Snapshot: NYC Marathon At A Glance

When - Sunday, November 2nd
Begins at - Fort Wadsworth, Staten Island
Ends at - Tavern on the Green, Central Park

With barely over a month until the race, I felt compelled to begin a series of "snapshot" blogs. These will be all about the NYC Marathon: general runner information, experiences to expect, and survival tips, as well as some typical visitor information for the Big Apple. First in this series, marathon information at a glance.

One of the world's most renowned road races, the New York City Marathon drew nearly 100,000 applications in 2007 alone. It is a travelogue of New York's five boroughs as it passes through neighborhoods which represent virtually every major cultural and ethnic group on earth. A remarkable event that celebrates individual achievement, it also brings together millions of New Yorkers who line the streets for an entire afternoon to cheer and encourage the participants - from the winners to those that finish hours later. It is a city that recognizes courage and perseverance, as well as coming in first.

Over the years, the New York City Marathon has grown from a modest race that took place entirely in Central Park to a city-wide event with well over 38,000 runners. Participants, as well as spectators, come from all over the globe with over 100 countries and all 50 states represented in one of the world's largest and most famous running competitions. The race attracts many world-class professional athletes - not only for the more than $700,000 in prize money, but also for the chance to compete in the media capital of the world before more than two million cheering spectators around the race course, as well as 315 million worldwide television viewers. Crossing the finish line in Central Park is one of the great thrills of a lifetime, as any one of the more than 700,000 past participants will attest (and something I am definitely thrilled to be able to soon consider myself part of!)

The course begins in Fort Wadsworth on Staten Island and the first two miles are over the Verrazano Narrows Bridge, which offers a panoramic view of Brooklyn and Lower Manhattan, as well as the Fire Department boats that shoot geysers of multi-colored water hundreds of feet up into the air as the race begins. The route then wends its way through Brooklyn, the borough that features the largest segment of the race, with runners passing through an amazing variety of neighborhoods, including Bay Ridge, Sunset Park, Bedford-Stuyvesant, Williamsburg, and Greenpoint. At 13.1 miles, runners cross the Pulaski Bridge, marking the halfway point of the race and the entrance into Queens. After a short stay in Queens, runners must take on the dreaded Queensboro Bridge before finally arriving in Manhattan. The race then proceeds north on First Avenue, crossing briefly into the Bronx for a mile before returning to Manhattan. It then continues south through Harlem down Fifth Avenue and into Central Park. At the southern end of the park, the course leaves the park and continues along Central Park South, where thousands of spectators cheer runners on during the last mile. At Columbus Circle, the race re-enters the park and finishes outside Tavern on the Green.

It is these final miles through Central Park that determine winners, and annually witness the most dramatic moments of the race as runners struggle to complete the 26.2 mile course. Central Park, the scene of the first race of 127 participants in 1970, is ultimately the center stage that welcomes the runners, all winners in their own right, to the finish line.

>> Download the Official Marathon Course Map
>> See an amazing pictorial of the actual NYCM course

Through The Park

Hi from...see the picture to the left...New York City!

Just a quick note to let you know I had the amazing opportunity to get in a stimulating run this afternoon after my flight landed for my conference this week. In Central Park, no less! My hotel just so happens to be located about 1.5 miles from the park, so I made the plan to take advantage of its closeness, as well as some downtime before my conference tomorrow, to get a few miles in ... I can't let the training slip, even while I'm away. In fact, I was so enthusiastic during my 60-minute commute from the airport that after arriving at my hotel and dragging my baggage up to my room I immediately tore out my running clothes and headed straight for the streets below.

After a quick learning session of dodging the fast-paced traffic up along Broadway, I located the park entrance and immediately set off to tackle the infamous 6-mile training loop I'd learned about from a friend weeks before. Winding my way counterclockwise around the park, I was amazed at how hilly the terrain really was. I guess I'd thought it would be much more flat, as the surrounding streets had led me to initially believe, but it was a good surprise as I made the most of each one I encountered, including the long and winding set near the north end. I thought it amazing at how so many people could end up sharing the roadway there, as there were hundreds of other runners along the course (as well as walkers, bikers, rollerbladers, skateboarders, and a plethora of strollers), and yet the park still felt so intimate to each person.

The best part of the entire run happened just as I was nearing the end of my 6-mile lap. There I found the official finish line for the ING New York Marathon! Yep, the exact spot where Lance Armstrong looked so dogged last fall. Of course, I couldn't locate this myself and had to ask an NYRR staff member, who just so happened to be in the park for a race that had finished earlier this afternoon. He led me to the official curb marking (a small painted indicator - they removed the actual line and will replace it again as the marathon nears later this fall) a few feet away. At that moment, the full reality of it stepped in. This marked the end of a long journey I would soon be undertaking. Flashing the guy a huge smile, I explained, "This is where you'll see me come November 2nd!" and ran off.

