Hey all,

Probably one of the last posts - I've got my bib, which I am guarding with my life! My mom is in town to cheer me on and take care of me in these last moments.
It's been all in all an AMAZING journey: physically, psychologically and personnally. the girls, the team, the sport. It's weird that it's almost over.
Can you believe sunday? 40,000 crazy runners, over 4Million ppl watching. I just can't believe it. Watching a video of it the other day, I cryed. I can't wait for the big day to come.


Here are again the cheering stations. Remember to tell me where you will be so I can look for you. Come early, be patient and have a great smile, trust me it will go miles!

mile 8: Official Team for Kids cheering station - I will be crossing between 11:42-11:52AM
Brooklyn (Just before Mile 8) – 4th Avenue at the corner of Pacific Street, 1 block from Atlantic Avenue and Flatbush Avenue. The cheering station entrance is near the N, R train on the Southeast corner, by P.C. Richard. Take the D, M, N, R to Pacific Street.

mile 14: official team for kids cheering station - I will be crossing between 12:53 and 1:04PM
Queens (Just before Mile 15) – The foot of the Queensboro Bridge at Crescent Street and Queens Bridge Plaza South. Take the 7, N or W to Queensboro Plaza or the E, R, V to Queens Plaza.mile 16: (5/6 train to 59th street and a couple blocks east) - I will be crossing around 1:14PM

mile 20.5: Official Team for Kids cheering station - I will be crossing around 1.55PM
Bronx (About Mile 20.5) –Graham Triangle–138th Street and 3rd Avenue. Take the 6 to 138th Street and 3rd Avenue or take the 4, 5 to 138th Street and Grand Concourse.

mile 22 : Official Team for Kids cheering station - I will be crossing around 2:05PM
Harlem (Mile 22) – Marcus Garvey Park (West 122nd Street and Mount Morris Park West). Take the 2, 3 to 125th Street and Malcolm X Boulevard/Lenox Avenue or take the 4, 5, 6 to 125th Street and Lexington Avenue.

mile 24: In the Park - 5th avenue and 84th street I will be crossing around 2:26PM

Anywhere in the park, I will need support. This will be the hardest part. What they call the wall. Just let me know where exactly you will be so I can keep an eye out.

Best places to cheer (in terms of when I will need you) are: up 1st avenue, down 5th avenue and inside the park. Just let me know where you will be and I will make sure to look for you!!!

Remember, don't tell me "you're almost there", because unless I am at 26.1, I'm really not and will most probably be in pain. In place, tell me "looking good!" "wohoo" "great job". At the 21 mile run, a TFK person told me "you're looking great, keep it up!" with a huge smile and that carried me through the finish line :-)

Can't wait for the big day to come :-)
Cheers,

3 days to go

Guys,

I will make this quick. Three pics:

1. My singlet. This is how you will spot me during the race

2. my team - those ppl that have made me a better version of me. I know it's corny and all that...but it's totally true

3. last night's run - NO PAIN IN THE LEGS!!!

I know I've become obsessional, but I can't help it - there is a term for it: tamper madness. They ask us to run less, are they NUTS?

I am freaking out about weather (possible rain!!!),

what to wear,

getting up on time (why do they have to change the time the NIGHT before the marathon)

having warm enough clothes for the start line

having enough clothes for the finish line,

what my "finish line picture" will look like,

that my leg will be feeling better,

that my legs will hurt too much

that i will be able to run with my running buddies the entire way,

that will end up runing on my own,

that i will not cross the finish line,

that i will cross it falling (dream 2 nights ago)

that i will cross the finish line in terrible timing

that i won't see my friends along the way

that my singlet letters will fall off and no one will cheer for me

...I think that's about it for this morning...enough already no????

Cheers mates - let me know when and where you will cheer.

