What's your number?

Your ING NYC Marathon bib number, obviously. Just printed off my official marathon registration form and bib number - 37105.   Second wave, baby.

Starting October 28th you can download the official runner tracking app for the smartphone of your choice. I'll most likely be running with my iPhone this year, so if you desire you can literally stalk me (and up to 10 other runners) every step of the way on marathon day. For more information on the app, where to spectate, and race day info, go here.


And if you happen to live in the city and don't have plans on November 6th, well I'd love to see your smiling, shouting, hungover face along the race route!

The beautiful and damned new year

Happy new year, all. The past two weeks have stumbled past in a blur of reunions, snowpocalypses, boozing, and feasting. As we slowly emerge out of our collective holidaze into the cold harsh reality of January, here's a peek at 2010's final debaucherous moments and a few of the culinary gems that emerged amidst all that revelry.

A sampling of every sparkling wine found at Mecca (aka TJ's wine shop)...

WE FINISHED!!!!

At the expo in our nifty, new jackets.

Not only did we survive but we also finished in under 5 hours! Base line standard for success -
accomplished. My brain is not coherent enough for a real race recap right now; that will come in a few days, along with more photos, but here's the highlight reel. 

To help us through 26.2 miles, it only took:

1. All the determination we could muster
2. A combined 10 gels, 2 Clif bloks, some sports jelly beans, cup loads of water and Gatorade, and a few orange slices
3. Some really angry music
4. Overcoming a slight case of heart palpitations... I hate you SO much, body.  And you too, caffinated Clif Shots. 
5. Running in a gorgeous city.  I heart DC. 
6. And most importantly, the support of our incredible family and friends. Thank you so so much for all the texts/calls/emails/tweets/Facebook posts/online stalking. Seriously, you made our day(s). A super special thanks goes to my parents, Tash, Tim, Derek, and Mike who schleped around the city to cheer us on at multiple locations. Y'all are amazing. 

Chi-town shout-out!

Congrats to everyone who turned out for the Bank of America Chicago Marathon this morning! Despite unseasonably high temperatures, several competitors shattered records on the flat, speedy course, including Liliya Shobukhova who won the women's race in 2:20:25 while setting new personal and Russian records in the process. Check Runner's World fast-mo video of the 38,000 plus runners who crossed the start line. After watching that, not sure I'm ready for the sheer mass of people at the MCM....



Of course, special loving goes to Christine, who ROCKED her first marathon. I'm not sure what is more inspiring - her 4:10 finish time or the fact that in true Schtinie form, she chugged a mini-PBR at mile 22. Very tempted to sub out an energy gel for a beer in the latter half of my race. Potential poor life decision?

Shout out!

To Tom Vargas! Who's jumped on the marathoning bandwagon and started his own running blog to catalog his adventures (clearly I'm a gchat stalker). Tom and his friend Julia have committed to running a marathon in 5 months - very impressive.

Tom's comments on only halfheartedly committing to running in the past very much struck home for me. I was definitely a running commitment-phobe during college, going through spurts of running multiple times a week then wimping out for the next few months. I mean who wouldn't want to go for a run when spring and cherry blossoms are in the air or as the foliage changes to red and gold along the C&O Canal? However life, theses, extracurriculars, and The Tombs frequently interfered with any grandiose running plans I had while at Georgetown. Let's not even talk about the number of Army Ten Milers I signed up for and didn't run... Shame spiral. In retrospect, I don't necessarily regret taking so long to discover my passion for running since any serious training may have impeded my ability to take part in Monday Night Flip Cup, 80s Night, crazy MUN trips, and so many other activities that were fundamental parts of my college experience. But with so many of my friends getting into running or bumping it up to long distance these days (Emi, Kim, Tom, Christine, Christina, and more!!), have to say it would have been super fun for us all to have done a race together at Georgetown. And go daydrinking after. Oh well, just means we'll have to coordinate training/race schedules now!

Anyways, check out Tom's blog and cheer him on at Brooks Men's Switch 3! And Tom, watch out buddy, I just may show up in DC and force you to go running with me :)