Wow--to have the good fortune of being able to run through New York City, including the scenic and unbelievably huge Central Park, has been a longtime dream of mine. Honestly, I can't wait to get back out there again before I leave in the next couple of days.

Race Report: NYC Marathon, Part III

Crowds are not allowed on the course between miles 15-16 of the New York City Marathon, therefore it is a quiet, convenient place perfect for contemplation and assessment as you focus on the final 10 miles remaining in the race. All you hear is the pounding of hundreds of runners feet around you, as they trudge up what is considered to be the steepest portion of the marathon course. Oh, that and the sound of your racing heart as it attempts to keep up with the incline of the onramp and your pace setting as you climb up, and up, and up...welcome to the Queensboro Bridge.

Honestly, I had been secretly dreading the Queensboro Bridge. All I had been hearing was how hard it was. Not only would you be crossing over the 15 mile mark at the start of the bridge, but you would also be crossing the 16 mile mark while on the bridge...while still climbing. That's crazy, if you ask me. It is about 2 miles long, with a nominal uphill incline. Oh, and did I mention there were no fans there to scream out encouragement? It was seemingly endless, but I kept running. Checking my watch, I noticed I had been fairly consistent up and to this point in the race. Mile 16 showed an overall pace/mile of 9:20. Now, I'd been hoping for a finish time of 4:00 to 4:15, but these hills were beginning to take their toll on my quads. I wasn't sure yet how I would be able to pick up the pace for the remaining miles. Then we crossed over Mile 16 and came off the bridge into Manhattan. And if race bliss ever had a name, it would surely be First Avenue.

The crowds of First Avenue are much different than those found in both Brooklyn and Queens. There the streets are lined with crowds 2-3 people deep offering words of encouragement. However, here the wide avenue was stacked 4-6 people deep, all yelling at the top of their lungs. What a crowd! The entire street stretched on and on, as if you could virtually see all the way from 59th to well past 125th. Each person seemed to be screaming my name..."co'mon Mike, you can do it!", "way to go, Mike!", and "run, Mike, run!!" Of course, having my name printed on the front of my running Team World Vision jersey obviously helped with that. I'd been reminded over and over again to have my name visible throughout the race, primarily as a way for the crowds to offer their own personalized encouragement. And on First Avenue, they gave me plenty. I would hazard a guess I must have heard my name called out more than a couple hundred times throughout the race, but here is where I needed it the most. It was also here that I saw my wife and travel companions, just before Mile 17, rooting and cheering ecstatically for me. I think I heard them long before I actually saw them, they were that loud. In my opinion, Miles 16-18 were pure enjoyment. One large street, six lanes wide, and virtually a million spectators. Who could have asked for more?

However, I could tell my quads were beginning to feel kaput by Mile 19. My overall pace had been slipping ever so slightly over the past couple of miles and was threatening 9:30/mile. All of those previous hills were finally taking their toll. As I neared the dreaded "Wall" at Mile 20, my pace had officially reached 9:28 and I could tell then the final 10k was going to be a bit of a challenge. Crossing over the orange carpeting on the Willis Avenue Bridge from Manhattan into the Bronx, we were surprisingly met with a host of bag pipers as the runners wound their way off the onramp. However, here the crowds were a bit sparse. We also had a quick chance to see just how weary we all looked as each of us passed by the huge jumbo-tron screen there. But we didn't have time to soak in the sites, as this section inside the Bronx was only about a mile in total length. Before we knew it, we were headed over the Madison Ave Bridge and back into the familiar territory of Harlem and Manhattan.

Just off the bridge, we passed over Mile 21 and the crowd began picking up again. Bands were playing with gusto, family members were waving banners, and kids were handing out Halloween candy. Bless their hearts...I even had one little girl offer me a grape Jolly Rancher. How did she know they were my all-time favorite marathon hard candy? I relished the sour taste it provided and pushed on. Less than five miles to go.

Up next, we rounded the Marcus Garvey Memorial Park for Mile 22. This is a unique and totally inviting section of Harlem that just beacons "stay a while" to a tourist like myself. The shops all along the avenue were quaint and well-kept, and I tried to take a couple of photos to remember it by but my hand must have been unsteady enough that the pictures all turned out too blurry. Guess I'll have to come back someday. Within a few blocks, we could see the famous Central Park treeline up and to our right. I knew we would need to follow along the Park on Fifth Ave for a little longer than a mile before actually entering it. By now, it hurt enough that walking seemed the most inviting. But trying to start running again after that only hurt worse, so I resolved myself to just plugging along.

Mile 23 came and went quickly. By this time the crowds of people had begun to creep off of the sidewalks, narrowing the runners course to only about 10-15 feet in width. I suppose it felt much like the Tour de France, where the teams of bikers are forced to literally plow their own pathway through thousands of well-wishers. Many a time I found myself having to move towards the center of the roadway as unbudging spectators lined my intended path.

