This morning, I went to Marathon Health and Fitness Expo at Jacob Javist Convention Center to get my race number and my Chrono Track D-tag. ( A timing device which a marathon runner must attach it to a shoe to record total running time.)
In contrast to what I thought that fewer racers would show up at the last day to pick up the goody bag, the place was actually crowded. On top of that, I noticed this years there seems more foreign runners than that last year at the Expro. Mike, my running club coach, told me the other day that Arata Fujiwara will compete here this year. This Japanese marathoner's best score is 2 hours and 8 Minutes for 26.2 miles. It would be interesting to see who'd grab this year men's title.
By large, NYRR does a better job this season in many aspects. First and foremost, it's developed an iPhone app to allow friends and family to track the runner's progresses in real time using the unique number of the d-tag. Time-wise, my time slot is also improved. Based upon NYRR instructions that assign departure time and the wave color, I will aboard my shuttle bus to Staten Island in front of New York Public Library earlier than that last year. That shouldn't be an issue since since I am used to get up early anyway and tomorrow we gain one more hour.
To prepare the chilly morning temp which is expected to be around 38 degree, I packed one sweater , one fleece hoodie, one pair of thermal running pants and two pairs of socks in backpack along with my goody bag for tomorrow morning. Don't be trivial to the goody bag, as the matter of fact, no runners of NYC marathon would take their goody bags lightly as The Bag will be accepted as only official disposable bag by the race organizers, no other kind will be permitted at the site.
So far, I have received tons of emails and phone msgs from friends and acquaintances with their well-wishes, and many even are planing to cheer me and other runners along the route. That make me feel special and delighted. Many people may believe the myth: New Yorkers are a branch of arrogant, indifferent and rude sobs , but the truth is that beneath the facade, they do care, just in their own unique ways.
Few minute ago, Isabella buzzed me, “Are you ready for tomorrow ? She asked.
“Ready ? You must be kidding me! I am dying for kicking some butts.” I joked.
“Don't you worry, there are over 40,000 of them for you.” She was silent for few seconds, then replied optimistically.
“Thanks for your confidence vote.” I smiled, thinking “Nowadays, everyone can be a stand-up comedian. “
“Do you need anything else today ?” She said mellifluously
“No, I am all set, but thanks for asking.” I replied. In my head, I was thinking to tease her “Yes, you can come over to give me a massage for my tensed muscles.” in my head, but I didn't say it to her. I know it is inappropriate and may get me into the trouble which I'd like to avoid in the first place.
Earlier at the booth table of Jacob Javist Center, the registration lady said to me “Good luck for what you are running for” as I was organizing my stuffs and ready to leave.
Hmm … that brought up the question -“What would I run for ?” This is a really fundamental question. In other words, what are motives have driven me this far. Actually, I've been asking myself this question all this year. Honestly, I don't have a fully satisfied answer. Besides of physical and mental fitness, I guess I am running for curing my “Commitment Phobia”; in addition, giving thanks to all of the support and love I've received from my folks and from girls who ever loved me in my life. I am sorry that I disheartened you time to time and hurt your feelings. I also know there would be no way to make up to you for your losses of time and youth. However, in time you'll understand that deep down, I am just a regular guy who is not perfect. I hope you all may forgive me, even proud of me in certain degree. It is wishful thinking isn't it ? :(
Anyway, I am ready to roll for tomorrow. Watch out ! you runners out there, you'd be better get out my way or else. :))
Put the song, Running , by Sarah Brightman to drum up my spirits a bit.
Note: The lyrics of this song are somehow cliched and stale. Nonetheless, there are two worth-noting things in this song, a. The recording quality achieved in such large building is incredible. b. Her vocal delivering mechanisms are simply astonishing: in same song, she leveraged her two sets of voice skills - pop and classic, and she was able to switch back and forth seamlessly with helps of rock band and orchestra. No wonder her cross-over style caters both popular music fans and classic music ones simultaneously.
