Do you ever wonder what an amateur marathon runner is thinking about during the days leading up to the race?

Probably not, but I’ll share with you anyway…

• Why did I sign up for this?
• Maybe I should just skip it
• I’m so excited!!!
• Should I invest in real arm warmers?
• No, I’ll just cut out some old nylons
• No, I should get arm warmers, it’s November
• Should I wear throw away gloves?
• Yes
• No, it’s November wear your good gloves
• I hope I see my family on the course
• Shorts, leggings, short leggings, short short leggings?
• Tank top, long sleeve, t-shirt?
• Should I put my name on my shirt?
• Hat, no hat, visor, sunglasses?
• I just want to start running
• Next year I am doing an October marathon
• I am never doing this again
• Maybe I should stick to half marathons?
• I want to run in a smaller race next year
• I want to run London
• I want to get a PB
• It’s New York, it will be hard to PB
• I can totally PB
• Should I run with my phone?
• Blistex, don’t forget the Blistex
• Spring ahead fall back!
• Central Park is not really that big is it?
• New York is flat, right?
• Bridges, whatever. I live in hilly Halifax
• I hate hills
• The biggest hill is in the first two miles
• I may never love New York again
• I am running in the F$#King NYC MARATHON!
• I hope I finish
• What if I win?
• What would Kara do?
• I just want one nice race photo
• Who are these people who take good race photos?
• Avoid wide turns, remember Chicago? you ran 42.9km!
• Remember to start my watch
• Remember to stop my watch
• Carb-load starts now
• DRINK WATER
• Should I raise my arms at the finish?
• I can’t wait to finish
• Where is the closest veggie burger to the finish?
• Run so hard it hurts to run for the rest of the year
• Should I stock up on Halloween candy and save it for after the marathon?
• Wine or beer to celebrate?
• Remind myself to remind Mike to have a chocolate milk for me
• I am most excited about the poncho
• I hope I see a famous person
• Maybe I will make it on TV
• Who even has cable?
• There’s a reason they call it the BIG CITY
• Mile markers, ugh. KMs are so much better
• Why do I always pick American races?
• 50,000 people, that’s a lot
• Believe in the teff
• Believe in the taper
• How do others run so fast?
• It’s going to be an AWESOME RUN
• I hate wind, it better not be windy
• I hope it’s warmish – like 12-15
• Not too hot, not too cold
• Sneakers – which pair? The ones I trained all summer in – they make me feel fast
• OR the ones that are newer – I haven’t bonded with them as much
• WHICH ONES???
• Pack both
• The new ones right?
• Embrace the bridges, take it the view
• I should of made a playlist
• My relay playlists are pretty good, thanks team
• Where will I be when Chariots of Fire plays?
• Remember to remove my earbuds near the finish
• PACE YOURSELF
• 24200… all my favourite numbers… that’s a good sign
• I want people to track me so I will feel the motivation
• I don’t want people to track me in case it all falls apart
• People must hate marathoners – they never shut up, ever
• My friends and family will be more excited when this is over than me
• I should run a spring marathon?
• Pack the peanut butter
• Eat in the morning. Drink in the morning
• Why does it start so late?
• HYDRATE ON COURSE
• I hope I don’t get cramps
• I hate everyone who can eat those gels
• Waiting around at the start will suck
• Bring a magazine for the long wait
• Remember all the good training runs
• It’s totally a phantom pain
• The biggest hill is in the first mile
• Visualize the finish
• Smile

If you want to see how the hot mess plays out on November 6, download the app and track me 24200… please. Actually, don’t. No, do.

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