We next turned right at the Reservoir and into Central Park. Ah, running down these tree-lined roads there felt like I was running at home again. It was possibly even invigorating. Just over 2.5 miles to go. And the crowds just kept getting larger. Mile 25. I can't tell you how many times I heard my name called out. I kept running. Exiting the Park near the Plaza Hotel, we came upon the last lonely stretch on Central Park South. Quickly scanning the crowds for the trademark Yankees baseball bat and pink butterfly, I thought I caught a glimpse on the opposite side of the street. Crossing over through the throng of runners to greet them there was more difficult than I expected, however I was able to surprise them before they even had a chance to snap a photo. And, Laura, here's my photo to prove it...he, he.

At the end of Central Park South was Columbus Circle and Mile 26. Just one final turn into the park and it was almost over. I was smiling from ear to ear by this time. I could see the finish line in the distance. The official marathon signs, and the deafening crowds, all began counting it down... 400 yards to go... 300 yards to go... 200 yards to go... 100 yards to go... Thrusting my arms high into the air, I greeted these final crowds and crossed the finish line. The official clock read 4:21:57. I'd done it. What I had set out more than a year ago with ambition and the dream to run the largest and most popular marathon in the world, I had now completed only a moment ago.

I'll be honest, I truly felt the emotion of the moment swirl over me...and with misting eyes I just kept smiling.

The Road To Beijing ... Runs Through NYC

For a select few of America's top distance runners, the road to the Beijing Games next year will run through New York this weekend. On November 3, New York Road Runners (NYRR) will play host to the 2008 U.S. Olympic Team Trials - Men's Marathon where these elite athletes will vie for their chance at a spot on the prestigious summer olympic team. The Olympic trials race is turning heads across the nation and around the world, and the mantra for this week is "Americans can run." Lest anyone believe they couldn't??

The course will be a criterium-style course in Central Park that will start in Rockefeller Plaza and finish near Tavern on the Green. The criterium loop in Central Park will be the reverse of the loop used when NYRR hosted the USA 8 km Championships from 2002 to 2004. Athletes will run the loop five times, with distance added to complete the full 42.195 km of the marathon.

For an indepth and interesting behind-the-scenes look into the race and its participants, be sure to check out Chasing Glory, a unique seven-week series of videos and text-based commentary leading up to Saturday's event.

From NYRR web site:
"On November 3, 2007, New York Road Runners will host the 2008 U.S. Olympic Team Trials – Men’s Marathon in New York City. As part of an unprecedented promotional buildup to the race, which will select the U.S. men’s team for the 2008 Beijing Games, NYRR is proud to present 'Chasing Glory,' a seven-week series of web videos and text-based commentary offering exclusive athlete and coach interviews and insight."

If you're looking for an inspirational story about some of these gifted athletes, read the NY Times article "Team Turns Unsung Runners Into Elite Marathoners" about the Hansons-Brooks Team. Wow, talk about being inspired by a group of 'average' runners and their efforts to bring back the heyday of distance running to America ... sign me up!

Although I won't be able to be there in person to experience this epic race, I'm sure this will be a very exciting event for New York and the thousands of spectators sure to line the course as it winds through Central Park. If you are hoping for a chance to view some of the action yourself, check out the broadcast information below:

Television - Tune in to the live start on Saturday, November 3, at 6:35 a.m. CST on NBC's Today In New York. A half-hour highlights show will be aired on Saturday afternoon at 1:00 p.m. CST on NBC. (Check local listings for exact time in your area.)

Internet Streaming - On Saturday, November 3rd, it's America's race -- the 2008 U.S. Olympic Team Trials - Men's Marathon. And on Sunday, November 4th, it's the world's race -- the ING New York City Marathon. Catch all the action LIVE, only on NBCSports.com/Marathon!

Photo by JupiterImages

My Bags Are Packed…Let's Roll!

As you can see, my marathon bags are nearly packed and ready to go. I have yet to throw in a couple of items before they are complete, primarily our flight & hotel itinerary and my shaving kit, though I will likely perform a hasty, last-minute final check before heading out to the airport early tomorrow morning. And I do mean, early...as in our flight to NYC leaves at 5:00am? Big ole yawn.

Through my calm exterior I can tell the realization is beginning to sink in that, in just a little over two days, I will be running with a world-record crowd of nearly 40,000 other runners as we elbow our way from the Verrazano Bridge start on Staten Island, all the way to Central Park finish in downtown Manhattan. For 26.2 miles I will be experiencing firsthand the thrill this grand and majestic race, as it weaves us over five landmark bridges and through five historic city boroughs. I know my anxiety level will be high the morning of the race, as expected, but I'm hoping the three or so hours I will spend at Fort Wadsworth waiting for the marathon to begin will provide me a chance to relax and some time to reflect on what it took to get me to this moment.

From several sources, including Weather.com web site, all signs are pointing towards wonderful weather for the race on Sunday. Lows in the upper 30s, highs in the upper 40s to lower 50s, with light winds and a mostly sunny sky. Perfect, as most marathoners would say, for running fast times.

