The Daytona Beach Half Marathon weekend made some changes for 2019, including adding a Saturday 5K and moving up the Sunday 5K to start shortly after the half marathon. I had planned to run the half marathon for the third year in a row. Read my previous reports from 2017 and 2018. I was glad to have the option to transfer to the Dual 5K Challenge. Following the Beachin' It 5K Saturday night, next up was the Lap the Track race on the famous Daytona Beach International Speedway.

Training & Goals
[Cue the usual of late] My right Achilles tendon is still bothering me so I haven't been running very much. No training, no goals.

Race Day: February 10, 2019
The venue for the finish line was changed for 2019. Parking was close to the finish line at One Daytona, across the road from the Speedway. I missed driving inside and parking the car in the middle of the race track. But everything went very smoothly at the new venue with plenty of volunteers to help guide us to the parking area and the event start.

My club's awesome pacers paced the half marathon and a lot of other club members ran as well. We had a group photo before the half runners took off.

Rain was threatening once more and it was a bit gloomy again with overcast skies. It was 66°F at the start with 94% humidity.

Mile 1: 12:42
The first two miles took us around the race track. I was a bit achy from the Beachin' It 5K the night before (complete lack of training) so took it slow.

Mile 2: 13:06
Achy but at least enjoying the run on the track.

Mile 3+: 13:17, 1:33
The last mile took us out of the track to a small out-and-back before we crossed International Speedway Boulevard via a pedestrian bridge. It was funny running up and down the wide access ramps; I thought we'd cross the road. Tried to push it at the end and felt ok crossing the finish line. It was fun to hear my name announced (see short video below).

After Party
Vendors and food and drink were immediately adjacent to the finish line. There was a nice spread including free beer and various snacks from First Watch, Ben & Jerry's, and other vendors. I stayed to watch a few of the first half marathoners come in before heading out for the day.

Recommendation
Organizers continue to do a great job with the events of this race weekend. Recommended.

Chip time: 40:42
Placement details: 13/45 AG and 354/668 overall
Race Amenities: Finisher medal for all, soft cotton gender-specific shirt, challenge medal for completing Dual 5K Challenge
Cost: $68.32 for the Dual 5K Challenge

Report written February 11, 2019

Group and finish line photo (c) Almost There Photography

The Daytona Beach Half Marathon weekend made some changes for 2019, including adding a Saturday 5K to the challenge options. I had planned to run the half marathon for the third year in a row (read my previous reports from 2017 and 2018). Because of my current shape I was glad to have the option to transfer to the Dual 5K Challenge. First up, a beach 5K on Saturday evening.

Training & Goals
[Cue the usual of late] My right Achilles tendon is still bothering me so I haven't been running very much. No training, no goals.

Race Day: February 9, 2019
I parked at the Ocean Center and walked to the start. Packet pickup was quick and easy and bag drop was available for those of us who needed it. Restrooms were available at the host venue LandShark Bar & Grill.

It was 64°F at the start with 88% humidity. It had been threatening rain most of the day with mist, fog, and drizzle. Rain held off until after the run.

Mile 1: 12:25
A bit of soft sand right at the start but then we were running on hard sand with the wind strongly at our backs. Wee! I felt pretty good.

Mile 2: 12:00
Wind still at our backs until the turnaround. I felt good until the wind hit my face. Ugh.

Mile 3+: 13:01, 1:27
So running back in the headwind was no fun, but I was still really happy with the run and felt great. My Achilles didn't bother very much at all. Sunday afternoon, though...

After Party
There was a nice spread out for the runners, with free beer and beef sliders and something else (no vegetarian option so I'm foggy on the details) warm being served. It started spitting rain so I headed back to the car fairly soon after finishing.

Recommendation
Runners could register for this race as a stand-alone or as a Speedway Challenge with the half marathon on Sunday or as a Dual 5K Challenge with Lap the Track on Sunday. This was the first year for the Beachin' It 5K and I think the organizers did a great job. Recommended, along with the rest of the Daytona Beach Half Marathon weekend events.

