[40] Volunteering at Wall Street

Volunteering? I thought someone said "Volun-BEER-ing"?! All kidding aside, I earned my Plus One this evening by hustling down to the Financial District to work as a Start/Finish Marshal at the American Heart Association's Start! Wall Street Run/Walk. After a couple of cooler, rainy days, I was a bit worried about having to stand in the rain for several hours without much movement. Thankfully, by the time I got to the World Financial Center's Winter Garden, I was greeting with a warm, cloudy sunset, a bright orange volunteering vest, emergency card, and free NYC Marathon Poncho (just in case)!

[Start/Finish Marshal]
If I fail professionally (and manage to finish my body transformation), I could always get a job as a ring girl for boxing. I was assigned to hold the sign at the base of the Runner's Corral, and direct people to the correct staging areas (walk or run), the bag drop, check-in (for the stragglers), and the porta-johns (which were blocked from view by a stupid Escalade). The wind gave my arms quite the workout, but I did my best to greet and direct. Commenting post-race on FB, I met someone who recognized me (largely due to my green Yankees cap and almost going airborne with the large sign)! I wish I could have found the person who actually took a picture of me. I didn't want to skimp on my duties by asking someone to take my photo.

My good deed for the evening was helping a distraught runner get her D-Tag onto her sneakers after the safety clip locked into place. It required creative lacing, but my rescue mission was a success. If I volunteer for the same position next time, I may take a baggie full of safety pins because a couple handfuls of runners left theirs at home (or managed to lose them in the two block walk to the staging area).

After the race started, we packed it in and headed to the finish line. I never realized how frustrating it can be to keep people moving through the finishing area. Even if you cheer them on and ask nicely, few people smiled, said thank you, or even did as they were instructed. Some random, out-of-towners who participated in the race asked to take a picture with me. I think it was the vest. Something about Safety Orange is rather sexy.

[Extra Credit?]
The following night, my volunteering confirmation popped up in my inbox. It's printed out and ready for the ole running file!

[2012 NYC Marathon 9+1 Progress]

One Race? Done!
One Volunteering? Done.
Run through September. Filed under "Unfinished Business".
Next up? Celebrate Israel Run on Sunday, June 5th in Central Park. Japan Run for Hope's revenge challenge.

[39] Japan Run for Hope

Race: NYRR's Japan Run for Hope [ Gallery]

Distance: 04.0 Miles, 06.4 Kilometers

Date/Time: May 8, 2011, 8:30 AM
Location: Central Park, NYC [Course]
Weather: 53 Degrees, 72% Humidity, Wind 3 MPH, Fair.

Bib#: 8526

Corral: Silver (8000-8999)

[Times]
Clock Time: 50:23
Chip Time: 43:08 (Pace: 10'47”)
Nike+ Time/Splits: 44;20” (Pace: 10'58”; 425.49 Cal)

• Mile 1: 10:56 (10'56”)
• Mile 2: 20:57 (10'01”) *Fastest
• Mile 3: 32:59 (12'01”) *Slowest
• Mile 4: 43:53 (10'55”)

[Places]

Overall: 4,258/5,079
Gender: 1805/2,385
Age: 436/1,074
AG (Age Graded) Stats

• Time: 43:05
• Place: 1978
• Percentage: 44.66%

[Race Packet Pick-up]

This was my first time to go to NYRR HQ and check out their facilties. The process they have in place is quiet efficient and quick (plus, going mid-day on a Thursday helps, too). Within five minutes, I had my bib, tag, pins, and free t-shirt, and I was on my way out the door. I wanted to drop by the shop and finally pick up that blasted Sponge Bob Square Pants Bikini Bottom Track Club T-shirt, but they were closed. :( This will be one of my homework assignments for National Running Day on June 1st (also coordinated by NYRR).

[Race]

May was a lazy month for me. Minimal training, but lots of walking. I should have known better. Turns out, working a job and a half greatly minimizes my training time, especially with a busted treadmill and May showers all over the place. On top of that, a serious work related matter kept me up half the night before, so I was far from well rested, but I dragged myself out of bed and showed up anyway. 

