Last November, on a whim, I entered the lottery for a chance to run the marathon. It was cyber Monday and the lottery fee was half price, I believe $10. I wouldn't find out if I was selected until late spring.
This means I have been thinking about this run for almost a year, with training kicking off early August. My travels this fall have let me run long runs of thirteen or longer in NJ, Cape Cod, Germany, and Switzerland.
Saturday I capped off training with a 21 mile trail run. Three seven mile loops of hills. While leaping left and right to avoid roots, rocks, and leaves, I kept thinking 'this is it'. It's not only my last training run for NYC but it should be my last long run. I don't have plans to run this distance again unless I have an opportunity to run London.
Sunday I woke up feeling lighter, thinking I'm ready.
Yellow Trail, you will forever own a piece of my heart.
I'm ready to have a great experience, spend the weekend in the city, roam the Expo (secretly a family favorite).
This will be my 11th official marathon. I have ran more though, alone, on the trails without one person watching... as I trained for the Ultra.
I've got this.