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Running the NYC Marathon for Team McGraw!

themetfairy Dec 15 2009 01:12 PM Edited 1 time(s), most recently on Dec 15 2009 06:27 PM

As you may or may not already know, my 2010 New Year's Resolution is to run the New York City Marathon. I'm very excited about this venture - it's beyond what I ever previously imagined for myself, and I'm looking forward to the challenge. When I lived in Boston, long before I was a runner, I would watch the Marathon on television because I wanted to see those images of home; to go from wistfully watching on television to actually running the Marathon is a dream that I am thrilled about making a reality. As you also may or may not know, getting into the Marathon is not easy. But I have discovered one sure fire way to make sure that I'm running it this year - I have teamed up with The Tug McGraw Foundation and will be running as part of Team McGraw. I need to raise $3,000 in order to run with Team McGraw, so I'm looking to all of you to help me out while helping out an excellent cause. The Tug McGraw Foundation was established in 2003 to enhance the quality of life of children and adults with brain tumors and in 2009 expanded programs to include Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, (PTSD), and Trauma Brain Injury, (TBI). They collaborate and partner with other organizations in order to accelerate new treatments and cures to improve quality of life in areas of physical, social, emotional, cognitive, and spiritual impact of those debilitating conditions. By helping me to run the Marathon, you will also be helping this excellent foundation. Click Here to make a donation to my Team McGraw Fundraising Page. No donation is too small (although no donation is too large either ). Thank you for your support, both in terms of donations as well as the good wishes I've received from my friends as I've taken on this gargantuan task :)

themetfairy Dec 15 2009 01:20 PM Re: Running the NYC Marathon for Team McGraw!

Here's irony - the first contribution to my fundraising page was from a friend of mine who is a MFY fan!

themetfairy Dec 17 2009 01:37 PM Re: Running the NYC Marathon for Team McGraw!

My Summer Family Promotes This Endeavor! Thanks Coop :)

A Boy Named Seo Dec 17 2009 02:10 PM Re: Running the NYC Marathon for Team McGraw!

I got yo back. Good luck to you. Helluva thing you're doing.

themetfairy Dec 17 2009 02:48 PM Re: Running the NYC Marathon for Team McGraw!

Thanks for your support Seo - I truly appreciate it!

LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr Dec 17 2009 04:01 PM Re: Running the NYC Marathon for Team McGraw!

Boom.

themetfairy Dec 17 2009 04:19 PM Re: Running the NYC Marathon for Team McGraw!

Thanks LWFS! You put me over the $1,000 mark in online donations! (Plus eventually some checks will get added to the tally). I'm 1/3 of the way toward my fundraising obligation :)

themetfairy Dec 17 2009 08:54 PM Re: Running the NYC Marathon for Team McGraw!

Studious Metsimus has also given the cause some nice cyberink :)

themetfairy Dec 18 2009 04:27 PM Re: Running the NYC Marathon for Team McGraw!

BTW, I'm doing well enough on the fundraising that I'm close to committing to also running the NYC Half Marathon with Team McGraw. I think I'll be able to raise enough money to be able to run both races.

themetfairy Dec 22 2009 09:13 AM Re: Running the NYC Marathon for Team McGraw!

I have had a great first week of fundraising - I'm up to over $1,300! And I want to thank Willets Point for making a very generous contribution to the cause :) If anyone has donated and not received a thank you e-mail from me, PLMK. There was one $50 donation (or two $25 donations) for which I didn't receive a notice from Active.com. And I want to be very sure to thank everyone who has made a donation, because I'm very grateful for everyone's support.

themetfairy Dec 24 2009 04:51 PM Re: Running the NYC Marathon for Team McGraw!

Many, many thanks to Greg and Faith and Fear in Flushing for plugging the project here.

themetfairy Dec 28 2009 02:21 PM Re: Running the NYC Marathon for Team McGraw!

I got some nice loot from the Tug McGraw Foundation today. I'm looking forward to putting those shoelaces on the runners that I use for the Marathon :)

metsguyinmichigan Dec 31 2009 03:01 PM Re: Running the NYC Marathon for Team McGraw!

Count me in, Fairy! It might be the "slow roller to second" level of contribution, but it will get you a little closer to the big goal. Good job, and have fun!

themetfairy Jan 01 2010 02:10 AM Re: Running the NYC Marathon for Team McGraw!

