Winter Hibernation and Recovery

My winter running season is officially over upon conclusion of the 2016 United Airlines New York City Half. It was a learning experience to say the least. The words, "less is more" became more meaningful than any other time in all my years of running. If I'm going to have a strong Fall season, then shifting gears and getting the right balance of intense training and recovery is essential. 

Tight security and a cold 1st day of Spring #unitednychalf

This winter saw me take more frequent rest than in recent years. This aggravating hamstring has been a problem I can't seem to shake. I did a 17 day rest after the New Year (only running Joe Kleinerman at a slower pace), another 17 day rest after the cancelled Fred Lebow, and every other day workout with only high intensity once a week and at least 3 days rest before a race. It helped in allowing my legs to be fresh for all out racing but the post race hamstring pain would pretty much erase several days of healing time. 

It's colder out so it takes longer for your legs to warm up. Pushing the limits to reach my race pace to a sustained level probably caused some of the injured muscle fibers to abruptly undo any healing progress I made thus far. So after running races that sustained my fitness level (only PR at Washington Heights 5K at 19:03), another rest is in order. 

 

I'd say one more week of no running after a 1:29:58 performance at the United Airlines NYC Half. My teammates were great with motivating me to push through during the race. So many inspirational stories, such grit and determination. Mentally I'm at a state where I know I can do better. And Spring, my favorite time to build up my miles and speed is now upon us. As my relentless pursuit continues, the next stop: 2016 Airbnb Brooklyn Half. That's 2 months of honest preparation to give the best performance of my life! 

Bib #1090 at the United NYC Half Experience

Central Park Track Club Teammates: Felipe (Chile), Shane (Aussie), and I warming up at Whitehall Terminal before we celebrate our finish. #globalcitizens

Form Running the 2015 TCS NYC Marathon: That Freedom Feeling

My 2nd straight NYC Marathon has come and gone and the experience is just as exhilarating as it was last year. My hamstring failed to maintain pace a record 4 times but pain management and efficient form running saw me through to the finish. The culprit in this marathon were the 2 back to back half marathons I ran just 3 weeks prior, as my hamstring didn't have enough time to recover to a point where I can hold a pace that my heart and head knew I can do. But before we get into that lets back up a little bit. 

I spoke about honest preparation in my last blog with a summer filled with high intensity track and tempo runs. However, since I usually plan my race schedule months in advance, I still had to keep up the mileage for my Fall marathons. That didn't give my previously injured hamstring adequate rest time it needed to function at its full potential. And let's face it, my aging muscles constantly remind me that I'm past my prime so I have this feeling that I'm also racing against time. How much longer can I keep this up? Didn't I start running as a way to relax? Why is it feeling like another full time job? 

Fortunately, I found the balance where the stress from running isn't to the point where I don't enjoy it anymore. If I keep rushing to achieve these goals; Boston Qualifier, 2015 miles in 2015, more NYRR 9+1's, and run-cation trips that earn me extra medals, I'll burn out to the point where I will hate running again.

So ignoring the advice of some of my friends, I took on the Self-Transcendence Marathon in late summer, 9 and a half weeks before the TCS NYC Marathon. There really isn't much to say about this one. In brief: 

• 9 times around Rockland Lake in Rockland State Park, Congers, NY. 
• Fluid stop at every mile (only 3 water stops since it was a 3 mile loop) with a lovely selection of fruits, potato chips, and cookies that I took advantage of post mile 20. 
• One guy near the finisher chute counting how many times he saw you since there was no timing chips (hence the time everyone's official time was based on the start gun, including Boston Qualifiers)
• Temperatures reached the low 90s halfway through the race with about half the loop exposed to the intense sunlight. 

Halfway through the race, I felt that familiar burn in my previously injured hamstring. With NYC on my mind, I consciously scaled back my effort to avoid injury. 

