the post post countdown to 2011 !!!!!! 362 days 06 h 56 m 56 s

The shouting has died down and I wish I could say the same about my sore leg muscles. I can say I made it. Yes, I went the distance. Here are the official stats.

Finish Time 04:16:13
Place 20457 out of 44,829 finishers
Gender Place 15442
Age Place (55-59 years) 597
Average Minutes per Mile 09:47
Split Times
5 km 00:28:02
10 km 00:54:42
15 km 01:23:58
20 km 01:52:08
13.1 mi 01:58:13
25 km 02:21:10
30 km 02:51:41
35 km 03:26:26
40 km 04:00:57

So what does all of this mean besides just how great a hot bath could feel? Despite my initial optimism I did not beat my previous time. By mile 19 I already knew that I couldn’t make it under 4 hours and had already begun to analyze what went wrong. I peaked too early in my training and running 23 miles two weeks ago was too late. If I hadn’t pulled, ripped or whatever I did to my calf, etc. Really none of it matters. I don’t feel bad about my time because the run was a total success. Running for a cause made all difference. Knowing that I wasn’t just running for myself helped every step of the way.
For two weeks prior I had not run a single step just wanting to give my calf every opportunity to repair. When I stepped into the starting corral I had no idea if I would be able to run a yard no less a marathon. But having come that far on the adventure I knew I was going to step up to that line and give it a shot.
At mile 19 as every movable part from my toes on up was aching I felt satisfied that I had run one final time. No matter what my final time would be I felt no reason for doing this again. It’s strange the feelings a new day brings and how you can’t really remember the feeling of slogging through those final miles. Perhaps I could do it one more time. Maybe it would be inspiring if my son wanted to run it with me. Never say never. Waiting for the starting cannon, the announcer warming up the crowd asked how many were running for the first time. It seemed every hand by mine shot into the air. It’s a great equalizer and event for the masses. Passing the Statue of Liberty on the 6:30 a.m. Staten Island ferry, full with runners who were mostly not from New York, reinforced the global tone of the event. The weather was beautiful and it was a perfect day to be outside and get some exercise. Maybe next year you’ll run with me.
Many thanks to everyone who came along and showed their support. I look forward to hearing the results of your generosity from Abilis.
Cheers
Jeffrey

(I will post some picture as soon as i can figure out how)