Most experts agree this is the deepest Derby field in many years, with 10 or more horses seemingly having a decent chance. I agree, and thus believe that pace, and the trip, will make the race.
With the top sprinter Trinniberg in the race, most people assume that the pace will be lightning fast, and that most of the horses who traditionally race near the lead are toast, and the closers should be bet heavily.
Here is how I see it: Trinniberg showed in his last race that he has matured and is capable of completely relaxing if unchallenged early on. He'll have an easy run to the lead from the #9 post. The riders of the other speed horses will not willfully pressure Trinniberg, presuming that sooner or later he'll come back. Of course, one of the horses, particularly Hansen, may defy his rider and engage in a head to head duel with Trinnibger, but I think it less than likely.
Trinniberg will get his first half in :47 4/5. Take Charge Indy will have to be sent from the #3 post, as will Bodemeister from the #6 post, but they will be content to sit several lengths behind Trinniberg, and Hansen will join them on the outside. In the 3rd flight will be Union Rags, riding the fence from the #4 post, Creative Cause from the #8 post, Gemologist from #15 and I'll Have Another, from the #19 post.
Like many races, this race will be determined by what happens when they enter, and leave, the backstretch.
The most determinative event as they enter the backstretch will hinge upon whether or not Julian Lepearoux realizes that the pace is slower than he expected, that the front runners will not be coming back or drifting out, and he needs to get his steed of the rail for clear sailing.
The most determinative event as they leave the backstretch and enter the far turn will be whether the riders on the second flight of horses are as impatient as a then-young Javier Castellano was aboard Bellamy Road in 2005, when he rushed after a no-hope pacesetter, with much of the field following at his flank, leaving all of them wiped out as they entered the stretch and handing the race over to a 50-1 closer. Given that Mike Smith and Ramon Dominguez will be riding the horses in closest attendance to Trinniberg, I think they will continue to ride as though he is not in the race, and save their horses for the stretch.
Trinniberg will get his 3/4 in 1:11 4/5 and enter the stretch, after a mile in 1:36 1/5, with a 3 length lead. He will already have led much further into the race than anyone expects, and most viewers will be looking up the stretch to see who is ready to assume the lead when he fades. He will continue to defy history and expectations as he maintains a 2 length lead at the 1/8 pole, passing it in 1:48 4/5. By this point, Bodemeister will be running second; if Union Rags has gotten outside, he will be taking dead aim at the leader, though I think it is more likely he will be hopelessly buried on the inside and too far back. I'll Have Another will definitely be in the hunt; he is the fiercest horse in the race, with the most potential to jump up, yet again, to a new lifetime top, if the outside post doesn't compromise him too much. Daddy Nose Best will also be hitting his best stride.
The final furlong will be one of the most exciting in Derby history. Trinniberg very well may stop cold at the 1/8 pole, but I think it more likely that he will keep right on rolling, finishing the race in about 2:02. Whether he is first or fifth will depend on how well those trying to catch him run.
I'll say right now that a modest portion of my bankroll will be betting that Trinniberg will win the race, or run 2nd or 3rd, at 50-1.
I think of all the other horses in the race, the one most likely to catch him is Daddy Nose Best, who, with 10 starts, has more experience than anyone else. He has a top trainer in Steve Asmussen, the best rider in the country in Garrett Gomez, has looked great in the morning at Churchill Downs this week, and is a must-bet at healthy odds.
I'll Have Another was going to be my top pick until he drew post #19. He needs to move all the way over by the first turn and won't be near the lead, as he has been in every race of his life. However, his race two back was incredible; he spurted clear several lengths at the 1/16 pole and finished in full run. In his last race, he was headed in the stretch by the more experienced Creative Cause, yet came again and nipped him at the wire. I imagined him winning the race by two lengths with a good post; the bad post puts him right in the thick of it.
Bodemeister is a must bet; his win at Oaklawn was gargantuan, and while everyone expects him to regress, he can regress several lengths and still win. He might take the lead entering the stretch and run off and hide, and even if he does not, he will be in the picture.
