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mile by mile for spectators

Yesterday I really wanted to get in my 8 mile run but also really didn’t want to hurt myself. I went to the gym and started with 30 minutes on the treadmill. It hurt a decent amount, so I decided to hop onto the elliptical, hoping the lack of thumping would lessen the impact on my joints. Unfortunately, the movement itself wasn’t doing anything good for my knee. After 15 minutes I hopped off to do some strength training (which I have been neglecting and need to get back into). Going to the orthopedic doc today, hoping for some good tips.

Speaking of good tips - the New York Road Runners has created this mile by mile guide for spectators. Be sure to share with your family and friends!

The Marathon, Mile by Mile

Miles 1–2: Staten Island and the Verazzano-Narrows Bridge
Sorry, the start of the race on Staten Island is closed to spectators. Tune in to NBC4 New York for live coverage of the start. 

Mile 2: Bay Ridge
Spectators get their first glimpse of runners is the pack comes off the Verazzano-Narrows Bridge. Crowds are relatively sparse here, and the view is spectacular!

Miles 3–8: Fourth Avenue
This five-mile stretch of the race has more than 30 official entertainment spots. Position yourself near one of the bands for double the fun.

Miles 8–9: Fort Greene to Clinton Hill
An official cheering station and the merging of three lanes make the eight-mile mark at the Brooklyn Academy of Music a hot spot for watching the race. Enthusiasm continues up Lafayette Avenue, where crowds can be less dense. 

Miles 10–12: Williamsburg
As the race makes a sharp left onto Bedford Avenue, the route crosses South Williamsburg—traditionally a Hassidic Jewish neighborhood—before crossing into the hipster haven of Williamsburg. McCarren Park is a popular vantage point.

Miles 12–13: Greenpoint
Further off the beaten path than Williamsburg, the miles through Greenpoint on both sides of the Pulaski Bridge (which is closed to spectators) are populated by loyal Brooklynites.

Miles 13–15: Queens
The Queens portion of the race has enough onlookers to be exciting, but not so many that you’ll be uncomfortable. Plus, Queensboro Plaza offers easy access back into Manhattan via several subway lines.

Miles 15–16: Queensboro Bridge
Spectators are not permitted on the bridge, but the lead-up to it is a popular spot from which to watch the race.

Miles 16–19: First Avenue
These are some of the most crowded miles of the course, but some say the sight of runners coming off the bridge is worth the six-person-deep crowds. Spectators tend to thin out above 96th Street.

Miles 19–21: Bronx
Only one mile of the marathon course is inthe Bronx. Many runners may hit “the Wall” at this point, and they rely on cheers to carry them through.

Miles 21–23: Harlem and North Central Park
Harlem’s vitality and enthusiasm make it a high-energy place to watch from. You might also see the elite athletes staging breakaways.
  
Miles 23–24: Fifth Avenue
A slight incline makes this a grueling part of the race for runners. Throngs of spectators provide a much-needed boost.

Miles 24–26.2: Central Park and Central Park South
Crowds will be dense but very enthusiastic inside the park; be prepared to bump elbows with strangers.

Beyond the finish: Upper West Side
If you’re meeting a runner, designate a spot beforehand. The further north you go, the easier it will be to congratulate your tired loved one.

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good read, good workout

For my cross-training day I would normally go to yoga or use the elliptical, but today I really wanted to finish my book so I decided to hop on the neglected stationary bike. I was able to almost finish my book during my 35 minute workout. 

On my way out of my apartment I had grabbed some of the SELF magazine tear out cards. These things are great. They offer great strength training exercises and help me break from a rut. They are also small enough to fit in my hand if I am running to the gym. Today’s was a great mix of using weights or just my body weight for a full body workout. I did the workout and left the gym feeling great! (I was also able to finish my book on the walk home, fortunately didn’t bump into anyone!)

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no sneezing at this workout

Ironically, a day after reading FitSugar’s article about preventing a summer cold I woke up feeling a bit sniffly. I hoped it would go away, but Saturday it got worse and Sunday a bit more worse. Perhaps that’s why my run didn’t go so well Saturday. Anyway, I was determined to sweat out this cold. Plus I knew that scheduling a workout would help me get back into a normal eating schedule. While my cousin and friend were in town I was basically eating whatever NYC speciality I could show them whenever we came across it.

Anyway, on to the workout. I did 45 minutes of intervals on the elliptical followed by strength training. I’ve been lazy and doing the same strength routine a lot lately so I’m going to go through some of my SELF mag cards and find something that will prove to be more of a challenge. 

I felt good during the workout. It was definitely the longest stretch I’ve gone without blowing my nose in the last few days. Afterwards I felt a bit dizzy and had to grab a Vitamin Water to rehydrate. I only just tried Vitamin Water again the other day, the XXX Zero is quite good! I’m still one to only drink four drinks - water, tea, beer and wine, but XXX Zero is an interesting alternative with no calories.