Chip time: 38:46
Placement details: 18/40 AG and 269/492 overall
Race Amenities: Finisher medal for all, soft cotton gender-specific shirt
Cost: $68.32 for the Dual 5K Challenge

Report written February 11, 2019

Branded race photo (c) Almost There Photography

I signed up for another trail run, Seminole State Forest -- Run for the Woods, even though I don't really like running trails and I broke a rib on my last trail race. What's wrong with me? Anyway, money raised from these races (a 5K and half marathon were also available) is used for facility and park improvements.

Training & Goals
[Cue the usual of late] My right Achilles tendon is still bothering me so I haven't been running very much. This race was walker friendly though so I thought I'd give it a try. Trail running should be gentler on my injury as well. No goal in mind, though I thought I'd finish in about 2 hours.

Race Day: February 3, 2019
I had to pick up my packet the morning of, but since Seminole State Forest is close to home I didn't have to leave crazy early. Friendly volunteers helped guide everyone to parking. Packet pickup was easy and efficient. I knew it would probably be wet on the course so I wore old shoes. We had an informative pre-race briefing before we were let loose on the trails.

It was 63°F at the start with 100% humidity. It was foggy, misty, and overcast.

Mile 1, 2: 13:01, 14:09
The early miles were mostly single-track so I kept pace and took shorter walking breaks when I could move to the side. There were a couple of wet spots that we could avoid by stepping around. All three distances started out on the same course and everything was extremely well marked and clear. Arrows and colored ribbons or tape showed the way. No chance of getting lost (even me!). Awesome.

Mile 3, 4, 5: 20:23, 19:40, 19:38
Water, water everywhere! Plus mud. Walking, sloshing, slipping, fretting! I guess looking back it was a little bit fun but at the time I was just hating life and cursing myself for ever registering. Racing usually makes me feel like a kid but this kind of running makes me feel like an old lady because I'm constantly worrying about falling down or losing a shoe in the muck.

Mile 6, 7+: 17:42, 15:27, 4:01
Mostly dry but I was over it! I mean the trail and the park are beautiful but I have to stop getting this runner's amnesia that lets me sign up for more trail races. Halp?

After Party
Free beer for all runners! Snacks and treats, green chili, PBJs, and more. Better than average food and beverage spread. There were also fun booths from local nature groups, the Central Florida Zoo, and government natural resources agencies. The Avian Reconditioning Center brought a couple of education birds and the Orianne Society brought along a pair of Indigo Snakes. Definitely my kind of vendor action.

Recommendation
Volunteers were incredibly friendly and helpful. The event organization was smooth from start to finish. The courses were marked to perfection. Great swag. Highly recommended for trail run fans. Ugh, how much do you want to bet I'll be there next year? Pls send help.

Chip time: 2:03:38
Placement details: 45/71 female participants; 82/110 overall
Race Amenities: Very nice soft unisex shirt, nice medal, great food spread and free beer
Cost: $42.25

Report written February 10, 2019

Finisher photo (c) Almost There Photography

The MeStrong 5K in Deland, Florida, is a huge small town race put on by a local cancer charity and fund-raising group. 2019 was the fifth running of this race that grows larger each year; in 2019 they had over 5,000 registrants! This is a really great charity group; you can learn more about MeStrong here.

The popular race goes through the streets of and around downtown Deland. The 3.1 mile course is lined with spectators and the 2019 line-up had 48 (!!!) different cheer zones. Local businesses and student organizations from Stetson University cheer the runners along with live bands and other groups.

Goals
Arthur joined me for this race! We walked the course with countless others -- we were in a huge sea of people!

Race Day: February 2, 2019
I had picked up our packets the day before so all we had to do race morning was find a parking spot. I hopped in for the group photo with my run club West Volusia Runners and then Arthur and I made our way to the back of the start area.

It was 63°F at the start with 94% humidity. Rain and possible thunderstorms were predicted for the morning but held off. It was gloomy but we stayed dry!