Like many races, this one was a wave start, but before I even crossed the State gates, I knew I was no where I needed to be. The first mile was my warm up, mile two made my feel good, but when I hit mile three, I felt like an albatross was thrown around my neck. I pushed through and finished, but I was disappointed with my time. I stopped for a photograph at the "Finishers' Circle" before stocking up on free goodies, watching the raffle, and meeting the two guest Japanese Olympic Marathoners! Best quote from the finish refeuling station: "Sexy Green Tea for the Sexy People!" Yes, ma'am, I'll take a six pack, please!

Looking at the photos, I learned two things: 1) I must run outside more often and develop some sort of tan base before the Queens & Bronx halves this summer or I will die, 2) I should not wear white t-shirts with my severe lack of tan.


With Reiko Tosa (left) and Yoko Shibui (right)

[Meeting Japanese Olympic Marathoners!]

Due to the Tohoku Earthquake in March, Japanese marathoners, Reiko Tosa & Yoko Shibui, were unable to compete in upcoming races in Japan. They were invited to compete as ambassadors of Japan, and both finished in the top four (Shibui 1st; Tosa 4th). After the awards ceremony, many Japanese participants and supports went over to take a photo with Toda & Shibui. I screwed up my courage, ran into one of my students (and her parents), and managed to get my picture taken with them! Both women were surprised when I asked in Japanese. I suspect they were bracing themselves to speak in English!

During the awards ceremony, they were also holding a raffle. The grand prize being a trip for two to Japan! I nearly died when they called out "Silver... Eighty-five... twe----lve." So close and yet, so darned far! Thankfully, the prize when to a young twenty-something who had never been to Japan, so bittersweet as it may be, I am happy the prize will go to someone who may fall in love with Japan like myself!

[Second Verse, Same as the First]
My second attempt at this route will be the Celebrate Israel Run by NYRR & the JCRCNY on Sunday, June 5th. They are using the exact same route, counterclockwise from the band shell, up the east drive, across at the 102nd Street transverse, down the west drive and finishing on the 72nd Street transverse near the band shell. I need to amp up the training, especially outside on changing elevations.

[2012 NYC Marathon 9+1 Progress]

One down. Eight to go. Next up? Volunteering at the American Heart Association's Start! Wall Street Run on Tuesday, May 17th.

[38] Technical Support

When I started running, I was a 36F (or 36DDD). To be completely honest, finding a sports bra which avoided "Uni-boob Syndrome", "Sandbag Drag", and laying multiple sports bras for support was one of the most frustrating things I have ever experienced. Full-Figured Ladies, if you want to take up running or any other medium to high impact workout/sport, go get fitted for a bra. Yes, the brassiere boutiques will run two to three times the price of those lovely bargain buys at sporting goods shops or mall retailers, but I guarantee that you will find something that lifts, separates, and supports your girls. It makes you look lighter, feel more confident, and gives you fewer excuses to get active (also, very, very important)!

A serious bra for serious gals!

My first bra fitting was two years ago, prior to moving to New York. I went to The Bra Boutique in Coral Springs, Florida, and had my first holistic bra fitting. Without hesitation, I took home my first Freya Active Sports Bra (soft cup, no underwire), and year later, I ran my first half-marathon in it! Being the vanilla, boring gal I am, I opted for the safe, "nude" option, but now I see they have red, I may need to bring it back into my fitness arsenal.

Next up, I am in love with the Ta-Ta Tamer (T3) by lululemon athletica. The variety of colors, convertible straps, and in-store availablity for DD-sizes makes me quite happy. I discovered lululemon after seeing an advert in one of my magazines, and turned out there was a boutique (Greenwich, CT) and a showroom (Rye, NY) in my area, so I checked them out. The concept of mixing yoga and running is something I have toyed with for a while, so it was nice to see a brand which encompasses both without sacrificing function for fashion. After the waves of awe and intimidation washed over and away upon entering, I realized I found a safe haven, even as a full-figured athlete.

"The Definition of Support" by lululemon athletica

Like Freya, lululemon comes with a higher end price tag, but the quality of products are worth it. After running the Princess Half in February, the T3 became my running bra of choice. My only concern is that I am developing "Pokemon Symdrome" and have this need to collect the bra in multiple colors! I have three (black, white, and gray stripe), but looking at their catalogue and previous season items, I have a hankering for some color, too. Hopefully with my continued training, I can lose the remaining weight I need (and decrease my bust a bit more), so for now, I must hold off. Maybe once the summer is over and I've completed my next two halves, I can treat my girls to something flashy.

