New York City Marathon . Congratulations to all CRC members who completed the New York City Marathon. This fall marathon season proved to be a great success for all CRCer's. We have had a 100% completion ratio of close to 15 starters.
Name Time
George Nicholson 3:07:54
Adam Penn 3:12:01
Shelley McDonough 4:03:01
Felica Mebane 4:13:18
Darren McDonough 4:35:07
Mark Price 4:37:13
Caryn Gordon 4:59:57
Adam Penn:
As painful as it is for me to revisit my most recent NYC Marathon disappointment, here's a brief recap. George Nicholson and I were just a minute or two late getting into the corral that was supposed to put us in a reasonable starting position before the race. By the time we headed out to the starting line, we were well back of where we were supposed to be, resulting in about a 10:30 first mile - just slightly off our goal pace. Although we pretty much hit our race pace by the second mile, it entailed running in and out of people, speeding up, slowing down, etc. This lasted as long as 7 or 8 miles before I felt like things finally settled down a little bit. Unfortunately, by that point, my legs already felt more tired than they had any business feeling that early in the race. I'd like to blame it on the situation I described, but I don't think that was it. The weather was perfect, and I should have felt much better than I did. I'm really not sure what the problem was... Anyway, by mile 9 or 10, I already knew it was just a matter of time. I was no longer wondering IF I would hit the wall, just WHEN I would hit it. I got the usual boost from the incredible crowds along 1st Avenue, though I wouldn't call it a second wind - just an increase in effort - still knowing that the wall was closing in on me. As one last desperate effort, I picked up the pace in miles 17-19, maybe thinking that somehow I could run away from the exhaustion. Actually, I thought if I could make it to the turnaround okay (where we start heading back toward Central Park instead of away from it), George might be able to pull me the rest of the way. This was the first time I've actually run with someone, and I was hoping it might make a difference over the last few miles. My hopes were in vain. Just over the Willis Avenue Bridge at mile 20, I was done. George was able to hold on to the pace, while I slowed drastically and switched into survival mode. George finished in just under 3:08 (a good 3:03-3:04 effort in my book), while I shuffled across the line in 3:12:01 (probably similar to my previous two marathons efforts of 3:08+ given the slow start, but still disappointing). Since I'm such an old man, I still qualified for Boston, but am leaning against the idea. George, of course, got his official qualifying time as well. So perhaps we'll see the Nicholson/Woodman tandem again in April if Jim's hip cooperates. I'm thinking NYC again next year, as this has gotten personal.
Caryn Gordon:
NYC- what a trip! I met my goal of breaking 5 hours for my first marathon and couldn't be happier! (Official time was 4:59:57 [I sprinted to the finish following the announcer's plea]). Thank you all for the advice, support and patience (especially to you, Missy)! (i.e. needing a special "Caryn" timer during practice!). First Avenue from the 59th Street Bridge all the way up to Harlem was something I will never forget...I am in this for the long haul! Bring on the next one! (of course, I am limping right now....)
