jimmy Carter was President!
To recap-after developing high hamstring tendinitis in late April received PT, Chiro, deep tissue massage, buku exercises. All of which helped and started training again in earnest in late July. Such went well up until October 14 when reyanked the right ham. Tried to run again gently on 10/17 only to strain it some more. The stab returned while foam rolling on the 20th and when exiting the car on the 21st. After the last instance happened figured the best thing to do was to just go and watch the race instead of participate. After arriving in New York on the 27th though the ham seemed better so did a practice run. It went okay and did another run a couple days later. That was fine as well. A bump on top the foot developed the next day however which made me limp. Got some k tape and wrapped it up and made the way to the start line at Staten Island. That journey via subway, ferry, and bus took 4 hours, and was totally exhausted before the gun even went off!
Felt better though once past the high point of the bridge and hearing the roar of the Brooklyn crowd got my feet moving. Had read that if you get involved with the crowd such will sap your energy but as was not sure how far would make it decided to enjoy the scene as much as possible. High fived/low fived, and bumped with at least 1000 spectators. Last time had smiled so much was when Betty said yes.
About the 8 mile mark niece Katie ran alongside awhile which was a great pick-up. At around the 10 mile spot developed cramps. At first thought had strained the calf but then realized what was going on. From there on out to the finish they came back off and on. Had to walk qutie a bit the rest of the way. Am thinking from the split times probably walked 8 miles from mile 10 to the end. Main goal from that point onward was to get done before time to catch the flight home the next day. Would intersperse a few minute easy jogging with walking. In Manhattan determined to run as much as possible through the canyons and did get in 2.5 miles non stop. After that though was in some discomfort. Thankfully Katie and friends, brother, and sisters in law met a couple more times along the way which kept the motivation to get to the finish.
That and the fact that no way wanted to be one of the very few whom do not get to the end. So bottom line is am so glad that did get on that plane to go to NYC, Thanks to 25:40 for making participation possible and blessings to them as they continue their work in South Africa. Wore their hat which has a hand with the scripture verse 25:40 during the race and will keep on wearing it for hopefully many more years yet to come.
Here is a short video from around the 23 mile mark near he entrance to Central Park. That is Katie alongside. Kinda sums up six hour plus high that got from being a part of the NYCM!
P.S. Special thanks to Katie and husband Breen for putting up with me for 7 nights at their upper west side residence. And special also to brothers, friends, sisters that came to NYC and of course Betty and our three back home in the islands/northwest.
P.S. Special thanks to Katie and husband Breen for putting up with me for 7 nights at their upper west side residence. And special also to brothers, friends, sisters that came to NYC and of course Betty and our three back home in the islands/northwest.
