Before this: NYCM2011: All over the press / NYCM2011: At the NYCM Press Conference

It turns out, I have a million rituals come race week. Every day I swear I will eat better and go to sleep early. That’s usually a FAIL. Thursday I go to the expo, Saturday I try to keep it quiet (though this year I am going to cheer on the 5K, coach a couple of hours, dinner with a team I coached for the marathon, etc, etc…).

Rituals are good. They give me a sense of stability. When you have a non-stop-crazy life, they really do help.

Race Week Wednesdays, I go to the Footlocker Run with Ryan Hall and Bart Yasso (here is last year’s post, when Steph and I dared chick Ryan!).

As soon as I got there… overload!!! I knew EVERYONE there. Is that why I am Miss Manhattan? Seriously, everyone! So I had to catch up super fast with everyone. Not easy, it’s such a busy week with SO much happening!!!

You know Steph in the far right (an accidental runner!!!), man I love that girl. And you’ve seen Blaise before too, my training partner. On the left are two team mates: Lisa and Alejandra.

Carrie Tollefson was there too doing some interviews and we chatted for a bit. Somehow, I didn’t take any pictures…

John is one of NYRR’s coaches and the brain behind all the math and genius put into the NYRR training programs. I got to test them before they launched earlier this year and they were pretty fantastic! He’s also a fabulous runner (and a fun to watch rabbit!), with an 800 meter specialty. Obviously, we can’t run together!

Before I even made it inside, with all the chat, I (and Staten Island) got called in to take picutes with Bobby Curtis, who will be running his first marathon this weeekend! He’s from PA and did his first half this year in Philly, with a 1:01:53. Ridiculous.

The guy is super sweet. We talked about the course a bit and I asked him to not pass us on Sunday without pacing us for a few miles. Because, why not? I really hope he does well!!

Soon after, Ryan and Bart and Mary made it into the store and there was some talk about a certain marathon…

Steph… a runner in love…

This is Janine, who works 24/7 and is SO amazing. She’s been with NYRR for 7 years and you’d think she’s 15! I love her. And she lives very close to me so I’ll be stalking her to come run with me soon after all this is done!

My Footlocker peeps. Also amazing people. I have to say, out of the whole Footlocker Five Borough Challenge experience, the thing I love the most is the people I have met. Seriously ridiculously inspiring and amazing and fun people. Love you guys!

Ok, enough talk and pictures, running time!

That’s Ryan Hall right there. Somehow, Steph, Blaise and I were keeping up. How does Ryan do 9 minute miles??? I am sure it hurts. He had said earlier his easy pace is 5:30, pffffffff.

Should I post this picture, should I not??? Steph, sorry, I sent it to you last night so YOU could post it, but I can’t resist. I love these two sooooo much, I HAVE to post it: (SORRY LOVE!)

I have to mention I kept saying all day, and repeteaded thru the run: I HAVE THE BEST FRIENDS IN THE WORLD. I do.  Speaking of which, back in the store after 3 miles…

The guys doing their thing… and I was doing mine!

Ooooops, I was directed to pose in for a pic with all of them!

How on earth did I blink for this????? SOOOO not me!!!!!!! Re-do! Re-do!!!

After this:  NYCM2011: Have you seen a Marathon Morning like this? /  NYCM2011: Get Ready, Set, GO! / NYCM2011: Beyond The Finish Line (finally the last post!) / NYCM2011: Marathon Monday (Ed, the breakfast, Carrie, the press conference, etc.!) /