2006 ING Marathon

Net Time: 3:58:56
Rank: 11772
Pace: 9:07
First Half: 1:42:40
Second Half: 2:16:16
*Due to the pain, I fell apart after the second half- (EFF!)


(don't remember when this was taken, it could be early in the race or after...the smile was BS.....i was in pain!!!)

Not the time that I was shooting for. But hey shit happens. I sprained my left ankle on mile 10 and decided to move on. However, I have to say the crowd was unbelievable in cheering me on! Also, seeing all my friends on the east side and bronx, TRD on 114 (amazing cookies by the way - was it by uptown?), entourage on east 100s and my PARENTS on east 90/5, made everything worthwhile.




Woke up wee early around 2ish mainly because I couldn't fall asleep. Then went to the midtown bus and saw Uptown and AB. Thank god I saw them 'cus I was a nervous wreck! The bus ride to the tent was better than expected and the waiting game was definitely draining. Just being out there under the tent and 40 degree weather is not fun at all. By 9AM I spotted TRDers- Rob, Jon and Nate and we started together for the beginning of the race. I felt pretty good out there from miles 1-9, then on mile 10 I twisted my ankle on a turn and from that moment, I knew my hopes of my projected time were dashed. I tried my best to pace with Rob and Nate till mile 11 and 13 but the pain kept getting worse and had to slow down. Over the Q-boro bridge was excruciating because I was still recovering from my right hamstring and had to put the pressure on my left foot, which was unfortunate because of my left ankle sprain. Granted, I know I should never think this way, but I was ready to give up. I was angry, upset, pissed and just mad at myself on how this could've happened and what I could've done to prevent this. However, I can't give up that easily. I knew my friends were waiting for me throughout miles 16-21, TRD on 19 (the food and cookies was a morale booster) as well as my bro Herbie right across from them and my parents on 23. I'm just not ready to let them down or let myself down. I was like "fuck this shit, fuck the goal time, I'm gonna finish this race". That's basically what I did.



Did I enjoy the race? Most definitely! Yes, I had my share of bad luck, but so did all the racers out there who are cramping and sweating it out. This race was definitely a testament of the human spirit, with all the ups, downs and random shit that can be thrown at you.

Gonna drink some beer and chow down some ice cream. Next year, I will come back with a vengence and will be more careful in choosing my races.



Also, congrats to all the dogs out there! Especially mog, nate, sangie (boston qualifier), bigir (boston qualifier), madlou, nyfly and RUPAL - awesome times! You rock!

One more thing, cliff---- I was a good boy on Saturday nite! No beers or bars! Trust me! :)

I think I will rest up for this year and no Knickerbocker. I'm actually looking forward for next year and have learned some things that I could improve on:

1. Pop tylenol before the race
2. Eat before the race
3. Will compete in 12 races for next year
4. Wear my TRD gear
5. More Strength and weight training on my legs
6. Invest in ankle braces
7. Never underestimate the marathon
8. Expect the unexpected because shit happens
9. CARRY GU GELS

Aloha and Cheers,

Moz