I woke up this morning fatigued and with stiff legs. Knowing that Sunday is a forced rest day because of the race and Monday is a scheduled rest day, I had to muscle past the urge to be lazy. That urge became overwhelming when I couldn’t find driver’s license, etc. before I left the apartment. I thought I lost it. Panic briefly washed over me. The absolute last thing I need is to waste an entire day at the DMV and canceling credit cards. After racing through the apartment, I double-checked near the washing machine and thank goodness my clip was hidden under my jeans. Whew!
With disaster averted, I took my time walking to the park to get in the proper frame of mind. As angry as I was, the last thing I needed was to fly out of the gate and bonk. The energy in the park was unbelievable. The international contingents were getting in light runs prior to getting down to business on Sunday. NYRR estimates 50% of the 40,000 participants are from foreign countries, which makes the race a true melting pot. Among local runners, there is a theory that if you are from NYC or nearby your chances of being accepted in the Marathon Lottery is considerably less than runners from out of state and international participants. The NYC Marathon generates approximately $250 million for the city through hotels, restaurants and shopping. Outside of my entrance fee, I generate $0.00 incrementally. Therefore, the theory goes, if you are local you won’t get in via Lottery. This occurrence is 50% of the reason why I am not running this year. I found out that I wasn’t accepted in June. Now, I could have ran the race by running for a charity, but I looked at where my training was back then (25 mpw) and knew I wasn’t ready. A 4 or 5-hour marathon is something I am not doing. Hence, the 365-day lead time I am giving myself for 2010. I have guaranteed entry next year because I ran the 9 required NYRR races, but I still get the pleasure of paying another entrance fee. Yeah, it’s a racket. Wow. That was a tangent …
Back to the run … happily, the trails were finally dry. Yippie! I found a rhythm within the first 800 meters … breathing was non-existent and everything felt smooth. I wasn’t floating, but I wasn’t grinding either. Outside of an emergency restroom break, no complaints at all. Weather was perfect at 53* and sunny. I was able to wear a short-sleeved tech shirt, shorts and lightweight gloves. Overall pace was an easy 8:53 for 8 miles with the Last Mile Party (took that from See Run Jess) a solid 8:16 without pushing it.
Tomorrow will end another personal record for monthly mileage. I’m still three months away from my half marathon at the end of January so I need to figure out how to modify my training to get ready. Suggestions are always welcome!