Thank you Michigan - I appreciate the support :)

themetfairy Jan 04 2010 11:46 AM Re: Running the NYC Marathon for Team McGraw! Edited 1 time(s), most recently on Jan 04 2010 01:39 PM

Not only will I be running the Marathon with Team McGraw, but I'll also be representing the Faith and Fear Nation - To make a contribution to the Tug McGraw Foundation, Click Here.

G-Fafif Jan 04 2010 01:36 PM Re: Running the NYC Marathon for Team McGraw! Edited 1 time(s), most recently on Jan 04 2010 01:46 PM

themetfairy wrote: Not only will I be running the Marathon with Team McGraw, but I'll also be representing the Faith and Fear Nation - To make a contribution to the Tug McGraw Foundation, Click Here. Best. Wrist. Ever.

themetfairy Jan 04 2010 01:44 PM Re: Running the NYC Marathon for Team McGraw!

Thanks G-Fafif :)

themetfairy Jan 05 2010 06:36 AM Re: Running the NYC Marathon for Team McGraw!

Faith and Fear in Flushing announces that I'll be representing the Faith and Fear Nation wile running with Team McGraw here.

themetfairy Jan 07 2010 06:01 AM Re: Running the NYC Marathon for Team McGraw!

I got into the NYC Half Marathon through its lottery :) I was planning on running the race with the Tug McGraw Foundation anyway, but this way my fundraising obligation only goes up by $300 (instead of $1,000).

Centerfield Jan 09 2010 02:31 PM Re: Running the NYC Marathon for Team McGraw!

$47 away from $2k. Donate today and get free egg roll.

themetfairy Jan 09 2010 02:55 PM Re: Running the NYC Marathon for Team McGraw!

$47 away from $2k. Donate today and get free egg roll. LOL :)

themetfairy Jan 13 2010 01:02 PM Re: Running the NYC Marathon for Team McGraw!

$2,000 has been surpassed! Actually, I had already raised that additional $100, but my friend's check was finally matched to my account today. In another development, the Tug McGraw Foundation has matched me up with a brain tumor survivor. I will be running the Half Marathon and Marathon on behalf of 12-year-old Connor McKean, whose mother assures me is a huge Mets fan. I hope to meet Connor and his mom this baseball season, and I am excited to be able to run in his honor.

themetfairy Jan 22 2010 05:15 PM Re: Running the NYC Marathon for Team McGraw!

My Faith and Fear in Flushing wrist band made its debut during the Bermuda Half Marathon last Sunday - The wristband's next appearance will be in March's New York City Half Marathon, which will also be my first race as a member of Team McGraw.

themetfairy Feb 12 2010 07:10 AM Re: Running the NYC Marathon for Team McGraw!

I once again get the Faith and Fear in Flushing bump with this wonderful story and Greg's interview.

themetfairy Feb 12 2010 08:03 AM Re: Running the NYC Marathon for Team McGraw!

And The Mets Police picks up the story!

Fman99 Feb 12 2010 10:42 AM Re: Running the NYC Marathon for Team McGraw!

Just made my donation, I'm rooting for you MF!

LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr Feb 12 2010 10:53 AM Re: Running the NYC Marathon for Team McGraw!

This is awesome, and I'm glad to be a wee little part of it. It also seems-- however slowly-- to be building. And with little to no media bump outside the Mets-blog-ocracy. Next stop: Cerrone's blog? (That's a LOT of eyes.)

themetfairy Feb 12 2010 11:00 AM Re: Running the NYC Marathon for Team McGraw!

Thanks Fman for your donation and good wishes, and LWFS for also contributing (as well as everyone else - I'm not sure whether I should mention people by name, so I'm erring on the side of thanking people privately instead of shouting out donations in public). Just over $1,000 left with almost nine months to go - I'm feeling confident about reaching (and hopefully surpassing) my goal :) The more eyes the merrier - anyone who wants to link to the story or pass it around should do so. Thanks :)

G-Fafif Feb 12 2010 11:04 AM Re: Running the NYC Marathon for Team McGraw!

Matt Cerrone was nice enough, when asked, to offer a link to the interview this morning, along with several other bloggers in our little community, including Mets Police, Amazin' Avenue and Eddie Kranepool Society (a couple of others will probably do so later). Mets fans have been behind a good cause their whole lives, so it shouldn't be surprising they got on board with this one.

themetfairy Feb 12 2010 11:32 AM Re: Running the NYC Marathon for Team McGraw!