Great tracking way:

My Bib number is: 47863
http://athletealert.ingnycmarathon.org/Alerts.aspx

5 days to go - cheering stations

Hi everyone,

Just a recap of cheering stations as we get closer to the big Day - only 5 days to go, this is unbelievable!!

mile 8: Official Team for Kids cheering station - I will be crossing between 11:42-11:52AM
Brooklyn (Just before Mile 8) – 4th Avenue at the corner of Pacific Street, 1 block from Atlantic Avenue and Flatbush Avenue. The cheering station entrance is near the N, R train on the Southeast corner, by P.C. Richard. Take the D, M, N, R to Pacific Street.

mile 14: official team for kids cheering station - Iwill be crossing between 12:53 and 1:04PM
Queens (Just before Mile 15) – The foot of the Queensboro Bridge at Crescent Street and Queens Bridge Plaza South. Take the 7, N or W to Queensboro Plaza or the E, R, V to Queens Plaza.

mile 16: (5/6 train to 59th street and a couple blocks east) - I will be crossing around 1:14PM

mile 20.5: Official Team for Kids cheering station - I will be crossing around 1.55PM
Bronx (About Mile 20.5) –Graham Triangle–138th Street and 3rd Avenue. Take the 6 to 138th Street and 3rd Avenue or take the 4, 5 to 138th Street and Grand Concourse.

mile 22 : Official Team for Kids cheering station - I will be crossing around 2:05PM
Harlem (Mile 22) – Marcus Garvey Park (West 122nd Street and Mount Morris Park West). Take the 2, 3 to 125th Street and Malcolm X Boulevard/Lenox Avenue or take the 4, 5, 6 to 125th Street and Lexington Avenue.

mile 24: In the Park - 5th avenue and 84th streetI will be crossing around 2:26PM
Anywhere in the park, I will need support. This will be the hardest part. What they call the wall. Just let me know where exactly you will be so I can keep an eye out.

Best places to cheer (in terms of when I will need you) are: up 1st avenue, down 5th avenue and inside the park. Just let me know where you will be and I will make sure to look for you!!!
Remember, don't tell me "you're almost there", because unless I am at 26.1, I'm really not and will most probably be in pain.
In place, tell me "looking good!" "wohoo" "great job". At the 21 mile run, a TFK person told me "you're looking great, keep it up!" with a huge smile and that carried me through the finish line :-)

Can't wait for the big day to come :-)
Cheers,

Inspirational quote from teammate

"Your biggest challenge isn't someone else. It's the ache in your lungs and the burning in your legs, and the voice inside you that yells 'CAN'T", but you don't listen. You just push harder. And then you hear the vo...ice whisper 'can'. And you discover that the person you thought you were is no match for the one you really are."

I could go on and on about what I learned during this training, but I feel like it would be repititive...welll, let me humor you all:

1. when there is a will, there is a way

2. nothing can be done without a good support system - family, team mates, coaches, friends (in random order of course!). As coach sid would say "all for one and one for all". God, I am going to miss coach sid!!

3. You should listen to your body - that thing knows you even better than you think you know yourself

4. that book "blue train" or something - the story of the train trying to pull the heavy load up the mountain chugging along and saying "i think I can, I think I can, I think I can" and then you did!!

5. running is not about competing with other people, it's about overcoming that belief that you cannot achieve your set goals. Running is very personal, it's an internal competition above and beyond anything else

That's all the profound thinking for now :-) Thanks to Jup, I am seeing a physical therapist and I feel a lot better. More work to be done, but this pain will be overcome and I will enjoy November 1st for sure!

Weather forecast is "Brilliant sunshine" and 60degrees F. Should be perfect for those tight short of mine :-)

Cheers mates

details about running day

Still time to give and make a difference!!

https://www.nyrrc.org/cgi-bin/start.cgi/mar-programs/nyrrf/team/2009/donations.htm

Please remember to indicate my entry number 366304 and last name (Villette)

Other cool updates:

I made and exceeded my fundraising goal - thanks to all of you! Without your help and support, I could never have made it! You are truly making a difference.
I hurt my leg - IT band pain. I am trying to keep a positive attitude, but everyday is a challenge. If you have minutes on your phone service, give me a call. Right now, I need all the support I can get. Quiting is out of the question

I am aiming to complete the marathon in a 10:15 pace - here are cheering stations and times I will pass them. If you are in NYC, come by. Per above, I will probably need to be carried through the finish line. Bring out all your positive energy!! Please understand that I might come earlier, but most probably later at these stations. If you are coming, let me know in advance where I can find you (side of street, and all that). There will be nothing more helpful than seeing your smiling faces in the crowd. I can't tell you how much that has helped in past races!! I am blessed that both my parents will be there to cheer me on, but let's spread the love along the course :-)
Here is a link on cheering stations also:
http://www.ingnycmarathon.org/spectator_guide.htm

mile 8.
I will be crossing between 11:42-11:52AM
Meet at train station exit on street. 2/3/4/5/BDMNRQ trains - Lafayette Ave and Clinton Av

mile 14. : 36min in train from mile 8 cheering point
I will be crossing between 12:53 and 1:04PM
Meet at train station exit on street. 7 train stop Vernon Blvd - Jackson Av.

