Mike's Marathon Blog

Two weeks from yesterday, I will be running the New York City Marathon.

My 2nd to last long-run was Saturday in Boston. You can tell how close race day is by the time it takes you to get out of bed in the morning. Two months ago, I was up at 7, in Boston by 8:30 and running by 8:45. Now, I’m lucky if I’m out of bed by 8:45. My friend Miriam doesn’t seem to mind since I know her ‘alarm clock’ is the buzz of her front door when I arrive.

We had a typical 2nd to last long-run of the season too. Before we started, I told Miriam that I wanted to run to the water at some point to see the Head of the Charles. After about 11 miles, we headed to the ‘dirty’ water. A run along the water watching the rowers quickly turned into walking, talking, eating doughnuts and drinking coffee. I guess this was our treat for all those long Saturday mornings together. I don’t know about her, but I’m going to miss them. Maybe I’ll surprise her the Saturday after the marathon for a nice reuinion run?

Miles for Miracles is having a dinner for us on Thursday night at Maggioano’s in Boston. This will be the first time meeting the members of the NYC team. It will also be the first time I see the coaches and the MfM staff since finishing Boston. Hopefully the Patient Partners will be attending the dinner, so I get a chance to meet Braedyn and his family.

For the next 2 weeks, I basically try not to get injured. Silly as it seems, but you don’t want even the slightest sore back, sore ankle, sore foot, sore anything before running 26 miles. I don’t even want a hangnail from now until the 7th. And you know, after 3 months of training, this is when you will get hurt! Bad luck always seems to find a crack in the armor. Take Boston for example. I think it’s safe to rake leaves in the yard the Wednesday before the race. By Marathon Monday, I had to run with a long-sleeve shirt becuase both of my arms were covered in poison ivy. True story.