G-Fafif wrote: Matt Cerrone was nice enough, when asked, to offer a link to the interview this morning, along with several other bloggers in our little community, including Mets Police, Amazin' Avenue and Eddie Kranepool Society (a couple of others will probably do so later). Mets fans have been behind a good cause their whole lives, so it shouldn't be surprising they got on board with this one. And I'm grateful to all of them (and especially to you, G-Fafif, for spreading the word!).

Centerfield Feb 12 2010 12:33 PM Re: Running the NYC Marathon for Team McGraw!

I just read the FaFiF article...what a great read. Sharon, I knew that you had been running but I never knew the full story until just now. This is just an amazing thing you are doing and you should be proud for what you have already accomplished. Greg, the writing is fantastic, as always. I can't believe the cool things you guys are doing....running marathons, getting named to best blog lists...throw in getting published and going on Jeopardy and you'd be hard pressed to find a group doing as many cool things as CPF'ers. I am really proud to be a part of this community. And you look great! Valerie Bertinelli's agent must be fuming that her picture is in an article where she is being shown up so badly. Poor Valerie. Sharon, you look pretty good in your pic too.

themetfairy Feb 12 2010 12:43 PM Re: Running the NYC Marathon for Team McGraw!

LOL. And thanks :)

themetfairy Feb 20 2010 10:12 AM Re: Running the NYC Marathon for Team McGraw! Edited 1 time(s), most recently on Oct 21 2010 10:24 AM

As of today, I've raised $2,888. That's $112 away from $3,000, and $412 from my official goal (that includes running the NYC Half Marathon and the NYC Marathon as part of Team McGraw). There's one more race I'm considering running with Team McGraw - the Rock 'N' Roll Philadelphia 1/2 Marathon in September. I'm leaning towards doing it, because it looks like a nice route and a lot of Team McGraw members will be running that race. I'm not committing to it just yet, but when I do that will up my fundraising obligation to $3,600. That will be my absolute cap - there are no other races that I would consider adding Assuming that I'm adding Philly, that puts me $712 away from my ultimate goal with just over nine months to go. Less than $100 a month - that's very attainable.

themetfairy Mar 04 2010 04:46 PM Re: Running the NYC Marathon for Team McGraw!

I'm up to $3,000. Granted, it's because I made a donation today to celebrate some good medical news. I'm $300 away from my official fundraising goal, and $600 away from my actual fundraising goal, because I'm 90% certain that I'm going to run the Rock 'N' Roll Philadelphia Half Marathon with Team McGraw in September. In any event, the dream is becoming a reality. I'm close to having cobbled together enough money to run three races with Team McGraw this year, and I'm thrilled about that :)

themetfairy Mar 06 2010 04:02 PM Re: Running the NYC Marathon for Team McGraw!

themetfairy wrote: I'm 90% certain that I'm going to run the Rock 'N' Roll Philadelphia Half Marathon with Team McGraw in September. Make that 100% - I'm committed to it now.

themetfairy Mar 08 2010 11:06 AM Re: Running the NYC Marathon for Team McGraw!

My Team McGraw singlet arrived today. I'm ready to run!

themetfairy Mar 09 2010 06:11 AM Re: Running the NYC Marathon for Team McGraw!

G-Fafif has generously announced that he will donate the proceeds from the paperback sales of Faith and Fear in Flushing to my Team McGraw fundraising efforts at the upcoming Amazin' Tuesdays event at the Two Boots Tavern on March 23rd. I'm looking forward to seeing a lot of CPF friends that night, and I'm grateful to G for his ongoing support and generosity.

themetfairy Mar 18 2010 12:46 PM Re: Running the NYC Marathon for Team McGraw!

Many thanks to metsgrrl and Matt Silverman for helping publicize my running/fundraising efforts. Extra thanks to Matt for his pledge to contribute to Tuesday's Two Boots' fundraiser! I am sincerely touched by the way that people have been rallying around this cause.

themetfairy Mar 18 2010 01:04 PM Re: Running the NYC Marathon for Team McGraw!

I will be runner 9936 on Sunday. If you want to track my progress in the race, click here.

metsmarathon Mar 19 2010 12:24 PM Re: Running the NYC Marathon for Team McGraw!

TV ALERT: Watch Sunday's NYC Half-Marathon starting at 7:30am ET on universalsports.com and the Universal Sports TV channel.