Mile 16: 21 minutes from mile 14 cheering point
I will be crossing around 1:14PM
59th street and 1st avenue (5/6 train to 59th street and a couple blocks east)

mile 22 : 28 minutes from mile 16 cheering point // 41 minutes from mile 14 cheering point
I will be crossing around 2:05PM
5th av and 122 st. 2-3 train. meet at 2:10. She should be crossing at 2:22.

Mile 24: In the Park - 5th avenue and 84th street
I will be crossing around 2:26PM

You can follow me without being in NYC - with Athlete's Alert (service available starting Oct 26th so stay tuned!!)
My bib number is: 47863
Check out on ING Marathon websites for updates on how to track me in REAL time with this bib number
http://www.ingnycmarathon.org/

Post race drinks - Lauren and I are doing drinks. You are thinking, how could I be drinking? Well, it's either a lot of liquor or a lot of pain killers, so my choice was quickly made!! Here is the address and time: Bayard's Ales House, 533 Hudson Street (at Charles) - West Village @5:30PM

Stay tuned for more details as we get closer to race day...
Cheers

thanks to all and it's almost time....

Hi everyone,

As you all know, I have met and exceeded my fundraising goal. Thanks to all for your support in this cause and in my running.

We are now closing in on marathon day. It's scary and exciting at the same time! There is so much more to do and yet so much/so little time! (prep clothes, cheering stations, pre-race food, etc etc etc!)

I will be running with my two running buddies, Heather and June. Running the NYC half marathon with Heather was so much fun, I had trouble imagining running the marathon without them. It's going to be about being with friends, enjoying the scenery/experience and not being in too much pain. The only time objective I have is to finish under 5hours, which seems TOTALLY achievable. Right now, I would probably finish it in 4:30...

On that note, the IT band is still hurting, albeit all the stretching and icing. I guess God just wants to punish me. For what, I haven't figured it out quite yet....

Now is resting time. For all those in NYC, come by my place to hang out, but PLEASE, don't invite me to bars, restaurants, drinks, parties. Not allowed for the next two weeks :-( Only possible exception is Halloween next Saturday night...Somehow, I just can't let go that I won't be celebrating it this year!!

Guys, I can't wait. I know I sound like a broken record, but I just can't wait.

Cheers,

PS; here is a pic from yesterday's 11mi run - Brooklyn bridge. Heather and I both felt like we were bird flying!!!

watching sessions and beginning last preps

Hi everyone,

here is the tentative marathon day schedule for cheering stations - IF I keep my 10:15/mi pace (big GUESS). I should start around 10:20AM on November 1st. My bib number is: 47863

mile 8.
I will be crossing between 11:42-11:52AM
Meet at train station exit on street. 2/3/4/5/BDMNRQ trains - Lafayette Ave and Clinton Av
mile 14.
I will be crossing between 12:53 and 1:04PM
Meet at train station exit on street. 7 train stop Vernon Blvd - Jackson Av.
mile 16
I will be crossing around 1:14PM
59th street and 1st avenue (5/6 train to 59th street and a couple blocks east)
mile 22
I will be crossing around 2:05PM
5th av and 122 st. 2-3 train. meet at 2:10. She should be crossing at 2:22.

I should finish around 2:50PM. I am then headed to Cherry Hill at the Team for Kids tent. See you at the post-marathon drinks in the West Village!!! Remember, I get a really good high from running :-)

I will follow up later with the link to follow me directly online (not figured out that part yet...)

Cheers - can you tell I am SUPER excited

15 days away and the pain has been identified

Hi everyone,

A couple updates:

- we are now close to marathon day (it's on november 1st for those not following) - 15 days to go

- I have reached and exceeded my fundraising goal! Youhou!! Thanks to every single one of you for making a difference and helping the kids! It's a great cause and I am sooo happy :-)

- I finally found out what was wrong with my "ass" - I hurt my IT band. so it seems like it's a normal runner's injury. I have stretches that I do now, along with icing it after practice and trying to build strength too.

