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

2012 NYC ING Marathon Countdown 7 Days: 3.76 Charity Miles, Looking Back at My First Long Run

Today was recovery run day. Just a short run. Not more than 4 miles. No running longer than 40 minutes.

I decided to run a route I plotted on MapQuest when I started to get into running 5 years ago. Back then I just ran on my own. I didn't know about sneaker choices, running styles, training programs for beginners like the C25K (Coach to 5K), gear, nutrition, clubs, or the multitude of apps out there, like MapMyRun. All extremely helpful to help you get on and stay on your running track. I plotted points on MapQuest to figure out how long my treks would be. I started with just a mile and added a half mile every week or every other week. I remember how I struggled just to run a quarter mile. "If I can just get up to Taco Bell," I remember thinking, "then I will take a short walk break." I never stopped for a Taco. It was just the best stopping point. One block further than Carvel, which may have tempted me to stop in and get a strawberry coated vanilla cone and head back home.

When I got to a mile I was ecstatic. I continued my loop back home to complete a 2-mile trek. What a workout! My thighs hurt. My shins hurt. My feet hurt. All this pain, for what? To try to be a runner? Who was I kidding. Who thinks about getting into running after they push 40-something(s). The avoidance monster would smother the calls of the running/fitness muse and I would stop trekking for a week or more before I heeding to her call again.

As I trekked up the boulevard I was surprised how light and easily I was jogging. I could not but smile the entire way. My knee is still a little tender and I was not going fast, but compared to the me a few years ago, "Wow!" I was really having so much fun! I was enjoying the sights along the way. Fall leaves blanketing lawns, pumpkins on steps.

Fall leaves on a neighbor's lawn. I just wanted to jump in.

I love this quote by Rumi, "What you seek is seeking you." And, today it was very apropos. I never thought I would be in a marathon, I really just wanted to be able to run the route I plotted 5 years ago without a hitch, be able to do that a few days a week and I did it! 

I have been as consistent and committed to my fitness as I can be. If I can't run I jog. If I can't jog I walk. If I have to mix it up, I mix it up; fartleks, interval training. 

I made a promise to myself to do Charity Miles every day from October 2nd, until I cross the finish line at the marathon next Sunday, barring some extreme event or physical condition that would prevent me from running, jogging or walking. You know how we promise to do things, but when it is just to ourselves it is easier to slip than when we promise to do something for others, for once I did not slip. My commitment was inspired by my Mom, others who have Parkinson's and my support for the Micheal J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research but also for me. Because without yourself in the picture, when you run or walk or do other activities inspired by or for a charity or for someone you love, the picture is not complete.

Luck number 7- days to the ING!