From: Chris Martin

http://stationcafe.ru/resolved.php

Chris Martin
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Before and After

Thanks to everyone who supported us!

ING NYC Marathon - The day after......

I'm happy to report that all of Team Storm survived the cold and windy 3 hour wait for the start, though some waited 4 hours. Congrats to all runner and more importantly, for FINISHING!!!

"We compete against ourselves" - Team Storm NYC

Thanks, Greg S!



http://www.flickr.com/photos/84651613@N00/sets/72157608610722395/

Nov 1 - Pre-Marathon Jitters......

I'm sitting in my bed trying to fall asleep. Nick's was the place of our pasta party. All members of Team Storm NYC were in attendance to partake in the carbo-loading ritual. It must be nerves because I didn't eat much of pasta. Greg B's nephew, Keith, reminded so much of my own nephew, Tim. I miss that spoiled brat, republican turned democrat who'll be taking care of me at my old age.

I'll see you all in the morning!

ING NYC Marathon - Pre-Marathon Thoughts_10/26/08

It's Sunday, October 26 @ 5:30 pm. I ran a very easy 5 miles early this morning in Central Park and watched several thousand runners at the Poland Springs Kick-Off Race. I can tell from the crowd that many were running this event but not racing it. As I approached Tavern on the Green, a sudden boost of endorphins and nerves kicked in and I had to stop myself from sprinting. Hmmm.

It's exactly 7 days before THE DAY. As this day approaches, anxiety, nervousness, and feeling of uncertainties are creeping up on me. I just have to remind myself that I've sacrificed the whole year for my training - personal life=nonexistent! I've ran 1 marathon, 14 local races, barely picked up my tennis racket & no s*x. It will all be worth it!

I'm also excited that many of my friends are joining me on this 26.2 course; some for the 1st time. My brother-in-law, John, is traveling from Houston, Tx (McCain Country) to tackle this course. I have to commend him for his determination and commitment to his training. Throughout the course of his training, the average temperature was in the mid 80's - low 90's. I just hope it doesn't snow on marathon day - he'll be pissed.

The rest of Team Storm NYC - Greg B, Greg S and Greg B's nephew will be running this marathon for the 1st time. Greg B will do well despite his many injuries. Greg S is on track to still running, though he is suffering from bronchitis. Steven H. will pass this one and will join us next year.

It's been a grueling year of training for me and for others i'm sure. Zena, the Nor'easter Princess has been suffering from her own injuries but this B*tch is tough as Storm. Makiko will undoubtedly have a great marathon PR (3:10) so she can focus on having a baby. Golda will be skipping this marathon due to a major injury, though she sent me a txt message just this past week to let me know that she's started with speed class again.

That's it for now.

Website Update.......

It's been awhile since I've posted anything on our website, sorry!  We've all been so busy with our daily chores, careers & training.  The NYC Marathon is only 6 months away and tennis season has started _Dilemma!  I'm happy to report, however, that I have done 8 races for 2009 guaranteed entry to the NYC Marathon.   It's been a tough 4 1/2 months for me personally because I've been doing 2 sessions per week of speed class and racing just about every other weekend.  But it's paying off, BIG TIME!  Here's a pic from the Scotland Run 10K - 3/30/08.   

Queens Invade Queens 1/2- Marathon

The Queens 1/2-marathon was especially memorable for the members of Team Storm. Though not all members (4 and still growing) could participate in the race for one reason or another, all were in attendance to witness a personal record, 1st 1/2 marathon, and injuries. Storm (Chris) shocked himself and others by running a personal record at 7:56/mile in such a hilly & tangent course. Steven (Nikki) ran his first ever 1/2 at 8:13/mile. Unfortunately, Greg S(Georgia) sustained an injury during the course. Kudos to him for finishing despite the injury. Greg B(Guinevere) was unable to race due his ankle injury which he sustained running the Nike 1/2-Marathon. An honorary member of Team Storm, Maria (Zena) of G New York ran as well. All in all, it was a great day all around.

NYC - 1/2 Marathon by Nike

STORM (Chris) ran his personal record (8:07 pace/mile) at the NYC - 1/2 Marathon sponsored by Nike held on August 5, 2007.

Greg S competes in the NYC Triathlon

Congratulations to Greg S for finishing his 1st triathlon on July 22, 2007. You've inspired me to learn how to swim and try out for next year's tri. Now, get your ass back to running!

Wall Street Run - A Beginner's Perspective

Having been running regularly since January and only participating in two races over the last two months, both of them 10k's, I registered for the American Heart Association Start! Wall Street Run, a three-mile race, as I thought it would be easy based on its short distance alone. I work on nearby Maiden Lane for a large law firm, so I had little excuse to not to. And my close friend, Leisha, died suddenly last summer from heart disease at the age of 33, so the American Heart Association gets my special attention.

Greg S and I met at the corner of North End Avenue and Vesey Street, for a quick warm-up and stretch prior to the start. Nervous energy took both of us over as we didn't quite know what to expect. Workers from nearby investment banks poured from buildings that overlooked the starting line and converged onto North End Avenue. It was nice to see non-runners taking part in something this huge. I realized afterward that I was more excited for this race than I was for my first two.

What I discovered, but wasn't quite prepared for, was the enormous crowd of 12,000 people cramming themselves into the Financial District's narrow streets, some too narrow to accommodate most cars. Also not realizing until the start of the race that it was a "Walk and Run", we saw that many walkers placed themselves selfishly, or ignorantly, in front of runners, who would be forced to go around them. Combine this with the fact that co-workers formed groups that massed five-wide, and the condo craze and road construction currently overtaking the area, it makes for a winding and dangerous obstacle course, forcing some runners to run on sidewalks, metal plates, sewer grating, and a general rough surface. I witnessed several runners tripping over cones, plates and even unsuspecting pedestrians trying to make their way home.

Although Greg S and I are both proud of our performance, an 8:18 and a 7:32 pace, respectively, I can say that I will not be registering for this event next year. I get enough obstacles thrown at me in everyday life.