Mile 1: 15:33
We started near the back but ended up walking a lot faster than many fellow back-of-the-packers. There was a lot of bobbing and weaving, even among the walkers.

Mile 2: 15:52
The on-course entertainment kept us smiling the whole time.

Mile 3+: 15:21, 2:03
Electric energy down the finish chute! What fun!

After Party
MeStrong takes over downtown Deland with sponsor booths and food and drink vendors. A lot of shops and restaurants opened early for the runners. The after party is legendary! Arthur and I had plans for the day so we unfortunately did not stay too long.

Recommendation
Excellent race organization. Fun on-course entertainment and great after party. Highly recommended.

Chip time: 48:39
Placement details: 48/300 in AG; 2192/4248 overall
Race Amenities: Nice cotton race shirt (no finisher medals), great after party
Cost: $38.25

Report written February 10, 2019

MeStrong branded photos (c) Almost There Photography

The fourth annual Shark Bite Half Marathon and 5K took place on January 20, 2019. This fun and popular event happens in the shark bite capital of the world, New Smyrna Beach, Florida. The charity Girls on the Run Volusia County is associated with the race.

Training & Goals
My right Achilles tendon is still bothering me so I haven't been running very much. While running the tendon isn't painful. The pain sets in later and lasts a couple of days, depending on how much I ran. My endurance has taken a huge hit with the lack of regular cardio. Shortly before race day I traded my half marathon bib with another runner's 5K bib. I hoped to complete the 5K in under 40 minutes.

Race Day: January 20, 2019
I left home around 5:45AM and managed to find a parking spot about a half mile from the start line. I hung out by our club's tent until it was time to run. After a quick group photo I got my bib and shirt from my trade partner and the half marathoners were off at 7:30AM. When the 5K started 10 minutes later it was a cool 59°F with partly cloudy skies. As the morning continued the sky cleared and the wind started howling. It was brutal for parts of the half marathon. Luckily for all the predicted rain passed through the area before the races started.

Mile 1: 12:19
I've been running 2:1 intervals so that's what I started off with. I felt okay.

Mile 2: 12:09
Geesh, I started feeling extra winded pretty fast. I kept up my run:walk at 2:1 through mile 2.

Mile 3+: 13:02, 1:20
Super winded, super high heart rate. I switched to 1:2 for the last mile, feeling completely exhausted. Ugh.

After Party
Legendary! Have a local craft beer in your new finisher's pint glass! Enjoy a slice of piping hot pizza! Ride the mechanical shark! I had fun cheering the half marathoners as they came in, including so many WVR members and the club's amazing team of pacers.

Recommendation
Great swag and a smooth operation. You can't ask for more. Highly recommended.

Chip time: 38:48
Race Amenities: Swag: huge finisher medal, pint glass, and super soft casual t-shirt for all finishers of both races; finisher hat for top 10% half marathon runners; free race photos. All this plus an after party including beer, pizza, vendors and a mechanical shark
Cost: $55.06 (discounted price for half marathon)

edited finisher certificate (my name in place of the bib owner's)

Report written January 22, 2019

Group and professional race photos (c) Almost There Photography

The inaugural Cape Canaveral Lighthouse Foundation Half Marathon was announced earlier this year. The race boasted a one-of-a-kind course around historic space launch facilities that are normally not open to the public. The beneficiary would be the Cape Canaveral Lighthouse Foundataion, and the finish line would be right beside the iconic 150-year-old structure. I signed up right away. Later, a 10K option was added, and boy, am I glad it was. Still suffering from some Achilles issues, I dropped down to the 10K race day morning.

Goals
The usual goal lately applied here once more: to finish and not further injure myself. I knew there would be a lot of walking.

Race Day: November 11, 2018
It was made clear that security would be tight for this race, which took place on Cape Canaveral Air Force Base property. I aimed to arrive early, especially since runners had to be shuttled from the parking lot to the start line. I left home around 4AM and had the car parked by 5:30AM. I had no problems but I know several runners who arrived later than me were stuck getting into the parking lot. The start of the race was eventually delayed due to the backup. We had a nice sunrise while we waited.

