Boston. 26.2. 3rd Monday in April. A dream about to be realized. Quick someone pinch me to make sure I’m not dreaming!
I’ve said after each marathon I’ve run that each has its own story to get to the finish line (well, the start line I suppose). This one didn’t disappoint. I’ve experienced the highs, lows and in betweens. I ran up the Empire State Building, chatted through a 1:43 half (?!), and experienced a low in mid-Feb. The weather has been less than cooperative – most memorable is a tie between the 14 miler I did in December in 10 degrees and windchill in the negatives and of course the 20 miler on the ice skating rink with a 4 mile race at the end. Work did its usual to try and mess up my schedule. With the exception of one week from hell, I’ve been able to stay on track.
This time around I had a new cast of characters to help me find my way through the journey to Boston. Thanks to the social networking site of twitter and dailymile I’ve been able to have virtual support as well as a few that have become real life friends (you know who you are). My teammates, The Reservoir Dogs also have been a source of encouragement. It’s been refreshing, rejuvenating and most of all, fun. I don’t think words calculate how appreciative I am.
Balance. It worked for me in MCM for 2005 and 2009 so I’ve tried to keep to that trend. My mileage never went sky high (one week of 50) but I kept the fitness level up and kept it fun. Those that know me well, know I can’t survive a regimented schedule. It just isn’t me. I do enough of that during the week! Swimming became a cross-training day I looked forward to on Mondays – who would have believed that one???
Keep it fun. This is a HUGE one. It goes right along with balance but I don’t think it’s an accident that my two best marathon times have come from just enjoying my training. My long runs felt like parties with a final destination to look forward to at the end. Does it get much better than knowing a delicious croissant awaits at the end of 22 miles?
I guess what I’m trying to say is I’m ready. What I’m ready for? I’m ready to do battle with 26.2 on Monday. It’s a distance I respect and my training shows that consistency.
So thank you all for your support. I can’t say it enough.
I’ll finish with this:
I still recall my dad (sub 3 marathoner in his day!) saying to me when I was training for my first marathon back in 2004: “when you make it to Boston, I will buy you your jacket.” Notice the wording: when. He would ask if I wanted one at my other marathons and I’d decline. There’s only one I want which will be in my hands after I cross the finish line April 19.
How this story ends? Stay tuned!
nycbklyngirl.wordpress.com 
Great job getting to Boston! Can’t wait to hear about the results.
I sure will stay tuned.
Your awesome Elyssa. So motivated and positive. I so love your attitude. I know your going to kiss ass in Boston. I have no doubt in my mind.
I am proud to call you my sister in running!!!!
GO!!!!!
AND:
Dream it, Elyssa
Show up.
Boom.
The Universe
Make it EPIC!!!!
You certainly enjoyed the journey and you will conquer the destination. It’s been really exciting to follow your training on Twitter & DM. I really cannot wait to see how you do on Monday. Please take a picture in your BAA jacket!!! 🙂 {{BIG HUGS}}
You will totally rock in Boston! So proud of you lady 🙂
You’ve done all the work now have some fun! I’ll be there this weekend soaking up the inspiration – enjoy every second!!
Good luck-I look forward to being completely useless at work on Monday tracking you 🙂
(something tells me I won’t be the only one tracking you…hehe)
Wish I could be there running with you!
its so exciting! youre going to do great!
Battle Stations!!!
You should decline the jacket since you did not qualify for the Boston Marathon in the first place.
Thanks all for your responses. I’m excited for the journey tomorrow and appreciate your comments and positive energy being sent to me.
“Dane” – we’re all entitled to our own opinions. That’s all I will respond to you about that.
You’re going to kill it E!!!! I can’t wait to hear all about it. You’ve worked your ass off and you are SO READY! (for anything!)
As for you “Dane”, shut your face.
I hope you made the qualifier. If you did not, then you should train harder and qualify for the marathon (3:40:59) like everyone instead of begging for a spot.
Your other option is run for charity. There is nothing wrong with that.
Qualify for the marathon the right way. There is need make yourself feel more important and validate your running by doing Boston.
Dane, go get your own blog and put your opinions there.
I did qualify. Enough already. If you ran yesterday, congratulations.
Dane, As a member of the NYC running community who supports and encourages others and celebrates their accomplishments,I think I speak for EVERYONE when i say MIND YOUR BUSINESS. Notice that no one asked for your opinion and NO ONE shares it. I’m not sure why you’re so interested in what Elyssa is doing, but if you’re not here to support her, perhaps you should just find someplace else to post your eletist comments.
ooooh I agree with Chanthana, please post a pic in the new jacket!
(p.s. it’s April, my dear, not March 😉 )