Photo: stephanie pfeffer
Working for PEOPLE, I get to do a lot of cool things. But one of the all-time coolest opportunities came last month when I was invited to join Michelob ULTRA’sTeamULTRAin running theTCS New York City Marathonon Nov. 3. At first I was elated — and then terrified. Yes, it’s a golden ticket to my dream race. Yes, I have run about 20 half-marathons and am in decent shape in terms of fitness. But there’s a reason I never opted for a full: because training takes over your life. And as a single mom with two little kids, I don’t have much time to spare!
Still, there was no way I could turn it down. I lived in NYC for almost 15 years before moving to Boston — and I still miss the city. And the New York City Marathon is one of the most amazing races in the country. Just like when I had a chance to participate in theEmpire State Building Run-Up, this felt like a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. I had to say yes.
Running has been a part of my life since 2007 when I ran my first 5K. I was fast, and it was fun. I never played sports growing up, so when I found an athletic endeavor that Ididn’tsuck at, I was shocked/stoked/hooked! But my relationship with running has changed over time. Whereas I used to run for time and bragging rights — “It was 14 degrees at the start of the 2011 Manhattan Half!” — now I run for myself. Running gives me solitude, endorphins, time to think. I am able to get away, process and de-stress. It’s a huge help with managing anxiety. And I am always, always in a better mood when I return to my children.
That said, a marathon is no easy, breezy 5-miler around a reservoir! And now that the race is about 12 weeks away, it’s getting real. The morning after coming home from the ultimate summer vacation with my sister — all we did was eat, read and lounge in the Caribbean Sea — I had to wake up and run 11 miles before my kids got back from a week with their dad. Surprisingly, it felt great!
But 12 miles the following week was hard. I kept thinking, “Ummm, the marathon will be 14 more miles. 14. More. Miles.” I can’t even wrap my mind around the fact that I will have to accomplish an 18-mile training run in a few weeks.
I’m kind of scared, to be honest. What if I get injured? What if I am just too old (will be 42 on race day) to be doing something like this? What if something happens to me? Am I being irresponsible considering the kids? My trainer friend and fellow fit momLaura Kovallreminded me that there are no guarantees in life, marathon or no.
source: people.com