G-Fafif Mar 21 2010 12:08 PM Re: Running the NYC Marathon for Team McGraw!

Runner 9936 did the 'Pool proud Sunday. Happy to be in the vicinity of the finish line when she crossed, resplendent in Mets cap and FAFIF wristband. Way to go. Now just double that in 7 or 8 months ;)

themetfairy Mar 21 2010 03:19 PM Re: Running the NYC Marathon for Team McGraw!

Thank you G! My official chip time for the race was 2:41:57. Considering the balky glute and one (very necessary) bathroom break, I'm pleased with the results. My thanks to D-Dad, G-Fafif, Kase, Steve, Chad Ochoseis, dgwphotography, Coop and Ed and the Lunchbucket family for celebrating with me after the race. metsmarathon - we'll have to get together another time!

themetfairy Mar 25 2010 07:35 AM Re: Running the NYC Marathon for Team McGraw!

Uber member promotion - Words by G-Fafif, along with a photo by dgwphotography

themetfairy Apr 07 2010 10:50 AM Re: Running the NYC Marathon for Team McGraw!

It's good that I committed to raise funds for the Tug McGraw Foundation in order to run the New York City Marathon. Because I didn't get in via the lottery. At this point it wouldn't have made a big difference - I'm less than $300 away from my fundraising goal. But I figured that meant that irony would have worked in my favor and I would have gotten in through the lottery. This is how it was meant to be.

seawolf17 Apr 07 2010 02:25 PM Re: Running the NYC Marathon for Team McGraw!

I say this not to be a dick, but if you already had a secure spot with the McGraws, why waste your time in the lottery? Couldn't you have potentially taken a spot from someone who doesn't have another connection?

metsmarathon Apr 07 2010 04:16 PM Re: Running the NYC Marathon for Team McGraw!

if you get in, you can keep the spot until next year by canceling. not that it helps the theoretical guy you've screwed out of it. plus it starts the clock on your three-tries-and-then-you-get-in which is why i thought i had signed up for the lottery. alas, i think i forgot to. oh well.

themetfairy Apr 07 2010 09:18 PM Re: Running the NYC Marathon for Team McGraw!

If I got in through the lottery, my fundraising obligation to run the Marathon with Team McGraw would have been something like $1,500 rather than $3,000 (the other $600 was for the NYC Half Marathon and the Rock 'N' Roll Philly Half Marathon). As it turns out, it's a moot point. But at the time I signed up for the lottery, it was potentially a big deal.

themetfairy Apr 07 2010 10:10 PM Re: Running the NYC Marathon for Team McGraw!

Also, each charity only has a certain number of spots that they can offer to runners. If I had gotten into the race via the lottery, the Tug McGraw Foundation would have an additional spot to offer another runner who wants to raise money for the cause. It all evens out.

themetfairy Apr 18 2010 04:34 PM Re: Running the NYC Marathon for Team McGraw!

Thanks to G-Fafif for his kind words about the Rutgers Half Marathon and about Tug McGraw's Major League debut.

themetfairy Apr 19 2010 09:15 AM Re: Running the NYC Marathon for Team McGraw!

Thanks to some very generous contributions (including from many CPFers - thanks!) I'm 95% of the way to my fundraising goal. That's $180 away. I'm getting close. Who among you would like to put me over the top?

themetfairy Apr 30 2010 08:49 AM Re: Running the NYC Marathon for Team McGraw!

I'm a mere $145 away from my fundraising goal. Help me get there by contributing here! It would be incredibly cool if I could hit my goal in time for the big Tug McGraw Foundation party before tonight's Mets/Phillies game.

themetfairy May 01 2010 06:59 AM Re: Running the NYC Marathon for Team McGraw!

When I arrived at last night's Tug McGraw Foundation event, I ran into Mike, whom I know from the foundation via Facebook. He knew that I was close to my fundraising goal, and told me to write to him today and that he'd get me there. True to his word, I have now raised 100% of my fundraising commitment! I will continue to raise money for the Tug McGraw Foundation - I have an unofficial goal in my head of $4,500. But for the moment, I'm reveling in the concept that I started out with a fairly high fundraising goal and I have met it. It's truly amazin' What's also amazin' is that, while I often feel like the Tug McGraw Foundation's token Mets fan, my first donation was from a Yankees fan and the donation that got me to goal was from a Phillies phan. The Tug McGraw Foundation is something that brings all of us together, even if our rooting interests conflict. I'm feeling very blessed this morning to have gotten to this point. I'm incredibly grateful for everyone who has supported me in so many ways. Now I have to train for a marathon in 27 weeks. Eek! Ya Gotta Believe!

