Long Time Away

So much happening...another interview, ran the marathon, couple of ugly injections in my back to try to knock out this nagging pain, a sprinkling of random, unproductive dates, and now, poof, it's almost Thanksgiving.

So, about the race - I did better than I deserved. I didn't break the five hour mark, but all things considered, I was pleased that I finished in 5:11. I hadn't trained all that well, didn't take care of myself, and didn't sleep for poop the night before. Coupled with the late start (10:10? Wassup wit dat?) and running in the middle of what I consider my lunch time, I was not an energizer bunny by any stretch of the imagination. I started off strong, and the first part of the course across the Verezzanos Bridge was pretty cool. Then there's a long stretch through Brooklyn, about 8 miles, before you get to Queens for a couple of miles. You cross the Manhattan Bridge from Queens into Manhattan, a pretty good stretch along 1st Ave with lots of people (and in my neighborhood), then north to Harlem, a quick couple of miles in the Bronx, then back to Manhattan. I walked a lot more than usual, which was a bit demoralizing. I can usually get the vibe back up at mile 24, but even there I struggled. I did eek out the last bit of energy for the sprint to the finish line, but I left almost everything on the course.

I was oddly disappointed by the experience. Maybe it was the chaos in the beginning, maybe it was the thin crowds along most of the route. It didn't end well either, everyone funneled into one chute for bag pick up and chip clip, which took almost an hour, then they weren't letting us cross the Park near the finish line, so had to walk a long-ass way to get home. It was cool seeing the city that way, but I think next time, I'll see another city.

Heading home today after a full, and I mean full, week in Chicago. On the bright side I've amassed enough hotel points with Mariott for a full free week in Croatia, my next vacation spot.

Look on the bright side babies.

K