[37] My Plus One

No. Not that "Plus One". I speak of the "+1" portion of the 9+1 Guaranteed Entry for the 2012 NYC Marathon. My scrambling to get time off for the American Heart Association's Start! Wall Street Run was in vain as the race closed minutes before I could sign up.

Or so I thought.

While poking around the NYRR's volunteering site, I noticed that a volunteer opportunity was available for the AHA Start! Run. This lead to an apostrophe... I mean epiphany.

As most of the volunteer opportunties for NYRR clash with my work schedule, I figured I would have to wait until summer time to knock out the volunteering requirement. Since I already had the night of May 17th free anways, I set a positive spin on what started out as a frustrating situation. Instead of registering as a walker and running purely for the just self-satisfaction (and receiving no-NYRR credit for guaranteed entry), I might as well be a girl scout and do a little do-gooding for my fellow runners. I signed up to be a Start/Finish Marshal, both of which are essential functions of the race's behind-the-scenes magic.

[Start Marshal] (from NYRR Volunteering Packet)

1. Assist with the smooth and successful start of the race.
2. Manage corral entrances (if there are corrals)and check runner bibs; ensure that runners enter corral corresponding to their bib color and that they enter the corrals at least 10 minutes before the race when corrals close. Runners who come after this point must go to the last corral regardless of bib color.
3. Keep the emergency lane clear for emergency vehicles, cyclists and other park patrons. Alert pedestrians and runners entering the race site to approaching bicycles and vehicles. Be vocal and upbeat in directing runners to the start and off the roadway!
4. Assist in cleaning area and breakdown as needed.
5. Calling in medical emergencies. Take note of your location so that you can give an exact location IF you need to make a medical call.

[Finish Marshal] (from NYRR Volunteering Packet)

1. Responsible for keeping spectators off of the race course and out of the emergency lane pre-finish.
2. Responsible for keeping the post-finish area clear by keeping the runners moving once they cross the finish line.
3. Direct runners to medical, food, post-finish fluids, and baggage areas as necessary.
4. Cheer on runners as they finish!
5. Alert pedestrians and runners exiting the race site to approaching bicycles and vehicles.
6. Assist in cleaning area and breakdown as needed.
7. Calling in medical emergencies. Take note of your location so that you can give an exact location IF you need to make a medical call.

If my schedule permits, I would like to do more volunteering for NYRR (maybe for all those races I can't get into). The challenge is living in Westchester county. When possible, I want to run if I make the trek into NYC (at least until I get my 9+1 completed). I definitely want to volunteer for the 2011 ING NYC Marathon, even if it means a stupidly early morning and hours of standing around. I find it interesting that volunteering for the NYC Marathon doesn't count toward the volunteering requirement. Maybe it is because the event is so large and requires so many volunteers that it would make it too easy for everyone to get in through the 9+1 Option. Also, volunteering for the smaller races might be a sign of dedication for those who want in (or want to support their friends who are running).

I am kicking around signing up to volunteer at the Brooklyn Half, too. I just need to find a place to crash (or at least stash my car) near the event site. Watching the sunrise at Coney Island sounds like fun, but I need to be able to get there and back via personal transportation. I've never been to CI, and it would give me a sample of what is to come, should I get into it next year!

[36] Revlon Run for Women

Race: Revlon Run/Walk for Women's Cancers 5K
Date: Saturday, April 30, 2011
Location: Times Square to Central Park
Weather: 50s & Cloudy

Distance: 5K* (2.87Mi)
Bib #: 4227
Fashion:  2011 Revlon Run/Walk T-shirt, Red Nike Soccer Shorts & Nike+ Vomero 5s

Times

• Nike+:  26'05" (337.19 Cal; 10'08" Average Pace) 
• Clock: 28'30"

Fund Raising

• Goal: $300
• Total: $430! (Thank you, Everyone!!)
• Fundraising Progress: Please Donate Here!