John Cougar Lunchbucket May 01 2010 07:27 AM Re: Running the NYC Marathon for Team McGraw!

congrats

themetfairy May 01 2010 07:53 AM Re: Running the NYC Marathon for Team McGraw!

Thanks Lunchie :)

G-Fafif May 01 2010 08:11 AM Re: Running the NYC Marathon for Team McGraw!

Way. To. Go.

themetfairy May 01 2010 11:39 AM Re: Running the NYC Marathon for Team McGraw!

Thanks :) BTW, since I wore my Team McGraw singlet to the game, the FAFIF wristband made its CPB debut last night!

themetfairy May 07 2010 11:06 AM Re: Running the NYC Marathon for Team McGraw!

Since my unofficial fundraising goal is $4,500, G-Fafif has dubbed it the Drive for 45!

themetfairy Jun 02 2010 02:14 PM Re: Running the NYC Marathon for Team McGraw!

Wow! G-Fafif has made an Amazin' and generous offer - Make a donation of $15 or more to my Marathon fundraising and get a free, autographed copy of the paperback edition of Faith and Fear in Flushing, the perfect gift for Father's Day or graduation! Supplies are limited (seriously, they are), so act now!

themetfairy Jun 02 2010 03:18 PM Re: Running the NYC Marathon for Team McGraw!

themetfairy wrote: Supplies are limited (seriously, they are), so act now! And the books are going quickly!

Zvon Jun 02 2010 05:52 PM Re: Running the NYC Marathon for Team McGraw!

I have a new found respect for you, Scarlett.

themetfairy Jun 02 2010 05:56 PM Re: Running the NYC Marathon for Team McGraw!

Thank you Zvon - that is very sweet :)

Fman99 Jun 03 2010 06:44 AM Re: Running the NYC Marathon for Team McGraw!

themetfairy wrote: Wow! G-Fafif has made an Amazin' and generous offer - Make a donation of $15 or more to my Marathon fundraising and get a free, autographed copy of the paperback edition of Faith and Fear in Flushing, the perfect gift for Father's Day or graduation! Supplies are limited (seriously, they are), so act now! That's worth another donation from me, I had been waiting for the right excuse to buy G's book anyhoo. Sweet!

themetfairy Jun 03 2010 07:47 AM Re: Running the NYC Marathon for Team McGraw!

Very cool - thanks Fman! That gets me to $3,900. $600 to go in the Drive for 45!

themetfairy Jun 16 2010 06:26 AM Re: Running the NYC Marathon for Team McGraw!

Thanks to The Second Spitter, the Drive for 45 has its first international donation. Thanks 3D :) $390 from goal with 144 days to go!

themetfairy Jun 22 2010 12:49 PM Re: Running the NYC Marathon for Team McGraw!

Matt Cerrone and Metsblog come through with some great publicity for the cause!

themetfairy Jun 22 2010 03:22 PM Re: Running the NYC Marathon for Team McGraw!

The Drive for 45 has been met and surpassed! I'll still try to raise as much money as I can for the Tug McGraw Foundation between now and November 7th. But I'm thrilled, amazed and humbled to have such generous support from so many people - thanks everyone!

themetfairy Jul 28 2010 02:27 PM Re: Running the NYC Marathon for Team McGraw!

I want to thank all of you who have been behind me 110% in my fundraising efforts. Thank you for all of your support!

The Second Spitter Jul 29 2010 03:57 AM Re: Running the NYC Marathon for Team McGraw!

Thank you for just being you, metfairy!

themetfairy Jul 29 2010 06:05 AM Re: Running the NYC Marathon for Team McGraw!

Awww - thanks 3D!

Kong76 Aug 04 2010 07:48 PM Re: Running the NYC Marathon for Team McGraw!

.. oops

themetfairy Aug 10 2010 11:02 PM Re: Running the NYC Marathon for Team McGraw!

This evening I had the pleasure of attending the game with the young man for whom I'm running the Marathon, along with his mom. G-Fafif came by to say hi before the game - It was wonderful to finally get to meet the family in person. He had a great summer camp experience thanks to the Tug McGraw Foundation, and by all appearances he is recovering well from his brain tumor surgery!

metirish Aug 11 2010 04:42 AM Re: Running the NYC Marathon for Team McGraw!