One of my hopes during the marathon is to see my lovely wife, and our friends who will make the journey with us, sometime during and just after the race. Their plan is to find me just after the 16-mile mark of the race, as I cross over the Queensboro Bridge from Queens and head north on First Avenue towards the Bronx. I know this point in the race will possibly be a crucial time for me to just recognize a familiar face in the crowd, as the race begins taking runners into its final miles. Though I have run and finished many marathons over the years, I know that finishing the final 6-10 miles are always the toughest for a runner. And New York City won't be any different, as I've been told that the course gets challenging as it winds it way over the final couple bridges and, lastly, through the hills of Central Park. Then our final challenge will be to find each other in the throngs of the over 1 million well-wishing spectators. Fortunately, the 1-2 mile post-race walk will give my legs a chance to stretch out some, but I know it will be great when I finally see her.

Personally, I don't know what finish time I'll receive -- there are so many factors involved with running the New York City Marathon for the first time -- but my goal is to finish close to around the 4-hour mark as possible. Of course finishing in under four hours for my inaugural NYCM would be wonderful and all, but I'll take whatever is given me. I'll just hope and pray I will do my best. Honestly, I want only to finish knowing that I have given it my all and have "run with endurance the race that is set before me (Hebrews 12:1).” To hopefully have a wonderful experience of the marathon, and of siteseeing in New York City, while sharing it all with my wife. That would make this trip the best.

Before leaving, I would like to thank all the family and friends who have or will support me this weekend. I really appreciate you all being there for me and this crazy endeavor. You all make it worth while.

So, the question is...am I ready? Ready to run with this insane amount of runners? Oh man, you bet!

I'll see you all when I get back on Tuesday.

Now, let's roll...

Our NYC Trip

Well, we're back from New York City! Though we had an incredible time siteseeing in the city that obviously never sleeps, we are happy to be home with the kids, our slower Midwestern traffic, and less noise. Yeah, I know a person becomes accustomed to the noise levels from the persistent street and pedestrian traffic, but we like our quiet here at home. Sure makes sleeping a whole lot easier. {grin}

Our flight lifted off at 5:00 a.m. on Friday morning, with a quick stop in Minneapolis to change planes and pick up another travel companion. When we finally touched down in at the Newark Airport in New Jersey, it was about noon. Grabbing a hotel shuttle to Midtown East, we arrived at our hotel before our room was ready. We quickly checked our baggage and found the local charter bus that would transport us to the Javits Center for the ING New York City Marathon expo, where I was supposed to pick up my race packet. The actual check-in process was rather speedy, all of 10-15 minutes total I suppose, but the walk through the official marathon merchandise and vendor sections was clogged beyond imagination. Fortunately, I was able to snag a few articles of apparel (a LS half-zip running shirt, a running vest, etc.) that could remind me of the trip later and located a fast moving checkout lane. Additionally, I was able to have an Asics poster signed by Brian Sell (who took 3rd at the 2008 Olympic Marathon Trials), which was a pleasant surprise.

Saturday was filled with basic NYC siteseeing...a trip to the top of the Empire State Building, views of Wall Street and the WTC site, Times Square, Central Park, and most everything inbetween. Though I had visited earlier in the year for a work-related conference, it was still exciting to re-experience many of these again, especially with Laura. In fact, she fulfilled one of her lifelong wishes of riding the Central Park Carousel...that was fun.

Later that evening, we headed over to the Team World Vision pasta dinner at Dean's, just a block over from our hotel. When we arrived, we were ushered upstairs where we met and chatted with a dozen other team runners just like myself. Then we sat down for a wonderful dinner served family-style, with heaping bowls of various pasta and chicken creations, as well as authentic brick oven pizza, all very yummy. And just as I was stuffing my face with some tasty Rigatoni Mezza Calabra, who should walk in on the party? Ryan and Sara Hall, our charity team captains. Ryan happens to be the 2008 Olympic Marathon Trials champion at NYC last fall, surprising most everyone with a very consistent and even effort. What is exciting for me is his outspoken faith in the sport of running. They both greeted each of us and made small talk, before also sitting down to share in our meal. What an incredible night!

Leaving the restaurant, we headed back to the hotel so I could prepare my things for the race the next morning. I carefully pinned my race number bib (#27079), as well an additional smaller sign above with "My 1st NYCM - MIKE", to the front of my Team World Vision jersey, then made sure to attach the official timing chip to the laces of one of my running shoes. I also put together a few things that I would be taking with me for the long, pre-race wait the next morning, including extra clothing, my camera, food stuffs, and a newspaper for reading material. Carefully setting everything near the door where I could easily find it without waking everyone, and checking to be sure my alarms were set, I got ready for bed and turned off the light. It was about 10:30 p.m - only six hours until my race day would begin!

Next up, my NYC Marathon race report and photos as I work my way through the five boroughs of New York and 26.2 miles...

