I am here to participate in A CRAZY THING called the Dopey Challenge.
Dopey Challenge is a 5k, 10k, half marathon, and full marathon held back to back over four days, a total of 48.6 miles.
It’s Disney’s ultimate race challenge because well, you’d have to be Dopey to do it!)
My husband and I flew down to Florida, early this morning. It was a nice flight. Later during the day, we went to the Run Disney expo at ESPN Wide World of Sports to pick up my bibs and shirts.
Afterward, we went to Il Mulino Italian for dinner. My good luck meal. I am a creature of habit; this has been my go-to restaurant for every marathon weekend in the past 5 years. I had a pizza.
Our home for the weekend is awesome. We love staying at Disney’s Old Key West Resort Villas because the villas have a fully functional kitchen, which allows me to cook my meals. I am also a picky eater, especially before a big race. The Villa’s also has a nice dining room, a washer and dryer room, and a jacuzzi in the bathroom creating a more “at-home” experience during our Disney vacation.
After the race, I hauled a bicycle pedicab taxi ride back to my hotel.
It was nice to be greeted by you Ed Stairman, on the sidewalk next to our hotel.
That meant a lot to me.
Love you.
Why I Love Team for Kids
……Running gave me a purpose, confidence, and identity. I know firsthand the work this charity does. I want all kids to discover running and blossom.
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MY MARATHON STORY……..
Saturday
My spouse and I flew to New York on Saturday.
My husband was my marathon supporter this weekend.
We arrived in New York around noon and headed to the expo to pick up my bib number and some swag.
We had a nice dinner at Il Mulino, and then it was time for bed.
I am a creature of habit; this has been my go-to restaurant for past marathons.
I am also superstitious when it comes to running a marathon.
I consider it bad luck to wear my Celebration New York Marathon 2024 Jacket anywhere until I cross the Finish line.
Also, nothing New on Race Day!
Marathon
Sunday morning arrived, and I left my hotel around 7:15 in the morning.
I walked to the private Team for Kids ferry, which took the team to Staten Island.
The ferry even cruised right past the Statue of Liberty on the way.
Once on Staten Island, our team was guided to buses for a 3-mile ride to Fort Wadsworth public park.
Team for Kids had a tent area, complete with food, drinks, heat, volunteers, and porta-potties.
We also stretched and mentally prepared ourselves to run 26.2 miles.
Around ten thirty, it was time for my corral to line up.
We lined up for the start of the race on the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge.
The national anthem played, and we were off.
I got in the “focus zone “and ran.
Fellow runners have told me I become so hyper-focused that if someone yelled, “Go, Robin,” I probably would not hear them.
I trusted that my body knew what it was supposed to do from all the past training.
I used the Jeff Galloway run/walk method.
The weather was also in my favor.
It ranged from 49-60 degrees.
I walked through every water station and took walking breaks throughout the miles. The run-walk intervals kept me comfortable without feeling miserable.
I reached 20 miles, 6 more to go.
The last 6 miles are always the hardest.
I only had 6.2 miles to go.
I counted my steps…1, 2, 3, 4 and repeated right foot, and left foot several times. Hopefully, no one heard me counting to myself or saying right foot, left foot repeat.
Also, I waved to all the spectators gathered along the course.
I high-fived volunteers, thanked the folks at the water stations, talked to fellow runners, and waved to the fans, EMTS, police, and firefighters along the course.
I will be toeing my 2nd New York Marathon this Sunday.
Ed, Thanks for your plan to keep me company this weekend.
My children…This Bubbie ( Grand Ma), at 55, still can do hard things. Many Bubbies don’t run Marathons.
Friends, and acquaintances in my life, The New York Marathon is special. I will try my hardest to cross the finish line.
The reason … I love to run is that it makes me feel good about myself, it’s my passion and it keeps me healthy. My gift.
My goal is to finish strong. Smile and enjoy the day Finish under 7 hours I am well-rested, well-fueled, and well-hydrated. Now it’s all mental strength to get me through the marathon.
Thank You to all those who donated to Team for Kids.
Thank you to all who read my running stories on my Facebook or blog.
I am officially in taper mode. The long runs were not pretty but done. This proud back-of-the-pack runner expects to finish in around 7 hours.
. The marathon is a bit less than three weeks away. I have been pushing hard to get those final long runs in. October 1 …..20 miles October 8 ….14 miles October 15….. 22 miles I am tired. I need a good nap. It is time to heal my muscles and get ready for the big day. Lots of rest and cutting back on the running
Tomorrow is the eve of Rosh Hashana. Looking for a New Year’s Resolution? Rosh Hashana resolution? Want to be more charitable this year? Why not start with a donation to Team for Kids.
Don’t celebrate Rosh Hashana, you can still help.
Here How….Read on
On Tuesday, I did my 20-mile training run! My body is ready to go the distance. The New York Marathon will be here in a month!
I am very thankful that my body was able to complete the run. I was very anxious and worried about it because I was dealing with migraines and ragweed allergies days before the run. I took a week off from running and strength training to prepare for the twenty-mile big one.
I was so happy I could do it! It went well.
In the previous months, April, May, June, July, August, and September, I have been strength training via barbell classes, swimming, and slowly building up my running distance, which added to my success.
After my run, I decided to take my four dogs out in our backyard to play ball. They love it. I did not have to move my legs to throw a ball.
I spent the evening watching TV.
Team for Kids is a team of adult runners who raise funds for critical services provided by New York Road Runners Youth Programs. These programs combat childhood obesity and empower youth development via running and character-building programs in low-income schools and community centers throughout New York City.
I have seen personally how terrific Team for Kids is.
My story…… Quick summary
I was never good at academics as a child. My difficulty with academics pushed me towards athletics, and I started running.. Once I started running, I found I had a lot more confidence and this allowed me to develop into my own. Furthermore, running taught me that hard work pays off. Research shows that physical activity has a positive impact on learning.
Run to Home Base . …Great cause ….5k …supports veterans and their families …blessed to be able run this race lovely ceremony enjoyed the camaraderie with other runners support ptsd
I had a fun time at the Boston Athletic Association 10k. It downpoured at the start of the race, which took the humidity away. There was also no sun. Good memories of getting soaking wet at the start line with 9, 000 of my running best friends. I am happy with my finish time and splits. The downpour right at the start felt good. Good times! Good memories !
lovely ceremony enjoyed the camaraderie with other runners support ptsd
Middle Age Slow Runner Robin's Running Stories 