Wow, I don’t really even know where to begin, on this one. As I mentioned last week, I was a bit nervous going into this race, given the large span of down time from illness. So, I set a goal for myself to forget about a target pace, and just soak up all of the positivity of the experience. In a lot of cases it is difficult to measure success in achieving goals that are based on intangible and subjective qualities.  But, such was not the case on Sunday. I can whole heartedly say that the 2010 New York City Marathon was the best race that I have ever run. And my time? Let’s just say that I have done worse. Hehehe

I’m just going list out a couple of things that made it so amazing (and try not to get too wordy [because Reagan says that makes it boring]). The first thing is kind of corny- When it comes to trivial things like sporting events, etc., I like to pretend that luck plays a role. So I was a bit nervous that my bib number started with a 13. But I reconciled things, thinking that since this was my 7th marathon, that the lucky seven would beat out the 13. Well, my friends, it totally did. First, the weather was phenomenal. Sunday was the first break in a 3 day streak of rainy gloomy weather (that incidentally picked up again Monday), it was blue skies and sunshine. Next- Having a cheering section that was 2+million people deep was beyond description. It is pretty hard to have a disparaging thought or feeling, when both sides of the course are lined with people cheering so intensely that if you didn’t know better, you would think you were winning the race. Third reason- having family and friends along the course adds another dimension. It is so great to see those familiar faces when you need that extra little boost. I could go on for days. But, I will spare everyone.

Top Photo– Me between mile 23 and 24 waving to Sarah, Becca and Brittany (Photo by Sarah M.)

Above– Reagan and I about to board the bus at the Staten Island side of the SI Ferry terminal, to get to the staging area near the Verrazano Bridge. (Photo by M. Cuomo). Below– Reagan at mile 23 (Photo by Sarah M.)

Above– Some post race hugs. Below– All smiles on the train returning up town. (Photos by Sarah M.)

Yesterday was very productive. I attended the J. Crew Mens Spring 2011 preview (above), as well as the Levi’s Spring 2001 preview (Below). A nickel if you can correctly name the venue for the Levi’s event.

I capped things off at the Rubenstein Gallery, where there was an opening party for the Brooklyn based art collective Faile (below).

Tonight is going to be equally busy. But the best part about tonight, is that I’m also picking up my sister from the airport! Woo hoo. I love having family in town. My cousins are actually already in NY, and went with Reagan to visit Piper today. I’m imagining that there will be more of the same tomorrow, this time with Sarah coming along. Let’s not forget that my #5 ranked Utes go up against #3 Ranked TCU tomorrow. It should be a bruiser.

Now let’s talk brass tacks. I picked up my NYC Marathon race packet at the Javits center this morning. So I now have my bib in hand.  My lungbutter situation has not really improved over the last two weeks. Because of this, I have ruled out getting a good time on Sunday. Reagan is in a similar place, health-wise. She was even talking about skipping the race, at one point. I’m glad that she changed her mind. Although, I have to admit that the thought has also crossed my mind.

Part of me is absolutely devastated that I am going to be running the premier running event of my life at half mast. Especially since this is the hardest that I have ever trained. Another part of me, is almost kind of glad that I have something forcing me to just go enjoy the experience. Not that it wouldn’t be a better experience in some respects, if I PR-ed. But I think that when I get into competition mode, I tend to miss out on aspects of the race that can only be enjoyed, when I’m not pushing myself and stressing about pace the entire time. One of my most favorite races that I have ever done was the Queens half-marathon, last year. It was a logistical disaster before it even started. We had to walk 3 miles to the starting line. We crossed the starting mats, as the winner was crossing the finish mats. Reagan so pissed about everything that had happened, that she said she wasn’t going to do it, unless I stayed with her. I ran the whole thing at a conversational pace with Reagan and Mike, and enjoyed every mile, even though I scored my worst h/m time that race.

So, my goal for this race on Sunday is to love every minute of it.  I’ll let you know how it goes.