So Long, New York

Sadly, my time here in NYC is coming to a close. The conference I've been attending concludes tomorrow, then I will be packing my suitcase and flying my way home. With me, I'll be bundling some great memories ... long runs in Central Park, the astounding views from the Staten Island ferry, riding my first subway train, exploring the brightly lit Times Square at night, seeing Jerry Seinfeld walking along Central Park West ... to name a few. And though it has been a wonderful trip, I'm ready to be home again with my family.

So long, New York. I'll see you again in a few short months...
























BTW...Topher, that Dunkin' Donuts photo is just for you.

NYCM: #27079

NYRR has released the bib numbers for the participants... mine will be 27079. Besides being a runner's identity on the streets, these bib numbers play a more significant role on how a runner will be started the morning of Nov 2. The bib is color-coded (every color means something) and a person can tell a lot by just the colors of the bib background and number itself. To the left is how I imagine my bib to look look…we'll see if the actual one comes anywhere close to my imagination.

What does this bib mean? It signifies that:

Based on the orange main bib color...My staging area on Staten Island before the race will be Grete Waitz Village. This is considered the second "village" that you'll get to once the bus drops us off. It doesn't appear to be the largest of the villages (blue, or Alberto Salazar Village, seems to be the biggest), but I'm sure it will still be as crowded. Here, I plan to relax and stretch as much as possible before the race begins. Also, I will be have the exciting opportunity to start my journey by running across the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge on the upper (scenic) deck, rather than on the below deck. Of course, there are advantages and disadvantages to this. Running on top means I will tackle a strong incline and decline (the first 2K of the bridge itself), rather than the more subtle elevation change found while running the lower portion. However, I hear runners on the bottom often contend with sprinkle storms from runners above as they relieve themselves while on the bridge. That aside, be sure to keep your eagle eyes out for me when the TV crews film the start!

Based on the yellow background (floodcoat) color behind my number...I will be assigned to the Wave 2 Orange Start commencing at 10:00 a.m. Instead of releasing a mass start of approximately 40,000 runners at one time, the field will be organized into three separate starts (or “waves”) released at 20-minute intervals. The first wave (white) will start at 9:40 a.m., the second wave (yellow) will start at 10:00 a.m., and the third wave (blue) will start at 10:20 a.m. Each wave will include approximately 13,000 runners. [Note to self: Wow, this IS bigger than the Des Moines Marathon…uff-da.]

Based on the actual bib number of #27079...I will be participating in the third block of runners of Wave 2, otherwise known as "C" Corral. This letter will be prominently displayed on the righthand portion of the bib. Virtually, I know nothing about the "corral" system other than I believe these help situate runners according to their approximate finisher times (see the official start corral chart). That way, faster runners at the beginning of the race won't need to furiously weave between those of us who aren't super-human powered. So, I guess "C" means I'm an average superhuman?

I will be checking my pre-race runner baggage with UPS truck #27. Trucks are apparently sorted in increments of 1,000 according to bib numbers. I'll hazard a guess it will be this same truck I will be searching for at the end.

The bib number also means that when I finish the race I will be exiting Central Park at the second runner exit of 81st Street. This will route me directly onto Central Park West where I can then meet up with my family & friends post-race.

pre-race

race start

post-race

Only 14 days left!!

NYCM: Changes to the Start Process

Acting on feedback from runners, the NYRR will be implementing several changes to the start process of the NYC Marathon this year. Chief among them are the wave start and the baggage handling. With these enhancements to the system, NYRR hope that runners can look forward to the following benefits:

1. Reduced crowding and wait time standing in corrals,
2. Reduced crowding and wait time standing on the bridge, waiting for the race to start,
3. Reduced time to cross the start line (NYRR hopes that runners can cross the starting line within 6 minutes), and
4. Reduced crowding on the course and at the finish.

So what's the wave start all about? Instead of releasing a mass start of approximately 40,000 runners at one time, the field will first be organized into three separate start lines designated with blue, orange or green colors. Then each starting line will be broken down to 3 waves designated white, yellow or blue. There are 6 corrals within each wave - A to F. Each wave will have approximately 13,000 runners and will be released at 20-minute intervals. Wave 1 will begin at 9:40 am., followed by wave 2 at 10:00 am., and then wave 3 at 10:20 am. The runners will be allocated their "waves" according to their projected goal time.


I consider myself a fairly average-paced runner, so I'll likely be placed in either the Wave 2 or 3. Wave 1 would probably be assigned to the elites and sub 3:30 finishers. Runners fearing the loss of the unique starting experience - the firing of the starting cannon and Sinatra's rendering of "New York, New York" - need not worry as each wave will still have the same ceremony. The cannon will just see more action and Sinatra will have to sing a few more times!

Baggage handling is also being revamped. The UPS trucks will be parked near the entrance (in the open zone) to the Staten Island staging area to receive your checked-in baggage (in case you're wondering, only official clear goodie bags are accepted for deposits - I suppose I'd be remiss if I tossed that bag too prematurely). From the alphabetically sorted manner of yesteryears, the organizers are sorting the trucks by bib number in increments of 1,000 this time around.