Official time taken by photo. 3:27:55 (No timing chip)

That didn't stop me from making it to the NYC starting line slightly hobbled. In the time between Self-Transcendence and TCS NYC, I marathon paced the R'n'R Virginia Beach Half, the R'n'R Brooklyn Half, the NYRR Staten Island Half, and PR'd the NYRR Bronx 10 mile. The physical therapy sessions leading up to TCS NYC revealed to me that my previously injured hamstring was not 100%. So all I could do is hope for the best. 

Morning selfie #1: NFA Wildcats checking in! Great seeing Tiffany again! 

Morning selfie #2: My friend from Normandy teaches me the correct way to negative split - 3:12 PR #CPTC

Morning selfie #3: First time marathoner, Moussa, excels at work-life and marathon training balance.

Morning Selfie #4: Mary Ann and others from the NYC Marathoners Group. 

Who cares! It's marathon day and I'm going to enjoy it. I'm running the biggest marathon in the world for a 2nd straight year. I had to get my morning selfies in with friends whose training I've been following and teammates I've trained with. People coming together to inspire, motivate, and congratulate is all part of the experience. However, I didn't anticipate what would happen as I was getting ready to empty out in the Porta-potty just before they released the first wave of runners from my corral. The waste tightening string in my shorts snapped making it impossible to hold my shorts up during the race. 

"Don't worry, David. No one will laugh if you run in your underwear." says Dimitri #NBR

I laughed. I didn't panic. I can still run it if I tighten my Spi-Belt around the waste line. But just in case I have to ditch the shorts, let me make sure I have my essentials, like house key, ID, and credit card in my Spi-Belt. Gels were now tucked in my arm sleeve and both hands were now occupied. But where were my salt pills? Shit... They must have stayed in the pockets of my throwaway clothes. These gels are now more important than ever, because I knew I would have hamstring trouble. 

My five borough journey begins: Desensitized to the cheering crowds as we left the upper level of the Verrazano, I was focused on readjusting for anticipated pain in the later miles. High 5s along 4th Ave felt more routine and robotic. Kid sticks hand out, David slaps hand, and keep it moving. All while Spi-belt is failing to keep his shorts up. I moved to the center to bypass high 5s while running with one hand on my shorts. Finally I had enough. With 4 gels in my hand, and 2 struggling to stay in my arm sleeves, I made a quick stop on the side of the road right after the 5k marker.

Feeling FREE to hold tight yet efficient form.

"I won't be needing these anymore!" As I dropped the shorts in front of some spectators who looked at me with laughter. I could still salvage this race and do something special here. I let out a little laugh cause this can easily become the NYC Marathon Underwear Scandal of 2015. 

Cycling and triathlons have never appealed to me partly because of the skin tight suits these guys have to wear. My frame is too skinny to ever pull that off. So subconscious insecurities start to creep in. (And I know I'm not alone with this because plenty of my runner friends go to great lengths to make sure their race day outfits are perfect). But wait, I'm running in my underwear and it feels good. No SWASHING AND SWISHING of Michael Jordanesque shorts. No conscious thoughts of losing keys, gels, or anything else in my pockets. I feel FREE to lock into form for optimal efficiency. A whole new level of applying the Weekly Form Run. 

Not too long after, I notice runners with superhero costumes on, runner girls wearing nothing but bikinis and their bibs, and one guy with strictly tighty whitey's on. Subconscious Insecurity GONE! But now with just 4 gels in my hands and two sliding sound in my arm sleeves I better ration. My thoughts:

• I don't have enough salts.
• It's getting warmer out here. 
• My hamstring isn't going to make it.
• DNF is not an option.

How can I prevent my muscles from overheating post mile 20? By mile 10 the familiar burn started to set, earlier than anticipated. My thoughts racing, "Must keep muscles cool. WATER!! Cold water, that is." From there I looked for the next water stop. 

I developed a routine from then on at all the remaining water stops. One cup of Gatorade, 5 cups of water poured on the injured hamstring, 1 cup over my head. All with the flow of the race. However, each stop would slow me down 30 to 45 seconds. Better to compromise on my overall time than DNF. AND THIS WORKED! 

Men's Half tights to be worn in future races. 

