The Good The Bad and The Ugly

Dawn over New York harbour was almost perfect this morning. Almost freezing as well but that's reasonable weather for running.

The 5.30am Staten Island ferry was packed with runners as nervous about the three hours spent waiting for the start in 2 degree temperatures as about the coming test.

But soon enough the tones of Frank Sinatra blared out over the Narrows Bridge and 45,000 runners were on their way.

The feeling as you turn into Brooklyn really has to be experienced to be believed. There are 2.5 million spectators who line the course of the NYC marathon. In some places they are 4 thick behind the barriers. As you come into Central Park in the final mile the noise is deafening.

As you pass through all the burroughs of New York you experience the full diversity of this amazing city. From Hassidic Jewish communities, to Italian, Irish, Puorto Rican you name it.

For me the final mile was a world of pain. Infact the final eight miles were a struggle. After maintaining a seven minute mile pace for two thirds of the event I really paid for some early enthusiasm and started dropping back and back and back.

In the end I was beaten by a Spanish gentleman wearing a full matador out fit and someone dressed as Gene Simmons from Kiss, including platforms.

My time of 3 hours 20 minutes wasn't a complete disgrace, but it was a long way from my goal and the first marathon I have not improved. I won't be getting a tattoo.

Renouned Japanese author, Haruki Murakami says that pain is a precondition for this type of sport. Without it we wouldn't do it. It tests us and even when we come up short we learn from it.

Time will tell if I can get faster (I'm not getting any younger). However, I do know that I'll be back again ... and I don't walk... I'm a runner.

Marathon Man

In twelve hours I will be about to get off a Staten Island ferry at Staten Island. It will be 2 degrees and there will be thousands of runners packed onto the ferry with me.

Today Tiff and I ran the "International Friendship Run" - or rather walked because Tiff doesn't run. Four K's from the UN into Central Park. Apparently runners make trekkies look cool. Thousands of runners dressed up in their national dress, all looking a bit ... very ... nerdy. Then again cool people don't get up at 4am in arcrtic weather conditions and run until it does permanent damage and call it fun.

My favourites were the English girls who are walking the marathon dressed only in their bras to raise money for breast cancer. They are all a bit overweight and their bras are emblazoned with the Union Jack. Some are wearing angel wings. I'm not sure why. They like to sing quite a lot.

I am dreadfully nervous and excited about tomorrow. There is nothing quite like the marathon. It doesn't matter whether you are an elite runner, or a beginner, it pushes you in ways that are unpredictable. The only certainty is pain.

I will blog in 24 hours with news.

New York, New York

Well, here we are. I'm sitting in our Chelsea apartment complete with loft, piano and fire escape balcony.

Cold but gorgeous blue skies with race day predicted to be cold..very cold. On Sunday I will be catching a 5.30am Staten Island ferry in 0 degrees.

I've also been feeling a bit crook, which I hope passes.

New York is fantastic. We've been to incredible bars eaten fantastic food and we are even getting our heads around the subway. Tiff and I visited the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island today and despite the crowds it was very cool.

Will post again before the race.

Manhatten

Wendy, (Tiff's mum) has arrived to look after Holden and Phoebe while we are away and tomorrow Tiff and I get on a plane for the long flight to New York.

Yes, we will miss the kids and probably talk about little else, but the excitement of going to a city like New York for the first time and running in the largest marathon in history is building.

As long as our accommodation booking holds up - and thanks Phil for pointing out there is an internet scam on apartments in New York at the moment - my next blog entry will be from an apartment in Greenwich Village.

Hope everyone has an appropriately spooky Halloween! the next report will be on the US Senate elections on Tuesday.

cheers

Almost off and running

With less than a week before Tiff and I leave for New York - and only 12 days to the race - I'd like to report that my preparation has been far from optimal.

Those who have promised up big on the basis of me cracking three hours, or even the possibility of viewing my tattoo, should find their money is safe.

I have a dodgy left leg, my hip is feeling the kilometers and I am still two kilograms over race weight.

Right now I am focussing on Haruki Murakami and his meditations on pain to pull me through.

Good luck to Gio and Stephen in Athens.

THANK YOU!

The Runner is busy. I am also busy, but I'm just stopping in to say a HUGE thank you to all the people who have donated thus far - we're already up to $1725 raised for the NIC Unit, so we're hopeful we'll get to $2000 before we leave.

Personally, I'm hoping The Runner gets under 3 hours so he has to get the promised tattoo ...

An offer too good to refuse

Thanks for visiting.

Just to keep it interesting I am offering a few special opportunities for people to make a pledge to donate based on my performance in the race.

This will entail a pledge - which I will follow up later for payment through this blog - rather than an outright donation.

The pledge can be made by sending a comment through to this blog with your name and the amount you intend to put on the line. If you are shy you can send me an email at andrew.mckenzie@freehills.com.

Offer one - A sub 3 hour marathon:

As I said in my email, my goal time is under 3 hours. However, my best time at 3 hours 7 minutes is a long way off and the odds are stacked against me achieving it.

If enough people pledge some additional motivation, it could make the difference and would be a great bonus for the hospital.

Leave a comment with your name and the amount, or send me an email. You may wish to pledge additional money per minute under 3 hours. At this point it is a pretty good bet. Take a chance.

Offer two - View the tattoo:

This one might be a little expensive and comes with conditions.

If I do break 3 hours in the 21010 NYC Marathon I have pledged to have my time tattooed somewhere on my body.

For those promising over a certain amount you can secure a tattoo viewing on my return.

There is a minimum pledge here, I will let you know if you need to promise a little more to view the tattoo.

Given that it will be in a somewhat personal place, partner permission may be required.

It will be worth the investment.

Leave a comment with your name, or email me and I will follow up after the marathon.