[Packet-T-shirt Pickup]

Race numbers were mailed out two weeks prior to the event, giving me plenty of time to flex my creativity and decorate my bib with all the folks I would be honoring in the run. I used my evening off from work to head to the City and hit up the Times Square Alliance, one of the Revlon Run/Walk partners, so I could pick up my shirt early. Since I was running the race, I didn't want to carry any unnecessary weight (until all the free stuff after I finished). The ladies working the booth complimented my decorated bib, a nice little ego boost.

[Race Day]

Woke up early. Left early. Arrived early. Had a nice little lecture from a patron at McDonalds, but thankfully he was cheering me on at the same time. It was possible that he, too, was a runner at some given point in his life. He helped put a smile on my face and a little pep in my step. Got to Times Square and found myself overwhelmed. The TSA (Times Square Alliance) changed all the marquees in honor of the event. Everywhere I looked there was participant photos, Womentum, and tons of Revlon Red. It was great. Aside from the morning chill, arriving early certainly had its privileges. I managed to get in front of the stage for the opening ceremonies. Granted, this would later affect my run time, but what did I care? I had a front row space for Jessica Biel, Jessica Alba, Karen Duffy, Keysha Cole, Dr. Oz, Jimmy Fallon, and Nate Berkus. Took some shoddy photos and video with my iPhone, but it made me happy.

The National Anthem was sung by one of NYC's finest. I don't know what it is about a police officer singing which makes me all misty-eyed. Its the same thing is heading "Amazing Grace" (especially played on the bagpipes). The motivational speeches by the guests and sponsors were unbelievable. It broke my heart to learn that Karen Duffy, my MTV VJ Idol of my youth, was a cancer survivor and fighting another illness as well. It was inspiring to see her healthy and hosting the event, as a long time Revlon spokesmodel and event supporter. I would have hugged her if I could. She looks great. I also made two new running buddies, both first time racers and recent runners. Thank you so much, Elizabeth & Brenda, for fighting the chill with me. Too bad we didn't get on the marquee this year!

[The Course]

Unless I started all the way in the back of the pack on Times Square & 42nd Street, and counted part of the expo area after the finish line, the course was not 5K (4.62K). The jaunt up toward Central Park was easy enough, and the length across the bottom of CP was also enjoyable. It started getting tricky as the race started to snake through the park. I found it a little annoying that they only permitted use of half the road, and non-race participants were insisting on running in the opposite direction (and bitching about the race). There was a comment on the NYRR Facebook page which ruffled my feathers, citing Non-NYRR races like this one as a "taste of our own medicine" with regard to taking over the park. I fired back a comment because its races like these that inspire new people to take up running, raise money and awareness, and make friends.

I don't want to be a running snob like some people. I want everyone to enjoy it and share it.

Central Park doesn't belong to NYRR members, so they need to learn to share the playground with everyone else. I say this as a card carrying member of the NRA... I mean NYRR. ;) I may never become an elite athlete or win a race, but if I can motivate the gun shy runners like I once was, then I feel that I am doing my part to give back and expand the running community.

Though I wasn't able to catch up with any of the celebrity runners, I did enjoy the finish line entertainment by the Japanese Taiko (drum) band. It reminded me of mile 5 of the Princess Half, outside the Magic Kingdom ferries. Their taiko congregation was much larger, but something about those heavy drums makes me pound the ground much harder. The finish line came much quicker than I expected (as there is no way I can run a 5K in under thirty minutes let alone at 26 and change), but it was nice to be thrown right into the free goodies from the vendors. I snagged my Womentum medal and headed home.

[Archive] (From my 2011 EIF Page)

Support My Fight Against Women's Cancers
On Saturday, April 30th, I will be participating in the 14th Annual EIF Revlon Run/Walk For Women. You can join me in the fight against women's cancers by making a donation on my behalf. Your donation will help fund important research into the cause and cure of women's cancers, prevention, education and support service programs. Every dollar will help bring us one step closer to a cure.

{ My Story }

January 2000.

Junior Year at UF.

I lost my Grandma Nina Peterson to Cancer.

I made her a two-fold promise: 1) Be a good girl. 2) Finish school no matter what. I refused to let her down. It's been eleven years since I lost one of the greatest people in my life. Left with so many questions about my family's history and her fantastic cooking secrets, I can't help but wish I had asked those questions before it was too late.

