I’ll be first to admit that watching people run isn’t exactly an exciting spectator sport. So with the NYC Marathon just one week away (Sunday, November 6), why am I posting about how to track me during the race? Well, running and especially the NYC Marathon are really important to me. And I’m lucky enough to have a great group of friends and family who recognize how hard I’ve worked to get to this race and who I know will support me every step of the way….and for that, I am thankful!
How I got here. In 2008, my cousin Billy encouraged me to run the Jacksonville 1/2 Marathon for Breast Cancer with him. I had played soccer and hockey my whole life, so I was used to sprinting…not distance running. Fast forward to February 2010 and not only did I finish my first 1/2 marathon, but I was inspired to sign up for the 2010 Twin Cities Marathon. I finished that, signed up for the Marine Corps Marine and since then have run numerous other races. In 2010, I also signed up for the NYRR, ran nine of their races, volunteered at one and qualified for this year’s New York City Marathon.
Despite several setbacks (a hurricane, illnesses, etc.), numerous lonely long runs and a lot of visitors this summer, I still managed to train harder than ever and feel like I’m in the best shape of my life. Next Sunday, November 6 at 10:40 am, I will line-up at the starting line with thousands of other runners to take part in one of the most famous running events in the world.
For those of you who are coming to cheer me on or sending encouragement from afar, you have no idea how much it means to me. If you want to track my running during the race, here’s how:
Bib number: 52782
Estimated finish time: 4:30 – 4:45
Mile pace: Between 9:30 – 10:30
1: On The Web – This is a free way to track my progress over 26.2 miles. On race day, visit http://www.nycmarathon.org and it will direct you to enter my bib number for race day tracking. You can track up to five people, so if you know others running, you can watch us all!
2: Via Text – This pre-race subscription service costs $2.99 but will allow you to register in advance to receive real-time text updates on my progress throughout the race. Visit the http://www.nycmarathon.org to sign up.
3. There’s an App For That – Download the ING New York City Marathon Mobile Spectator App on your phone which will give you details about my time, remaining distance and other race updates. The standard version is free and the premium version is $2.99.
For more details, visit: http://www.nycmarathon.org/athlete_alert.htm
Course map: http://www.ingnycmarathon.org/course_map/interactive_map.shtm
If you are planning to attend the race, let me know where you’ll be so I can look for you. Also, I’ll be wearing a bright blue shirt and black shorts, so look for me. (Outfit pictures to come)
Can’t wait to see you out there!
xoxo
Midwest Footprints 