My Start Plans

So how do these new start processes affect my overall race morning plans? Nada, really. It may add a few extra minutes of shuffling for every runner before the cannon sounds, but not much more than that. My plans for race morning are currently as follows: Get up early at 5am, shower and prep - trying not to wake up Laura and our marathon chase crew members, and leave the hotel by 5:30am. That should give me a little time to spare before I need to catch my 6:00am marathon bus at the NYC Public Library. From there, we runners will be transported down to Battery Park where a free ferry ride awaits to take us from Manhattan over the Upper New York Bay to the St. George Ferry Terminal on Staten Island. Interesting, though the Staten Island Ferry's sole mission is non-vehicular passenger transportation, what many first-time visitors do not realize is that this 5 mile, 25 minute ride also provides possibly the most majestic views of New York Harbor for free. From the deck of the ferry you will have a perfect view of the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island, as well as the receding skyscrapers and bridges of Lower Manhattan as you pull away. Even though I'll be making this early morning voyage alone, it will likely be the most reflective and inspiring part of my whole marathon day. Shuttle buses will then transport us from the St. George Ferry Terminal to the runners-only staging area in Fort Wadsworth. Here we will need to locate our assigned starting area, to be yet communicated, based on our bib numbers. In this area, I will do my best to stay warm while stretching and attempting to relax.

In addition to the all-important discardable clothing I'll be initially wearing, I also plan to take my small waistband pack filled with a couple extra gels and electrolytes, as well as my trusty iPod. At least the iPod will help make the 3+ hour wait there on Staten Island manageable. Haven't decided on whether a cellphone will be a take-along necessity or not, since I've heard the crowds in Central Park can make it rather difficult to find anyone...if anyone has experience with this item at NYCM firsthand, or have ideas to share, please let me know.

Well, NYRR should be confirming my starting area assignments sometime this month. Then, come the second week of October, I believe each runner will be expecting to receive a bib collection card.

Wow, unreal. Only 54 days left!

Close Finishes In NYC Marathon

With phenominal final-mile surges, Martin Lel of Kenya (2:09:04) and Paula Radcliffe of Great Britain (2:23:09) led the way to two very close races in both the men's and women's categories of the 2007 ING New York City Marathon this morning. Especially inspiring was Radcliffe's performance, in her first marathon since becoming a mother earlier this year. This race will mark her seventh win out of eight marathons she has competed in. Just incredible!

Tens of thousands of runners from all over the world took to the streets in the marathon today. With roughly 39,000 participants in total, I'm sure many memories were made along the way. Just crossing that finish line in Central Park must be one of the greatest thrills of a lifetime these runners will experience.

Another famous face in the crowd happened to be Lance Armstrong, running in his second New York City marathon. He finished in 2:46:43, a much better performance than his debut last year. He ran the 2006 New York Marathon in 2:59:36. "It felt better than last year," he said during a television interview moments after finishing the race. "I suffered less. The pounding was easier, the experience of having done it before. Last year, the last 10 miles I didn't pay attention to anything. I was focused on finishing. This year I was able to see more. The last mile I could have stopped." Armstrong apparently also added that it is unlikely he would compete in another marathon. Hmmm, that's too bad ... I was hoping to give him a run for his money in next year's event (I am just kidding, of course.) But my goal to join him at the 2008 starting line still holds true. :)

Congratulations to all New York Marathon finishers ... you've raced hard, and you've raced long. You deserve a well-earned rest!

Photo by WCSN

Hall To Run London Marathon

Ryan Hall, who won the U.S. Olympic marathon trials this past fall in New York, will be testing himself at the London Marathon this Sunday on his way to Bejing.

Astoundingly, this is only his third marathon. He made his debut by finishing seventh at last year's Flora London Marathon, then went on to steamroll the field and the hills in Central park on his way to a trials record victory on November 4th.

Hall, who has lived at altitude (7,000 feet above sea level at Big Bear Lake, in the San Bernadino Mountains) since he was 3 years old, thinks he discovered his talent late. "My very first run was 15 miles around the lake," Hall said. "You would think I would have known I could be a distance runner."

After twice winning the California state cross-country championships in high school, Hall went on to Stanford in search of his Olympic dream. But, in the process leaving his close-knit family of five siblings, he began to struggle with results, weight gain and depression. He quit Stanford for one academic quarter and regrouped on long forest runs with his father, drawing strength from his deep Christian faith and family. He then returned to become the runner-up at the 2003 N.C.A.A. cross-country championships and won the 2005 championship at 5,000 meters.

"I think what I've learned from having success in high school and losing it all in college, it taught me you can't make your life successful based only on athletics," Hall said.

