2012 NYC ING Countdown 8 Days: The Last 10 Miles

I have been asked by others participating in the marathon if I am doing the last 10 miles. I thought this referred to some marathon training program they were doing but found out they were referring to running the last 10 miles of the NYC ING Marathon course to get familiar with it, not just to their tapering down.

My original plan today was to just trek across and back on the Ed Koch Queensboro Bridge (a.k.a. 59th Street Bridge) which I heard was a daunting spot on the course. But after a series of exchanges with other J.K.O. Running teammates we ended up organizing a trek that included crossing the Queensboro Bridge and trekking the marathon route all the way to the finish in Central Park. A last 10 to 12 miles, depending on where each of us started and decided to finish.

It was a stellar fall day for a run. Three of us crossed over the bridge each at our own pace, along the greenway to meet up with the rest of the team waiting on the Manhattan side.

I avoided the slope up, to avoid further risk of injury to my knee which is starting to feel much better. I will tackle the hills and slopes up to the bridges next Sunday. Today was just a meet and greet.

Hellooo! Queensboro Bridge!

Hello, Robert F. Kennedy Bridge. Just passing by.

Hello, Willis Avenue Bridge. Coming through. Coming through.

I never would have thought of going the distance alone, but discovered that the weekend before the marathon many individuals and groups were doing the last 10 miles. There was easily one group passing us every 10 minutes. The Niketown Running Club was well represented. It was nice to get a hug and a smile from a co-worker as the pack she was in passed by. My spirits went up another notch! "Yes, we are so in this! To the finish!"

The trek through the Bronx is rather short, but you still get a taste of the borough's life, its people as you go through. I am looking forward to hearing some Bronx cheers on the 4th.

Heading down 5th Avenue past 110th Street, and Harlem Meer, we were greeted by a sculpture of monument proportions of the legendary Duke Ellington. I could not believe I go this far. Able to jog most of the way with a few walk breaks. Knowing you have awesome teammates up ahead or at your side is priceless! Thank you all so much!

Statue of Duke Ellington in Central Park

The entry into the park was an amazing oasis of color. We marveled at how a city like New York that is always hustle and bustling with movement, noise, could have such a serene setting in its heart. The views were breathtaking. I could not resist stopping to photograph this...

Fall Fever Hits Visitors in Central Park.

It is hard to believe a storm is coming our way. I am hoping that Hurricane Sandy does not hit like, Hurricane Irene, which floored all the trees circling The Grand Army Plaza, and damaged hundreds of others in the park the fall of 2011.

We made our way down, in and out of the marathon loop, ending at Columbus Circle. Not the ending I had planned, but being familiar with the slope up to 72nd Street, I felt it was best to pass. My feet will greet this path for the "kagillionth" time in eight more days!

Maine Monument, Merchants Gate, Central Park

And, what could be better than completing an 11.85 mile trek that has the extra win-win of earning Charity Miles for the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research, funding 29.63 minutes of research.

Heading back on the train, an arepa de choclo I stashed in my bag and a bottle filled with Emergen-C Pink (lemonade flavor) hits the spot of refresh and replenish.