It was 72°F at the start with sunny skies and about 83% humidity.

Mile 1: 12:19
I knew the course would take us to old spaceflight locations but I was not sure exactly what we'd see or experience. I aimed to take it easy and not worry about stopping for photos or if I wasn't feeling great. There wasn't a lot to see during the first mile, which took us out along Phillips Parkway. The road is named after the Director of NASA during the Apollo Missions, Samuel C. Phillips.

Mile 2: 12:32
We took a right turn onto Pier Road, heading east. Here we passed some administrative buildings in current use and we were not allowed to take photographs of them.

Mile 3: 17:17
Shortly into this mile we passed the old Launch Complex 25, used for several missile test launches from 1959 to 1979. Now we were starting to see some interesting things, and I took my time to look around and take photos. Before turning left onto an unnamed service road, we ran up a small hill, used as a rocket camera tracking mound, for some ocean views and first our peek at Launch Complexes 5 and 6 to the northwest. We could see a rocket in the distance. Besides this hill the race was entirely flat.

Mile 4: 18:18
We ran right by Launch Complexes 5 and 6. LC-5 and LC-6 were both used to launch Jupiter, Juno, and Redstone rockets in the 1950s and early 1960s. They are no longer used. A Mercury Redstone rocket stands on the site. Lots of runners stopped to take pictures.

We took a right turn onto Museum Circle, which looped around the Air Force Space and Missle Museum, on old Launch Complex 26. This museum is accessible to the public via NASA bus tours only. Running around the site, we saw lots of artifacts outside, including a Delta IV Common Booster Core (CBC), a Titan I, and various Gantry and Blockhouse buildings.

Mile 5: 15:05
We headed out onto IRBM (Intermediate Range Ballistic Missle) Road. This was a long straight piece with little shade. We could see some more old defunct launch pad complexes in the distance (LC-17, LC-18, LC-31, LC-32). We turned left onto Flight Control Road.

Mile 6+: 18:06, 4:28
The final mile took us down Flight Control Road before turning right onto Lighthouse Road, heading for the lighthouse. We passed some storage buildings used to keep wreckage of the Space Shuttle Challenger.

The 10K ran the same course as the first part of the half marathon; 10K runners walked another kilometer to the main finish line party where the half marathon ended. We were treated to this fun quote from Neil Armstrong after we got our medals.

After Party
There was a lot going on after the race. Water, bananas, pizza and beer were on offer. The lighthouse was open for tours. And another awesome treat: Hangar C was open. Completed in 1954, Hangar C is one of the oldest structures on Canaveral Air Force Station property. It is the oldest surviving structure. It was originally used for missile assembly, but today it is a museum warehouse. It sits close to the lighthouse.

Inside Hangar C are various restored rockets, drones, and missile-related equipment. Dr. Wenher von Braun had an office in the building in the mid 1950s. 

Recommendation
I am all about races in unique places. All of the old rockets and buildings and space history were very cool. I was hurting a bit in the second half so while I was disappointed to not run the half marathon, I knew I made the right choice. This was a well-run race in a seemingly difficult location. There were fine amenities and treats after the race. I enjoyed it a lot and I hope it will continue because I would love to run the half. Highly recommended.

Chip time: 1:37:59
Placement details: 233 out of 343 women; 353 overall out of 500 finishers
Race Amenities: Long sleeve tech shirt and medal for all
Cost: $87.95 (I had paid for the half; this includes $7.95 processing fee)

Report written November 25, 2018

My second marathon, the world's biggest marathon, is in the books! At first I was a bit bummed about my slow time but now I'm feeling proud to have finished and very grateful I did not hurt myself or aggravate my injury.

I started the race with 53,120 others. And 52,812 of us finished! That's an astounding 99.4% finish rate. The 2018 New York City Marathon was a record-breaker.

