This is part 2/3. If you missed part 1, you can read it here!
In the warmup tent, after the women pin the numbers on each other and get our shoe chips clipped on, I find my way over to the chiropractor table to have Dr. Duke loosen me up before my warmup. Realistically, there is nothing I need done, but it helps settle my mind to have someone fuss over me a bit, and Duke’s energy is great.
As I lay down, I am approached by someone who tells me that my temporary tattoos have to be removed or I can’t participate in the race. I had been told otherwise several weeks prior, and was super pumped when I thought I could put the name of my business, Picky Bars, on my skin while running past two million people! I bring that up calmly, but I am reminded that I was emailed the IAAF uniform rules nine days ago and that tattoos were against IAAF rules.
I had only skimmed the rule book to be honest, assuming most of it had to do with uniform restrictions and Nike would have that covered (which they did) so I apologize and comply. A Doctor comes over to scrub them off, but since all we have are little alcohol prep pads from travel first aid kits, it hurts like a mofo and takes AGES! We do the best we can until we hear the “8 minute warning” before I must head to the start line. I remember thinking that no amount of chaffing in the race could be that uncomfortable, so at least that’s over with.
Wait a minute, its the eight minute warning and I haven’t even warmed up yet! As I slip out of our holding tent onto the road to jog a bit, I slow my breathing and calm my anxiety. “None of that matters,” I whisper to myself. “You don’t need to warm up much. Its a marathon for God’s sake.” Finding my rhythm I repeat affirmations to myself, “I am relaxed, I am calm, I am excited to see what I can do out there, I am prepared, I love to run.”
A voice booms over a megaphone interrupting my zone, “Two minute warning! Gather your things and put them in the truck. It’s time to head to the start!”
Holy shit. I grab everything I can and stuff it into my Nike bag, and with pieces falling halfway out I hurriedly hand it off to a stranger and shuffle to catch up with the rest of the elite women marching to the starting line. We chit chat along the way, and I try to absorb their calm resignation to the task ahead. I slurp my last minute gel and borrow a swig of water to wash it down. Rather than wait in line for a toilet, Tegla Leroupe and I disappear over the median for a last minute pee and all I can think about is that I am peeing next to a legend.
As the pre-race favorites get lined up in the front row for introductions, I tuck into the back row with Molly Pritz. There is no tension. There is only a quiet pack of fit bodies waiting for the gun, staring out toward the massive structure of the bridge ahead as it reaches up towards the very sun that warms our exposed skin.
1. Although I think it sucks you couldn’t wear them, I also kind of think you not getting to wear them is the best thing that’s happened to PBs.
1b. I would gladly have worn the PB tattoo past 2 million people, although I don’t think they would’ve given a damn otherwise. Unless, that is, I showed them my nail polish choice.
2. I don’t feel so bad popping a squat on the Verrazano myself.
3. $10 says you get asked on Dancing With The Stars post-Olympics.
3b. If so, I will be supremely jealous as that is one of my dreams in life (being on DWTS). I’m not sure why, since I’m not a star.
4. How long are you going to justify bad food choices with “but I just ran a marathon” excuse?
5. I’ve worn something Believe I Am every day s/p marathon because I feel like I can’t be mad wearing it. Any new stuff in the works? New shirts? Long sleeves? Or the ultimate, SWEATSHIRTS?!
1. It definitely was
2. You go girl
3. That would make for good comedy
4. 2 days. Just kidding. A week (although its been 10 days and I’m still justifying it)
5. There just might be a “relaxed” sweatshirt in the making…
What if you had a real Picky Bars tattoo inked on your arm? What could they have done then?
No advertisements of any kind are allowed, so it would have to be taped over.
Wow. That’s very, very uncool.
I feel like if I had that happen to me right before a race, I would be freaking out! Good job staying calm. I’m very impressed
No choice really. When faced with 26 miles, you know you better conserve everything you’ve got! At least that was my theory, never having done a marathon before. If it was before a 5k, I would have lost my shiz entirely!
I’ve seen several articles now talking about the fact you were made to take the tattoos off, so it might even be producing more advertising! Take that, IAAF!
Tiffany, I had the same thought!
This is a good read. Before you know it, you’re on the last sentence, wanting more. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks Dennis. Enjoy part 3! Its a bit longer 🙂
Laugh. Out. Loud. Take as many installments as you want. The delightful and rare combination of poignancy and humor can only be created by those who’ve lived well. Each post brightens many lives.
Thanks Mr. Pete.
Share this with whomever you like. It is hysterical. Good luck and stay healthy.
http://www.buzzfeed.com/mjs538/new-york-times-cartoonist-live-draws-the-nyc-marat
First off – great race! Second, I thought you (and since you’ve been discussing with Nick Symmonds and some others on Twitter – maybe they) would be interested in an article about body endorsements. This one is a law review article from 05 that is focused on the NBA, but fn 2 references marathon runners and cites a Wall Street Journal article from 01. “Post No Bills: Can the NBA Prohibit its Players from Wearing Tattoo Advertisements?” There are certainly differences in the structures of the sports and relationships within governing bodies, but its certainly an interesting topic.
http://ir.lawnet.fordham.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1323&context=iplj
Although it surely wasn’t your intent to find yourself with little time to warm-up, I tend to purposely “run late” before races so that I don’t have time to get nervous before I find myself in the starting chute. It’s a really terrible method, as I usually end up freaking out about running late. Especially in regards to whether I will have enough port-o-potty time….
So what else are you insanely talented at, besides running and writing….? Do I see a stand-up comedy phase in your future?
I’m only funny when I have time to write it down and the right person reads it!
Interesting behind the scenes stuff! What kind of pre-marathon warm-up would you have done if you hadn’t run out of time?
I would have done about 12 minutes of running and 15 minutes of mobility work: leg swings, active isolated stretching techniques from the Whartons (http://www.whartonperformance.com/ has a video at the bottom for a general idea). I also like to do some walking drills to kind of “turn on” all my muscles and generally its nice to have a minute or two after all that to just chill.
Hi Lauren,
I love reading all of your posts, and these NYC marathon entries are an extra special treat. Thank you so much for sharing it all here. Your stories about your experiences with training and racing are inspiring on so many levels. Thank you!!
Thanks for the comment, Jessica. You are too kind.
I came, I read this article, I coerqeund.
“I am peeing next to a legend.”
Lauren, your humility is admirable and refreshing. Always stay as honest and down to earth as you are today.
Deal!
Thanks for sharing your adventure at NYC. . . Waiting patiently (well, not really!) for Part 3.
You’ll be pleased to know that your nudge inspired me to get off my vacationing butt and post part 3.
Okay, the tat worked, I now know about Picky Bars, they are on my list to try! Take that IAAF, your tat ban backfired, another product sold!
Hi, Again, I forgot to mention, In your blog, I like the background with the trees. It reminds me of growing up in New England.
very nice
What a good YouTube video it is! Remarkable, I loved it, and I am sharing this YouTube film with all my friends.
WOW Super.. Thanks