NYC Marathon: The Waiting Game

During the course of my half marathon training, I got it in my head that I could do a full one. Perhaps it was that runner's high that warped my brain into thinking this was a good idea, but I decided to throw my name into the ring for the NYC Marathon in November. The odds of getting in through the lottery are pretty low, so I left it up to fate, and mostly forgot about it. Well, until my coworker Rachel put her name in too, and reminded me that the drawing was next Wednesday.

What if I get in? Can I really do a full 26.2 miles? I survived 13.1, but at a snail's pace... on very flat terrain in Florida. In November, in New York? I remember well how long and hilly the Verrazano bridge is from the Five Boro Bike Tour, and that is just the start of the Marathon, not the end. And 40 miles on a bike is pretty easy compared to 26 on foot.

Also, I keep thinking about how the training for the half marathon was pretty grueling and how I still do a run-walk pace that someone's grandma could keep up with. My quick miles are like 11 or 12, my slow between 13 and 15. I could conceivably be running for upwards of 6 hours. SIX HOURS. OF RUNNING. On top of training for a sprint triathlon in September, and another possibly Tri in August. How could this be any kind of good idea.

Then again, it would give me incentive to push myself running. Maybe even work on picking up my pace doing all those training drills they mention, and really up my game. And, while I'd never done a proper training program before, I sort of like the discipline of it. Skipping runs doesn't work well with my guilt issues, so I'm less likely to pass on a workout because it is cold, or damp or my allergies are acting up or because there is a cheesy movie on Lifetime.

The whole process has my stomach in knots, and Rachel has me learning all this stuff about how the lottery works and because I'm in such a slow finish time goal it may up my odds over those who are actual runners and in more competitive time slots (which may or may not be true, who knows?). My head is spinning from it all. And because of the insane cost and rigorous training, I've been putting off signing up for any other events this summer until I find out if I get in. I don't want to overextend myself too much, physically or financially. So I sit here waiting. Hoping I get in. Hoping I don't get in. Weighing all the pros and cons with everyone who will listen. But as my mom told me last night if I get in I've just got to "suck it up." And mom's do know best.

(Picture courtesy Maryanne Kessler)