Overall - I am in GREAT spririt for the big day. A little nervous about not being allowed to run for long times (sort of got used to that, it helps me clear my mind)...but overall, knowing what was wrong with me has been a great relief.

In this 4/5 month training, the two reliefs were when I finally met the fundraising goal and now that I understand what is wrong with my ass/knee. As you followed, I was willing and ready to run 26.2mi with extreme pain...I sort of preferred knowing why and trying to fix it :-)

So, here is a pic from last week's long run - the end is in sight and fast approaching. thanks for all the support and I guess we'll be in touch for round 2 (another marathon, a couple half marathons or a triathlon??? who knows!)

Cheers

God, just let me run this marathon!!!!

Hi everyone,

Ok - here's the big news. I am hurt :-( Now it's been 2 weeks and it's not really getting better.

It started out in the ass after the 21 mile run (it had sort of started before, but was totally mild). Now the pain has moved to my knee. It's a knife cutting through my knee when I sit, when I stand, when I run, when I stop running and when I stress about sustaining that pain during 26.2 miles....

God is testing my nerve, my patience and my perseverance. Here me now: I will run this marathon. I will not walk it. And I will enjoy it

In terms of actions, since I hate the passiveness of problems...

I am seeing a chirorpractors twice or thrice a week

I am getting a massage at least once a week (I am thinking twice would be good...)

I am stretching extensively after warm up, after practice and whenever I feel like it

I am going to use my personal trainer time for additional stretching and weight lifting around the knee

I am not nervous about the marathon. I am excited about seeing my mom and my dad here from France to cheer me on. I am excited to see my other friends along the line. Or even random people cheering me on. I am even further excited about the drinking with friends after the race!

I am confident that I can do it. I am just scared that I can't do it in the pain that I am in right now. I want to believe that I can do with or without it, but I am slightly concerned that I might further injur myself really badly.

Say a little prayer for me - send me advise on how to fix this. Anything is welcomed right now...Just make me run this marathon

More news to follo - less than 21 days till the big day...

Oh a pic of my run in the fall folliage - got lost, it was hilarious!

A couple inspirational words

Hi everyone,

There was an article in the Wall street journal about marathon, runners and fitness. the guy had it so wrong in so many ways. Yes, it's nice to be toned and in shape, but that's not why I am doing the marathon. The bond I have built with my fellow running buddies is worth so much more! I feel like such a stronger person - I know far more what I am capable of, the limits I can push. Selling books door to door for 3 months, working 13 hours a day in 100degrees california starting showing that to me. This marathon took it a step further...

Here are some words that are giving me goose bumps! ad by asics
1: HELLO STARTING LINE. GOODBYE DOUBT.
2: HELLO BROOKLYN. GOODBYE FEAR.
3. HELLO SPECTATORS. GOODBYE NERVES.
4. HELLO LITTLE WATER CUPS. GOODBYE ANXIETY.
5. HELLO SUNSET PARK. GOODBYE UNCERTAINTY.6
. HELLO HEADWIND. GOODBYE GOOD ENOUGH.
7. HELLO COLD. GOODBYE CYNICISM.
8. HELLO WARM NUMBNESS. GOODBYE PAIN.
9. HELLO DON’T STOP NOW. GOODBYE ARROGANCE.
10. HELLO POUNDING HEART. GOODBYE OVERCONFIDENCE.
11. HELLO WILLIAMSBURG HIPSTERS. GOODBYE GIVING UP.
12. HELLO LITTLE POLAND. GOODBYE THE EASY WAY OUT.
13. HELLO HALFWAY POINT. GOODBYE OBSTACLES.
14. HELLO QUEENS. GOODBYE PESSIMISM.
15. HELLO ROOSEVELT ISLAND. GOODBYE COMFORT ZONE.
16. HELLO MANHATTAN. GOODBYE APATHY.
17. HELLO FIRST AVENUE CROWDS. GOODBYE CRAMPING.
18. HELLO DAUNTING HILLS. GOODBYE COASTING.
19. HELLO WALL. GOODBYE EGO.
20. HELLO THE BRONX. GOODBYE STRUGGLE.
21. HELLO MADISON AVE. GOODBYE DEMONS.
22. HELLO CENTRAL PARK. GOODBYE WEAKNESS.
23. HELLO ADORING FANS. GOODBYE PREVIOUS BEST.
24. HELLO BEAUTIFUL DOWN HILL. GOODBYE LIMITATIONS.
25. HELLO ALMOST THERE. GOODBYE DISBELIEF.
26. HELLO FINISH LINE. GOODBYE OLD ME.
.2 HELLO NEW YORK. GOODBYE GIVING UP!