As I wrote, I expect Union Rags to have another tough trip and for lots of excuses to be made for his performance. That said, his works this week have been brilliant, he looks like a horse ready to run his eyeballs out, and many of my tickets will have his number on them, because if he does get clear, he can very easily win this.
My core bet will be a box of Daddy Nose Best, I'll Have Another, Bodemeister and Union Rags, with a heavier emphasis on the first two. Then I'll make a second set of bets that includes Trinniberg in the box, and on top of the other four.
Friday, May 4, 2012
Kentucky Derby 2012 Analysis
Thursday, March 15, 2012
Information About St. Patrick's Day and the NYC St. Patrick's Day Parade
Two days from now, hundreds of thousands of people will be streaming into New York City for the St. Patrick's Day parade. This means that today and tomorrow, tens of thousands of them will be streaming to Google to find information on it! Look no further - we have it all right here!
What time does the St. Patrick's Day Parade start?
The parade begins at 10:45 a.m., and it continues until the last marcher finishes, some time around 3:00 - 4:00 pm.
What is the route for the St. Patrick's Day Parade in NYC?
It begins near 44th St., on Fifth Avenue, and continues straight up to 79th St. See the official website for the line of march.
What is the expected weather for St. Patrick's Day 2012 in NYC?
Glorious! Current forecast is for a high of 62, partly cloudy, little wind, small chance of precipitation.
Where is the best place to watch the St. Patrick's Day Parade in NYC?
It all depends on your personal preference.
If you really want to WATCH the parade, then your best bet is to watch near the end of the route, in the 70s. To get there via Subway, take the 6 train to 68th St or 77th St, walk a few avenues to Fifth Avenue, and then walk to one of the blocks in between the subway stations, as those closer to the subway will be more crowded. Try to cross over Fifth Avenue during a break in the parade, and watch it from the Central Park side.
On the other hand, if it's all about the party and enjoying the scene, then you want to be between 44th and 59th. The most crowded section is usually around St. Patrick's Church at 50th St., and again at 59th St.; and that was true even before there was an Apple Store right there, on the second day of sales of the new iPad.
The viewing stand for dignitaries (with tickets) is between 62nd and 64th; it can be very crowded there, but it is also where the bands and other entertainers put on their best show.
If you're looking for a happy medium, try to watch near the beginning of the parade, between 44th and 47th Streets.
Who is St. Patrick and why is there a St. Patrick's Day Parade?
Patrick was born in Great Britain in the late fourth century. When he was 16, he was captured by Irish raiders and taken to Ireland, where he worked as a shepherd and drew close to God. “I used to pasture the flock each day and I used to pray many times a day,” he wrote. “More and more did the love of God, and my fear of him and faith increase.”
After six years in Ireland, he escaped on a ship back to Britain after hearing a voice in his sleep telling him to return home. He was reunited with his family, but a dream urged him to return to Ireland. Patrick spent the ensuing years training to be a priest. He is believed to have returned to Ireland around 432 A.D. to begin preaching Christianity to the predominantly pagan population. Though he was threatened and occasionally arrested by local kings, he wrote that he “baptized so many thousands of people.” He played a significant role in converting the majority of Ireland’s population.
Patrick is known for using a three-leaf clover, the shamrock, to teach new believers about the Holy Trinity, as well as the Celtic Cross, which combines the pagan influence of the son with the Christian Cross. The date of Patrick's death was recorded in the Annals of Ulster—in a section written in the seventh century—as March 17, 493, “in the 120th year of his age, in the 60th year after he had come to Ireland to baptize the Irish.” Most modern historians, however, believe he died in 460 or 461.
Did Patrick Really Drive the Snakes Out of Ireland?
Patrick is famous for driving the snakes out of Ireland, an apocryphal tale. “It’s unlikely there ever were any snakes in Ireland,” explains the BBC. “The snake may be a reference to serpent, a symbol of evil, and the driving out a reference to Patrick's mission to rid Ireland of pagan influence.”
