That's All She Wrote (I think?)

Sooo yeah....about that last blog post I said I would write two months ago...
This is actually a good time to take a look back, as I recently had my first run in Central Park since the marathon. A couple weeks ago I went to TNT practice with Mike and did a 9 mile run. Midway through I realized it was my first run in the Park since the marathon. Then, this past weekend I ran the Disney half, two months to the day after the marathon, with TNT. Which got me all sorts of nostalgic. Not for the race, but for the experience.

Before writing this post I went back and read all of my posts throughout the training. I realized that my typical cynicism that was there in the beginning pretty much melted away by the end. That was partially a function of the fact that I realized certain people began reading it that would not appreciate my cynicism (and LOST character comparisons), which resulted in me going back and censoring old posts. Part of it, though, was that I began to feel all warm and fuzzy about the experience. Yes, it's still me writing.

Mike and I also really bonded over this experience. Not that we (obviously) weren't bonded before, but it was something new and different that we were embarking on together. We supported each other, kept each other motivated when the other felt lazy, and kicked the other in the ass when we were feeling bad for ourselves (which I was doing hard core after a few drinks and two doctors appointments this week). Now we have a new common love in running. Yes, he's faster than the speed of light, and is far less riddled with injury than I am, but we still share the same adrenaline rush at the end of a long run where we sit in our ice baths talking each other's ear off about the run.

More importantly though, in the weeks leading up to this race, the TNT coaches offered wonderful words of encouragement to all of us...you're prepared, you're going to do amazing, this will be the experience of a lifetime, it will change your life. Honestly, the marathon was a million things: scary as hell, super fun at points, grueling, emotional, infuriating, and delirium-inducing. I'm so happy I did it, and for once in my life I'm actually shamelessly proud of something I've accomplished. But what was bigger was Team in Training.

The coaches turned me from someone who couldn't run more than 3 miles into someone who could run 26.2, is somewhat versed on injury prevention, strength training, nutrition, and etiquette. It was a wonderful feeling to look forward to hanging out with some amazing people every Tuesday and Saturday, both coaches and participants, and to have a new hobby. I saw parts of the city I've never seen before, actually got to KNOW Central Park when before I went there maybe 3 times a year. Summer streets was a blast and so was the Westchester run. I'd even say the Bronx half was fun, being part of the "purple wave." The support of this team is unlike anything I've ever experienced. Cheering each other on during races, getting to know each other during long runs, going out for beers after runs and going to fundraising events, the list goes on. Being part of the victory party at the Disney Half with Kristine this weekend only made me love this program even more.

Of course, there's the mission. As I wrote before, every week team members got up and shared their stories of how they were impacted by blood cancer, and it refocused everything. Enough whining about your knee pain or foot pain or the fact that you're not ready to run 10 miles. Chemo is harder. Cancer is far worse. But you're training to make it better.

Team in Training taught me discipline, a positive attitude, and a sport that I now love. They say that running a marathon is like giving birth; after you have the baby you forget how bad the labor was. It's the only way you can go through it again. Still waiting for that amnesia to kick in:o) But I'll be back in a year or so. And I already have three halfs planned through May along with several other small races.

Finally, thank you all for reading this blog. I have never failed to be surprised by the "I loved your blog post the other day!" or "I read that in your blog" or "your blog was gripping" (still can't get over that one). So thanks for making me feel like it's somewhat relevant:o) If the fact that it took me two months to write this last post is any indicator, I'm not meant to be a lifetime blogger. Mike's trying to convince me to keep it going, at least for races, but that would mean I'm only updating it a couple times a month, which my social media training has taught me is not enough. I'm on the fence. Regardless, thank you all for reading, and more importantly, thank you so much for supporting me through this amazing journey.

Thank you to Christine, Felicia, Pete and all the other amazing TNT coaches for your support throughout the season and beyond!

Most importantly, I want to thank my Aunt Jackie for being such an inspiration to me in training!

So now it's sounding to sound like an Oscar acceptance speech. So to wrap up:



GO TEAM!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!