That's very cool Sharon.

themetfairy Aug 11 2010 07:37 AM Re: Running the NYC Marathon for Team McGraw!

Thanks irish :) Meanwhile, I have now hit a new fundraising milestone - $5,000! Thanks to everyone who has contributed to the Tug McGraw Foundation on my behalf. I was worried about raising $3,000 at the beginning, but you guys have been amazin'-ly generous and supportive. Thank you all!

TransMonk Aug 11 2010 07:55 AM Re: Running the NYC Marathon for Team McGraw!

WTG!

themetfairy Aug 11 2010 11:01 AM Re: Running the NYC Marathon for Team McGraw!

Thanks TM :)

themetfairy Sep 06 2010 07:10 PM Re: Running the NYC Marathon for Team McGraw!

I've settled on the pair of running shoes I'm using for the Marathon, so I just laced them up with my Team McGraw shoelaces - T-Minus 62 days. Pretty soon I'll be able to MBTN the countdown :)

themetfairy Sep 19 2010 05:31 PM Re: Running the NYC Marathon for Team McGraw!

Today I ran the Rock 'n' Roll Philadelphia Half Marathon. It was a Team McGraw event, and it gave me the opportunity to meet a lot of my teammates in person for the first time. I had to raise $300 to run this race as a part of the team, so I'm grateful to everyone who helped make this possible. The day was hotter and more humid than expected, and I ran it as a training run. My time was 2:44:50. Not impressive, and my slowest half marathon to date, but under the conditions I'm satisfied with my performance. Let the record reflect that I ran the race in enemy territory while sporting a Mets cap with a red, white and blue logo (as well as my Faith and Fear in Flushing wristband). Next stop NYC in 49 days! On the course - After the race - Close up of the very nice bling -

themetfairy Sep 28 2010 09:25 AM Re: Running the NYC Marathon for Team McGraw!

I donned my Team McGraw singlet and Faith and Fear wristband for Sunday's Fifth Avenue Mile. I finished in 9:26; not particularly speedy, but a good time for me (I would have been happy with anything under 10 minutes).

themetfairy Oct 07 2010 07:43 AM Re: Running the NYC Marathon for Team McGraw!

My Team McGraw Fundraising Page Because it's my birthday, and because the Marathon is one month from today, I'm making one last ditch fundraising push. No donation is too small, and all are greatly appreciated. Do it for Tug! Ya Gotta Believe!

themetfairy Oct 21 2010 10:29 AM Re: Running the NYC Marathon for Team McGraw!

With 17 days to go, I'm $211 short of the $6,000 donation mark. That would be a nice milestone. If anyone has been sitting on the fence and wondering when it would be the right time to donate to this worthy cause, the time is now!

themetfairy Nov 03 2010 04:24 PM Re: Running the NYC Marathon for Team McGraw!

Just a reminder guys - only three more day to support me while I support the memory of Tug McGraw. Ya Gotta Believe!

themetfairy Nov 05 2010 12:19 PM Re: Running the NYC Marathon for Team McGraw!

Like Jerry Lewis in the waning moments of a telethon, I'm here to tell y'all that it's now or never time if you want to help out my Marathon fundraising efforts. The Marathon is Sunday, so it's now or never time! Click Here to honor Tug McGraw's memory and to help a sistah out!

themetfairy Nov 06 2010 01:27 PM Re: Running the NYC Marathon for Team McGraw!

If anyone wants to track my progress tomorrow, this is how to do it. My bib number is 59295

themetfairy Nov 07 2010 08:37 PM Re: Running the NYC Marathon for Team McGraw!

I'll post more pictures, descriptions and accounts of Marathon Weekend tomorrow. But I'll say this tonight. Thanks to you guys and some other wonderful people, we raised $6,214 for Team McGraw. I'm exceedingly touched and grateful for everyone's generosity. And I finished the race in 6:12;20. Here's the bling to prove it -

themetfairy Nov 08 2010 09:28 AM Re: Running the NYC Marathon for Team McGraw!