Where are the best places to eat and drink in NYC for St. Patrick's Day?
Avoid, at all costs, any place that is along the parade route - they will all be dangerously mobbed and uncomfortable. Go watch the parade, then take a short subway trip to a place that, while crowded enough, will enable you to actually enjoy the experience of a St. Patrick's Day meal and drinkfest in a NYC Irish bar.
We're friendly with several of the finest Irish proprietors in NYC and highly recommend each of these places:
Rattle N Hum is a short walk from the beginning of the parade route, on 33rd St. between Madison and Park. It is one of the best craft beer bars in NYC, and has a new and outstanding menu, and plenty of Irish food specials on Saturday. It is family friendly and opens at 8:00 am on St. Patrick's Day and thus is ideal for a pre-parade brunch.
Seven Bar and Grill is a sophisticated, upscale bar and restaurant that serves some of the best food and drink in NYC. Call 212-967-1919 for reservations.
Tir na nog is at 33rd and 8th - perfect for those staying in hotels in the Madison Square Garden area or leaving the city through Penn Station or the Midtown Tunnel. It is a terrific upscale Irish pub with amazing Irish food and beers, and it has live music from noon to midnight. To get there from the parade route, walk over to Central Park West and catch the C train and take it down to 34th St.
The Brickyard Gastropub is at 52nd and Ninth - about a ten minute walk to the West from St. Patrick's Cathedral. It has great food, terrific craft beers, and a great ambiance, and will have live music during the day. Call them at 212-767-0077 to reserve, or email them at Info@BrickyardNYC.com.
For those on a budget, Tempest Bar NYC, at 30th and 8th, is a traditional Irish tavern with an excellent line-up of inexpensive beer and it lets you order-in food from several excellent eateries nearby, including NY Pizza Suprema and The Gardenia Deli. No reservations necessary.
Thursday, November 3, 2011
8 Ways to Support Your Loved Ones in the NYC Marathon
This guide is for those who are watching the race to spot and support their friends and loved ones. It is not a guide to watching the elite athletes. You can find that here for the men and here for the women.
#1 - Let your runner find you
It is extremely difficult to spot your favorite runner on the course, unless he or she is in the top 100. After that, the crowds get quite thick, everyone looks the same, and it's difficult to project when your friend will come by, as you don't know when they started (although the new runner tracking app may make this easier, if it works as advertised). What works MUCH better is if your friend finds you. Tell them EXACTLY where you will be (i.e. on the runner's right on Fifth Ave right at 117th St.), and they will likely find you. Also consider carrying a distinctive mylar balloon on a ten foot string so they can spot you from a few blocks away; this works brilliantly.
#2. Plot out NOW exactly where you will be, so your runner knows where and when to find you
My support group was ambitious and knows the city well, so in my 3 NYC marathons, they met me in 3 places, at Miles 14, 18 and 23:
#3 Come bearing gifts
It is very likely that all your marathoner needs from you is a big smile and a few words of encouragement, and if they see you in a very crowded area, they won't be able to get very close to you, so they will just run by. There is a small chance they will have a desperate look on their face, praying that you have in your possession whatever it is that they need. It may be (in the order or likelihood) vaseline, pretzels, a bandage to cover a blister, an extra gel pack (ask them), something - anything - to sip that does not taste like lemon-lime gatorade, a hat, fresh pair of socks, $20 or a metro card in case they continue to falter, etc. Be prepared, and you'll be a hero if they need you, but know they probably won't, and don't be insulted if they just blow by. This is their moment.
#4 Please don't tell runners they are "almost finished" unless you are at Mile Marker 26.
