The older I get, my running photographer and my NYCM tips:)

Don’t forget to order your ’Sorry For What I Said At Mile 20′ hoodie!!!

—————————————-

Andrew sure has come to love one of his new roles in life as a running photographer:)  He’s a good sport.

The two of us are able to get out for a run together once a week.  Andrew is building up his base mileage so we add one mile to our run each week.  We hit eight miles together yesterday.  We might do a half together on Thanksgiving so he should be good to go by then.  Maybe we will dress up for our Thanksgiving run, I’ve always wanted to do that… Thanksgiving might somehow quickly turn into my favorite.

I don’t know what I was doing for this selfie but anyways, we went down to one of our favorite places to run because the scenery is insanely gorgeous and you don’t see a soul while you are out there.  I would never run there on my own but I love when we get to go together.  The older I get the more cautious I am about where I am running by myself… if I am on my own then I run on a road that has cars/people passing by frequently.

IMG 0966

Beretta cuddles on in any opportunity that she has.

Example A:

IMG 0974

Example B:

IMG 0976

I’m happy that I am passing my water bottle love down to Brooke.  She keeps refilling her juice bottle with water and makes sure to bring it in the car with her just like I do with my hydroflask:)  Her bottle is just a little bit cuter than mine.

IMG 0942

We got in some good coloring together, I love her love for coloring and drawing.

IMG 1008

Later on in the day we visited the new water fountain at the mall.

IMG 0994

I feel like I need to take her to the Bellagio Fountains now after seeing how excited she was over these ones.

IMG 0985

We stopped in to smell some candles too.

IMG 0995

Megan’s sister had these wallflowers at her house when I was staying there and I have been thinking about them ever since.  I want my house to smell like this for forever.

IMG 1006

Her preferred method of transportation.

IMG 0999

I don’t think I will ever get sick of turkey sandwiches.

IMG 1461

Back to drawing before bed.  She wanted to draw everyone living in our house for the fridge!  We do not know what the green object is ha.

IMG 1457

Gotta love ‘tank top running weather in the morning and hot chocolate at night because it’s a little bit cold at night’ weather.

IMG 1013

Brooke is counting down the seconds until we get Knox this morning!  Wahooo!

————————————————————————————

The New York City Marathon is almost here!! I cannot wait to watch it!  I really need to get back out there some year and run it again!  Five years ago I had to drop out of Boston due to injuries just a few weeks before the race so I hurried and signed up for the New York City Marathon to help myself feel better.  It made missing out on one race easier knowing that if I let myself truly recover that I could do another one that I had always wanted to do in the near future.  Not being able to run for a few months (femur stress fractures… fyi those are quite painful so please avoid those) is crazy hard but having a race to look forward to really helped.

I wasn’t able to train for it as well as I would have liked (I think I was able to get in about 7-8 weeks of training) but that was okay because I decided I was just going to enjoy every single mile rather than trying to race it.  To be honest, I don’t remember the course THAT well because that seems like an entire different life back then (pre-Brooke days… I barely remember ha) but I do have a few things about that race I remember:

NewImage

*It wasn’t too cold the year that I ran this race but always be prepared for the time you are waiting for the race to start.  We were out waiting for 3.5 hours after getting off the bus but they passed out beanies for everyone and there was a lot of hot chocolate to keep us warm too.  Oh and I had plenty of bagels while waiting too.

I took this picture of this cute couple snuggling up before the race.

Andrew, this will be us someday.

NewImage

*Those first few miles are super congested.  It felt like it wasn’t really even possible to pass people in that first mile or two so just be prepared to move with the crowd but for the rest of the race I felt like there were always a lot of runners around us but definitely more space.

PS Skinny Runner and I did the whole course together and she saved me those last few miles when my legs were completely dead.

NewImage

*I used iron on letters to put my name on my shirt and I LOVED that during this race.  There were SO many spectators along the entire course (except for the bridges) and I loved having random people along the course use my name to cheer me on.

*I didn’t listen to music once during this course which I absolutely loved… I wanted to take in all of the sights, sounds and experiences along the way.

*Refuel with all of the amazing pizza that New York City has to offer.

*Overall it was a very flat course (except portions in Central Park and those bridges sure offer a nice incline;) and so I really loved that!   The views that you will see from the bridges are unreal.

