LIFE AFTER 26.2

A month ago I ran a marathon…but you already knew that!  



Post high five from my boy Mike Nutter at 4:06 (disregard the clock people)



The days following the race were full of physical pain and emotional bliss.

The high literally lasted for over two weeks mainly from the never ending love and support from family and friends like all of you.



My co-workers decorated my desk! And I still haven't taken it down...



The countless amounts of congratulations continued to flow in for the weeks after the race. I spent the Thanksgiving weekend in Philadelphia surrounded by family and feeling incredibly thankful. While there, I also celebrated the engagement of one of my cousins and prepared to be the BEST BRIDESMAID EVER!  

I'm thankful for these fools... and our inability to take a normal family picture

I traveled to Los Angeles for work and managed to fit in some family time. One morning I even rode the elevator with my new bff Matt Damon after my morning workout at the hotel gym. Good thing I wasn’t drenched in sweat. TMI? Well, it was tragic.

This is a nice view courtesy of Casa de Kreischer

Show time!

Holiday parties filled my calendar last week and kept me hitting the snooze button in the morning. Sorry I’m not sorry.

Leopard print & Hair flips

Saturday I laced up my sneakers for my first run longer than 4 miles since the marathon. M and I signed up for the NYRR Ted Corbitt Classic 15K this past Saturday in Central Park. When we signed up we made grand plans of getting back in shape and fitting in a few substantial runs during our training. We forgot to actually put this plan into action which lead to us freaking out on race morning.  

You are not getting a race recap. There is not really much to share. Here is a glimpse of what it would say… At mile 7 I looked over to M and told her this felt like mile 24.

Yep. It was THAT awesome.

In the first mile of the race I was in so much physical pain that I actually debated just stopping and heading to Starbucks to wait for M to finish. The pain subsided and I eventually got into my groove. M and I ran together the whole time and pace was the least of our worries. It was quite refreshing for a race freak like me to just enjoy the Saturday morning run with my favorite running partner.

Also, around mile 8 we started planning out our post-race brunch and that certainly helped pass the time.

Why on earth would I sign up to run a 15K just a month after the marathon? Why not give myself the rest of the year to CHILL? Well, I was one race short of completing my 9+1 for the 2013 NYC Marathon. Since I have not heard from NYRR officially regarding my status for next year I dragged myself out there to get the final #9. We’ve all heard through the grapevine that we are receiving guaranteed entry but the small chance that we don’t was enough for me to subject my feet to Saturday morning’s torture. Kidding, it was fun!  Kinda…

Who cares! We finished all 9.3 miles which surprised both of us.

I spent the rest of my day with my favorites celebrating my favorite holiday season.

Okay, back to running. What’s next?!?!?!

Well, funny you should ask. Last week I found out that I was accepted into the inaugural Nike Women’s Half Marathon in Washington, DC. I was so excited I booked my train right away and started planning out race weekend. This will be my first race in our nation’s capital and my first Nike race as well. I’ve heard they put on a good show so this over enthusiastic running nerd can’t wait to take part and check it out.

I'M SO EXCITED I NEED TO START A COUNTDOWN!

The best part? I’m running it with my two fabulous DC cousins and three of my favorite sweat sisters. 4/5 of the 2011 Disney Half crew are reuniting! I think we plan to leave the tutus behind this time unless we can find red, white, and blue ones. Time to google…

I also entered the lottery for the NYC Half and picked out a few smaller races to kick off 2013. In the next few weeks, I am going to try to avoid running as much as possible. Sunday reminded me that my body has still not fully healed from last month’s marathon. I have some substantial pain in my hips, heel, and ankle. All of them need to take a hike before 2013 because I have big plans for next year.

Maybe like the NYC Marathon on November 3^rd?!?!?! Speaking of which, now would be a good time for NYRR to tell us our status for next year. Ya think?

I hope that you all have a wonderful holiday season over the next two weeks. I’m heading home to Florida for some sunshine and holiday festivities. I’m going to give myself some downtime before the start of the New Year.

Have a wonderful holiday season filled with love from family and friends!!!!

Lots of love and laughs!

xoxo

LA

PHILADELPHIA MARATHON 2012 RACE RECAP

“I've got a theory that if you give 100% all of the time, somehow things will work out in the end.”- Larry Bird, former NBA basketball player

My marathon journey concluded in Philadelphia on Sunday around 11:30am.