A few years ago, I was watching the race at Mile 23, and a couple next to me asked out of the blue, "how many marathons have you run?" I answered "five; but how did you know I've run marathons?" The wife responded, "because you're not saying 'you're almost finished.'" The three of us then launched into a diatribe about how dispiriting it is to hear that so many times in the last six miles. When you seriously doubt you can make it 50 more yards, being 3 miles away from the finish line is NOT "almost finished" - it's a 1,000 mile journey across a hot desert. In the first half of the race, everyone's doing great, and anything goes; but once runners pass the halfway point, they are beginning to suffer, and would really appreciate encouragement such as "you look great," "you're beautiful," "hang in there," "finish strong," "keep rolling," "smile!' but not "you're almost finished," or "gosh, there's ONLY 7 miles to go." Now that you know, if you get a death stare in response to such a comment, you deserve it.
#5 If you are crossing the race route at any point, PLEASE do not walk directly across the route, at a 90 degree angle, and do not cross in a pack. Cross diagonally, alone.
- Crossing straight across the street is extremely dangerous for you and the runner, as they do not see you until they are right on you; I have seen quite a few wipeouts as a result of this behavior, including one that cost an older woman a Starbucks latte grande. In one race, a young girl half my size literally stepped on my shoe; I never saw her, and had I been running 5 seconds a mile faster, it would have been disastrous for both of us.
- When you do this in a pack, you are all but guaranteed to seriously impact a runner.
- Instead, begin walking - ONE by ONE - in the direction of the runners, and gradually move over.
- There are plenty of runners walking on the side of the course, so a spectator doing so is not a disruption. Walkers and runners also drift sideways in the latter parts of the race, so again, you walking and gradually getting over is not a serious disruption; done right, it is almost seamless.
When my friend - a 6'4" 210 lb basketball player - ran his first marathon, his fiancee greeted him at Mile 25 with a very enthusiastic pat on the back. It threw him to the ground. In ordinary circumstances, she could leap into his arms and he would swing her around. At Mile 25, a pat on the back was enough to send him sprawling.
It's the same emotionally; the runners are elated, but they may also be emotionally trained after weeks of anxiety, with an avalanche of competing emotions washing across their drained psyche. I've seen many runners burst into tears after crossing the finish line. One of my running partners - a lifelong friend - went from yapping the whole way to suddenly going very silent, unable to engage in any conversation at all; she was literally stunned by the whole experience, and that wasn't even in NYC. Others may be despondent over missing their time goal. Be positive, tread lightly - don't ask "why did you fall apart after mile 22?" - and follow your runner's lead. He or she may be just fine, but be judicious in your comments and questions until you know that's the case. If they're upset at missing a time goal, don't tell them they are silly for feeling that way; they won't be ready to hear that for weeks. Say, "I'm sorry you're disappointed, but I am so proud of you."
#7 Plan to celebrate when it's all done.
After I finished my first race, I went home, thinking I'd be exhausted to do anything else. After recovering, I spent the rest of the night eating and drinking and talking to friends about the race on the phone for hours, wishing I had instead just met them all at a bar.
We did that the second year, but had no plans, and ended up schlepping in a big group around a very crowded midtown area trying to find a table for 14. This was painful.
Reserve a great place NOW to have a terrific celebration, and make your runners WEAR THEIR MEDALS proudly.
Also near Penn Station (take the 1 train downtown from 79th or 72nd to 28th St) is Mustang Harry's, a large facility that will be showing all your favorite sports teams, has an excellent line-up of drinks and a solid menu of comfort food. Call them at (212) 268-8930 or reserve on Open Table. A block away is sister restaurant Mustang Sallys; call them at 212-695-3806. (Their other sister Restaurant, Seven, is not open on Sunday but offers a fabulous, nutritionally perfect pre-race Prix Fixe Menu for marathon runners).
For those on a budget, Tempest Bar NYC, at 30th and 8th, is a traditional Irish tavern with an excellent line-up of inexpensive beer and it lets you order-in food from several excellent eateries nearby, including NY Pizza Suprema and The Gardenia Deli. No reservations necessary.
#8 Let your runner talk about the experience for several weeks
Running the NYC Marathon is one of the great experiences in a lifetime. The race doesn't end when your runner crosses the finish line. After my first race, I woke up at 3 am every night for two weeks, wondering if I had really just done that. Be patient, know that this is their time, and let them enjoy it and relive it, and plan to do something equally fabulous yourself.