*Soak in all of the energy that this marathon gives you.  There is nothing like it.

According to this article, the forecast for race day this year looks perfect.  Low of 45 and high of 54… aka my absolute favorite marathon running weather.

This marathon has been held yearly ever since 1970 and in 2013 there were 50,304 finishers… WOW!  The first year that this race was held the people running it (127 people total) ran several loops around Central Park… things have definitely changed!  I am so so excited for any of you that have the opportunity to run through the five boroughs of New York City!  Cheering you all on!  Please let me know how it goes and what you loved about the course!

PS in case you want to watch the race live on Sunday—>  it is on ESPN2 and WatchESPN (from 9-12:30 a.m. ET).

Pretty incredible course if you ask me (PS one of the things I do if I am wasting time online is look at all of the different course maps of the races I want to do… try it sometime, it is fun).

Screen Shot 2016 11 01 at 6 11 34 PM

————————————————————————————

If you could choose any marathon on the entire planet to do next year… which one would it be?

Who is running the New York City Marathon this year?  Who has done it in the past? What year(s)?

Running a Thanksgiving race this year?  

People that have their significant others run… how often do you get to run together?

You May Also Like

73 comments

Reply

I ran NYC in 2011, 2013 and 2015. I was supposed to run in 2012 but it was canceled and I spectated in 2014 and I’ll be spectating this year! I am super lucky to live in Staten Island so I drive about a mile from the start and walk to the start village. I get to avoid the early rise and long waits. :)

Reply

Oh that is AWESOME Sally!!! So cool that you live so close and you are able to do it so much! Have a blast spectating this year!

Reply

Y’all have such beautiful scenery out there on your runs (and just in general). Also, I think I’m as fascinated as Brooke is with that fountain. I really like fountains :)

I run the Turkey Trot 8-mile race every year, so I will be doing it again this year. It’s SO crowded, but it ends up being a really fun morning.

Reply

WOW what a pretty backdrop in that first pic!

I’m the same way, the older I get the less I am inclined to run alone especially in the dark. It actually makes me so nervous thinking about all the mornings I spent running at 5am in the dark by myself. Now I am happy to trade the cooler morning weather for the comfort/safety of running with many other people later in the day. I guess we have gotten older and wiser :D.

Out of all the races I’ve done since I took up running in 2012 I have never done a turkey trot – but I signed up for my first one this year!

Reply

I don’t think I’ll ever do NYCM (not really a big race person) but I’ll definitely watch it! Thanks for sharing details on how to watch :)

I’m always trying to get my husband to run, but he’s very stubborn. When I stop asking him to join me, all of a sudden he decides that he wants to start training for a race again. So, now I never bring it up and hope he’ll get motivated himself!

Reply

I don’t think I’ll ever run a full marathon, although I’d like to do a half. But if I had to choose, I would run the Antarctica Marathon. Getting to see such an amazing place is probably the only thing that would convince me to run for 26 miles.

Reply

That couple looks like they are still freezing!! That is hilarious!! I am sure Andrew is looking forward to that day. ha!

Reply

if I ever run a marathon, it will be this one! it’s basically known here as the marathon, not even the nyc marathon because it’s as if there is no other marathon in existence lol. my dad ran it 3 times so I remember growing up going to watch him! great idea to refuel with the pizza here, it’s the best :) and yes! weather is looking great for the runners on sunday!

Reply

My absolute favorite marathon I did was the Bermuda marathon! Talk about gorgeous but that is a hilly course. I want to take my girls to Bermuda at some point.

Reply

Oh I want to do that one so bad… I bet that was amazing!!!

Reply

thanks for the tips! I am running NYC on Sunday and I am very excited. I ran Chicago last year and had the time of my life. It’s a little colder up here in Nova Scotia on the coast so I will enjoy the forecasted temperatures.

Reply

If I could run any marathon next year, it would be the Maui Marathon at the end of September.

Reply

I want to come do that one too:)

Reply

Chicago Marathon … Rest of my life … No doubt. You gotta get out here and run it soon!!

And always run a Turkey Trot over Thanksgiving! I’ll be in Detroit again this year at my family friend’s place so will be enjoying the Detroit 10k Turkey Trot … Awesome race and I think one of the biggest turkey trots in the country!