The first pull came at Mile 14. But it was a strain rather than that gun shot, stop you in your tracks hamstring lock that had me agonizing in previous marathons. I could still run: just slow down, shake it off and get back into form. Five more times, I'd feel this strain: 4 in the previously injured and 2 in the compensating, right hamstring. And all 6 times, with a little shake of the legs to better distribute blood flow and losing another 10 seconds, I locked right back into form. And a lovely, freedom feeling form run it was. Running in your underwear is great. Olympic athletes, cyclists, triathletes, Underwear Run participants - they are on to something. 

Each bridge from Queensboro on, made its mark on my hamstrings. And when I saw the line of CPTC runners cheering us on, a boost of energy came over me and I raised my hands in excitement. Ouch... Maybe I shouldn't have done that. There goes the right hamstring straining for #6! 

Lessons learned: OK I get it I get! After 9 marathons, maybe I overtrain a little bit. I showed up to the TCS NYC Marsthon with 1603 miles logged into these legs for 2015. I'm still determined to hit 2015 miles before 2015, but a Spring Marathon shall be skipped. 

This also means a Boston qualifying pursuit for the 2017 race is unlikely. I really have to give myself time to heal. I'm not racing against time. Plenty of Masters runners in my running club show me that I can get faster as my body ages. That being said, I remember the same quote I posted in last year's marathon blog post:

Today's Inspirational Quote: 

"The worst thing that happens to you may be the best thing for you if you don't let it get the best of you." 

-- Will Rogers

Ain't that the truth! It took running in my underwear to focus less on what I look like while I run. More emphasis was on how I feel while I run and how efficient are my motions. I can feel my body lock into form in ways I never felt before when applying the weekly form run. So much so that running in half tights will surely be apart of my regimen in the future. If it's good enough for Olympic athletes, it's good enough for me. 

A well deserved donut, a day after my marathon PR! 

The 2014 TCS New York City Marathon: A Dream Fulfilled.

Official Marathon PR - 3:19:21

Wow! What can I say? The 2014 TCS New York City Marathon was emotionally overwhelming. Unlike anything I’ve ever experienced. I had to let this one marinate a little bit before I can actually write anything down. I had to make sense of what happened. Saying it was amazing would be an understatement. But it didn’t start out that way. There were some early signs that things weren’t going to be so great. Regardless of what happened, I had made the decision to enjoy this. I dreamed about this for 11 years and worked hard for the past 6 years, to make it to this starting line. I was going to take it all in stride.

The Saturday before the race: I returned to Brooklyn from Paramus, New Jersey, after getting my teeth cleaned, the original plan was to drop my bag with a change of clothes for marathon day at the Jack Rabbit Store in Park Slope. During the marathon registration process, I had chosen the “No Baggage” option because I didn’t want to be bothered with bag retrieval after the marathon. There was also an incentive to choose this option where runners would get a free heat poncho once we completed the race. I figured I could get a free poncho and still drop my bags off at the Jack Rabbit store (best of both worlds). The bag drop off was closed as they had already taken the bags to their Upper West Side store on West 72^nd Street. I had just missed it be about 15 minutes. This actually made things difficult because it made me reconsider any plans I had with friends post-marathon.

Whatever! Take it all in stride. Disappointing? Yes. But don’t let it steal your joy. So I went for my final massage to relieve the lingering tightness in my Lehigh left hamstring injury. Then did my final carb load, taped up and went to bed. This time I applied KT Tape on both my hamstrings (as well as my routine knees and calves) in case the hamstring injury came back, I would at least have some muscle support and help in reducing any resulting pain. I prepared 4 salt tablets in a small zip lock sealed plastic bag stored in my SPIBelt. Last but not least, I decided to experiment with the athletic tape given to runners by Airbnb at the expo. The last couple of marathons I noticed I had tightness in my shoulders at the end of the run. I have been accused by fellow runners of crunching up my shoulders towards the end of my runs. It’s considered bad form and from time to time I always try to relax the shoulders and shake it out to encourage blood flow. Also, I am known to run with a knapsack during training so that could be the reason why I naturally tend to crunch my shoulders. I figured I would try the Airbnb athletic tape would provide any support for any pain that might occur in my shoulders during the marathon.

