The views were outstanding - I was running along the West Side Highway from Battery Park City up to 62nd street and back. Both times I ran past Ground Zero I felt chills. I felt the presence of all the lives that were lost. I kissed my hand and blew it towards the Freedom Tower in memory of a childhood friend who lost his life there that day - Firefighter Christopher Santora.
All in all, given the pain, tiredness, thirstiness, and anxieties, it was a GREAT RUN. Today solidified my confidence that I CAN AND WILL finish the half marathon in Hawaii in September, and Cape Cod in October - yes, I have signed up to do ANOTHER half marathon 5 weeks later - call me crazy, or call me an athlete ... I'm both!!!!
Before I finish this, I MUST thank my parents. They have been an awesome support team for me during my training. They've gone with me to the beach, and they went with me today - they walk while I run. Today, they ended up walking more than they planned ... I finished my 11 mile run before they finished their 6-7 mile walk, and I think they were more exhausted than I was!!! I didn't see them at all today, but they saw me - they were behind me at one point while I was walking (sorry Stacy, but it had to be done), and they said it looked like I was in pain (which I was), so they stayed behind me to make sure I was okay. I started running again, so I lost them. Thanks guys for looking out for me!!! We will all be one sore bunch of Nocera's tomorrow!