He learned that lesson painfully at the trials. He had trained with Shay in Mammoth, Calif., and he and his wife Sara were teammates at Stanford with Shay’s wife, Alicia. Hall was ecstatic after crossing the finish line first. Fifteen minutes later, he was overcome with grief. He and Sara stayed with Alicia Shay in January in Flagstaff, Ariz., where they trained and coped together. Sara, a 5,000- and 1,500-meter runner, will compete at the track trials in June with Alicia. Hall keeps a picture of Shay in the bible he carries with him.

This Sunday's event is his last big race before the Olympics. Apparently, he feels he needs this short-term goal to help gauge his training against some of the world's top talent later this summer.

"I needed something else to be excited about," Hall said Wednesday in London. "You could go crazy thinking about it for six months."

Enjoying The Journey...NYC Style?

I mentioned earlier on that I have this stretch goal in mind for 2008. It involves a roundtrip ticket to the east coast, a little claustophobia in an insane starting field, and that famous little snippet from Frank Sinatra's "New York, New York" ... so cue the inspirational video and let's feel those goose bumps folks.

The New York Marathon is widely considered one of the crown jewels of marathoning. In fact, a few runners even attempt the "grand slam series" for marathons, which features New York, London, Berlin, Chicago and Boston, if I'm correct. This particular race touches all five boroughs, although the bulk of the course is in Brooklyn and Manhattan, and unites dozens of culturally and ethnically diverse neighborhoods. After passing over five bridges, it concludes at Tavern on the Green in world-famous Central Park amidst thousands of cheering spectators. How's that for a dream race?

Now, for the why. Why not? I don't think I am dreaming too large here. I mean, I'll be completing my 17th marathon next week. And I fully intend to continue marathoning long into the future. So, basically, I have no fears that my legs can take me wherever I intend to go.

However, that isn't the issue. Being accepted for 2008 NYC race entry and determining how to get around in New York will be my biggest challenges. I'm researching those concerns currently. Okay, maybe it could be just a pipe dream. Maybe it's better if I look at it as the late four-time Olympic champion Al Oerter put it, "it's not whether you get there, it's the journey" and not be concerned with whether I actually get there but that I tried. But maybe I just felt like wanting to get a jump on my New Year's resolution of expanding my marathoning horizons.

More to come on this soon, hopefully.

Photo by nyc.gov

"Run For Your Life"

For those of you NYC runners out there, a much-anticipated documentary film Run For Your Life will be premiering at the 2008 Tribeca Film Festival in New York this Sunday, April 27th at 3:30pm EST.

Mentioned as the remarkable story of how one man ran for his life and inspired millions to do the same, the film centers on Fred Lebow. This is the man who founded the five-borough New York City Marathon which, in many people's opinion, is possibly the greatest marathon event ever put together. Widely considered one of the most influential and unlikely American icons, Lebow fled his orthodox home in war-torn Europe and found his calling when he brought together a ragtag group of runners for the first NYC Marathon in Central Park. In 1976, Lebow took the race through all five boroughs, bringing a divided city together and sparking a worldwide fitness boom. Lebow lived for the NYC Marathon yet only ran the five borough race once, in a race against the odds. He passed away in 1994 at the age of 62.

An added bonus, the film also includes the last known interview with Ted Corbitt, an Olympian and pioneering African-American runner who founded what would become the New York Road Runners Club (NYRR). Known as the “Jackie Robinson of running,” Corbitt died while the film was being made, on December 12, 2007.

Directed by Judd Erlich, this inspirational tribute shows how one man's imagination, determination, and love for running created one of the world's most popular sporting events.

If you are looking for a preview of this soon-to-be runner classic, check it out below.

And Marathons For All

Did I mention a while back that had I registered for Grandma's Marathon? Well I did, and stayed up well past midnight to make sure my online registration was properly accepted. No bother, because I'm now all set to race in what I feel to be one of the most beautiful marathons the U.S. has to offer a runner. It will be held in Duluth, MN on June 21st. If you're a marathoner, this is a great race. I get excited about this race each and every time I race it. Of course, I get that way with every marathon I run.

You see, I have this feeling that everyone needs to attempt the marathon experience at least once in their lifetime. Alright, maybe I didn't mean "everyone" in the literal sense, but most of the runners out there anyway. I guess I consider the marathon distance to be one of the pinnacles of running, and something everyone should be allowed to sit in awe of their accomplishment at the finish line. Many runners and non-runners alike view the marathon as the ultimate running achievement, and often as something to aspire to. Not only does it deserve vision, dedication, and months of training, but it requires hours of race-day effort. Just far enough to push your boundaries, but not so far out of reach that you cannot obtain it through perseverence. When you look at it like that, it's quite possibly one of the perfect goals your everyday runner can have. And, I guess, in a sense Grandma's has been my aspiration for many years now. But the thing is, I'm beginning to also feel that it's become that continual "once-in-a-lifetime" for me ... like 14-times over-continual. Possibly it's time to add some new training incentives?