Thursday, October 27, 2011
What to Eat the Week Before a Marathon
- For the next three days, you can more or less eat your normal diet, presuming that your normal diet is generally healthy, with a good mix of carbs, proteins, fruits and vegetables. If you don’t have these on hand in your home, go food shopping today. If you eat most of your meals out, only visit places where you eat smartly. Tell your favorite fast food joint goodbye until after the race.
- Then, starting on Monday, it’s time to take down the carbs – that’s right, take down the carbs – a few notches for three days, to 60% of calories on Monday, 50% on Tuesday, and 40% on Wednesday. This prepares your body to “carbo load.”
- Finally, from Thursday through Saturday, it’s time to carbo-load with low glycemic carbs, and, particularly on Friday and Saturday, max out on fruits and veggies, with a decent amount of protein as well. NOT ALL CARBS ARE EQUAL. Low-glycemic carbs (whole wheat pasta, vermicelli, vegetables, fruits, Sweet Potatoes) are much better than high-glycemic carbs (white potatoes, white pasta, white bread) because they help you release a slow, steady stream of energy, rather than a short, rapid burst.
Monday, August 22, 2011
Advice for Running the 2011 NYC Marathon
Note: because there is no longer an official family reunion area for the NYC Marathon, I get a lot of traffic to this blog from runners looking for a post-race NYC Marathon meeting spot. Thus I have ordered the paragraphs to address that issue first; then I discuss info about pre-race nutrition, the start area, the course, where spectators should watch, etc.
MEETING AFTER THE RACE
The areas closest to the exit streets & Columbus will be an utter madhouse for most of the day. I would STRONGLY urge you to walk several blocks or avenues-which is good for you after the race anyway- to meet up with loved ones.
Outdoor locations are iffy if the support group shows up well after the runner and it's cold or rainy. There are plenty of restaurants and coffee shops nearby where you can wait indoors, and perhaps by some food or drink, while waiting for the other party to show.
View Larger Map
Possibilities include:
Starbucks has stores on Columbus Avenue, at 67th, 73rd, 76th, and 81st Streets.
Cosi Sandwich Shop is at 2186 Broadway (77th St.)
Lenny's is at 74th and Columbus.
New York Sports Club: If you belong to a gym with a nearby facility, consider whether you can walk there, shower, then meet your family in the entrance area. New York Sports Club has a club on 73rd St., a half block from the park, and one 62nd St., about two blocks from the park.
CELEBRATING AFTER THE RACE
After you recuperate for an hour or two and re-hydrate and begin to feel human, you will not want to sleep - you will want to celebrate and talk about your achievement. Find a great place to have a terrific evening, and WEAR YOUR MEDAL proudly. I highly recommend these places, all clients who promise to roll out the welcome mat for marathon runners:
Also near Penn Station is Mustang Harry's, a large facility that will be showing all your favorite sports teams, has an excellent line-up of drinks and a solid menu of comfort food. Call them at (212) 268-8930 or reserve on Open Table. Sister restaurant Mustang Sally's has a similar offering.
For those on a budget, Tempest Bar NYC, at 30th and 8th, is a traditional Irish tavern with an excellent line-up of inexpensive beer and it lets you order-in food from several excellent eateries nearby, including NY Pizza Suprema and The Gardenia Deli. No reservations necessary.
Yes, it’s maddening. But no, you’re not ruining all your training by taking it easy these last few days. Relax, continue to recover, the race will come soon enough, and your legs will be ready. I just saw a quote by a runner: "undercooked is better than overcooked." What he meant was that tapering too much is WAY better than tapering too little. Take it easy!
The most important thing you can do right now is eat smartly right through race day. I took this for granted and thus screwed it up badly in my fifth marathon, and had my most disappointing effort. I got it precisely right in my last, and ran my fastest final 10K ever, even though I hadn't trained enough.