Race morning: I woke up to a text message from a friend in Connecticut hoping that I “break a leg”. Of course, in the acting world that would be a great thing, but in marathon world, that isn’t exactly the thing a runner wants to think about pre-race. But I knew what she meant and I thanked her for the well wishes. It’s nice that someone was thinking of me at 4:30 AM right before the biggest marathon of my life. Especially when they aren't running one. 

I continued to browse through my phone looking for any updates by the New York Road Runners as they usually do on race mornings. A buddy of mine on social media and my North Brooklyn Runner’s club posted a picture of him and his clothes that he would throw away once the race started. At that point I started thinking about my GoreTex windbreaker jacket I bought at the Road Runner Sports store back when in my Team In Training days. I knew it would be a cold morning and I chose that jacket to wear to keep me warm in the Start Village. I had come to terms with donating that jacket after 6 years of running with it during cold winters, which included cold mornings on the George Washington Bridge in the middle of January and running on the Brooklyn Bridge during Superstorm Sandy. Ironically, on my way to the Staten Island Ferry, I ran into him. After hearing me recount all the great running memories I had with the jacket, he offered to keep the jacket with his baggage for me so that I wouldn’t have to part with it. Yes it was old and faded, but it was clear that I had a sentimental attachment to it.

Staten Island Start Village: Arriving on Staten Island via the ferry, the shuttle bus to the corrals, and hanging out with some of my NBR teammates allowed for the three hours before the start to go swiftly. I spent about an hour in the Green Wave E Corral, performing my pre-marathon rituals of emptying out, stretching, and taking some gels so that I can be loose and ready for the start. The gun went off and I crossed the start at about 9:45 A.M. with just my running shorts, singlet, arm warmers, gloves and headband.  Other runners kept their jackets and Dunkin Donuts beanies on for the first mile as we took on the nasty cross-wind gusts on the Verrazano Bridge. For years I have heard rumors about the “Rain of Death” for those running the lower level of the bridge. However, announcers before the race emphasized in multiple languages that anybody peeing on the bridge would be disqualified. And I didn’t notice any moisture flying my way as I ran considerable slower that first mile. 

Brooklyn: Upon leaving the bridge and seeing people giving high fives to the cops keeping guard, that was when I felt like the race had started. The wind was still blowing, but it wasn't as bad as on the Verrazano. I had decided after that rough start that no matter what happened, I was going to ENJOY this one. Since I was in the Green wave, I got to run down Fort Hamilton Parkway to about 78^th Street and crossed the 5K mark at about 23 minutes into the race. This was a slow start and I didn’t care. As soon as I turned that corner up 4^th Avenue, that was when the energy from the sea of people hit me. It was incredible. So many little kids sticking their hands out to get high fives from the runners, I rounded the corner and just started slapping five. And if I didn’t get every kid, his or her faces were disappointed. I must have given and received love from at least 30 kids in the first 300 meters along 4^th Avenue. With my name on my shirt I just heard “DAVID” and “NBR” in thick Brooklyn accents while the rest of cheers sounded like white noise.

I had to move to the middle of the road so that at least attempt to run my race. With so much energy and adrenaline, I easily made up for my slow start by running the next 4 miles down 4^th Avenue oscillating between 6:30 and 7:30 min/mile pace. I would at times catch myself going too fast and it was a good thing for friends spotted along the route to slow me down as I ran through Park Slope. 

Dedicated the run to my friends I traveled to
Geneva with earlier in the year.

As I passed the Barclay Center, I began thinking about maintaining my marathon stride and holding form for the rest of the race. Runners from Switzerland and spectators in the crowd with Swiss flags yelled my name, pointed at me, and one even patted me on the shoulder telling me he was from Geneva. I had written a thank you sign on the back of my singlet to NYU’s Center for Global Affairs for letting me tour the United Nations in Geneva, Switzerland with them earlier in the year. From Fort Green to Williamsburg, the Swiss runners and spectators were going strong. Then I hit the North Brooklyn Runners water table at mile 12. Gatorade, cheers, and love fueled me as I regained form to run this familiar stretch of the route.

