A NYC Tradition: Marathon Sunday!
When this hits your inbox, I'll be on my way to the starting line.
Today, I’m participating in the NYC Marathon representing The National Infertility Alliance, Resolve. I’ve always participated from the sidelines, cheering on the runners and feeling inspired by their dedication and persistence. For the first time, I’ll be inside the barricades as one of the 50,000 people who have come from all over the world to be a part of this iconic event.
I’m not running for speed; I’ll mostly be walking which will give me a chance to really soak in the experience of this quintessential New York celebration. It’s a day when New Yorkers join each other on the streets united in cheer.
At the Jacob Javits Center, where runners go to pick up their race-day bib, there was a wall where you could post messages of inspiration and thanks for all to see. It reminded me of artist Matthew Chavez’s underground sticky notes project where, after the 2016 election, he encouraged subway riders to leave a message to express how they felt about the election results. He’ll be setting up Subway Therapy in the Union Square subway station this week. For more info—and to participate or volunteer—click over to his Instagram.
I took my daughter, Carolina, with me to pick up my marathon bib on Friday. She saw the wall with messages and ran over to fill out a sticker. She chose “Running makes me feel…” and she wrote I love NYC. A girl after my own heart! I selected “I run for…” and added RESOLVE! + Christopher + Avellina.
There were lots of messages of appreciation for the people who encouraged runners to keep going. My Dad. My Wife. My girlfriend. Everyone in my life who listened to me.
I appreciate everyone of you who contributed to my fundraising efforts. Your generosity has helped me exceed my $3500 goal, bringing in over $4000 to support access to IVF and family-building options. Your donations make a real difference, and if you haven’t yet donated and would like to, my page is still open for contributions.
If you’re on the sidelines, you can track my progress through the marathon app by searching my name or bib number (63364). My main goal is to enjoy the experience. My training was interrupted by a torn tendon, but after a few weeks of rest, I’m healed and ready to hit the road. I’m hoping to make it to the finish line, but if I don’t, that’s OK too. I’ll be elated if I make it to the finish line.
Congrats to all the runners for participating in a day of determination, strength, and community.
Words of the Week
“Marathon Sunday might as well be a holiday.” - The New York Times
Photo of the Week
The Queensboro Bridge, is one of the five bridges along the course of the NYC Marathon. The race is notorious for starting with a difficult incline over the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge. The other three bridges are the Pulaski Bridge, the Madison Avenue Bridge, and the Willis Avenue Bridge. I took this photo of the shadow of the bridge from the walking path along the north side of the bridge. Looking forward to a new vantage point today.
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*VOTE*
It’s a big week ahead. Please go out and vote for the *only* candidate that will protect bodily autonomy and reproductive freedom.
You have already made it to the finish line in my eyes. 💕💕💕💕
Good luck at the race, Lia!