Heading to the Big Apple

I left the house this morning to head for the train for NY and as usual on these recent Saturdays, there are masses of runners heading from Newton direction right onto Beacon Street.

My foot is still bother some and honestly I was in two minds. I did a Half-Marathon in NYC last August and I remember the week before it ; every time I ran or attempted too I was having issues with my hamstring. In the end that week I did no running and on race day had no problems. On race day I finished the half with no aches and a new PB of 2 hrs 9 seconds. I am hoping that again the last two rest days will bode me well for running in such a great city.

I have to say that each Saturday morning when I see all the folks out running I am always curious; what mile are they on? are they running Boston? how much training have they done?

Running is viewed by many as such an individual or solidarity activity, but this morning I witnessed a camaraderie. Runners going past other runners with a tilt of the head, passing by saying a few words to some. Family, friends of the runners manning a make-shift water station in Washington Sq.

On the T as I watched them for the 2.5 mile T run, I got goosebumps for what lays ahead on Marathon Monday.

I am hoping the half marathon will give me the confidence and hunger for what lays ahead. If all goes well that is.

I arrived in NY and made a beeline to the race expo to get my bib and chip. At the expo I managed to purchase a advance copy of "Marathon Woman" by Katherine Switzer which I am sure will inspire me the next few weeks until Boston. Katherine herself was there and signed it for me.

So in the space of a few weeks I got well wishes from Katherine Switzer a marathoning icon. In 1967, K Switzer was the first woman to register for and wear a bib number in what was then the all male Boston Marathon, infuriating the event director. Katherine, now pioneered the way for woman runners was the guest of honor at the More Marathon and Half Marathon, which just happens to be an all women event.

"Emma, In honor of your first Boston! The victory will be forever - keep at it, the world awaits! Go for it! K. Switzer"

Today all female runners should take a minute to recognize how K.Switzer made all this possible for us all.