After a night of waking up every hour and night sweats, the alarm went off at 5am and it was game time. I literally sprung out of bed and began the morning race day routine. Surprisingly, my nerves were calm as the sun began to rise. I dressed for the chilly weather and loaded my arms with the dedication bands. After a Cliff bar and coffee, I was out the door.

Who doesn't love a 6am selfie?

I arrived at the start, which was swarming with bundled up runners. I met up with C, a college friend and also a NYCM refugee. We immediately joined our fellow NYCM runners in the corral and waited for the race. It was comforting to stand in a sea of orange New York City Marathon shirts alongside eager runners ready for some closure. Some people even wrote on the back of their shirts “Thanks Philly”. Strangers were making conversations and sharing tips for the course. Many of us prepared for the 26.2 miles through the burroughs of New York City but Philadelphia was unknown territory. Mayor Nutter (my new favorite person) went out of his way to welcome the New York runners during his pre-race address. We knew that we were crashing a party but he made us feel like we were invited.

The race began and the corrals made their way to each individual start. Before the start of NYCM 1 corral, the race emcee welcomed us again. He told the New York runners that Philadelphia had our back and empathized with everyone affected from Hurricane Sandy. I don’t remember exactly what was said but they were all thoughts of positive support and unity. As I stood amongst the NYCM runners, I felt right at home. I knew this was the race that I was supposed to run and was thrilled to be sharing it with my fellow New York runners. At the start of the race they even played Sinatra’s “New York, New York” which is notorious for kicking off the New York City Marathon each year. The race emcee said, “This is the start of the 2012 New York City Marathon” as the gun went off. We knew it was not but this was close enough for us.

That's us!

Many New Yorkers became emotional (like me) until we finally crossed the starting line. Most runners look forward to crossing the finish line but this group was looking forward to just getting to the start.  

I felt a mix of excitement and pure fright. I literally could not believe that I was about to run 26.2 miles for real this time. There was no turning back. I finally had the chance to run a marathon for my city and myself.

The first few miles through Philadelphia were great. It was crowded but I was still in the comforts of orange shirt NYCM runners. I had to pull myself back because my splits were around 8:40’s, which I knew was too fast for this race. We passed through Old City where the streets narrowed although the crowd support grew. We finally got through Center City and I actually turned off my music to take in the energy from the crowd. I'm glad I turned off the music because unexpectedly this is where I saw my first familiar spectator face. As I was making my way up Chestnut Street I heard someone holler out my last name. I turned around to see the enthusiastic and smiling face of Ash, my sorority little and one of my very best friends. I thought she would be along the course but didn’t know where. Seeing her got me excited for what was to come.

The first few miles of the marathon are supposed to feel “fresh”. Unfortunately, I never felt this. Right off the bat I felt tired and my body was not clicking the way I hoped. I had faith that I would run the kinks out because I was only 6 miles in and had 20 to go.

I made my way up Chestnut Street and eventually crossed into the University of Pennsylvania campus. I could not wait to get to my cheering squad. Dad, Kel, and Al were set to be stationed right on the edge of campus as my first cheer zone. As I came around the corner I saw Al jump into the middle of the runners to wave her sign and Dad and Kel equally hollered me down. I didn’t stop for fear of not starting back up again but I handed Kel my spi-belt (fancy name for a running fanny pack), which was driving me nuts. I grabbed some fuel from the belt and kept going. This meant I didn’t have my license or insurance card anymore but it was a risk I was willing to take. Mom, I hope you didn’t read that part…

Before darting away Dad pointed out his special sign. He spray painted “Go Laura” on a sheet and hung it from a point on campus. Don’t worry Dad, you won. Your sign was the biggest and totally the best.

MY PEOPLE! (You too Ash...)

Seeing my crew gave me the pep in the step that I needed. As I mentioned, I didn’t feel fresh and to be honest the beginning of the race concerned me greatly. Their excitement and enthusiasm was greater than I even imagined. It gave me the morale boost that I desperately needed. I really didn’t know if I could pull through the full 26.2 miles. I was hitting my goal times of 9:00 miles but didn’t know how long it would last.

The next few miles of the course really thinned out in crowd support and really beefed up in incline. Great combo, right? Everyone told me that Philly would be a great race because it was such a flat course. True, it did not include 5 bridges but this thing still had some hills! I hit the worst hill of the race I believe right around mile 9. It reminded me of Harlem Hill in Central Park. Unfortunately, I felt the hill physically. It really took a lot out of me and I was worried that I had “emptied the tank” too early. Luckily, I got up the hill and eventually recovered.

