2012 NYC ING Marathon Countdown 4 Days: In a New York State of Mind, Packing Your Bags

We are all still reeling in the impact of Frankenstorm. Many families in the evacuation zones are still in shelters or taking up temporary residence with family, friends and neighbors (there is really no place like home!). Others are without power. Transportation is limited. Airports are finally open.

In New York City, in addition to all this while limited bus service resumed last night, the heart and lungs of our city's transit system, MTA's subway service is still down. Some subway service is expected to resume tomorrow.

In moments of difficulty New Yorkers display their resilience and ability to stand tall and stick together to the end. Neighbors helping neighbors, cut down trees, remove debris, sandbag homes, share kitchens and dens, shop keepers giving out water and food, emergency crews working around the clock to help those stranded in high waters, evacuate senior residences, hospitals, transit teams pumping out tunnels, crews clearing the streets, that is my New York!!

NYC- The most diverse, beautiful metropolis in the world.

Most people heeded the warnings before the storm hit and those who were not in evacuation zones prepared as well. Flashlights check. Water check. Enough food and drinks for a few days check. Plan A, B, and C in case of an unexpected emergency check. List of friends and relatives to call and check-in with as well as to check on check. It may take some time before things are back to normal but the preparedness of all New Yorkers, and of local and state authorities was key in containing the extent of the damage and loss of life in the storm. It is was also instrumental in helping get New York City back in business today. It may take a few weeks to bring things back to close to normal. But we will get there. We always do.

New York Road Runners (NYRR) the host of the NYC ING Marathon announced that it was up to Mayor Bloomberg if the Marathon would go on as scheduled and he announced that it will be. Are your ready?

Being prepared at least a day or 2 before a race, especially a marathon will boost your performance, by eliminating stress. There is nothing worse than rushing around at the last minute, looking for pins for your bib, clean socks, energy gels, keys, etc. Below are a few tips to help you get ready.

Pre-race Preparation Tips: 

Set a spot where you will put all your race gear together; corner spot on a dresser, desk, table, etc.

Put your things in a plastic bin(s) or box. A large gift box can do the trick too. This will keep things from getting lost in a shuffle, falling behind something etc.

Make a check-list of all the things you will need, and cross them off as you put them in. If it is a lot write it down. If it is not or you have a super keen memory, work your mental check list.

Use alternatives. Missing something? If it is not crucial such as your bib number and pins for it, sneakers, D-Tag, heart rate monitor, etc. find something that can work in its place.

For example, if the socks you like to use when you run aren't clean, throw another pair in the box (yes, even the argyle ones, or hello kitty knee highs). The same goes for other articles of clothing. Just in case something happens and you couldn't get to the laundry or shop at a store.

Prepare for the expected and unexpected. Throw in...

  * Medications used regularly & need during, after a race, inhalers, etc. 

  * Band-aids for blisters (a couple of medium and large ones).
 
  * Cotton balls.

  * Small pack of tissues.
 
  * Small tube of anti-bacterial ointment.

  * Small tube of Aloe lotion.

  * An ACE bandage.

  * Sports tape.

  * Instant Ice Packs. 

These are great. Shake 'em up. Give 'em a squeeze and they are ready! You got your sports tape to hold them in place.

  * A Bandana. 

I  have used bandanas for many things, besides tying one on to keep sweat from running down my face, I can tie it to form a little pouch which I can secure to my waist pack to hold a small bottle of water. But, more importantly for first aid you can use one to clean a cut, scrape or blister, or hold an ice pack in place.

  * A cane that folds. 

If you are going into a race being a little sore, you hurt your ankle, knee, etc. and you are determined to finish the race, bring it along just in case at the end of the race you may need it. Depending on the size of your bag it may stick out a little.

   * Compression socks or sleeves.

If you are running in a pair you may want an extra. If your are not. They do come in handy after a long run.

   * Your emergency contact person's name and number. 

We will generally have this written on the back of our bibs, but it does not hurt to have it in your wallet, or on a card in your bag.

If you need emergency care, or have to go to a hospital make it easy for the medical professionals assisting you to find your emergency contact's name in your cell phone, besides going through group lists (family, friends, VIP's...).

On most phones if you put an asterisk in front of a person's name it will bring it to the top of your contact list.This does not work on i-Phones. For an i-Phone I would recommend using the letter A followed by a symbol. You get the picture. You can include the person's relationship to you in parenthesis. These are things I started to do after 9-11. Because of "what ifs."

* A mantra

Do you have a mantra in your pocket? We recite or think of mantras to get us psyched and keep us motivated during a race. They are especially handy during the unexpected bumps in the road. If you get hurt during the race. Don't panic. Remain calm. Remember...

"Everything in the universe is within you. Ask all of yourself." 

- Rumi

The Morning After the NYRR 18M Tune-up: "ICE, ICE BABY!"

Why is not until the day after an arduous physical workout that the soreness really sets in? I took precautions yesterday. I iced my feet which were sore after the NYRR 18M Tune-up in Central Park. I took some anti-inflammatory medicine, stretched, hydrated, replenished nourishment and rested. But, today, I needed the comfort of my best friend ICE. Not Vanilla Ice though, I have to admit I have "Ice, Ice Baby..." playing in my head. 

