A Father’s Day Run in Central Park

So I made a very unorthodox decision yesterday.  Since I was too sick to run the Lake Placid Marathon last Sunday, and I really want to keep my promise and run one full marathon a month to benefit The Dream Team Project, I decided to run a full marathon by myself early next Sunday morning, June 24^th.  There are some pros and cons to this endeavor:

Pros:

• I keep my streak, and my      promise, going
• I get my long run in for      the week (ha…ha…ha)
• Since I’m getting my long      run in for the week, and I’m probably going to burn 4,000 calories, I CAN      EAT WHATEVER I WANT WHEN I COME HOME AS A TREAT!  Oh yeah – a double chocolate cookie from      Levain Bakery on 74^th and Amsterdam (that, folks, it chocolate      HEAVEN)
• Running this solo means      that I will need some new gear.  Oh      yeah.  Break out the VISA and      purchase a new hydration pack.  I      just ordered one from Salomon, and it’s gonna make me really look like I      know what I’m going.
• I’m psyched about playing      the part of a “running tourist”.       During my run I will take pictures from all around town and share      them in this blog and on my other social networking outlets.  Hoping to spin by the Intrepid, the      space shuttle, Ground Zero (I want to pay my respects), The Statue of      Liberty, Battery Park, The Staten Island Ferry, South Street Seaport, The      Brooklyn Bridge, and lots more!
• Part of my route will take      me along the last 10 miles of November’s ING New York City Marathon      course.

Cons:

• Since I am running solo,      there won’t be any peer pressure to keep moving forward.  As a result, the ability to shut it down      and begin walking at any point is much easier.  I cannot allow that to happen.  I need to give my absolute best.  But – I know me – I lack focus.  This will be a challenge.
• Another issue stems from      the fact that I’ll need to provide all of my own fluids and fuel.  That means I’m carrying it with me for      26.2.  I am not used to that.  The closest I’ve come to this is when I      ran the marathon in February in sweat pants and a huge sweatshirt.  The bulkiness was hard to deal      with.  I hope I can deal with the      distraction that comes with wearing a hydration pack.
• There are no mile markers      to use as targets as motivation to keep moving forward.
• Lots of traffic lights      will make this long run a very slow go.
• Possible heat and humidity      – oh joy.

The way I’m looking at this challenge is that it will be another pure running test.  Me versus myself.  Me against The Tool.  May the best man win.

So before I sign off today, I wanted to share something that I noticed whilst running in the park this morning.  The benches all through the park are dedicated to people from friends and family that wanted to memorialize them.  As I came around the lower loop, I usually go really slow and read a few of them – and they never disappoint.  I had to take a picture of the one I have attached to this blog entry.  Louise Buckley.  I have no idea who she was – but she lived to the ripe old age of 93, had 9 children and 30 grandchildren.  Talk about being surrounded by love. Let’s face it: I’m betting she lived a very full and interesting life.  So – here’s to you, Louise.  I know it’s Father’s Day…but every day is Mother’s Day.

Yet another reason why, in my opinion, Central Park is a truly special place to run.

Well, I have to sign off for now, since my daughter’s dance recital is scheduled to begin in just a couple of hours.  For all of you out there: double knot your shoe laces, throw on some shorts and a t shirt, and enjoy your day.  Sweat a little bit.  Try to log a run today – I don’t care whether it’s a marathon or to your corner and back.  All that matters is the effort.  You don’t get this day back – so make the most of it.

If you’d like some information on The Dream Team Project or would like to make a donation to their amazing cause, please stop by the website:  www.wdwradio.com/the-dream-team-project  I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: I really believe in what The Dream Team Project stands for.  It raises money for the Make-a-Wish Foundation, helping to grant the wishes of children suffering from life-threatening illnesses.  Being s former wish-granter for the NYC Chapter of the Make-a-Wish Foundation, I can tell you first-hand just how much of an impact this organization makes in the lives of children.  Please consider donating to this worthy cause.  Thanks!

…and if you’d like a bit more information on the WDW Radio Running Team, please check out the Facebook page at: http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/WDW-Radio-Running-Team/163606410344409

Author: backofthepacker

A slow running, wine slurping, Disney-loving, bourbon swilling triathlete that is simply looking to go from ordinary to extraordinary...and hopefully motivate others along the way. View all posts by backofthepacker