Around mile 10, I called my Dad to find out their next spot. I knew that I needed something to look forward to. As Dad picked up he conferenced in my Mom quickly and just hearing her voice helped ease some of the pain. Dad said they would be at mile 14 and they both shared words on encouragement as I quickly hung up to shift my focus back to running. Plus, I think I had Rihanna up next on my playlist.

By mile 11, we were back on familiar running turf for me as we ran along the Schuylkill River. The most painful part of the race mentally came right before mile 13. That’s when the race went two ways. One arrow lead marathoners with 13 miles to go and the other for half marathon runners directed them to the finish.

As I came towards the fork I was surrounded by a handful of NYCM runners. We all saw the sign at the same time and one of the men remarked how painful that sign was to see. I admitted it was so tempting (to go the half marathon way) but the third man sternly told me that I didn’t really want to and I was going to finish this. Thank you strange but stern man. I promise I was kidding?

After losing the half marathon runners the race definitely thinned out again. We made our way up Kelly Drive and I had another spot with my pep crew approaching. They were waiting for me around mile 14 as promised with signs, shouting, and now Kel even held out some Shot Bloks (my fuel). I gave them a wave as I passed by not stopping again in fear of never starting up again. You think I'm kidding but the wheels had to stay in motion.

Somewhere around mile 15 I felt a pat on the back from a fellow runner. I turned around to see a lime green Team for Kids jersey running alongside me. I never met this man but for the next minute he was my very best friend. He asked how I was feeling and if this was my first marathon. It was his seventh and he said that I looked good and encouraged me to keep going. He wished me luck and then ran off ahead. I later saw him at the finish. Again, I don’t know his name but we were TFK teammates and that’s really all that mattered.

Unfortunately, not long after I hit the wall around mile 17. Usually, runners “hit the wall” around mile 20 but lucky for me this one set in a little early. I contribute it to the extended taper and two week delay of race day. My body still did not feel fresh but I knew at this point that I was absolutely finishing.

The next few miles of the race were challenging. We ran up to Manayunk and back. The scenery was just okay and the crowd support, until we hit Manayunk, was somewhat mild. I entered Manayunk around mile 18/19 and it was like entering First Avenue in that I felt like I was running into a party. The bars were packed and there was even a station on either side handing out beer in shot cups around mile 19/20. This was not a light beer but rather a dark lager that had quite the smell attached. I thought about it until I got a whiff and then I feared gagging. Many runners felt much wilder and took a swig to keep going. At this point, my shoes started sticking to the ground, which really didn’t help the whole KEEP MOVING aspect of the race. I don’t know if it was from the Gatorade or beer but I had to find humor in this new and unexpected obstacle.

I thought about calling M around mile 18. That would have been the point in the New York Marathon where she may have jumped in to join me for a few miles. M unfortunately couldn’t make the trip to Philly and I knew she was upset to be missing out on race day. I partially wish I had called her although I know that I could not have physically contributed to the conversation. I promised her if I ever do this again, she is MORE than welcome to jump in with me and keep me company. I learned through this race that I desperately need it.

Mile 20 is when I really started to feel like I was running a marathon. The bottoms of my feet felt like they were going to burn off they were in such pain. My IT Band started to act up as well but I was happy that I had made it this far pain free. This sounds fun? Right? Not only did the physical pain kick in but the race got much worse mentally. I started to see many runners dropping. They did not physically drop luckily but many stopped to catch their breath or stretch it out. I thought about stopping almost every other step but I knew that I couldn’t. I feared if I stopped that I would never start again. Around this point my splits slowed down dramatically. As mentioned, I hit the wall a little after 17 and I went from 9:00 miles to around 9:45’s. I think I even had a 10:00 mile in there too. At first, I was disappointed since my initial dream goal of breaking 4 hours was not going to happen. Honestly, the upset lasted for a few minutes until I realized that I didn’t have time to worry about anything silly like a time goal. The only thing I needed to worry about was finishing. Philly got me to the starting line and it was all up to me to finish.

Miles 20-24 were painful. I had my last stop with my pep crew coming up and I literally counted down the minutes until seeing them. I needed their burst of energy to get me to the finish. I saw them as promised right after 25 and it was the loudest and most excited I had seen them yet. It almost brought me to tears. I wanted so badly to stop and hug all of them but I was REALLY worried at this point that I would not finish. I waved and shouted that I loved them but moved on. I had 1.2 miles left and just wanted to be done. This point on felt surreal. I could not believe that this was actually happening.

