The Final Countdown to the NYCM

I hope everyone is having a wonderful weekend thus far!

Yesterday I spent the morning working from home before enjoying the afternoon off. I spent the afternoon exploring the New York City Marathon Expo with Theodora and then wandering through the Upper West Side on my way to Jack Rabbit Sports. IMG_5234 (478x640)

The expo wasn’t too crowded when we arrived which meant we didn’t have to wait in a single line!  IMG_5235 (640x478) IMG_5237 (640x478) IMG_5238 (640x478) IMG_5239 (478x640)We were squealing with delight when we finally held our bibs in our hands. Even though I ran this marathon last year I still feel like a kid on Christmas. I’ve trained harder this year than I did last year, I’m 10 pounds lighter, and I feel more prepared this time around. Deep down, I’m really hoping all these factors are able to help me run a 4:50 marathon tomorrow. Gulp, there it is. I said it. I will start crying if I’m able to PR by 15 minutes. But, even if I don’t I know that I’ve done the best that I’ve trained to the best of my ability!

Theodora and I spent an hour at the expo meandering through the booths, sampling new products and talking to vendors.

IMG_5241 (478x640) IMG_5243 (640x478) IMG_5244 (640x478) IMG_5245 (640x478) IMG_5246 (640x478) IMG_5247 (640x478) Unlike last year, I only spent $20 this year on Nuun since they were having an amazing $5 special and giving out free water bottles with any purchase!

After the expo I walked forty blocks to the Upper West Side Jack Rabbit store. I was lucky enough to receive an invitation to use their lockers on marathon day. This will be a perfect meeting spot post marathon and I’ll easily be able to change into warm clothes and grab a hot chocolate before Bo and I head back downtown!  IMG_5254 (640x478)IMG_5253 (640x478)

The rest of the evening was spent with my two aunts who are in town for a girls weekend of theatre, shopping, museums, and fun. Over the past year my dad’s siblings have grown quite close as they have had to deal with two family deaths. Bo and I had a wonderful evening catching up and laughing with them over a wonderful meal at Gramercy Tavern.

IMG_5259 (640x478) IMG_5262 (640x478) IMG_5265 (640x478) IMG_5267 (640x478)IMG_5271 (640x478)After almost nine hours sleep, I woke up feeling refreshed and pumped this morning!

I’m not sure if it was our new Nespresso machine’s coffee that gave me all this energy or just the weekend’s excitement but I’m pretty much bursting at the seams with glee!

IMG_5273 (640x478) After a quick breakfast I threw on my gear and went out for a 2.5 mile shakeout run along 1st Avenue and through Gramercy Park. My legs and body felt alive as I kept a 9:50 pace and enjoyed the cool air.

IMG_5275 (640x480)My gear is organized for tomorrow and now I’m heading out to catch up with runner friends at the Daily Mile Brunch the gorgeous Erica organized!

IMG_5278 (478x640) Until later, have a wonderful day and enjoy this amazing video!

NYC Marathon Alex Baldwin prorez from Marc Beroza on Vimeo.

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Marathon Must Have Giveaway

Running a second marathon has been harder than I expected due to this year’s travel schedule. But, due to your motivation and support each day, I was able to successfully train in multiple different cities across the US, knowing that you all were waiting to read that day’s run recap or race review. On the worst of days it were your comments, tweets, and Facebook messages that made me smile and pull on my running shoes even when I was tired and didn’t feel like it.

Therefore, as a thank you, I am hosting a Marathon Must Have giveaway to thank you all!  These are a few of my favorite things that I’ve relied on for my long runs, races, and training in between! As you can tell from the picture below, I’ll be wearing some of these items for the big day in two weeks!

IMG_5078 The winner will receive the following, in the color and size of their request, based on availability.

There are four ways to enter, each one will give you a better chance to win! Please leave me a comment letting me know you did.

Like A Healthy, Happier Bear on Facebook

Follow Healthy, Happier Bear on Twitter

Leave me a comment with a question you’d like me to answer in a future Q&A.

Retweet the giveaway on Twitter or feature a link back on your blog.

The giveaway will end on Tuesday at midnight! Good luck!

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