Everyday that starts with a run is a great day!

This morning, Team Chances rallied together, had a team meeting,  and headed over to Central Park for a short fun-run to get the team back into good spirits.

Boy did it ever! Ari and I did about 3.5 miles at a 9:11 pace. I told her that’s what happens when we aren’t Garmin-stalking the whole run. We run at a pace that feels good, and don’t even notice when we’re kicking ass!

We got to run by what would’ve been mile 25, mile 26, and the finish line. They still had the bleachers up and everything.

You can take the marathon from the runner, but you can’t take away their spirit!

The area near mile 26 was so cool! It had flags from different countries along each side of the road. People that came from other countries to run the marathon were posing and taking pictures by their flags. What a cool sight to see all of these runners still wanting to get out here and do what they love even in the midst of the tragedy and their disappointment about the race being canceled.

After our run, we went out to breakfast at Applejack’s. I had an egg white omelet with spinach, feta and mushroom. A-maz-ing!! Plus, some potatoes and coffee that hit the spot.

After breakfast, we headed back to the hotel to get warmer clothes, and went to the expo.

As soon as we stepped foot inside the building, you could feel the somber mood. It was like unspoken grieving was happening. It was weird. Normally I LOVE LOVE LOVE expos, but this wasn’t the same.

Ari and I didn’t expect to get these, but we did:

It was so bittersweet. Too cool to get my own NYC Marathon bib, but it’s just a dream now that never ended up happening. I think we are going to wear them on our long run tomorrow.

We also got our shirts with our race packet, I think I want to add my quote about not being able to take the spirit away from the runner to the shirt after I get back. I hate wearing a shirt of a race I didn’t do, but this one is different.

Tomorrow, we, as a team, are getting sandwiches (and other supplies that we would want for ourselves if we were in this same situation,) and taking them to Staten Island. I can’t wait for the opportunity to help out the people who are in need!

More expo pics:

Damn right they are! So is having 7 of them….I should get a discount at the nail place….

After the expo, we walked around, and met up with Ari’s friend Mac. Steve and I got some shoes, we had a snack and Froyo, then went back to the hotel to get ready for dinner.

Pinkberry Chocolate Hazelnut with dark chocolate crunchy things and hazelnuts. Most amazing Froyo I think I’ve ever had. Like ever.

Here is Times Square on the way to dinner:

Here is the team at dinner:

After dinner, a group of us went to see Mama Mia. It was my second time seeing it, and it was just as fun the second time! After the final number, the cast did a few more songs, and everyone got up and started dancing! It makes me wanna dress up in disco clothes and go karaoke  some Dancing Queen!!

I lieu of karaoke, we did some kick lines in the lobby of the hotel:

I <3 the Big Apple!

Bring on the long run tomorrow! It’s for the city, those who need help, and the runners that are coming together to make a difference

Happy Trails!

Stacey