I saw a fellow runner friend D around mile 25 ½ and it was the last push that I needed. Again, I didn’t know where she would be but hearing my name hollered from a familiar and smiling face went a long way.

I didn’t have any energy left in my body to do anything but run. I wanted to check my phone or even call my Mom. I had grand plans but when the ending was near, I just needed it over.

I knew that my Dad and other family members were around the Finish but I did not know their exact location. I planned to look for them but once the finish was in sight, all bets were off. Once I hit mile 26 my body felt FANTASTIC! I booked it for the last .2 miles and somehow the energy came to me to sprint to the finish. I ran as fast as I could and saw Philadelphia’s Mayor Nutter standing right in front with both arms out for high fives. I gave him a high five and finally crossed the finish line at 4:06. Not too bad for a 4 week taper and first marathon if you ask me…

Once I stopped running, the pain subsided as the tears flowed out. I became emotional and received a hug from a stranger standing behind me. Anyone that knows me will find this humorous. I don’t particularly love hugs and detest any form of physical contact with strangers. However, I embraced this hug and enjoyed every second.

This was the ending that I dreamed of. This was the ending that I hoped for. This was the ending that I set my alarm every morning before dawn for 6 months to earn.

I ran my first marathon and I have to admit that I ran it damn well.

After the finish, I stopped for a photo in front of the step and repeat. I called my Dad and eventually met up with all of my supportive spectators. I hugged each and every one although I could barely move. I was overwhelmed by their support and pride, as the accomplishment hadn’t hit me just yet.



MARATHONER. BOOM.

We smiled for photos and I honestly didn’t want it to end. I absolutely did not believe what had just happened. I didn’t believe the ending was finally here. I was just relieved to not be running anymore and could not think about anything else.



My boys



Family!

The world's GREATEST friends!

The plan to take a shower was scrapped, as I just wanted to sit with my friends and family. We landed at a local bar and indulged in football, food, and beer. I didn’t say much and I could barely eat. I just sat there with tbe best "runner's high", once I got down the stairs.

...because the signs needed to take over the bar. 

Ironically, Sunday marked 6 months to the day that I joined Team for Kids and signed up to run the 2012 New York City Marathon.  I ran 629.2 miles in that time and raised close to $3,000 for an organization that I am proud to be a part of.  

Will I do it again? Well, I am in no rush. I have my sights set on New York 2013 but luckily that is a ways away. Again, we still don’t know our status for the race next year but my fingers are crossed that I will be a part of Team for Kids and given an opportunity to attempt this adventure once again.

I am happy to let my running shoes take a break for a week or two. I am in an incredible amount of pain still but let me tell you, the pain feels SO good.

It still does not feel real and I wonder if this weekend was just a dream. I returned to work on Tuesday to find my desk covered in signs from my co-workers and friends. People still are hugging me and offering thoughts of congratulations that help it kick in.

Thank you to everyone for the countless texts, calls, and messages after the race on Sunday. I could not keep up and my phone was flooded. Thank you more importantly for your support during this long and eventful journey.

I knew that I had a lot of fantastic people in my family, friends, and colleagues. This experience really showed me just how FANTASTIC these people are.

I’ve never felt so loved as I did in the last 6 months. I’ve never felt as tired, stressed, and challenged either. One of my favorite musical Rent says to “measure your life in love”. I don’t believe there is a measurement in the books to measure the amount of love that I feel in my life right now. I am overwhelmed and humbled beyond words.

I do not know if I could have ran this race without the support of so many people. My pep crew along the course kept me moving forward and hearing every text message come through reminded me of all of you that couldn’t be there.

Al & Kel- I’ll never be able to thank you enough for joining me this weekend in Philadelphia. You are the greatest friends and cheerleaders that a girl could ask for.

Ash- Thanks for dragging yourself out of bed to cheer me on at the crack of dawn. I know your bedtime the night before might not have bee ideal, but you didn’t show a hint of it. Your support meant the world to me.

Aunt Anne, Uncle Mike, and Mimbo- Thanks for coming out to Philly so early to cheer me on in the race. Sorry I missed you at the Finish but I am glad you got to see the gladiators...

Pj- Thanks for making it to the finish. Sorry that I threatened your invitation to Thanksgiving if you didn’t attend. But I am glad you did…

Dad- I don’t know how I could have ran 26.2 miles on Sunday without knowing you were there. Thanks for giving up your only weekend at home this fall to be at my impromptu race weekend.