As promised, here is the story of Marathon Weekend. D-Dad and I went into the City on Saturday, stopping off to buy Philly pretzels on the way. I wanted them for carbing up before the Marathon, and to eat during the race. Saturday evening was the Team McGraw pre-race pasta dinner. I had the chance to see some old Team McGraw friends and meet some new ones. It was touching hearing everyone's stories about why they were running the Marathon, and wonderful seeing so many great people. The dinner ended early, so D-Dad and I went to TKTS and bought tickets to see In The Heights. It was a great show, although I probably should have been in bed a little earlier that night. But everyone says that you never sleep the night before the Marathon, and we did enjoy the show. We woke up bright and early Marathon morning so I could meet Team McGraw at the hotel down the block. Funny story - we took the elevator down with three police officers. They noticed my race bib, and we made small talk about the race. In the lobby, though, we had a little issue getting out the door, because we had to walk around a fourth officer who had someone in handcuffs! In all of my years of living in New York, I had never seen someone being led away in handcuffs before.... But we made it to the hotel without any further incident, and I got on the bus to Staten Island with the team. It was great being a part of the team, because I was able to hang out with friendly faces during those cold early morning hours before the race. That made a world of difference! I was supposed to be in the third wave for the race, but I got a little antsy and decided to see whether I could sneak into the second wave. The plan shouldn't have worked - they were checking numbers at the front of the corrals. But I was there right at the time that they were getting ready to close the corrals for Wave 2, and kind of got pushed into the corral by a surge of people behind me! So I was in! The cannon went off, and I started to run. I felt good at the start, and saw D-Dad two places in Brooklyn. But by the time I was getting ready to leave Brooklyn, shortly after saying hi to JCL, the cold air was taking its toll on my glute, and I went to a medical station to get it massaged. That helped, but by the time I was done running through Queens and on the 59th Street Bridge, I knew I was going to have endurance issues. I met D-Dad again, along with an old friend, up on 97th Street. Then it was up to the Bronx. I was kind of nervous about running through the Bronx in my Mets cap, but I actually heard one Let's Go Mets cheer there (the best kind of Bronx Cheer possible ). Then it was back to Manhattan, and I met up with D-Dad and several friends in front of the Museum of the City of New York. My boys were there as well, thanks to the kindness of a good friend in New Jersey, so that was a nice moment. From there, though, things were hard. That last 5K has a lot of inclines, and I couldn't run uphill any longer. So I did what I could do, and eventually crossed the finish line in 6:12:20. I was hoping to finish in under 6 hours, but when you factor in the medical stop and the bathroom breaks, then even with the walking my net time was close to 6 hours. Besides, back in April I decided that my time limit would be 6:53 - the time of the Mets' 20-inning game against the Cardinals After the race I met up with D-Dad, checked in with my Team McGraw folks, and went to my friend's apartment for celebratory pizza and champagne with friends and family. I was worried that people would be disappointed in me for the walking, but everyone has been really supportive and proud of me :) Today I'm feeling pretty good, save for one toenail that I may lose (there were several signs along the race route, btw, that read, "Toenails Are Overrated!" ). If you told me two years ago that I would run a marathon, let alone the New York City Marathon, I would have laughed in your face. Even with the walking, I am thrilled with the fact that I accomplished that. Raising $6,214 for the Tug McGraw Foundation at the same time is just icing on the cake. This was an amazing experience, and I am so thrilled that I was able to do it. Ya Gotta Believe!

themetfairy Nov 10 2010 03:50 PM Re: Running the NYC Marathon for Team McGraw!

As calculated by a friend of mine - My Marathon progress - My splits -

themetfairy Nov 16 2010 02:45 PM Re: Running the NYC Marathon for Team McGraw!

I may have struggled on the route, but I crossed the finish line strong -

Centerfield Nov 18 2010 09:46 AM Re: Running the NYC Marathon for Team McGraw!

What a great picture! Hey guy in back, no celebrating until you actually cross that line.

themetfairy Nov 18 2010 09:52 AM Re: Running the NYC Marathon for Team McGraw!

Thanks CF. And LOL - cooby had the same reaction to the guy in the back :)

Gwreck Dec 15 2010 06:25 PM Re: Running the NYC Marathon for Team McGraw!

I got a fundraising letter from the Tug McGraw foundation, discussing what they accomplished in 2010...and what do I see but that very picture of TMF crossing the finish line!

themetfairy Dec 15 2010 06:30 PM Re: Running the NYC Marathon for Team McGraw!

Yes - Greg pointed that out to me the other day. I was shocked to see that!