Well, happy to say I completed my 10th Marathon yesterday, the New Jersey Marathon. Overall, I'd say it ranks up there with the favorites. First off, the course is really pleasant for a couple of reasons. It seems to be a trend to say that the course is "flat and fast" as a way to attract mid to back of the packers such as myself. Several times I've found this to be questionable if not plain old false advertising. In this case, it's not. The course is - with very little exception - either flat or mildly declining. There are a few small bridges which can barely count as an uphill but if you wanted to make a case... In addition, very pleasant scenery whether it's just looking at the water on the back bay or Ocean or if you're being absolutely blown away by the breathtaking homes in Allenhurst and Deal, NJ. As for Asbury Park, you tend to be mostly on the boardwalk. I knew it was kind of a magical day as I was running right near that place that Springsteen orginally played and my ipon shuffle just happened to land on "Rosalita". Now that tells you you're having a karmic day! That really happened.
In terms of my - and I use the term loosely - performance, I was pleased. After my dismal last marathon in Miami which took me 5:40 (my worst I had done since my 4th Marathon when I was in usually in the six hour range), I was looking for solid improvement and I didn't want to overstress myself mentally or physically. So, I was happy to come in at 5:15 but with some spring left in my step and a smile on my face. That ranks among my top three - best was 5:09 - and at least heads me back in the direction of a sub 5 which is my BIG goal. Even though completing a marathon always counts as a big goal. And of course, I'm already thinking of what's next. But I'll give myself a day or two to breathe...
So, in keeping with the theme of this, what did I learn? Well, I think it's more mental than physical. One of the things we're always talking about in Teens Run Yonkers is effort over outcome. I really am proud of the way I trained for this marathon especially in comparison to my last one. I did two very legitimate 20 mile runs. I did appropriate taper runs in the last two weeks. I fueled intelligently both before and during (OK, a bit less so after but no one's perfect). And in the interest of being kind to myself and celebrating a success, I really am happy to be headed back in the direction of improvement and that sub 5 marathon goal. With some fine tuning, some better discipline and technique, that goal is within reach. And that feels good. So, lessons learned? Tracking yourself - whether its in diet or exercise doesn't just make you aware - it's one of the best ways to see what you did that led up to success or failure. Finally, and sorry for the touchy feel - celebrate your successes as opposed to beating yourself up if things weren't perfect. If you left it all out at the 26.2(second?)mile, that's a lot to be proud of.
Finally, this thing was in New Jersey. It was all about New Jersey. One really fun part of this was running the race in my New York Rangers hat (as is my tradition). There were a few people out there along the course in their NJ Devils Shirts point at my hat. I shouted to a few of them - see you in a week!. Once the Rangers put away the Caps (fingers crossed)and NJ does away with my former hometown favorite Flyers, it looks like we may have the classic 1994 rivalry series. And who loves New Jersey more than David Putty!!!. What does Putty do because he has to support his team? And who gives Jerry and the gang the tickets to the game. As a bonus: George declines the invitation to join them at the game. Why? What are two somewhat unique characteristics of the girl that he's dating. Go Rangers! (and I'm not painting anything)
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