Here's a video from New York's ABC affiliate of the finish line from the first finishers until the six hour mark. I cross at around 7:39:36 on the video's clock time.

After meeting up with Arthur in the family reunion area, we walked back to our hotel so I could freshen up. Arthur found a pub just two blocks away where we could get some food and beer. The bad news was it was on the second floor. Going up was fine. Going down was fine, too, but I had to go backwards. Arthur laughed at me.

We were so, so lucky with the weather on race day. It rained all morning on Monday. We took a long walk, checking out some more city sights and getting in some nice slow recovery walking miles. I felt good. We checked out the dismantling of the finish line in Central Park. We had a look at the extremely long line to get into the Marathon Pavilion and noped out. Arthur took some photos of me with my medal.

I hadn't found anything at the Expo that I really had to have, besides the visor I got, but I was feeling a little sad for not having a souvenir shirt. We walked into a running store on the way back to the hotel and I saw a shirt I kind of liked. Arthur asked if I saw the back -- OMG I love it!

My Garmin running watch sent my race data to Strava, who sent it to Relive, who made this fun video (named "Lunch Run" LOL) showing the route:

Relive 'Lunch Run'

Speaking of Strava, they made a little summary video of the race and training. I don't think the numbers are right, including my start time being two hours off, but it's a cute little video summary, I guess.

Back home, I took it extremely easy, with no running. I didn't carry my medal around all week but I did bring it to my volunteer shift at the Audubon Center for Birds of Prey to show it to my buddy Trouble the Bald Eagle.

Here's one last look at my stats (the final finisher numbers and my placement are still considered to be unofficial, so there is a discrepancy between the final number of finishers mentioned in the Runner's World article and the graphic below).

I got a bib for the 2018 TCS New York Marathon via lottery back in February. This is the world's biggest marathon in terms of participant numbers, so the logistics of putting this thing on must be insane. I had a good time at the Expo on Friday. Getting to the start on Staten Island was a breeze for this runner. Finally, it was time to run!

Training & Goals
Pre-race nerves are normal. "Trust your training" is the typical mantra. What if your training didn't go so well? What if you're injured? I had considered deferring until next year. I followed my doctor's advice on my Achilles tendonitis and felt I could complete the race. I modified my goals. #A time goal was sub-6 hours, with a #B goal of sub-6:30 and a #C goal of making a PR (beating my previous marathon time of 6:59:33). I carried a couple of customized pace bands with adjustments to accomodate the route and aggressive positive splits since I expected to lose speed as the race went on. My overall main goal was to have fun, take in the sights, and incur no further injury.

Race Day: November 4, 2018
It was finally time for the New York Marathon, which would be my 100th race! We could not have asked for better weather. It rained on Saturday. It rained on Monday. Sunday was a perfect day. Here's the last forecast I saw before going to bed the night before, along with a map of the course.

Time to run! The following breakdown is based on official timing mats -- my GPS was all wonky.

5K: 39:23 cumulative time (12:41 minute/mile 5K pace)
The first part of the race takes runners to the highest point of elevation: crossing the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge out of Staten Island (borough #1) into Brooklyn (borough #2). I was in the Green Wave, which started on the lower level of the bridge. Around mile three we were running alongside the Blue and Orange waves, both of which started on the top of the bridge. I was happy to have the less steep incline.

10K: 1:18:40 (12:31)
We ran along Fourth Avenue in Brooklyn. Crowd support was amazing for the entire race. I collected many high fives here and lots of cheers. I didn't take any photos until mile 5 or so. Around here I also saw my favorite sign of the race.

I warmed up a bit so I took off my hat and stuffed it in my pocket.

15K: 1:59:37 (13:21)
There were huge crowds around the bend when we turned from Fourth onto Lafayette Avenue in Brooklyn around mile eight. Arthur met me here for the first time. I got a quick hug and handed him my Dunkin Donuts hat.

20K: 2:46:32 (13:39)
More running in Brooklyn with amazing crowd support. I decided to make a quick toilet stop around mile 11.5 since the line wasn't long and I was going to have to go at some point.

