Pregnancy and marathons, but not pregnant marathoner

If I were running the marathon, things I’d carry with me from the labor/delivery experience:

• Draw comfort in knowing others before you have successfully accomplished this task, but this is your story—you get to write the script.
• Focus on the moment. Don’t anticipate the pain ahead.
• Use the time that you feel good to either relax or draw strength for the tough parts.
• Some of this will hurt, but it’s nothing you can’t do.
• Remember to breathe and focus.
• Think about all the people in your life who are pulling for you.
• Hydrate.
• There will be times when you feel as if you are going to collapse. They pass.
• Breathe.
• Do not watch the clock.
• Take it all in. Time is very bizarre. Minutes will feel like hours, hours like minutes. It’s all part of the game.
• Trust yourself.
• You’re stronger than you realize.
• Go in with a game plan. If you think you can do something, you can.
• Don’t compromise your health, but being tired doesn’t count as a compromise.
• Have a reliable friend on the course who will encourage you.
• Finish what you've started.
• Commit.
• Listen to your body.
• Don't listen to your body.
• The sense of accomplishment when you reach the finish line is great. Get there.
• The finish line is a known entity. There is no question where Tavern is. Feel secure in knowing when the race is over and that it *will* be over.
• The longer you’re out there, the more difficult it can be—be efficient.
• You don’t have to run as fast as Buzu to be called a marathon finisher.

Good luck to those running the NYC Marathon this weekend. City Coach and its newest edition, Simon, will be at 136th and 5th Ave (west side of st.) cheering our heads off for you.