Today has been exactly what the doctor ordered!

I woke up after only six hours of sleep, ready to run. My legs were feeling strong, I was excited, and the weather was perfect for taking my marathon outfit on a trial run.

I fueled with half a banana and orange marmalade on a Thomas Bagel Thin with peanut butter.

The blue sky was already out to greet me when I left the house bright and early, heading towards Queensborough Plaza. Unfortunately the trains didn’t want to make it easy. Therefore, due to cancelled trains, I took a cab over the bridge to meet Melissa!

We wanted to squeeze in a few miles, especially bridge miles, before meeting Theodora and the rest of the gang for our own version of the Running Center’s Last 10 mile run. The bridge views were gorgeous and we both felt strong even though we were catching up with non-stop chatter!

We met the gang at the foot of the Queensborough Bridge, ready to rock the last 10 miles. There were 7 or 8 of us in total, who met to run the last 10 miles together for free!  Luckily Theodora found a nearby gentleman to snap photos of us before we started!

                                    Sue, Theodora, Laura, and Megan made up the the faster group!

                                While Rebecca, Melissa, and I followed their ponytails for 13 miles!

We printed out course maps ahead of time and then divided into two pace groups: 10ish and 10:40ish.

Running on the sidewalks and cobblestones was a pain but we still enjoyed the run together. Melissa and I shared tidbits of advice and memories of the race with Rebecca and it was so much fun to catch up with Theodora and the rest of the group at stop lights.

The temperature was perfect and Central Park was beautiful. The leaves have started changing and there were runners everywhere enjoying the weather and energy.

Our splits for today’s run were right on target for the marathon. Even better, when we finished I felt like I had a few more miles in me. If I hadn’t sped up so much the last few miles then I probably could have pumped out more than a few miles.

2:19     13 miles   10:43 pace

1 10:52.1
2 10:49.2
3 11:08.3
4 10:19.0
5 10:30.3
6 11:09.4
7 10:35.1
8 10:40.2
9 10:51.0
10 10:40.4
11 10:35.7
12 10:27.5

13 10:55.1

This is the face of a happy runner ready to rock the marathon, skirt and all!

The rest of the day has included a delicious cherry infused smoothie, lunch, a few naps, manicure, Pinkberry, and catching up on Parenthood and Grey’s Anatomy.

Now we’re off to celebratory drinks at Death & Co followed by dinner at La Mar NYC!