2014 NYC Marathon- We Did It!

Geez louise, holy moly, what an amazing day! The conditions were extremely difficult: cold weather, damp, and 20 – 40 MPH winds. Nonetheless, Ken and I finished the NYC Marathon and *both* made our goals: Ken broke 4 hours (3:58) in his first marathon ever and I ran in 3:38 which qualified me for the 2016 Boston Marathon. It was an incredible, emotional, and gratifying day. We both worked so hard — physical training and fundraising, which required time and energy, and we are so pleased that we raised $13,525 for The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society in memory of our family member Joanna.  More later (I am tired!) but here are some pics.

 

Welcome to 4:45 AM Sunday morning at our house.  Getting ready for our 6 AM bus to Staten Island.

Welcome to 4:45 AM Sunday morning at our house. Getting ready for our 6 AM bus to Staten Island. This was my actual running day attire — but it took until mile 13 to get to this point — I layered so many shirts, gloves, hat, jackets, and discarded them slowly.

 

Ken's shirt.  Marketing.

Ken’s shirt. Marketing. “GO KEN” (yelled by me)

 

Buses to Staten Island leave at 6 AM because the Verrazano Bridge closes for the marathon at 7.  Unfrotunately, our corral didn't start until 10:05.  Lots of dead time.  Lots of wet ground.  Lots of us in our "throwaway" clothes.  Yes- Ken looks homeless.  And cold.

Buses to Staten Island leave at 6 AM because the Verrazano Bridge closes for the marathon at 7. Unfortunately, our corral didn’t start until 10:05. Lots of dead time. Lots of wet ground. Lots of us in our “throwaway” clothes. Yes- Ken looks homeless. And cold. I can’t really tell you what we did for 4 hours in the cold / wet / wind, other than sit and make bathroom trips.

The first bridge, the first mile, the first test....

The first bridge, the first mile, the first test….The Verrazano bridge, connecting Staten Island to Brooklyn.

Like camping out before a concert....but not. That little patch of green grass was our home for the waiting period (perhaps, the hardest part of the marathon mentally).

Like camping out before a concert….but not. That little patch of green grass was our home for the waiting period (perhaps, the hardest part of the marathon mentally).

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In our corral and ready to go! Men were peeing all over the place. Women had to wait in line for nasty port-o-potties. Totally unfair.

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Freezing and walking home. It was impossible to find a cab. So after the marathon, we walked another three miles (for a total of 51,000 steps according to my UP! Holy crap, record day for Team Babers!). We were so happy that we didn’t feel the cold. Actually, it was really cold. Really flipping cold. And we were really hungry. REALLY hungry.

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Celebration with the kids….who didn’t understand where we had been and why we did it (they are not alone). But let me tell you….it was worth every second of struggle, pain, shiver, and worry. IT WAS AWESOME.

 

Today was one of the most memorable days of my life (Top 5 days of my life thus far — Ken’s proposal, my wedding day, birth of Cruzzie, birth of Tusia, and 2014 NYC marathon).  The crowd was ELECTRIC, encouraging, and inspiring.  Made me proud to be a New Yorker.  Made me proud to be alive. Made me proud to have two legs and a strong heart. We ran because we could…..and thought of Joanna the entire way. If any of you are on the fence about running the New York Marathon, JUST DO IT!  Coolest experience ever.  Thanks to everyone for your tremendous support, love, donations, cheering, and encouragement. We are extremely grateful for this incredible event.

Anika Yael Natori, aka, The Josie Girl

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20 Comments

  1. $12000 is amazing (not to mention your great time). Congratulations on everything. What a tribute.

  2. So cool! That is quite an accomplishment, not only the marathon, but the fundraising! And a three mile walk home. You two are incredible. Yay for the Natoris!

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