SPIBelt with MetroCard attached.

It wasn’t until I hit the Pulaski Bridge that my SPIBelt started annoying me. The MetroCard holder hanging off my belt kept dangling as I kept using my hands to place it in my shorts pocket hoping it would stay there. I would play with this thing until the Queensboro Bridge, when I realized I had to hike my shorts up allowing it to stay stable in my pocket. Another annoying problem was my arm warmers. I wore different arm warmers where one didn’t have the same elasticity as the ends as the other. So I kept fiddling with the sleeve, rerolling them up my arm as I kept my legs moving. Proper runner’s form was out the window.

Queensboro Bridge and First Avenue: The crowds dissipated once I entered the bridge. I had mentally prepared myself for this part of the race for a long time. Luckily, the many distractions I had leading up to that point prevented me from running too fast early in the race which allowed me to run up and down the steep elevation changes with consistent flow. I saw an NBR teammate yell, complaining the race was over for them. This portion of the race was brutal - Runners and the bridge - No cheers from any crowds - Just runners either maintaining or slowing down in pain. It was the first separator.

Now all along the marathon route when I spotted a North Brooklyn Runner I would give them a fist bump. In the vast sea of runners and spectators, seeing that North Brooklyn Runners logo does remind you of training. It forces me to regain form, which I did as I exited the Queensboro Bridge.  However, at that point the first signs of fatigue started settling in and I knew I had to make adjustments. I decided to take my first salt tablet as I ran through the cheering crowds on 1st Avenue. At almost mile 17 I unzipped my SPIBelt to reach for the tablets I had stored. For about half a mile I had a hard time opening the reseal-able bag as I kept my legs moving. I finally managed to puncture the bottom of the bag and two tablets went flying out. At that point, I caught a hamstring strain as I approached the water station. I immediately went to the side to slow down but I didn’t stop. I stayed calm, took the dosage, and headed to the water station for Gatorade. 

The pain forced me to slow down as I still had one tablet left, so I remained calm. I slowly regained form with one tablet in my SPIBelt. Although it was cold, at that point in the race, I started throwing water on my body at water stations, not worried about the last tablet melting away as it did in previous races. I was determined to stay calm and focused, through all the energy with people in the crowd yelling my name. At that point in the race, people would make eye contact and I would move forward behind my sunglasses. Little kids would stick their hand out on the Upper East Side and East Harlem, and I would decline the high five. I just wanted to finish.

The Boogie Down Bronx: Mentally I was ready for the Willis Ave. Bridge. I was careful not to put to much pressure on my left leg as I approached the bridge. The electrolytes from the salt tablet were working and the KT Tape on my hamstring provided the pain relief necessary for my confidence in overcoming this bridge. When I took on the incline, I found myself changing my stride in such a way that I put most of my weight on my right leg to avoid any heavy lifting on my left leg. I soon found my pace down to almost 9:00 per mile as it looked like I was hopping on one leg up the bridge. Noticeable pressure was felt in my right quad and calf muscle. I attempted to regain form once I past the incline and made the left turn onto East 135^th St. Right before I came to a complete stop with the pain in my left hamstring much worse than before. I took the last tablet and drank Gatorade. Apparently, my coming to a complete stop angered a fellow female runner as she pushed me out of her way to get her fluids as I stood clutching my hamstring. 

Practically hopping on one leg as I enter The Bronx 

A quick massage on my hamstring and I started running again. Hopefully these tablets will kick in and I can pick up the pace. It felt like the race was completely over, but I didn't panic nor did I despair. I managed to maintain an 8:00 min/mile pace as I navigated the turns and back roads in the Bronx, up until the Madison Avenue Bridge. As I re-entered Manhattan, the consistent pain in my left leg didn’t prevent me from picking up the pace.