Reply

I want to run Boston next year for my senior year, it was my very first marathon (charity bib!), and this might be my last chance to run it as a Boston resident! Applied for another charity bib so we’ll see how that goes…

I’m running NYCM this year for my first time! I am so excited for the crowds. My training hasn’t been great thanks to twisting my ankle a while back and the pain resurfacing during the taper, but you know that could just be psychological. Hoping to push for a PR with the beautiful weather!

I love holiday themed races so might drag my brother or dad out for a turkey trot!

Reply

GOOD LUCK ON SUNDAY SHANNON!!! Please let me know how it goes! You’ve got this:)

Reply

I would love to eventually run the NYCM! I’m hoping to BQ in a week and a half (11/13) at a local race so I can run Boston in 2018!

My hubs has decided to do his first marathon so we’ve been running together 5-6 days a week. We work at the same school so we have the same schedule and our kiddos are old enough to stay home. I’m one lucky/blessed lady!

Reply

I still have never run a marathon. Although the will is strong my husband couldn’t support me while he was in med school or in residency. He just finished residency so I’m hoping that my time will come soon. And so the one I want to do the most is one in Southern California, maybe even the LA Marathon simply because it is one that is realistic for me to do!

Reply

I am running NYC on Sunday and I got so excited when I saw the title of todays post! I have been googling and reading tips tricks and experiences all week and I’m so excited! I can’t wait to see NY from all different angles, even though I live here I’m sure it’ll be quite the sight! Good luck to everyone else running Sunday, WE GOT THIS!

Reply

Me too! I’m so nervous & excited – flying in tomorrow from San Francisco. Good Luck!

Reply

GOOD LUCK KAT AND TRACY!!! I am so beyond excited for you! You guys are going to love it. Please let me know how it goes and enjoy!

Reply

Oh, thank you so much! I’m packing and freaking out !!!

Reply

Where did you get that cargo jacket in the photo with Brooke at the fountain? I’m sorry if you already shared that coat before but I couldn’t find the most recent “clothes” post. Thx!

Reply

Hey Arianne! Don’t worry one bit! Here is the link: https://www.madewell.com/madewell_category/JACKETSANDOUTERWEAR/Jackets/PRDOVR~C3394/C3394.jsp

I have it in two colors because I love it so much!

Reply

I think doing the NYC Marathon would be an awesome experience. I might enter the lottery for next year, and then let fate decide if I go or not. :) The only deterring factor is how expensive the whole experience would be. Between the registration fee, travelling out there, staying in hotels, etc…it would really add up! I might have to wait until I’m out of grad school and actually making some money. :) My husband runs a little bit; we probably run together about once a week.

Reply

If I could choose any marathon to run, it would be Boston! That is one of my ultimate running calls and I can’t wait to achieve it. My husband and I run together, (before baby we would run together at least once a week) but since my son’s birth we haven’t been able to run together yet. I’m hoping to get in a run with him soon though!

Reply

Running the NYC marathon for the 1st time this weekend!! 1st marathon post baby, i’m super slow, but happy to soak in the atmosphere and sights!

Reply

GOOD LUCK THERESA!!! I am so so excited for you. Please let me know how it goes and enjoy the experience! You will love it!

Reply

I’m going to run NYC next year for charity! I’ve heard so many amazing things about this race, I decided next year is mine to take in this race!

This will be the first year that I am either not running nor am I volunteering at the Atlanta Thanksgiving day half. I ran it in 2013 as my first half, again in 2014 and volunteered at the finish last year handing out medals. PS-if you’ve never volunteered a race, I highly recommend it!! It would be an awesome family activity that I bet the kiddos would really enjoy, and it feels soooo good to give back to the running community!

Reply

AHHHH good luck Jess! I am so so excited for you! Let me know how it goes. We totally need to get our family out volunteering at a race, thanks for the idea! I love it!

Reply

Big Sur might be the one I’d pick. So incredible out there! I have never run New York, but hopefully I will soon. Love the idea about putting your name on with iron-on letters! When I have my name on my bib I usually forgot that it’s on there and respond to people calling out my name with a confused look for half of the race! It does lift your mood though, I highly recommend it.