For the 7 days leading up to the race, food is fuel that will drive your engine on Sunday. Hydrate adequately (but don't overdo it!!), and eat LOTS of fruit, veggies, the right kind of carbs, and protein.
WEATHER
The weather can change drastically right up to race time, so be prepared for anything! Regardless of the forecast, there are two things you need to know: first, the early morning wait before the start will be very cold; you have to turn in your post-race bag about an hour before the start, so plan to have a throwaway blanket and lots of throwaway clothes. Second, the weather may warm up by mid-race, causing you to toss your hat, gloves and extra shirt – and then temps may drop again in the later miles, leaving you freezing. For more on this, read What To Wear in the NYC Marathon.
This area is crowded and uncomfortable, and you spend most of it waiting on a bathroom line and talking to other runners. Don’t wait too long to bring your baggage to the truck, it can be a chaotic process that leaves you sprinting to the starting line!
If you have an ambitious time goal, do your best to be near the start of your wave. I've started further back and no one was monitoring bib numbers; while it may be different closer to the front, you should be able to move up past your assigned number. Unless you start near the beginning of a wave, there will be times in the first ten miles when you are very crowded; at times it will open up nicely, then get crowded again as waves come together. Don’t sweat it, and don’t waste a lot of energy zig-zagging. Go with the flow and know that it will clear out by about Mile 10, letting you run the final, most important 16 miles unimpeded.
YOU CANNOT CROSS FROM ONE SIDE OF FOURTH AVENUE TO THE OTHER - YOU WILL END UP RUNNING EITHER 25.7 OR 26.7 MILES, SINCE EACH SIDE TAKES TURNS VEERING OFF FOURTH AVENUE FOR A HALF MILE.
Running across the Verrazano is an unbelievable experience - the views are stunning – NYC Skyline, Statue of Liberty, fireboats in the harbor spraying water. The first mile is straight uphill, but you don't feel it much since you're fresh and pumped; the second mile is a nice, rolling downhill, to the end of the bridge. DO NOT WORRY about freaking out on the bridge; I thought I would the first time, and I know dozens of others who felt the same way. I've never seen anyone actually do it, once you are up there, it is not intimidating in the least (but be forewarned of a phenomenon called "simultaneous lateral excitation - thousands of pairs of feet hitting the bridge in the exact same direction at once actually cause it to shake a tiny bit, and can make it feel like the ground is shifting underneath you. It takes about 3 seconds of nervous laughter till everyone gets used to it).
Then you run straight up 4th Avenue for about 4 miles, then weave 4 miles through ethnic neighborhoods in Brooklyn. These crowds are the best you'll see - spirited, proud of their heritage and eager to share it with the runners. ENJOY THEM!
Running up First Avenue is great - a rock star experience - the crowds are gigantic and boisterous and loud - though mostly obnoxious drunk young people, not as interesting as the crowds in Brooklyn. First Avenue has a slight incline the whole way. Make sure not to get carried away by the crowds; one elite runner famously ran a 4:34 mile on First Avenue because of the excitement, and did quite poorly the rest of the way.
A virtual tour of the course created by a 2010 runner using data from his GPS system.
An ING "Runner Cam" that appears to by someone who ran the course near the back of the pack.
A view from a dashboard camera from someone who drove the course (you won't see any cars!)
The runner has to find the spectators - if they simply stand at some random spot and look for you, odds are overwhelming that they will miss you, since many runners look the same and in your running get-up you don't look much like you do when they usually see you. So I always knew where they would be and ran right up to them; it gave me something to think about! They also got a distinctive mylar balloon so I could spot them a few blocks away.
My support group was ambitious and knows the city well, so they met me in 3 places, at Miles 14, 18 and 23. I always met my group at:
Thursday, November 4, 2010
What to Wear While Running the NYC Marathon 2011
This is not fashion advice. But if you want to be comfortable and not have clothing be a hindrance to your best effort, I have a few words of advice to impart.
For more general advice about the NYC Marathon, read this.