Nor, ICE Cube. Though I am having a hankering for some Barbershop and a Mr. Softies vanilla cone - don't hold the colored sprinkles!

But Ice Ice "oh baby," packs to the my knees.

My Right Ankle and a Series of Unfortunate Events: 3 Days to my Team Fox Journey at the 2012 NYC Half Marathon

“…what might seem to be a series of unfortunate events, 

may, in fact be the first steps of a journey.”

- (Lemony Snicket’s A Series of Unfortunate Events)

On Father’s Day, June 20^th, 2010 I ran what would be my last race for close to 11 months. It is not like I had been running races for long or running regularly for years. My first race was Race for the Cure, September 2009, and up till then I would do a combo of walk, sprint and jog for about 2 miles 2 times a week and once a week if I had time I would stretch it to three. My shins hurt, my thighs hurt and my breathing, which is still a challenge due to EIA but much improved, was as heavy as a pack a day smoker just a half mile into a workout. But with every additional half mile I was able to complete I was motivated to do more. I would joke with others about how I would run the ING Marathon when I turned 50, thinking 2 years would be ample time for me to get in shape if I could keep running consistently. It was a child’s dream in many ways. A nice thought, but hazy nothing I could truly grasp. What was my game plan? 

I joined NYRR after Race for the Cure and participated in my first NYRR race, Race to Deliver, November 2009, four sunny, cool, brutal miles. I remember after huffing and puffing pass mile three thinking “you are almost there!” I decided not to let the cold winter weather stop me from running and jogged my way to the finish at the Emerald Nuts Midnight run with my daughter, Krystal, who I encouraged to speed ahead and wait at the finish instead of running ahead to circle back for me every quarter mile (such a good daughter I have!). This was my second 4M challenge and I did it- Woohoo!

When the going get's tough... "Keep on Trucking!"

My New Years 2010 resolution was simple, to continue to stay on a path of fitness and good health, “keep on trucking.” “Don’t give up!” “Not this time.” “Not again.” I was terribly inconsistent with my workouts; keeping up the momentum for a few weeks, then, stopping abruptly for numerous reasons. Like most people I would claim to have no time, most times. I was doing, “the best I can,” hardly. But, I rang in 2010 with new kicks and a NYRR membership that I would not let go to waste. 

I registered for several races, Run for Haiti, Run as One 4M, R Baby Mother’s Day 4M, Japan Day 4M, and the Father’s Day Prostate Cancer 5M. Weeks into the new-year I was going to physical therapy for runner’s knee. Father’s Day things were looking better. I finished my first 5M ever and then as I exited the park, running to the subway I tripped and fractured my right ankle, “THE END!” I thought, “To, my running for fitness, let alone any marathon dream.” If this was some test of the universe of how resolute I was in my fitness goals and dream I was going to prove I was up to the challenge. From May 2011 to the end of December 2011 I ran 60 miles in a total of 15 races; first 10K July 2011, first 15K, December. I was running 3, often 4 days a week regularly.

Foot surgery and business travel set me behind schedule for training for my first half this Sunday, but I was planning on doing it one way or another. I am running for the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research after all! So that people with the disease, like my mom, and those who may be inflicted with the disease in the future can enjoy life to the fullest. Then yesterday morning on my way to work I twist my ankle badly just stepping off a curb. In a pair of comfy loafers no less. Just goes to show you just never know what life will throw in your way. I gimp onto the bus and take a seat. “Shit!” “How could this happen to me just three days before the NYC Half Marathon!” “What, bad luck!” And, the same bloody right ankle! I could go to work and ice it and hope for the best or see the Doctor who treated me in the past and get some physical therapy and treatment in ASAP. I make a call before getting on the train, explain what happened and head over to see him right away.

After my examination and my asking a "Doctor Can I...?" He tells me there is no way I will be able to complete the half. I shouldn’t even think about it. “But, what if I just walk most of it, wearing an ankle brace?” He does not think that even that is possible. 13.1M is a lot. An hour later, after getting iced, stimmed and taped, I am at my desk working, taking Advil every few hours, icing my ankle every hour and continue with this regimen until I go to sleep. I went back today for some more.

wiki.runnersworld.com-R.I.C.E

The physical therapists know me too well. The icing has made a difference. I did good by taking action ASAP, but it is still sprained badly. “So, what are your plans for the weekend? You are not going to run, are you?” I am asked. I have to be honest and say that while I do not plan to run the whole way, I will be going and I have a game plan. I am going to continue with the icing and Advil. I will wear the soft brace and a harder hinged brace on top for extra support. I will jog lightly on the straight-aways as long as I feel I can without risk of further injury, I will walk up all hills. I will use a cane if necessary.

After my foot surgery in January, I got into power walking and I’m pretty quick on my feet. I feel confident that I can do this! I have to at least try. So many people who suffer from Parkinson’s disease cannot walk without some aid. For some walking a mile is a long journey. So I WILL do this. Because, I no longer see the unfortunate events in my life as, “The End!” but as steps in my journey!