Can’t Stop, Won’t Stop Thinking About the Marathon

Taper Madness

It’s only Tuesday and I can’t stop, won’t stop thinking about the marathon. I’m really sorry to anyone that talks to me between now and Sunday, I will inevitably bring up the fact that I’m *voluntarily* running 26.2 miles. Please tell me I’m not the only one that’s got marathon on the brain.

Last night I had my last phone call with my run coach before the marathon! She answered all my stupid questions like “how will I waste 3 hours on Staten Island” and “What if my phone dies?”. Most people probably ask serious questions about running and race strategy. I care about taking selfies and not being bored.

I mentioned the knee pain that’s been coming and going during my runs and she said I should considering taking the week off working out until the marathon. So I took this morning off, slept in and didn’t run. I 100% trust my coach, but I’m also a little bit nervous about my knee, breaking in my shoes, and feeling really really really being ready for Sunday. Tapering is secretly hard because it’s SO the opposite of my personality. As a control freak, my instinct is to do more more more and it’s difficult to sit back this week. Technically the training is over. My body is ready to run a marathon.

Some random marathon related thoughts, tips and findings…

• this T-Swift parody “Let’s Go Run New York” is both brilliant and hilarious.
• Physique 57 is offering a free class to all marathon runners! Bring your medal in between 11/1 and 11/22 to redeem as a walk-in. Maybe not on 11/1 because you’ll be sore and tired.
• KMart on Astor Place is having a great sale on sweatshirts + sweat pants! If you’re on the short side, like me, also check out the kids section for more cheap finds.
• I really really really want a Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup but can’t have any dairy between now and the marathon. Please send help.
• I love this marathon race recap, it’s chockfull of tips for NYC Marathon first timers
• Some great tips on both running and spectating the marathon. My parents are still trying to figure out how they can see me 3 times during the race. If you’re planning on spectating let me know where you’ll be!
• Ashley has an entire pinterest board devoted to NYC Marathon recaps. I know what I’ll be reading Friday night in my PJs
• I’m loosely following this schedule for what to do when this week. I feel a lot calmer now that I have my throwaway gear!
• I bought a cheap portable iPhone charger to basically throw away at the start. I was serious when I said I care about taking selfies.
• I’ve been told having your name on your shirt is a must! I didn’t want to ruin a perfectly good lulu tank and my coach recommended pinning another piece of fabric with my name. My dad was able to get it printed on a t-shirt which I’ll cut out and pin to my race day tank.
• I need to stop checking the weather. It’s changed like 5 times in the past day.

Hit me with some more NYC Marathon tips + links from the inter webs in the comments, because I literally cannot stop reading about this marathon.