Reply

I might do a turkey trot for thanksgiving! It would be my first.

I’m not a marathon runner but I think it would be amazing to do an international race :)

Reply

I’m running New York!!!!!!!!! It’s my third marathon, but first NYC marathon. I’m scared and excited. I was sick with a chest cold for three weeks, and my coughing caused inflammation between my ribs, so training these past five weeks has been minimal. I know I will get it done though!

Reply

GOOD LUCK CATE!!!!!!!! I hope so bad that you feel like a million buck on Sunday and please let me know how it goes! PS one time I didn’t do ANY running for five weeks before a marathon and I finished… you can do this!!

Reply

I don’t know which race but one with amazing views!!! Even if it’s a trail one I would go for it!
I wish there was a Thanksgiving one near by!! Closest race that day will be 4 hours away!

Reply

I am headed to NYC on Friday to run the marathon on Sunday! I cannot wait! This will be my first NY marathon and my 4th marathon overall. It will also be my 3rd marathon in 2 months…YIKES!! I ran Big Cottonwood, St. George. and now New York!

Wish me luck!

Reply

AHHHHH GOOD LUCK ASHLIE!!!! I am so so excited for you and please let me know how it goes. Have the best time ever!

Reply

I ran NYCM last year, and it was honestly the most amazing race experience I have ever had. The one thing I wish I could do over again is NOT taking the Ferry to the start. While it was really cool and I got to leave way later, there is little to no organization with it because it is public transportation. I BARELY made it to my coral – like I slipped in right as they were closing it, I had to run from the busses to get there. Not the best way to spend energy and adrenaline right before a marathon!
I too went the entire race without headphones, the crowd support is AMAZING! One day I want to go back and be a spectator, just to experience the energy in the City during race week again.

Reply

VERY interesting about your experience on the ferry… I wondered about that. I’m so glad you had an amazing experience, nothing like it!

Reply

NYC was my one and only marathon. LOVED IT – despite having awful GI issues the entire race. It is seriously one of the best races I’ve ever been in and I hope that I return one day. I ran the race in 2014 with the crazy winds and super cold weather. All of us who ran in 2014 got a little envious when we saw last year’s weather forecast and apparently we are envious again! I will never forgot those winds on the bridges.

Reply

Oh I bet the wind was nuts on the bridges! Huge bummer about the GI issues too but so glad you LOVED that marathon! Let’s all return together:)

Reply

Had to comment because I ran it in 2014 too. I’ve labeled the race “the one with the winds.” Very jealous of those with good weather :)

Reply

I ran New York in 2013 18wks after my daughter was born. I’m not sure I’d recommend doing it again but thankfully I had a good sleeper so was able to do most of my training at 5a with some amazing dedicated friends. I stopped at mile 18 to nurse and came in at 4:20, a much better time than I expected.

I really wanted to do the London marathon next year but didn’t get in through their lottery. I really want to do an international marathon! I’m looking to check off the World Majors off.

Reply

THANK YOU for sharing about how you stopped to nurse during the marathon and you had a great time, you are amazing! Five a.m. training too!
I really want to do an international marathon too! That is awesome you want to check off the World Majors… so cool!

Reply

I think the green object is Beretta laying with her paws out. But if the four of you are standing together, who is sitting at the table?!?!

Reply

So I think the table looking object is actually Beretta? Hahaha I’m not sure!

Reply

I bought about 10 of the pumpkin cupcake soaps. LOVE! i used to love the wallflowers and then i left one plugged in for way too long and it drained down and started kind of burning so i got scared it would start a fire (i’m a fire-phobe. no idea if it would actually cause a fire but that is just me being paranoid).

I HOPE I can run Chicago next year. I’m signed up , registered, confirmed, etc. Recent history has me not starting EVERY race. Not due to injury, just lack of training and energy. SO the 2017 goal is to get my butt in motion and build some base for the one year training plan :) I feel like I am starting completely over which is fun and motivating.

Reply

Amanda, I hope so badly that 2017 is a great year for you and your training and CHICAGO. I really want to do that course someday!

Oh thank you for the tip about your wallflower… I will pay close attention now. Seriously pumpkin cupcake smells so so good.