Once you've finished this article and decided what to wear, pack into one giant bag every single thing you need on race morning - right now - this includes your bib, the chip for your shoe, your gels, your watch - every single thing. You think you're anxious now? You'll be out of your mind at 4:45 am on Sunday, and in no position to hunt for any must-have items buried in your closet.
By the way, it is Daylight Saving Time in NYC on Marathon weekend - you get an extra hour of sleep. But be forewarned that iPhones should not be trusted as alarm clocks that weekend. Don't ask, just don't trust them.
[[Have you thought as much about your diet as you have about your clothing? Read What To Eat in the Week Before the NYC Marathon.]]
The most important thing is what you wear closest to your skin. Avoiding chafing is the top priority. You should wear on your body whatever you wore during your successful long runs. Not merely the same type of outfit, the VERY SAME OUTFIT. The only way you can be sure the t-shirt/shorts/socks/jock/underwear/bra is suitable for you to run 26 miles in is if you have worn the exact pieces on an 18+ mile run before. (As I note below, I often change the shirt closest to my skin during the race, so you may need several trusty t-shirts).
With your primary outfit chosen, now you need to figure out the outer layers, to deal with the weather.
The weather right now calls for mostly sunny skies, with a low of 51 and a high of 61 degrees F. This can change drastically right up to race time; you need to mentally note the weather as the race goes on, as it may impact your hydration strategy. As I wrote, the first two times I ran this race, the forecast was quite similar, calling for a high of 61; each time, it ended up in the 70s, and the promised clouds did not materialize. There is a world of difference between 61 and cloudy and 72 and Sunny.
But whatever the forecast, the early morning wait on Staten Island and on the Verrazano Bridge before the start will be very, very cold - 51 degrees, windy, you not moving much for several hours, on the waterfront - did I say very, very, very cold? Even after reading this, you'll say on Monday, "I didn't think it would be THAT cold."
You also need to know that you have to turn in your post-race bag about an hour before the start. It must contain at least one heavy layer - think heavy sweatshirt - that you can put on shortly after you finish. You might also pack a favorite blanket or jacket to keep you warm on Staten Island that goes in your post race bag.
But once you give that bag up, you are left with (i) the outfit you plan to run most of the race in, (ii) additional layers that will accompany you for parts of the journey, (ii) throwaway clothes and blankets.
Think of yourself as the Space Shuttle, fully laden at launch and jettisoning superfluous parts as you go.
BOTTOMS
The weather described is exactly what I experienced in my first two NYC Marathons, and if anything, it may be a bit too warm for you. I personally would not wear anything other than shorts on the bottom for much of the race. If your legs tend to get cold, you may decide to add a pair of tight sweats/capris for your whole journey. My personal choice, when I add anything beside shorts, is an Under Armour thigh-hugging bottom you wear under your shorts that extends half way down your thigh; you'll be taking a chance on wearing something new close to your skin, but I can't imagine them causing you a problem; perhaps wash and dry them once first.
Even if you're going shorts only, you should consider having a pair of throwaway sweats/long underwear / pajama pants (my personal choice) / Tylek pants (on sale at the Expo) to wear after you dump your post-race bag, up on to the Bridge, and even for the first 2-3 miles, till you warm up - at the apex of the Verrazano Bridge, you will be 230 feet in the air, with harbor winds blowing, and you'll not be warmed up at all. COLD!!
TOPS
For the upper body, I always wear a large singlet with my race number and nickname written on it as my outer layer.
For this race, I would expect to start wearing two t-shirts and the singlet, and, just for the run on the Verrazano, a large shirt over all of it.
Once I got over the bridge, I'd lose the outer t-shirt.
If things heat up, at some point around 6-13, I'd take off everything, toss the first (sweatiest) layer, put back on the middle t-shirt, and then the singlet.
At the halfway point, I'd meet my family, and perhaps put on another fresh t-shirt closest to my skin, then the singlet. I can't tell you how good it feels to take off a soaked shirt and replace it with a dry one when you have two hours yet to go. Sure, this is easier for guys to do, but most gal runners I know are quite comfortable stripping down to a sports bra.