I haven't fundraised like this since high school, but I won't let that stop me. In my previous races, the names and faces were unknown and my donations were anonymous. I raced for pride, better personal records, and the free swag. This time I run for Nina, not myself. I'll run through the streets of NYC, knowing she's watching over every step.

Any assistance you can give, no matter how small, is greatly appreciated. I refuse to mourn her loss. I'd rather celebrate her life.

All My Love,

Karen

(Participant ID# 1201323)

Friends & Family I Run For:

• My Grandma Nina (January 2000)
• My Uncle Gaetan (November 1999)
• My Aunts Celine, Claudine, & Pierette
• Pat's friend, Midge
• Meghan's Aunt Diane
• Kim's Cousin, Michelle
• Taryn, Dana & Alexia's Mother, Annette
• Rusty's Uncle Don
• Allyson's Family: Aunt Diane, Aunt Lucy, Cousin Sharon, & Grandma Dunsford
• Sister Julie Reineke 
• Alison's Niece, Sydney
• Nicki's Grandma Betty & Aunt Joan
• Danielle's friend Louise C.
• Tom S.
• Rusty's former roomie, Randy E.

[35] Cherry Blossom 5K

Race: Credit Union Cherry Blossom 5K
Date: Sunday, April 3, 2011 (Happy Anniversary, Mom & Dad!!)
Location: National Mall, past Honest Abe, over the Arlington Bridge and back. (Hotel: Residence Inn Arlington: Capital View)
Weather: 60s & Sunny

Distance: 5K
Bib #: 23,932
Division: Female 30-34 (41/266)
Fashion:  Adapt JP+ T-shirt, Red Nike Soccer Shorts & Nike+ Vomero 5s

Times

• Chip: 31'11" (10'03" Pace)*New Personal Record!
• Nike+:  31'37" (337.19 Cal; 10'08" Average Pace) 
• Clock: 31'18"

[Race Packet Pickup]
Packet pickup and the expo were located at the National Buidling Museum. It was efficiently arranged with racers going inside and immediately to the second floor for packet pickup. Runners circulated through the second floor, and emerged on the first floor at the Expo. I found the process rather smooth, and I got a free mini-tour of the building's interior for free. Try as I may to avoid shopping, I wound up with a bag full of goodies, including a "Inspired to Run" Dry T-shirt & shorts by Mizuno, Baltimore 5K Under Armour Shirt (Thanks, Mom), Balenga running socks, a white New Balance running skirt, and a Saucony reversible pull over.

[Race Day]
The weather was brisk, but the sunshine and the cherry blossoms awaited. Taking the metro to the National Mall, I was sleepy but excited. It was colder than I expected, but I was certain that it would warm up by the time it came to run. I enjoyed the official start of the 10 Mile race from the start line, and watched as wave after wave of runners flew by. Initially, I wanted to sign up for the 10 Miler, but I chickened out when I saw the two hour twenty minute time limit. I was rather uncertain if I could meet the pacing requirement, so I opted for the 5K instead. At least, I now know that it is possible for me to complete ten miles within the time limit (albeit it a close shave).

The 5K race was fun and without any particular rhyme or reason for the starting order, I moseyed up toward the front (hence the eight second time difference between the gun time and my chip time). Everyone was out for fun, but it was clear that the 5K didn't receive as much support at the 10 miler run. Timing was by batch times, and thankfully RunPix made it rather interesting to review stats at the end. I will say that I am disappointed that there wasn't a single official photographer anywhere on the course. It made me feel as if I wasted my money and energy traveling down to DC. I've run several other 5Ks, and they had race photography. It sort of cheapened the moment.

Personally, I ran my best 5K (up to that date), including a new personal best for the mile (per Nike+). The sunshine and the cherry blossoms were just the motivation I needed to pound it out. I got a little tired as I crossed the Arlington Bridge for the first time, but thankfully the fuel station awaited on the other side. I did have a little trouble with one of my shoes, and had I not stopped to take it off and fix it, I may have had an even better time. I anticipated finishing at around 35 minutes which would have given my mother plenty of time to prepare her camera and wait for me. However, I shocked us both when I started hauling in at the 30 minute mark, and crossing at just past thirty-one.

Thirty-WONderful is more like it. It felt great, and I was glad I could share DC with my Mom.