Yesterday's should have been #21. Apparently sequential counting is not one of my stronger points. Good thing my son is going to Kindergarten next year...maybe I will get to practice math all over again as he learns.
It was roughly ten years ago that I ran the New York City Marathon. Back in the day, B.C. (before children) I ran quite a bit, doing 5k's and had a few running buddies too. The New York Marathon was my one and only marathon-and one of the most memorable things I have ever done for myself. Running in New York City (or "The City" as we New Yorkers say-as if there are no other cities in existence) is indescribable. The Verazano Bridge was disconcerting as it wobbled and bounced under the feet of all the runners on it. Brooklyn had people handing out candy and bottled water to the runners and they cheered like you were a movie star. In Manhattan, my family and friends met me and had a sign. You ran really, really fast in the Bronx and it was all mind over matter in Central Park toward the finish. My suggestion to anyone running or wanting to run a marathon, NYC is the place to do it.
As a side note, I have little black running gloves from the marathon that I got before starting the race. I still have the gloves, still wear them. One of my favorite treasures from that day.
All THAT being said, there is NO way that I am running another marathon in the near future. Besides the time commitment, it is very physically demanding. And post-baby me is just hoping to be able to run down to the main road and back. So, I tried that today. My sneakers are terrible for running and with about a quarter way to the main road, my lungs were exploding and my mind was talking to me. Just to the next street. Just to the stop sign. Chin up. When I wasn't running, I worked on walking tadasana with open posture, like a walking/running meditation.
But I look back at myself. And I am grateful for what the human body-my human body-can do.
It held together solidly to run a marathon. It survived the birth of two beautiful, impossibly large babies. While it has not been the same since their arrival, I have learned to appreciate it more than I ever did years ago. I need inspiration to continue to keep it in good condition-sometimes it's time or motivation issues-but I hope that this winter I can make a good effort to continue to treat it well with yoga, maybe some running and making better food choices and continuing to be grateful whether I reach my goal or not.
9 comments:
Wow. I'm awed by people who can run marathons. What a wonderful memory to have... and how wise to be grateful for your body and it's genius and stamina. Well done. I don't have a very good relationship with my body but this is a good reminder to be grateful for her gifts.
Yes I felt the 'ol body change in the mid 30's even without the aid of two very large babies. Yes we definitely have to keep our bodies in mind. I am amazed by anyone who does a marathon- since I know I could never do it- but if I did, I totally agree that "THE CITY" is the only place to do it in!
... and now what I am thankful for : I am glad you are getting help with your counting- it was stressing me out being out of order. I wasn't going to mention it again, but since hubby did (yes blame it on him again), you had two 18's too but hey that is ok cause you skipped 19 so today you are right on track! Yeah you!!!
I am also thankful that you are not the retaliating type to harass me about all my spelling and grammer errors that your creative mind must catch all the time in my blogging!
I was pretty awed by that accomplishment too! So glad to hear you appreciating your body as it is. We women in particular are so MEAN to our beautiful bodies... Thanks for the reminder. xoxo
Hey Terri,
I spelled Verrazano wrong and I will LEAVE it wrong in your honor. How's that?!? :)
Snoopmurph: I have a friend who runs a 26 mile Marathon and she is great. Have a Wonderful Thanksgiing with hubby and the kiddos! I know you will have FUN! :D)
Hey Linda,
I didn't even notice- how funny how different people brains work-
but I feel honored you are leaving the mispelling for me :)
First -on the post below -congrats to Connor on being accepted to pre-school! It did wonders, absolute wonders, for Maya and she is in her 2nd year there now. Of course, hers is strictly for autistic kids -her class group is anyway -and they do integrate them during the day with NT's too though.
Now -the marathon and running! I admire anyone who can run even 50 yards, much less a 5K or a 26 mile marathon. But don't you know, you haven't given up the marathon as you are running in the biggest marathon of all -life! In the fast lane, no less!
Peace!
hey I was cheering in Brooklyn!! do you remember me? I was the loudest one sitting on top of a car right off the bridge ;)
I could never do it. I'm not a runner. I do love to power walk though (ok, so I haven't done it in a while but when I put my mind to it, I can really walk!).
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