Today: I feel like I won the lottery.
[tweetmeme source=”elizabethev” only_single=false]Because I did. Seriously. Except that it’s the kind of lottery that costs money when you win, and has the potential to break your legs and crush your soul. But like the regular lottery, it can change your life. By some miracle (or computer glitch), I was one of the lucky few to gain entry to the 2011 ING New York City Marathon. And I am freaking out, man.
At 12:30 this afternoon, I checked the selection website and then re-checked it and then re-re-checked it and then danced around my office to the point that I got a weird foot cramp. And then I tweeted the good news, a bit worried of sounding like an insensitive braggart, and was overwhelmed by the encouragement I received. I am so grateful, especially knowing that very few people were selected. Unfortunately, it seems like everyone I know (Nick included) didn’t get in. There’s really no rhyme or reason to it, and I am not sure how I got so lucky.
I do know this, though: I am going to make the most of this opportunity. And I am going to run my little heart out. I had no idea how badly I wanted this fresh shot at 26.2 until I was almost certain I hadn’t been selected. This time around, I’ll do a few things differently:
- I will believe in myself, knowing that I am a marathoner, and that I am capable of crossing that finish line.
- I will run my own training runs and race, and spend less energy worrying about being slower or weaker that my fellow runners.
- I will not eat anything produced in a Walt Disney World kitchen (and subsequently star in MTV’s True Life: I ran a marathon with amoebic desentary). For real.
- I will train harder, but still sensibly.
- I’ll enjoy every second, knowing that the moments matter more than the minutes.
Oh, and I’ll still probably cry on my long runs. Maybe I was chosen by the NYRR for sheer comedy?
Also On Tap for Today:
- Watching the Bruins and teaching Nick how to swear in French
- Getting a tasty giveaway ready for tomorrow
- Putting together a menu for our Cinco de Mayo party
Comments (14)
Michelle
April 27, 2011 at 9:22 pm
AAAHHHHH!!! That’s so exciting! I can’t wait to hear allll about it!
Tina
April 27, 2011 at 9:49 pm
I am so PYSCHED for you! Nick and I will just have to find another marathon to run so we can all train together!
Elizabeth
April 28, 2011 at 8:47 am
Yes! Most definitely!
Little Miss Runshine
April 27, 2011 at 10:05 pm
That is so exciting!!! Congrats!!!
fitinthemidwest
April 27, 2011 at 10:38 pm
That is great news! Congrats and good luck with training. 🙂
Stephanie
April 27, 2011 at 10:48 pm
Yeah! Rock on! I’m so impressed with you. And inspired to think a little more seriously about making running a part of my life!
Elizabeth
April 28, 2011 at 8:48 am
Thanks, ladies! 🙂
Emily @ A Cambridge Story
April 28, 2011 at 9:07 am
That’s so awesome. I entered a couple years ago to no avail. Should be an incredible experience!!
Jeff Patterson
April 28, 2011 at 11:30 am
Elizabeth, this is AWESOME! I am so stoked for you.
Elizabeth
April 28, 2011 at 12:52 pm
Thanks, Jeff! I’m really excited!
Today: There’s a first and last time for everything. «
May 2, 2011 at 12:40 pm
[…] The next time I run in New York, it will be longer than 2 miles […]
Today: Early bird special. «
May 10, 2011 at 10:23 am
[…] Road Race (though I likely used up all my good race lottery juju already), and most exciting of all, the New York City marathon in November. That’s two, possibly three, chances to stick to my long distance training […]
Today: Run for your lives. «
June 1, 2011 at 11:32 am
[…] ING New York City Marathon […]
Today: Napping and comfort food. «
September 29, 2011 at 5:01 pm
[…] Time to start making plans for marathon weekend! […]