Marathon Day is Approaching
Posted by Admin on October 28, 2009 in Training
In four short days, the running world will descend on NYC. 40,000+ runners will make their collective way through all five boroughs… and I won’t be one of them. I’m at once both a bit dejected about my situation but at peace too. I wasn’t sure how I’d be reacting but I’m surprisingly well. Actually, it’s no surprise. I like that I can handle the changes in plans easily, but there are so many reminders out there that give me pause. Take, for one, the NYC Marathon posters on street lamps, bus sides, and construction sites. It’s gotten to the point where my eye naturally gravitates to them. I wish that I could point and tell passers-by that, “Hey, I’m doing that!”
One of the things I most remember about the pre-Marathon hype in 2007 was the painting of the dotted blue line along the course, on which my home resides. I recall walking down my brownstone steps and seeing the freshly coated line painted while we all slept the night before. It brought a huge smile, a humble one at that, as I walked alongside for a block or two before veering off. Thoughts of the beauty and privilege to be running on that line in a few days permeated every waking moment in the days leading up to the race.
This time around, I’m still looking every day for that painted line. I’m sure its application is imminent. I saw it last year under vastly different circumstances. I had just started dating someone and after only 3 weeks or so, things were new and exciting. Being supportive to her was my primary focus, so the painted-line image was more about how proud of her I believed I’d be on race morning. This year, I’ll try to drive the same focus but in support of great friends Fernando, Danielle, Nicki, and Mike. Anyone who knows me knows of my predilection for taking photos, so rest assured that I’ll have both cameras powered up and ready to go.
Update on the surgery: It’s scheduled for November 18th. Rafael will be my chaperone to get me home (required by the hospital), but it’s been stated to me that I’ll be able to begin rehab within a day or so following the procedure. It’s that routine. I’ve decided, after gaining a bit of weight following the onset of the injury and the elimination of training, to get back into the pool in these weeks preceding the procedure. With a plan to do some very focused workouts to recapture the cardio fitness and drop some lbs., I hope to be well-prepared for the rigors of rehab that will follow. I know that I don’t have anything to prove to anyone, but these mere four weeks since I stopped training has me hungry to get back to it, and I don’t want this minor setback to be a lengthy one. I’ve come to realize how much better I feel when I am on a training regimen, no matter the focus. There’s greater mental acuity, a certain swagger of confidence, and the phenomenon of being at peace with the world… and myself. I’ve been doing this for nine years and until a wife and/or children provide me with a new and greater motivation and direction, I can’t see myself stopping.
For now, the focus is on the awesome folks who get to run on Sunday. Can’t wait to cheer them on and to do so with a the sincerity that comes from being okay with sitting out this year. If you’ve never seen people run up 1st Avenue, it’s a stunning cross-section of people with varying motivations, all of whom are inspirational. I dare you to not smile!
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