Re-entered Harlem, 5^th Avenue Mile, and Central Park: The tablets were working. The energy from the crowds in Harlem and gave me the adrenaline rush to push me forward. I paid little attention to my watch at that point, focusing only on the pain and propelling myself forward. I remained calm and was determined to keep my legs moving.

I had expected the stretch of 5^th Avenue to be difficult as I heard plenty of runners talk about how the slight incline prevented runners from finishing strong. I felt the opposite. It was there I caught my second wind and brought my pace down to sub-7:30 minutes per mile. Pain still in my leg, I was determined to finish strong. The rolling hills in Central Park had little effect on my pace because at that point I focused on managing the pain in my leg and applying my foot strikes based on the level of pain I was experience. So on an uphill, it would seem like I am skipping up the hill on my right leg, but on a downhill I would surge and allow for my pace to pick up with minimal energy spent.

I was relieved when I reached the straight away on 59^th Street. As I was making the right turn, I glanced at my watch and realized I still had a chance at a personal best marathon. I spotted a North Brooklyn Runner teammate ahead of me. As I did throughout the marathon, I would catch up and offer motivation, a congratulations, and a fist bump. I caught him with about 800 meters to go and I yelled, “North Brooklyn, c’mon lets move, only 800 to go.” That energy caused me to lose focus on my leg as I could feel the cramp coming back.

A PR Finish: As my leg started to cramp up, I thought to myself, “Hell no, not now!” I knew I was so close to the finish and resolved to ignore any pain, any cramps and surge ahead into a 6 minute-sprint that probably would have done permanent damage. The finish was too close and I was yelling in agony from the pain. But it didn’t matter. About 10 meters from the finish line, I just raised my arms in happiness as if I was ready to hug the “Finish” sign above.

It was OVER! With emotions flying, I quickly looked at my watch and saw 3:19, then pressed stop. I knew I had unofficially achieved a PR. Let’s just hope my watch was in sync with the official timekeeper. As I looked up ready to retrieve my medal, 2 feet past the finish line marker were Winston and his wife, Yannie, offering me congratulations. Now that was special. The first person you see at the finish line is your friend of almost 20 years fully supporting your journey. Seeing them there felt amazing and I didn’t expect it.

The Takeaway: Those who follow me on Facebook know about the inspirational quotes I post from time to time. As I was coming off of the emotional high from the marathon this week, this one in particular, posted November 4, caught my attention:

Today's Inspirational Quote:

"The worst thing that happens to you may be the best thing for you if you don't let it get the best of you."

-- Will Rogers

A lot of bad things happened to me from a marathoner’s perspective. Those include not properly planning my baggage, to the nasty crosswinds on the bridges. The many distractions along the course such as dangling MetroCard and annoying sleeves. And of course injuries that slowed and stopped me, while being pushed to the side by a female runner, as I was agonizing in pain. The thought of stopping and walking crossed my mind several times. It was a good thing these prevented me from going out too fast. And the energy and love I received from all the spectators, consistently hearing my name throughout the white noise along the entire course fueled my focus and determination. Panicking like I’ve done in previous marathons was not an option. I never had the feeling of desperation as experienced in past marathons. This 26.2 mile journey was all about keeping my head strong. Something I have not been good at in the past.

There is a great deal of mental stamina involved in marathon running. If I can continue to work on balancing mental self control with physical performance, I’ll surely qualify for the Boston marathon sooner rather than later. After my performance at Lehigh, I knew that qualifying for Boston in New York City, with all the physical therapy sessions and injury recovery massages during my training, wouldn't happen. But a marathon PR in these windy conditions is a lot more than I could ask for. I am certainly satisfied. My New York City Marathon debut and first World Marathon Major is an absolute success. And it brings closure to an 11-year pursuit finally realized.

Prelude to my NYC Marathon Dream.

The half marathon is certainly my favorite distance. Long enough to be a challenge but short enough not to devastate you. I have a good number of them under my belt since my Team-In-Training days, so preparing and training for one isn't as strenuous as it used to be. Today's NYC 1/2 is definitely worth writing a little something about. It may not have been my best performing race, but certainly my most fun half marathon.