Mom- Thanks for booking yet another flight for Dad. You knew how much it meant for me to have him there. You always make our lives a little bit easier.

My 2012 NYC Marathon story is over and it has a happy ending. I don’t really know if I could have asked for anything more. This ending was different than the one I expected when I signed up on June 18^th but I must say that I love this one just as much. I made history in 2012, the year that Mother Nature dealt us a tough set of cards. I took the cards and thanks to Philadelphia, I still played them to my advantage.

This experience taught me so much.

I learned that a positive attitude will get you through anything.

I learned that Philadelphia is a fantastic city and incredibly friendly and generous regardless of its rap. I didn’t encounter a single person along the race that didn’t want the New Yorkers there. Every volunteer, supporter, and even the Mayor treated us like one of their own.

I learned that I am the luckiest girl on the planet thanks to the people that I call family and friends.

Most importantly, I learned that I can run a marathon.

  

I hope that you all have a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday tomorrow with family and friends. I plan to do the same back in Philadelphia. 

I have so much to be thankful for this year; it’s more than I ever dreamed of…

Lots of love and laughs!

XOXO

LA

(A Marathon Runner)

2012 was the year after all... 

'TWAS THE NIGHT BEFORE THE MARATHON...

'Twas the night before Philly, when all through the house
Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse (or Peanut).
The shoes were set out by the race bib with care,
In hopes that a Marathon soon would be there...

Race week was a breeze. I actually said to K as we waited for our bus to Philly on Saturday morning that I was nervous that I was NOT nervous about the marathon I was scheduled to run in just 24 hours.

All was peaceful until the bus pulled out of NYC. That's when my hands began uncontrollably trembling...

The nerves kicked in and I realized what was actually happening. This trip to Philly was not for a family celebration or sibling's athletic event. This journey was all about me and my quest to finally run a marathon.

We arrived in Philly and dropped our bags at S's apartment. She was out of town this weekend along with her fiance and gave us their place to crash for the night. Can you say lifesaver? I seriously have the BEST friends.

The rest of the day was pretty standard pre-race day.

K and I headed to the expo.

We're here!

I picked up my race bib.

So this is happening?

... and bought (un)necessary Philly Marathon race gear for the Wildcat and I. I mean who doesn't love a souvenir?!?!?!

I didn't. But I wanted to....

K and I went to lunch at Parc and I dove into the bread basket face first. Kidding?

While at lunch, the nerves returned. I believe it was when K could almost see my heart beating through my fleece that she suggested we go home to chill for a little. We had more errands to run but I needed an hour to calm down. So naturally I turned on the Real Housewives of Miami...

We all have our own forms of stress relief. Don't judge mine.

An hour with Mama Elsa did the trick. We ventured back out to the city to run our final errands. This included a wine store, CVS trip, and naturally a stop at South Moon Under. Nothing calms the nerves like retail therapy.

We returned home to kick it on the couch for the rest of the day and wait for A to arrive.

We  prepared our respective hydration forms for Sunday.


A Brita & A Wine Purse


We ordered in Serafina take-out.

If this does not scream marathon dinner than I don't know what does.

And we watched anything and everything OnDemand.

Compression Socks. Disney Movie. Water. The Saturday night of champions! 

This picture is just too good not to post. The girls wanted fro-yo and I was too lazy to change. You're welcome Philadelphia fellas!


Are you like running a marathon or something tomorrow?

 For my last pre-race task of the day, I prepared the 26.2 Dedications for Sunday. I wasn't entirely sure how this would play out but thought the rubber bands were a good try.

26.2 Dedications ready to go!

"Happy (almost) Marathon Day to all, and to all a good-night!"

What happens next? Well you have to wait for tomorrow's post to find out.

SPOILER ALERT- I promise that this story has a happy ending...
Lots of love and laughs!

xoxo
LA

26.2 DEDICATIONS

It's here. This is really happening.

Am I nervous? Luckily I've been too busy at work this week to even think about anything crazy like RUNNING A MARATHON.

The work week is over and marathon weekend is here. In preparation for tomorrow's race, I listed out 26.2 dedications. Don't give me all the credit, I got the idea from one of my favorite running blogs.

Here we go...

1. PHILLY- This city holds a special place in my heart.  Aside from it being the home of my family roots and college memories, it’s where I ran my first race in 2010. I signed up for the Broad Street Run without any prior running experience. I am beyond excited and inspired to run on Sunday where it all began. Thank you Philly for taking me in and giving me another chance to run my first marathon in 2012.