Reply

Hi Janae!! Random question: What kind of bread do you use for your toast and sandwiches? I’m pretty sure you mentioned it a while back, but I’m on the hunt for a great one, and yours always looks so good!

Happy hump day! PS – this post made me want to run the NYC Marathon!

Reply

Hey Laura!! Finding good bread is very important to me because I eat a lot of it ha. We use Dave’s Killer Bread (we get it at Costco) and we both love it. I hope you do too and enjoy the rest of your day! Thanks!

Reply

If I could choose any marathon, I would run in South Africa through the Savannah…no fences or rivers separate the runners from the elephants, rhinos, giraffes, leopards and lions. Someday.

Reply

Okay, that sounds INCREDIBLE. I bet Andrew would love that one too… let’s all go out and do it Jade!

Reply

I would want to run a marathon along the Great Wall of China! I think it would be sooo cool!

Here’s wishing my hubby would take up running — I would love to run with him. He’s just not into fitness/health like I am (he calls me obsessed) — I just think I haven’t found his thing yet. Soon he’ll see the light…. soon….

Reply

I do that too! And then I text my husband telling him I want to run NYC, Boston, ect. and he’s like “When are you going to find time to do that?!” lol, it’s become our inside joke.

Reply

I ran NYC in 2014 and it is by far my favorite marathon I have done. It was one year after I moved out of NYC to Denver, so it felt extra special going back to run the city I had lived in for so long. Definitely planning to do it again someday (if I can get in!)

Reply

Oh that is awesome Lish that you did it after moving away. I bet that felt amazing for you and let’s both go back and do it again soon. Hope you are loving Denver!

Reply

That means it’s been five years since I started reading your blog!

Reply

AHHHH THAT IS AWESOME!! Thank you so much for reading over the years Rachel! That means a lot to me. I hope you are having an awesome day!

Reply

I haven’t found a Turkey Trot yet for TG morning but I am on the lookout!

Reply

I also have an Andrew (my fiancé!) that I run with. Pretty much any time either of us runs, we are running together. He’s such a supportive guy and makes running so fun!

Reply

Oh that is the best. Seriously… running together is so much fun. I love that you guys are running together often!

Reply

I love that first photo of you running! It’s great!

Reply

You will have so much fun if you dress up for your Thanksgiving Day race! Several years ago we started that tradition when my daughter-in-law bought a turkey costume. In addition to the turkey, we now have male and female pilgrim costumes and an Indian costume. So. Much. Fun!

Reply

Okay that is so so much fun! We might have to copy your tradition!

Reply

My husband doesn’t run, but he bikes with me at least once a week. Those are some of my favorite runs because he helps me be faster, and he nods and winks and says I look good (that’s a keeper, someone who says you look hot when you have snot and sweat all over the place!).

That green thing in her picture looks like a bird to me!

Reply

I’m running NYC this year! I fly out tomorrow and can’t wait!

Reply

AHHH COURTNEY!! GOOD LUCK!! Let me know how it goes!

Reply

Janae
You are gorgeous lady! Please tell me what you use for your eyelashes. I thought u said extensions? Where would I get this done? What do I ask for? So many questions:)

Reply

HEY BETH!!! So I go to a girl’s house… email me and I can give you her number. She is the absolute best. Yes, they are extensions!

Reply

Hi I am flying out today from London to run the New York marathon on Sunday!! Very excited and nervous, this will be my second marathon. I ran London in 2013 and always wanted to run New York aswell as we got married in Central Park 10 years ago!
I have suffered a bit with calf injury at the beginning of the summer but got back to it and fingers crossed they will hold up on Sunday!! I’m not too concerned about finishing times just to experience the course!
I have been following your posts and find them inspirational, thank you it helps a lot ??

Reply

I did NYC last year! It was my first (and only so far) and it was truly magical! I can’t wait to go cheer everyone this Sunday!

Reply

Big Sur has been up on my list for years…I just wanna see the coast! :)

Reply

I need to learn how to make zoodles, they sound delicious and way better for you than pasta! Also, I want to come to Utah just for the delicious cookies you post pictures of. I haven’t found anything like them in Portland! I’m going to make my own Thanksgiving run this year since I’m new to my city, I don’t know much about the area so I’m going to go running to explore!

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *