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.