26.2 Miles Never Felt so Good

I ran my first marathon.  I don't know if many people will tell you the truth.  But It. Was. The. Best. Thing. Ever.  The trip was awesome too.  I'm such a slacker, I don't know if anyone still looks at this.  But I owe you a GREAT post so...here goes.

I left for New York early and stayed with the best family.  I adore these little boys.

And how many people can say that they had a pre-marathon warm-up with the two cutest boys ever?  Here were directions from my Coach Dane:

And they escorted me to the Expo to pick up my race number.  Yes, at this point I pretty much thought my stomach was going to fall out and the thought of the next day made me cry.

Can anyone tell me what he's saying?  Ashley?  It makes me laugh SO HARD!

So Saturday night Allie, Aaron and Audrey met up with me and the race was Sunday.

It started in Staten Island and the first couple of miles were over the Verrazano Bridge.  Yes, that's it right below.  And it was SO cold.  I was completely out of my element.  30 degrees.  I layered but my running clothes were shorts and a tank top.  Just so you know- I. NEVER. WARMED. UP.

I met some really great people.  That reminds me, I need to email them these pictures...
Then it started.  This is me starting in my FIRST marathon.  The New York City Marathon.  There have been many times in the last few months that I just felt CRAZY.  Maybe I am.  If this is crazy- then I love it! (yes, I wore makeup.  It was internationally televised.  I didn't want to miss my chance.)

Here are some pictures during the race.  I held my camera through the entire run.  I snapped as I went.  Hey, how many times do you run through Brooklyn, Queens, Manhattan, Bronx, and Harlem, and Central Park.

The race was mostly through Brooklyn.  Which just so happened to be my favorite part.  The supporters were the best!

These people were my favorite.  Who knew trash can lids would make such good noise?  Oh and people were bbq-ing also.  It was a neighborhood event!

This was in Harlem.  Just a drum band.  Loved it.

My favorite cheerleaders.  I was so excited when I saw these beautiful faces.  I was so surprised that they actually found me!  I had just finished my 24th mile.  And it gave me the extra energy I needed for 2 more miles.  I never hit a wall.  I had an awesome run.  Probably not normal, but I loved every minute of it.

 

Monday night we went to see Rock of Ages on Broadway.  The music was great.  And guess who was in it? (Hint:  See pictures above...)  Dee Snyder from Twisted Sister.  Talk about a cool guy.  How many 60+ year old men still make the rock fingers?

     Tuesday we went to the Statue of Liberty.  Allie and I made the John and Yoko pose for Nathan.

The skyline from the Statue of Liberty ferry.  It was so cold and windy.  But very pretty.

 

And one night we met up with our family friends: the Grillones.  Cory and Sophie took us to the BEST restaurant.  Chocolate by the Bald Man.  If you ever go to New York, you should go.  It was delish.  Think chocolate.  With everything.  The world looks better inside that restaurant.

 

We did lots more but blogger is being ridiculous so I'm just going to mention the other fun things in November:

 

I went to Disney with my friends Priscilla and Chad.  It was cold and rainy and windy the entire time.  The plus was that there were virtually no lines but it made for an uncomfortable day.

I LOVE how Disney is decorated for the holidays.  There were things everywhere and really brought in the Christmas spirit.  Even though it was wet- we had fun.

On Thanksgiving, I ran the annual Turkey Trot.  The view isn't quite like New York.  But it was beautiful out and it's just so much fun!

I ran with my friend Natalie and my sister Allie.  Yay for us.  It was so much fun!  Every year- you'll find us here.

And I celebrated my 32nd birthday.  My family took my to the movies and then I went with some friends to Kona.  My favorite.  They even brought a wedge of Red Velvet cake.  Enough for the whole table. (I know you think I ate the entire piece. But I shared.)

The people who celebrated with me:  Cheryl, Priscilla, Audrey, me, Kristie, Allie and Aaron.  I have the best friends/family ever.  It was a great start to a new year.  Can't wait to see what I do this year.  Pretty hard to top.