PHILADELPHIA

2. HEALTH- Many people train for a marathon and never get to the starting line. I am incredibly thankful that I am physically able to line up on race day and take on the 26.2 miles. I have been given a lot in this life but I know that my health is by far the greatest gift of all.

3. TEAM FOR KIDS- The coaches, teammates, and mentors made this experience one that I will never forget. You pushed me to my physical limit and fully prepared me for BOTH race days. I hope to remain a member of your organization next year and for many more to come.

4. KATE K- Stay strong sister, I love you.

Kate xoxo

5. HURRICANE SANDY VICTIMS- I lost power and a marathon but so many of you lost so much more. I can’t be out there on Sunday to volunteer but you’re all in my thoughts and this one’s for you.

6. NYC - Thank you for welcoming me in July 2011 with open arms. I heard you put on one hell of a marathon and I hope to finally run it next year.

7. MY MTV CREW- You’re more than my co-workers, you are my friends and family. Thank you for making me laugh Monday through Friday and giving me a reason to look forward to going to work (almost) every day. You guys were there the moment I signed up for this crazy race and put a smile back on my face November 5^th. You’ve caught me stretching at my desk and laughed at my frozen water bottle. Thank you for all of the hugs this week and endless amounts of encouragement. You’re an incredibly supportive group both inside and outside of the office. I adore you all as co-workers and cherish you all even more as friends.

8 & 9. AL & KEL- Minutes after hearing the news of my race entry, you both picked out trains and planned a weekend trip to Philly. I said that you guys didn’t have to come but you weren’t taking that as an answer. Thank you for your endless support from moment I signed up through the cancellation and finally our grand finale trip to Philly. I can’t express how much it means to me knowing that you two will be standing on the sidelines Sunday. Thank you more than anything for being out of this world friends.

Wait! We can take this picture after all...

10. FAMILY AND FRIENDS- Aunts, uncles, Tampa friends, and "family". I can't even begin to name every person that I want to thank from the last 6 months. I think that I can run 26.2 miles on Sunday purely because I have the outstanding amount of support from all of you.

11. NOVA GIRLS - Kate, Kelly, Nicole, Lauren… You’re more than my friends, you’re like my sisters.

Love you! xoxo

12. MEGHAN M - Thank you for being a devoted training partner and dedicated friend. You ran more miles with me during this tedious training schedule than I can even count. Your support didn’t stop with the miles you shared with me but the bed you offered me during my powerless SANDYcation. Thank you for being an amazing friend and outstanding running partner.

13. JEFF & CHRIS - My mom’s two brothers that passed of aids when I was a child. Your spirit lives through our family and with me on race day.  

14. BREAST CANCER SURVIVORS - Mom, Gram, Aunt Anne, Aunt Sue, and Aunt Sharon ... Women of strength who fought and won.

15. THE KIDS- The real reason behind my training. Go outside. Play sports. Keep running.

16. TRAINING PARTNERS - Gwen, Mike, Morgan, Meghan, Sara, Genna, Patty, Dad, and probably a few others that I forgot… Thank you for putting on your sneakers and letting me drag you out to run. The company you provided made the time fly and the miles less painful. I owe you and will be there with my sneakers on whenever you need the same.

17. SWEAT SISTERS - I’ve had the pleasure of participating in various races with some phenomenal ladies. You’re my sweat sisters and dearest friends. I’m flying solo on November 18^th but know that you will all be with me.  Kel, Al, Sara, and Nic- I’m leaving the tutu at home for this race but will be thinking about all of you.

Disney Princess Half 2011

18. TFK DONORS- You all endured my endless emails of begging. This was a cause that I strongly believed in and many of you in turn believed in me. Thank you for your generosity and making my dream a reality.

19. NANA- I know she’ll be praying for me on November 18^th. A woman of strength, spirit, and sense of humor. Thank you for being the matriarch of our crazy clan, holding strong at the age of 92.

20. POP POP - I never met my paternal grandfather who died of a heart attack when my dad was a sophomore at Villanova. His death rocked the family but his legacy lives on today.

21. THE HOBSONS- My big Irish Catholic family. Nana, 16 aunts & uncles, 34 cousins, and countless other in-laws and children. I love each and every one of you. 

22. GRAM DIANE- The woman who first introduced me to everything fabulous and NYC.

23. KATHERINE – My twin sister, 9 ½ years younger. I remember the day you were born and remain thankful that you were a girl, and not a boy like Pj hoped. You’re my best friend and I love you more than I will ever be able to express.  