So enter my largest running goal of 2008: running in November's ING New York Marathon. Like I say, if you want to dream, be sure to dream big. Honestly though, I really want the chance to experience running in this big-city race. To encounter each of the five culturally and ethnically diverse neighborhood boroughs, to cross over the five equally unique and architecturally diverse bridges, and to soak in the thousands of spectators in the finishing lap through world-famous Central Park. Yes, I am trying to enter into one of the biggest marathon experiences out there in the world today. But let me also go on record saying this chance won't come easy.

Now if only I were a faster runner, I might have a good shot at a guaranteed entry through qualification. But I'm just not Lance Armstrong-fast (yeah, some guys have all the luck.) I guess I'll have to take my chances with the race's application lottery. Groan. I have heard so many horror stories from runners who have tried repeatedly to enter NYC via the application lottery method, only to be passed over the full three years before finally obtaining acceptance by default. Though I will gladly wait the full three years if need-be, personally I'd rather not delay my experience that long. In order to run this year in November, I am going to need a "golden ticket". Quite literally, a guaranteed entry into the race.

So is there any possibility this Midwestern runner will be able find the right Willy Wonka bar in time? As it turns out, possibly so.

I have this friend (a friend of a friend, who's brother's roommates's cousin's first nephew ... alright, you get the picture) and she works for ING ... who also happens to be the title sponsor for the NYC marathon. Through some earlier discussions and inquiry, she has been in contact with those involved with the race. To my surprise, they are attempting to secure a race "sponsorship" on my behalf. What is a sponsorship exactly? To be quite honest, I don't really know as yet. But, if all goes well, it might be that golden ticket I've been trying so hard to find.

Within a few weeks I should hopefully know more, so say a little prayer for me. Who knows, maybe this will be the beginning of a long time ambition of mine to run a marathon in each of the 50 states. Uff-da, I forgot to mention that one to my wife yet.

Monday Mind-Dump

A few thoughts & happenings from my past week...

• It snowed this Saturday, just incredible...who would have thought our late winter would be hanging on with such a fierce grip still. Fortunately, the temps should be climbing up into the 60's this week, which will make for some nice, long training runs before the Drake Relays race on the 26th.
  
  
• My business trip to New York this past week went very well…learned a ton of great stuff from my conference on web site usability, and had an amazing time exploring Manhattan. Even logged about 18 miles in and around Central Park while I was there. Now I'm excited to show my wife the city when we return for the NYC Marathon in November.
  
  
• An update on the adventure racing gig in June…a good friend of mine, who happens to be a fellow youth group leader, has joined our team to now cement our four-person male squad. I am really excited he can join us! I'm hastily working on scheduling some training training, and if all goes well we might be able to get together hopefully in the next week or two.
  
  
• We took the kids to see "Horton Hears A Who" this weekend (included voices by Jim Carrey and Steve Carell)…they loved it. It's a cute movie for kids that teaches us the important lesson that "a person's a person, no matter how small". However, my kids have me terrified of walking through my own garden lest I step on a speck-borne town of microscopic Who-villians.
  
  
• Training update: Though I haven't had the chance to rack up the mileage as yet, my training is coming along nicely so far this spring. My runs have been quality and my base is slowly increasing. Also looking forward to hitting the singletrack trails with the mountain bike once the local trails begin to dry up.
  
  
• A shout out to Ryan Hall on his Flora London Marathon race yesterday. Even though he placed fifth overall, his 2:06:17 finish time is now the fastest-ever by an American-born runner, eclipsing that of 2:09:41 jointly held by Alberto Salazar and Alan Culpepper. This guy is incredibly fast...can't wait to see what he does at the Olympics this summer!
  
  
• It's the week leading up to the Boston Marathon (Monday, April 21)...another one of those races I dream of being able to run in some day. Guess I'd better work on New York first though...
  
  
• My wife sent me this really great verse that I've been meditating a lot on. It's Psalm 84:11-12, "For the Lord God is a sun and shield; the Lord will give grace and glory; no good thing will be withheld from them that walk uprightly. O Lord Almighty, blessed is the man who trusts in You." Learning to trust like that isn't easy, as I've found in my past, but God's grace is sufficient for everything I might question.

USA's Best Bound for Beijing

Though I happened to fall asleep later than anticipated last evening, I woke up this morning just in time to see the final 30 minutes of online coverage for the 2008 U.S. Olympic Team Trials - Men's Marathon. And what a spectacular finish it was!

Clocking an amazing 4:32 18th mile, which is believed to be the fastest ever run in Central Park, Ryan Hall dominated the U.S. Olympic Team Trials marathon by outracing the veterans in a record 2:09:02. Dathan Ritzenhein finished second and Brian Sell took third. This was truely an inspiring race and only proves of the greatness yet to come from these three runners in Beijing next summer!

This is exciting, as I've been rooting for Hall from the beginning. A man of strong faith and determination, his performance today showed this and much more ... and this was only his second marathon! I honestly cannot wait to see what the future of distance racing and 2008 Games have in store for this 25-year old ... just stay tuned.

Photos by NYRR