While spectating, Arthur took some photos of a water stop. There were 24 on the course and they were all very long, with Gatorade and water available from countless volunteers. Piles of cups everywhere.

25K: 3:34:46 (17:51)
These last miles in Brooklyn brought us over the Pulaski Bridge into Queens (borough #3). Around here I started feeling tightness in my calves (likely due to lack of long training runs) and my Achilles started to hurt. I walked over the Queensboro Bridge and stopped to stretch a bit at the top. In all of the videos I watched of the race beforehand, I never saw anyone walking. Well, well, well -- everyone with me on the bridge was walking! I saw Arthur again at mile 18.

30K: 4:25:34 (16:11)
Our first bit of running through Manhattan (borough #4) brought us up the long incline of First Avenue. Here I was still hurting and mostly walking. The crowds along the route here were so fantastic, but each time I heard an encouraging cheer I felt emotional and even defeated. People saying I looked great and being encouraging when I felt so bad made me want to cry. This was the hardest part of the race. I was walking as fast as I could with a big lump in my throat.

35K: 5:18:32 (15:59)
Over the Willis Bridge and a quick couple of miles through The Bronx (borough #5!), over the Last Damn Bridge (Third Avenue Brdige), back into Manhattan for the final 5 miles on Fifth Avenue and into Central Park.

Still hurting but trying to add small bouts of running in with all the walking. I texted Arthur that I wasn't going to make either of my time goals. Sub 6 was already lost, and sub 6:30 was looking unlikely, too.

I suddenly noticed the blue line on the road here. I had totally forgotten about it!

40K: 6:07:37 (14:26)
I saw Arthur again for the last time at around mile 22.5 and stopped for a selfie. At least one of us looks like we're having fun, right? 

In Central Park, the sun had set and it was getting dark as I finally approached the finish line. I heard White-throated Sparrows singing their mournful song and it made me smile. In my race-induced feeble-mindedness I figured a sub 6:30 was actually possible if I could just add a little bit more running in the final miles. I tried to pick up the pace.

Around a bend I saw the second of two Cheer Card screens. Friends and family were able to make digital signs that would be displayed for runners as we passed by. I hadn't seen any for me when I passed the first screen a bit earlier in the race. But here I saw the one card that Arthur made for me, and I made the spectators around me go "AW" because I had such an emotional reaction. Hands up to face, OMG OMG, almost crying, laughing, etc etc. It's a picture of our cat Timmy from Christmas a few year ago, posing with a new toy. Arthur has this photo as his iPhone lock screen and I always giggle when I see it on his phone.

After the race I found out I got some other cheer cards, but I missed seeing them. They are at the bottom of this post. Thank you Mom & Dad, Diane, and unknown friend for sending these to me!

Finish 42.2K: 6:26:08 (12:10)
Arthur managed to see me again at mile 25.5 but I totally missed him! I guess I was focused on the finish?

A handshake and personal congratulations from retiring NYRR President Peter Ciaccia was a huge treat at the end of this epic race. 

I made my #B goal! With a finish time of 6:26:08, I had a PR of over 33 minutes! WOO HOO!

The 27th Mile
Getting out of such a big race is a long slog. After we got our medals, we runners recevied mylar blankets and recovery bags filled with snacks. Then a long slow walk to either bag check or poncho pickup. I was a poncho runner so my exit was a bit closer. Then it was another slog to the family reunion area where Arthur met me with my Oofos (had to get my shoes off!!). We walked the final 1 and a half miles back to the hotel, on a runner's high.

Recommendation
What can I say? This is an amazing race. Crowd support is incredible. From the Expo to poncho pickup, the organization was perfect. Everyone has to run New York at least once!

Chip time: 6:26:08 (33:25 PR)
Placement details: 2790th out of 2993 in my Age Group; 50188th out of 52697 overall finishers
Cost: $295 for the bib

Report written November 9, 2018

Following our visit to the New York Marathon Expo on Friday, we had a light day of sightseeing and took in a matinee of Chicago on Broadway the day before the big race.

