Last year on November 6th, I remember getting up early to watch the marathoners run through Greenpoint. Aside from my natural bias for this Brooklyn neighborhood, the Greenpoint stop is full of live music, it’s the half-way point on the course, and is also the last stop in Brooklyn. I remember being teary-eyed watching the wheelchair racers head through, then awed as the pack of runners finally made their way down Bedford and over to Manhattan Ave. I also remember thinking that I’d never be able to this marathon — any marathon — let alone those 13 miles from Staten Island to North Brooklyn.

And now a year later, I am running the New York City Marathon. In a bridesmaid dress. 

And I am SO glad I am being serious.

I was recently given the opportunity to run the New York City Marathon with Runaway Bridesmaids, a team of women who are running in used bridesmaids dresses to help build a shelter for the kids of sex workers in India’s largest red light district with New Light. The team already raised over $7,000 after the NYRR Fifth Avenue Mile, and decided to go the extra 25.2 miles and take on the marathon distance. 

Everything about this is pretty amazing. Never in a million years did I think I would be running New York this year (for obvious reasons…) and the fact that I get to run for such a unique, awesome cause makes it a hell of a lot more meaningful. Since I know how hard it is to get into the race, I am honestly so thankful that I get to be a part of it, and run for something bigger than myself.

Now….what does this mean for my training? Honestly, I was a little freaked out at first, wondering if I had the stamina to bust out another marathon so soon, let alone innnn a dress (I have a hard enough time just walking in them…). But since I honestly couldn’t pass up the opportunity, I’ve done my best to remain calm and just run this for fun. I am not looking to PR, and I’m hoping to be able to run with my teammates and just soak in the crowds, sights, and experience without hitting any stupid wall at mile 22.

Still, I have enough longish runs under my belt since Wineglass that I’m confident this wont be insanely difficult. I’ve run a few morning 10 milers, went for a 13 mile run last weekend, and did 12 today. That, and I am praying the increase in strength training will make up for a lack of a 20 miler before I get to the starting line. (Sneaky endurance?) I also did this “relaxed” speed workout on the track Saturday morning, and while the humidity nearly killed me, I was happy with the results:
1 x mile: 6:35
2 x 800: 3:15, 3:10
4 x 400: 1:35, 1:33, 1:33, 1:29

If you would like to donate to the cause, check out my crowdrise page here. Also, if you’re in NYC, come to the Village Pourhouse (in the East Village) this Thursday the 25th from 7-10pm —  the team will be bartending IN our dresses (sneak peek!) and a chunk of the profits will go directly to the campaign. Plus, I have no idea how to bartend aside from opening cans of beer and pouring whiskey (straight up) into a glass, so THAT will be entertaining.

*** I can’t wait to see SO many of my friends out there on the course! Two weeks! Does this mean I get to taper now?