SISTA

24. PJ – My “big” little brother.  If you can survive the pressures of athletics and academics for 4 years at an Ivy League school, I think I can do this. Thank you for forgiving me for cutting your hair before kindergarten pictures and the endless years of older sibling torture. This one’s for you kiddo…  

BABES

25. MOM - A woman of pure strength. Thanks for taking my multiple phone calls a day including the one after NYCM’s cancellation. You’re the most supportive woman I know and an unbelieveable mother.

26. DAD- I never actually let you coach me on the field but you’ve been the best life coach that a child could ever ask for. I’m proud to be a “Daddy’s girl” as I follow in your footsteps and take on my first marathon. I guess the only difference is that I actually trained and registered for this one, unlike your Boston Marathon adventure with Uncle Jimmy. You’ve been my greatest supporter (including Mom) and not surprisingly you’re making the impromptu trip up to Philly for race day. Thanks for giving up your only free weekend this Fall to be on the sidelines for me, it wouldn’t be the same without you.  

.2 ME- I’m saving the best for last. With .2 left, I think I can take it from here…  

Later guys. I've got a MARATHON to run...

Let's do this...

Lots of love and laughs!

XOXO

LA

RACE WEEK THE REMIX

Race week?

You better believe it.

Friday afternoon, just hours after writing this insanely positive and grateful POST I received an email from my new friends at the Philly Marathon.



Best time of my life? I sure hope so.



Earlier in the week they opened a lottery to offer 3,000 race entries to NYC Marathon runners.

I entered and decided to “let fate takes it course.”

The lottery closed at 5pm on Thursday and at 5:01 I didn’t have an email confirmation so naturally I started the pity party and headed right to A’s apartment for a liquid dinner of Pinot Noir.

I decided that this just wasn’t my year for a marathon. Oh well, it was a great experience.

Fast forward to Friday... Still no email or race fee charge on my credit card. The pity party continued and I left the office for a lunch in honor of a departing co-worker. While sitting around chit chatting and wishing her well I decided to check my Gmail just for fun…

BOOM. There it was. WELCOME TO THE PHILADELPHIA MARATHON LA!

Things went from pity to just PARTY. I was officially running the Philadelphia Marathon in just 9 short days. Game on.

My hands were shaking for the rest of the workday. I am not sure if it was from excitement or anxiety but my head remained in another stratosphere.

Unfortunately this weekend’s long run had to wait until Sunday. Saturday was my brother’s last college football home game against their biggest rival. I traveled to Philly to celebrate the BroMan and his teammates as they defeated Harvard and earned their 3^rd Ivy Championship during their 4 years. Talk about studs.

Jr & Sr Ivy Champ Celebrations

When celebrations ended I headed back to NYC for a long run or as my legs would call it, shock therapy. Since the race cancellation, I was running casually but not putting in marathon training miles. I set out on Sunday to hit 10-15 miles and make sure that I could actually pull this off.

My Garmin was dead and Map My Run is the worst app ever so I really just set out to track myself with time. I ran for a little over 2 hours so I am assuming I ran around 13 miles. I stopped along the way for water and any other distractions that came my way. The first few miles hurt and it definitely took some time to run the kinks out. By mile 6, I was cruising and spent the rest of the time thinking about everything and anything Philly marathon.

So that brings us to today, Day 2 of RACE WEEK THE REMIX . Things are a little different this time around as I am sleeping in my own bed, eating well, and avoiding any and all alcohol. I am going to try to do EVERYTHING right this week because some other factors (cough cough training in the last 2 weeks) have not been ideal. I am hoping it will all even out? 

My travel to Philadelphia for the weekend is booked and my incredibly generous friend S is giving us her Philadelphia apartment for the race night. Us?!?!?? Well naturally K and A are coming with and had trains picked out before I even returned to my desk after lunch on Friday.  They’re the best.

How do I feel about this Sunday? I’m excited. I’m nervous. I’m grateful. I’m ready to run for some NYCM redemption.

“Like the marathon, life can sometimes be difficult, challenging and present obstacles, however if you believe in your dreams and never ever give up, things will turn out for the best.” - Meb Keflezighi, U.S. Olympic marathoner

Lots of love and laughs!

XOXO

LA

THANK YOU

First and foremost, THANK YOU TEAM FOR KIDS DONORS… You all endured my endless emails of begging. This was a cause that I strongly believed in and many of you in turn believed in me. Every single donation email made my heart jump bringing me closer to my hefty fundraising goal. Some of you broke out your checkbooks when it’s not the easiest time to do so.

