by Monica on October 31, 2008
Training for a marathon with someone is little like going through boot camp together. You learn alot about each other in a way it takes years with most friends. You learn how tough they are and about their temperment. You learn their running habits…like how often they require the restroom, fuel on a long run, and pre-race rituals. You know everything there is to know about their husbands, kids, and parents. Long runs have brought out unhappy marriages and childhood stories that would otherwise have gone untold, just because there was time. And like therapy, “what is said on the road, stays on the road”. It’s a wonderful byproduct of training–distance makes the heart grow stronger.
When we race, we all love to have our family and friends come to see us run. But there is something special about having your “long distance” friends there. It shows support and solidarity for the effort. They know the pain. They have been where you have been and the support comes from an entirely different place. They know you may need “goo” or your own special beverage at mile 20. They know where your low points may be. If you are lucky, sometimes they accompany you to a race (like me:to the NY Marathon). They remind you to change your clock, borrow their sister’s GPS system so they can make sure we don’t get lost, and they keep reminding you that you are “ready and strong” and “it’s going to be a beautiful day”! And afterward no matter how good or how bad it was, they tell you…”you did great!” and they take you to Starbucks for a double tall soy latte….because they know that’s what makes you happy after a long run! (thank you Jamie and Jean ).
by Monica on October 27, 2008
I plan to run the NY Marathon in only a few days. It requires a long pre-race wait for runners, as many marathons do, in line for the porta potty or deciding if you really need that bagel. I received my number registration card that requires a degree to read. They have developed a new “wave start” this year to avoid congestion with the up 39000 runners who have registered.
Mine Reads: Wave 1 (indicated by a white background, wave 2 yellow, wave 3 blue), Orange village (there are three different villages), Corral C (A-F).
I cannot even imagine the man hours it took to devise and implement this new system. I was able to find a key on the website that clearly explains all the variables possible for one runner. So of course, I begin to wonder if perhaps each of these villages is equally equipped with all the pre-race amenities or will there be some obvious breakdown of runners and times. Do we all get bagels and Dunkin Donuts Coffee? Will the “elite athleles” in the blue village be hanging ipod to ipod with the other villagers. Will the porta potties be coded by wave as well? Because actually a white background should trump a yellow or blue in line…but who is going to police this? And if a runner with an orange bib with a white background with an “A corral” isn’t smart enough to get in line with enough time to spare, isn’t it their problem? When Besides, they will have first access to them out on the course. So I am interested to see how it will all go down and hoping that the orange village is the one with the Starbucks!
by Monica on October 22, 2008
For my 46th birthday, as a present from some friends, I went to see David Sedaris read from his latest essays on his book tour. I laughed so hard my face hurt the next day. I didn’t realize how much I liked him until I heard his voice. It suits him, and the idea of him I had made up in my head. I heard that voice read to me as I made my way through “When You Are Engulfed In Flames” (his latest book which I also got for my birthday). In response to our present economy I had just been telling my 13 year old son that he should be a bum or hobo for Halloween. So I was already identifying with him in the beginning chapters. But it was the part in the “Crybaby” chapter when he talks about laughter at the dinner table over his Grandmother’s flatulence that did it for me. I sat there on my bed reading/laughing as if I was at a party having already consumed a glass of wine (or two). I was at that table. I had a big family growing up and Grandmother that lived with us. I had been there. I remember how much trouble we would be in for our immaturity, but we just kept laughing…hard! We couldn’t help ourselves (like laughing in church). What a great memory. Silly yes, but if that’s what I got from this book…I say, “thanks David” for taking me there for my birthday.
by Elena on October 21, 2008
What inspires you?: yoga practice, people who travel the world and people who make a difference in other’s lives. My children and the love of my life
The most fun to be had?:Long runs with a group of girlfriends, coffee with my husband, running on the beach
Necessary indulgence? Red wine
Favorite city? Madrid, Spain
On my ipod? Snow patrol, Al green, Mark Anthony
On my running feet? Gel Asics
Favorite snack the night before a long run?
Home made popcorn, popped in olive oil
My last race: Tuscon Marathon, time: 3:36
My next race: Good question
Favorite race? Tuscon Marathon