22 days and it will race day. can't wait, can't wait!

Bake off day at work today - who makes the best chocolate cake - Piper or Me? Let's bring it on!!!

Cheers

23 days and counting...

Hi everyone,

I got my bib number (thanks Celia for showing me how to find that!!) My bib number is: 47863. I am part of General start #3

As some of you know, I hurt myself this last weekend. In an awkard place on top of that! My butt :-) It's actually fun asking for a butt massage, the reactions are mixed!

I've got a pre-marathon dinner organized with friends and family. I know what I am going to wear. Just need to get some paint and pens to write my name/messages on my bib. I know what I will eat during the race (chocolate gu- yum!). I know what I will drink: pink gatorade. I have worn in shoes that don't give me blisters anymore. I almost have all the cheering locations set. I also have post drink locale squared away. Not sure how to get home and change, but that's minor I guess...

I really just need to get my butt in action :-) My mind is set for this race. I can see my friends and family along the way, the music, the strangers calling my name. I can see and bear the pain while I run. I can imagine my mental state during the race. The excitment at first, the "just put on leg in front of the next" midway and finally, "let's finish this off with a cool sprint". I just want for it to happen already!!

One more day without running and saturday will complete my 15 miles in the Catskills. Just need one weekend of nature and peace before the last 2 weeks. I am guessing the "butt" issue is linked to stress as well...

Help me count down to November 1st - we're just 23 days away...

Cost of running

Hi everyone,

I won't replay the whole it's the final countdown song and all, but it's not fast approaching. Now I see how people say this is the hardest part. Soon, I won't be allowed to run, because of this whole "tapering" thing. I will get increasingly anxious and stressed about the race. And because I will get more stressed, I will want to run more...see the vicious cycle ahead???

Well, this is probably not going to happen. It seems I might have hurt myself :-(

My butt has been killing me for now 2 weeks, but most especially since last saturday. It's not a huge pain, more like a pinching. I guess there are worst places to hurt, but it's still not a pleasant feeling and it is not helping me to sleep (and rest) before the big day. Action is being taken - butt massage today :-) I'm telling you, it could be worse!

I am in great spirits after this saturday's run - I averaged 10:28 on the half marathon portion. The last sprint was GREAT! I increased speed to catch up with a fellow runner. Then I heard coach Frank tell me to "bring it home" and started my last 400m sprint. When I caught up with my fellow runner, he turned to me and told "let's sprint". At this point, my mind had decided NOT to finish behing my friend. I was already at my max sprint speed, but my mind had decided otherwise and we finished together. Runners behind me congratulated me on that last effort.

What is to be noted is that I had to stop for a full minute to stretch out a cramp during the race. The cramp did not go away, it actually then started spreading up and down my leg to my butt and to my toes. When I stopped running, my body took control again and yelled "I am in pain!!!!"

What I have learned from my books and from my training is that my mind is a bitch, one kick ass bitch! If I have decided that I will not finish this race walking, or stopping, then that won't happen. Saturday proved that much to me.

For giggles, here is a picture of me along the way saturday...with a smile on my face of course!

Cheers to all,

Big night before the last long run

Hey everyone (or no one!!!)

We are now officially less than 1 month away from big marathon day. Work now knows officially that I am running this insane marathon...and tomorrow is our last big run!

With good friend Danika, preparing my usual pre-run meal: loads of veggies, rice and proteins. A winning combo.

Here is a pic of my multitasking skills - testing out my new playlist, nibbling on some nice bread with artichoke tapenad and keeping friends abreast on sunday brunch plans :-)

If you are in NYC, come by central park to check it out and/or cheer. I can't wait, I just can't wait !

Cheers

“If you are going to win any battle you have to know one thing. You have to make the mind run the body. The body will always give up but the body is never tired if the mind is not.”

This last month will be all about preparing myself mentally. A great thanks to Eglantine. She gave me a book that has inspired me to get up and run every day of this week...

My mind is getting ready to tell my body that we are going to ROCK this marathon!

Any pieces of advice or suggestions are welcomed

Cheers,