Write your name on your outer shirt! Better yet, write a nickname that you are fond of. If your name is Kelly, you'll hear thousands of shouts for Kelly, will never know if they're for you, and they won't be very enthusiastic. On the other hand, if your nickname is Twinkle Toes, then you'll know the shouts are for you, and they'll be enthusiastic. Or just write something funny or inspiring on your shirt - the crowd will engage you.
HEAD/FINGERS
It won't be so cold that you need a ski-cap, but a head band covering your ears will likely be useful. I don't wear gloves - I wear white sweat socks on my hand, so my fingers can touch each other.
BE PREPARED FOR DRASTIC CHANGES
Now comes the most critical part of my advice.
The weather may warm up by mid-race, causing you to toss your hat, gloves and extra shirt – and then clouds or wind may very well cause temps to plunge in the later miles, leaving you unbearably freezing. Consider keeping a shirt wrapped around your waist, and at the very least an extra pair of gloves and a head warmer in your pocket, or have a spectator available to meet you with them in the later miles. A friend gave me this advice based on his run in NYC, when he thought he might drop out because he tossed his gloves and his hands nearly froze. A month later, I ran Philly, and it was 26 at the start, warmed up nicely, and I tossed everything, only to find myself running along the river with fingers that felt like they may crack - only to realize I had heeded his advice and had a spare pair of socks in my back pocket, saving the day.
In a worst case scenario, ask someone in the crowd to give you gloves or a hat – believe it or not, someone will.
POST RACE CELEBRATION
After the race, you will not go back to your room and sleep. You will be buzzing with adrenaline, and will want to celebrate and talk about your great achievement. These three clients are rolling out the welcome mat for marathon runners:
Also near Penn Station is Mustang Harry's, a large facility that will be showing all your favorite sports teams, has an excellent line-up of drinks and a solid menu of comfort food. Call them at (212) 268-8930 or reserve on Open Table.
For those on a budget, Tempest Bar NYC, at 30th and 8th, is a traditional Irish tavern with an excellent line-up of inexpensive beer and it lets you order-in food from several excellent eateries nearby, including NY Pizza Suprema and The Gardenia Deli. No reservations necessary.
Tuesday, November 2, 2010
Advice for running the NYC Marathon; where to meet after the NYC Marathon
Because there is no official family reunion area this year, I am getting a lot of traffic to this blog from runners looking for a post-race NYC Marathon meeting spot.
Thus I have re-ordered the paragraphs to address that issue first; then I discuss info about pre-race nutrition, the start area, the course, where spectators should watch, etc.
Runners will likely exit the park at 72nd and Central Park West. Meet-up possibilities include:
New York Sports Clubs (NYSC.com) at 73rd, half block west of Central Park West, or 62nd St. half block west of Broadway; you could pay $10 and use the shower while waiting, and meet them in the lobby.
Trattoria Sambuca on 72nd St, on the south side, a half block west of Central Park West
Cosi Sandwich Shop, 2186 Broadway (77th St.)
Starbucks, a block west on Columbus Avenue, at 67th, 73rd, 76th, or 81st.
For those on a budget, Tempest Bar NYC, at 30th and 8th, is a traditional Irish tavern with an excellent line-up of beer and it lets you order-in food from several excellent eateries nearby, including NY Pizza Suprema and The Gardenia Deli. No reservations necessary.
I have run the NYC Marathon 3 times, the last in 2007. I’ve since run Boston, and Philadelphia twice. The 3 in NY I ran in 5 hours; the next two close to four hours; and the last was my best effort of all, as I ran 4:28 on little training after getting over pneumonia. I’ve dealt with adversity: under-training, under-tapering, near-fainting, horrific cramps, and hunger so bad I nearly chewed my fingers. Andyet I can't wait to run it again this year!
My support group was ambitious and knows the city well, so they met me in 3 places, at Miles 14, 18 and 23. I always met my group at:
