Freakin' Unbelievable

I ran Race for the Cure last weekend in celebration of a teacher friend of mine who is a survivor.  It was fun running with friends again.  It was my first race and run since Boston. Per doctor's orders, I needed to take three weeks off to recover.  I listened and it was nice not having to wake up super early to go run at the gym before taking my boys to school.  Recovery is so important because although my foot didn't hurt during my marathon, my right hamstring was super tight.  I didn't work out at all the first week after, but then slowing started doing some yoga and strength training these last two weeks.  It must of worked, because I was notified by email this week that I actually placed in the race and an award is waiting for me to pick up.  I got 3rd place out of 72 females at Race for the Cure in my age group/division.  I was surprised because I didn't even bother to see if I placed after race.  There were a lot of females there and it didn't even cross my mind to even place!  It was a hilly course and I could feel my right hamstring get tight, but was able to maintain my pace.

Yesterday, I ran my first long distance run since Boston.  I ran 10 miles.  It was nice not having to worry about pace or time, just run.  I look forward to more runs like this until I start training for New York Marathon this fall.  Yes, that is right!  Thanks to my Mighty Milers Regional Coordinator and now good friend, Ivette, gave me one of her passes to run The New York Marathon!  It was unexpected.  After Boston she just texted me asking for some information and I thought it was about Mighty Milers and the next thing I know, I get a text from her saying, "you are in NYC Marathon!"  It seemed too good to be true, but then I got an email stating my acceptance!  Freakin' unbelievable!!  I'd be stupid to pass this amazing opportunity!  You see, I would have to run 15 min. faster to qualify for this marathon than what I qualified for Boston.  I'm not saying it's not possible, but it would be tough.  I realize that I am getting older and seems like more injuries are occurring. However, I will run for life!  Eddie may be getting her other pass but needs to make sure all lottery entries have been processed.  I found out that since she works for NYRR, she automatically gets two passes to run the marathon every year.  She usually gives it to her husband and brother who are both marathon runners, but this year they both qualified on their own.  So, lucky for me and Eddie we must of made a good impression on her and her husband when we went to New  York for my after school conference that she decided to give us her passes.  It's truly amazing where networking can lead you.  I have kept in touch with her throughout the year by email about our Mighty Milers Running Club after school.  However, ever since I met her in person, we have kept in contact by text and emails about her runs and my training updates.  I do believe it's the start of a great friendship!