Saturday night we were in bed by about 9PM. I wasn't expecting a great night of rest but I did drift off eventually. I woke up approximately every hour, looked at the clock, and fell back asleep.

Our alarms were set for 5:15AM. I woke up at 5:14AM.

I taped up my ankle with KT Tape. I typically apply it crooked and end up with wrinkles all over, but Sunday morning it was like I was a professional. It was a work of art. Good omen? I really should have taken a picture of it. Perfection!

I had a 7AM bus out of Manhattan. Since it was advised to arrive a half hour early, we left the hotel at about 6:15AM to walk to the bus stop. Along the way we saw an abandoned New Balance running shoe in the middle of the street. Bad omen?

I got in line for the bus. The huge line was always moving. Volunteers were directing everyone and wishing us all a great race. I got on my bus at 6:52AM and arrived at the start line area by 7:36AM. Super smooth and much faster than expected (we were told to allow 90 minutes!).

Bag check and security screening was fast and efficient too. I had heard that the start area might be muddy so I brought extra shoes to throw away, but I didn't need them. There was very little mud and a lot of hay laid down to cover it. The waiting area was mostly paved. I made my way to the Green Village (essentially the waiting area for Green Wave runners). I got my free pink and orange Dunkin Donuts fleece hat. I grabbed a complimentary bagel and a bottle of water and found a nice spot to sit and wait.

All around the villages there were a lot of informational signs with maps and timelines. Announcements were made in several languages about corrals opening and closing and bag check.

I was in Wave 4. We could hear the cannon go off for the other wave starts and see the runners heading over the bridge. When the corrals opened for Wave 3 I got up to use the portapotty (no lines!), doff my throw-away sweatpants, lube up my blister-prone foot, and change into my race shoes. I said thank you and goodbye to my old favorite running shoes and took one last photo of them in the bin. There were lots of blue Goodwill bins for donated clothing in the villages and on the way to the corrals, all stuffed full of sweatpants, ugly sweaters, hats, blankets, and other throw-away garments.

The village emptied out...

... and it was time to get into the corrals!

The 11AM start for Wave 4 was coming up! Our National Anthem singer for wave 4 ran with us. Next post: race report!

Back in February 2018 I entered the New York Marathon lottery, along with 105,183 other hopefuls. The day after my birthday I found out that I was among the lucky 14.9% to get in via the lottery. First reaction: OMG!

Training began on July 2nd. I was getting back into a running regimen following a fall in April during a trail race which left me with a broken rib. Training was just swell for the first couple of months. In early August I started experiencing some acute pain in my right Achilles. My podiatrist ordered rest along with other aids like wearing a night splint, regularly icing the afflicted area, wearing compression socks, and other forms of treatment to help heal. I was eventually given the go-ahead to run but continued to include a lot of rest in my plan and drastically reduced my weekly mileage. I cut back my longest runs from 18-20 to a max long run of just 16 miles on October 20th. I thought about deferring my New York Marathon entry to 2019 but eventually decided to give it my best shot in 2018.

Arthur and I flew into New York on Thursday, November 1st. We attended the Late Show taping that evening. Friday morning, it was Expo time!

Visiting the Expo is essential -- that's where runners pick up their race bibs, race-day bags, and participant t-shirts. Arthur and I lined up for the Expo about 30 minutes prior to opening time. Once we got inside, pickup for bib, bag, and t-shirt was smooth and easy.

Next it was time to check out official merchandise (I purchased a branded visor), find my name on the wall of runners, scope out all of the run-related vendors, pick up free swag and samples, and attend a course briefing. There were also a lot of photo ops at the Expo.

I left a simple note of encouragement and was so happy to get this note in exchange. Thank you, random stranger runner!

Here's a sampling of the swag I picked up, including the purple visor I purchased, plus official race shirt, bib, and informational literature.

After the fun of the Expo we headed out to explore more of New York. Race day was just hours away!