Yesterday marked the last long run until November 7th. As part of the mental preparation I spoke about in my earlier post, this long run was all about getting intel on the course. I met up with MP for the last 17 of the course starting all the way in Fort Greene, Brooklyn. Right away the excitement was there with the marathon route banners up (which definitely helped in Queens and Bronx). The weather? Can I bottle some of that for November 7th? Cool but not cold. Little wind. Nice.
The run took us through the Hasidic part of Brooklyn as we saw the men dressed for Sabbath (including the rockin’ hats). Turns out the NYT had an article on these hats: they’re over 8 grand! Woah. Running along Bedford Ave we passed many enjoying brunch and the crisp autumn day. It’s enjoyable to watch people on a weekend. It’s definitely a much happier environment. Heading up the Pulaski Bridge I noticed the 13 and 13.1 mark. That will be my half way point in a couple weeks.
Heading into Queens it’s pretty desolate. We didn’t see anyone until we 
looked ahead to see a guy being held by 2 guys accompanied with lots of screaming. We stared ahead and 2 guys started to advance on us. Right away we turned and that’s when I made the comment we were in an episode of Law and Order. Only problem is this was real. Eek. Finally we reached the Queensboro and bid adieu to Queens.
First Avenue brings back memories to me as I used to be an UES resident. 
It’s remarkable how fast places close/reopen/etc. I took note of the incline on the road in the 70s. Nothing horrible but at mile 17 one needs to be alert of that and not mentally think they are slow for no reason. The 80s marked my true old stomping grounds. My old bagel shop, bakery (best black and white cookies in the city), grocery, etc. Harlem came next and that’s when the cat calls started. Ah Harlem gotta love it. Those were accompanied
with “win it in 2 weeks.” I gave a fist pump to him. Heading into the Bronx I remember what this felt like. It was very difficult to mentally think there was another borough before finishing the darn thing.
Back in Manhattan it wasn’t bad until 110th and 5th. That’s where a real solid incline starts and the mind will really need to work overtime to keep the legs moving. I started to kick it up a notch as the last 4 miles I progressively sped up. Mentally I want this to be there race day. Running around the park I started to visual what 2 weeks from now will feel like. What that pain will feel like. Visualize the crowd. It’s going to be amazing.
Heading towards Tavern on the Green I picked it up to a final gear and with a giant smile crossed the fictitious finish line for the day. I’ll be back for a true finish in a couple weeks. Overall the pace was a shade over 9 with the last 4 dipping down into the 830s with a final push at an 8:10 clip. All in all mission accomplished. A confidence builder and I didn’t beat myself up in the process.
Bocche Ball in Central Park
Refueling at Whole Foods. Honeycrisp Apple the size of my cheek!
Today was an off day. I headed up to Tallman State Park with AC for some easy hiking to enjoy the fall foliage. Hooray for the taper.
AC and I with the Hudson in the background.
Pretty fall foliage
Sunset on 10/23 from the Brooklyn Heights Promenade.
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Awesome! I did a bridge run today and ran miles 11-16 of the course. Very exciting.
woohoo! i know you mentioned bridges aren’t your favorite. hope they have started to win you over:)
Very cool!
How do you do it with all the people and the traffic lights? For example, on first ave, do you run on the sidewalks dodging people?
the only super bad spot was first ave on the UES. Brooklyn, Queens and the Bronx were pretty easy to keep going. Obviously I stop when traffic is coming along:)
Being able to train on the course is the best thing. Not long to go now… have a great taper and be ready to leave it all out there!
Thanks Ian for your support. It’s been great having you follow along. Looking forward to reporting back 🙂
we saw those older men playing bocce as well. i was in a post run haze and walked right into their game.
did you practice your finish line moves?
aah crap. I knew I forgot something. I’ll have to practice my move before Nov 7!
I kind of wish I would have run part of the course like so many of you did this weekend! Oh well, soon enough 🙂
I always heart your sunset pics!
you should check out a group running the last 10 this weekend. If not you will know this course soon enough as you say:-D
Thanks re: pics:) The promenade is totally my happy place.
Thanks for the intel – will definitely keep that hill at 110th in mind next weekend. If only I could keep your pace over the last 4 miles next weekend too!
1) i am sorry you met with crime while you were in Queens. But remember — you were right where they drop the dudes when they get released from Rikers Island. As I told Maria, they get off the prison bus looking for cash and nekked ladies (hence all the strip clubs in Queens Plaza)
2) you owe me a glass of red wine if you ran over my bridge. it’s a toll.
3) yeah that Fifth Avenue hill — no one warns yo uabt that fucking hill. When I ran NYC I passed a ton of weaker runners on that hill. It really gave me a mental boost to get me throug the next 3 miles. I wish the same for you
4) What is up w/Tavern on the Green anyway? I thought it was out of business/bankrupt? #confused.