Thank you for your generosity and making my dream a reality. Knowing that I raised that outstanding amount of money for such a great cause makes this journey worthwhile even though the ending was not the one that I expected. I didn’t get a chance to run the marathon on November 4^th but it means so much more that we gave kids the chance to run any other day.    

  

THANK YOU TEAM FOR KIDS… The coaches, teammates, and mentors made this experience one that I will never forget. You pushed me to new physical limits and fully prepared me for race day. I know that official announcements have not been made regarding our involvement in 2013 but I hope to remain a member of your organization next year and for many more to come.

THANK YOU MEGHAN M… You ran more miles with me during this tedious training schedule than I can even count. Thank you for getting up before the sun regardless of the time you went to bed the night before.  You were even ready to put in a few more miles with me on race day. During this training you listened to my stupid obsessing about a post-race party and complaints about body aches and impending injuries.  Your support didn’t stop with the miles you shared with me but the bed you offered me during my powerless race week. Thank you for being an amazing friend and outstanding running partner. I hope one day that I can do the same for you (NYC Half maybe?).

Let's run another race... and then celebrate!

THANK YOU AL & KEL … Without the two of you I don’t think that I would have pulled the plug to finally sign up for this adventure. The fiscal and physical commitments of this were frightening but both of you believed in me which made me believe in myself.  I was happy to cheer you both on in 2011 and you were ready to be there for me in 2012 even being the designated escorts for the Wildcat. Thank you for your endless support and being out of this world friends.

This picture would have been cool post-marathon. Sigh. Next time...

THANK YOU MTVN CO-WORKERS… I walked into work on Monday morning in a funk and you all (including 7120) put a smile back on my face. I think I said close to a million times that I missed you guys and was happy to be back reunited. Spice Girls might have to wait with the marathon for 2013 but thank goodness I have every weekday with you guys to pass the time. Thanks for all of your support from the day I registered on June 18^th through my desk depression on November 5^th.  I enjoy you all as co-workers and adore you even more as friends.

THANK YOU FAMILY AND FRIENDS… I would be writing all day if I named every person that I want to thank from the last 5 months. From the first email that I sent out to the news of the race cancellation, I was overwhelmed with the love of so many family and friends.  Your text messages, phone calls, and emails filled nearly every day of this grueling training. I knew that I could run 26.2 miles last Sunday purely because I had the support from all of you. Thank you for everything, it has truly meant the world to me.

THANK YOU TRAINING PARTNERS… I was so lucky to have so many people offer physical support during this training as well. Many of you put on your sneakers and let me drag you out to run. The company you provided made the time fly and the miles less painful. I owe you all and will be there with my sneakers on whenever you need the same.

THANK YOU MARY WITTENBERG &MAYOR BLOOMBERG… I know that you both did your very best to make this race happen but it simply was not the year.  Thank you for making the right decision in the end.

THANK YOU MAYOR NUTTER… Philadelphia’s Mayor called NYRR Chairman George Hirsch on Saturday morning offering the hold the marathon in Philadelphia for all 48,000 NYCM runners. Unfortunately with the timing it was not possible to transport us all to the City of Brotherly Love. Thanks anyways for trying Mayor Nutter.

THANK YOU MOM… The first person that I called the minute my heart broke when I heard the marathon was canceled. Thank you for comforting me 1,000 miles away in Florida but making me feel like you were right there with me. You’re the most supportive woman I know and an unbelievably dedicated mother. Thanks for being the best shoulder to cry on and my favorite person to laugh with. You are and always will be my rock.

THANK YOU DAD… Thanks for being my biggest fan on November 4^th and every other that I can remember. I didn’t run a marathon but you still made me feel like a champ. I could have done without your college and law school stories at the post-race party but my embarrassment gave you some serious cool points with my friends. I’m still and always will be proud to be the product of a “sports dad."

THANK YOU NEW YORK… The greatest city on earth. I heard you put on one hell of a marathon and I hope to finally run it next year.

In the end, I am very thankful for this experience.

I ran 572 miles to prepare.  

I raised almost $3,000 dollars which will put close to 60 kids in athletic programs next year.

I learned a lot about myself physically and mentally including finding some new limits.

Most importantly, I was reminded of how lucky I am to have my physical health along with the love and support of so many family and friends.

This was a wild ride and long journey but one that I will never forget and cherish always.

2013. I'll be there.

Lots of love and laughs!

XOXO

LA