Security was definitely on point with dogs and swarms of police in the pre-race and baggage areas on 59th Street. I was actually surprised at how cold it was. Up until a couple days ago, the weather man mentioned 50's (F) and it was hovering between 25 and 30 until the race start. So after emptying out early (lessons learned from Miami) and checking my bag in, I just made it to my coral before the national anthem. It was certainly nice seeing all the North Brooklyn Runners wishing each other the best and inspiring each other to be their best. Along with the crowds and the ABC-7 cameras I knew this was going to be fun.

So the gun went off and of course, I kept to my normal 7 to 7:30 min/mile pace. I haven't run in Central Park since the Joe Kleinerman 10K so I was a little intimidated by the Harlem Hills after mile 3. I took it slower than I should have and ended up costing me overall. A much faster NBR teammate advised me later that it was best to keep my splits at an even pace. Even though the hills are rough in the beginning, running them hard would have been ideal. I would be tired running down the West Side Highway but I would have held a faster pace. Instead, I ended up having to gun it after mile 11 to make up for any time loss. 

Oh well, it was fun. I couldn't help giving high fives to spectators along the side that stuck their hands out to me in Times Square. The wind after mile 7 and turning the corner down the West Side at mile 8, can also be a place that cost me some time. And finally, every time I wrap my legs, I tend to run slower. I wore the knee high socks because I wanted to keep my legs warm while wearing shorts. That has consistently resulted in shin splints. I'm certainly my worse critic. No race is perfect, and we get better with repetition. 

So with a 1:32:40. I am certainly happy. Post-race felt fine. Shins were a little sore but I didn't have the side stitch problem thanks to my new breathing exercises I learned in my last NBR form run. And I can't say enough about the crowds, especially entering Wall Street to the Finish Line. It was one big "NYC 1/2" sign that made you feel really special. Prepackaged post-race refreshments and the words of congratulations from the volunteers was the icing on the cake. Well done New York Road Runners, well done. If this is what you did for 20,000 half marathon runners, I can imagine what it will be like for the 50,000 marathon runners that run through the boroughs this November. Until then, I am patiently waiting for that dream to be fulfilled.

A Vision Blog - Setting Our Sights

The good news is, with each blog post I am getting more and more readers. The bad news is I am writing in this blog less frequently. Is it because of the NYC Summer heat where I naturally run less, thus less to blog about? Or is it that I just can’t see myself sitting here and thinking of something clever to write about that falls in line with the blog’s theme? Whatever the case, I can probably come up with a world of excuses as to why I am not writing more and why I am not training as hard as I used to. And I can probably think of things that might happen in the future that may prevent me from staying focused on my NYC marathon goal.

But that would be wasted energy. I would consider that taking my eye off the prize. So until then, I just need to continue to motivate myself to do what I intend to do, no matter what the circumstance. The people of Japan, Egypt (thank you for checking into my last blog post) and other Middle Eastern countries did not expect the events that had happened to their country at the beginning of 2011. They have shown a resilience to move in a direction towards shared prosperity and freedom. Whether it is rebuilding or reorganization, their vision isn’t blurred for what they can achieve in the future even if it isn’t immediately foreseeable. And neither is mine

This brings me to a Bible verse that I recently stumbled upon. 2 Corinthians 4:18:

“So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.”

Now whatever religious conviction you have, or what life philosophy you prescribe to, we can all agree that this text gives encouragement to those with vision and are in a pursuit of a goal. For me, this is not just for running, but in everything I pursue. Sometimes, things come up, adversity comes our way and setbacks keep popping up. But this doesn’t stop the pursuit.

The United States has been afflicted with the worst economy in any of our lifetimes and many people are feeling the strain while politicians in Washington D.C. argue and continue their stalemate. But I am convinced that what we see here is temporary. Staying true to our principles and vision for the future is eternal and will always prevail. Success is a habit not a destination. Freedom isn’t free and will require each generation to renew their commitment to its pursuit. Crossing that finish line will only be a continuation of the steady path towards freedom, embodied in my runner’s lifestyle.