Hi guys. So here's my take on the NYC Marathon. Although my neighborhood was hit hard with fallen trees and flooding, I hadn't seen all photos of the total devastation in some parts of NY and NJ because I had no TV access. Seeing that, I agree that the decision to cancel was correct. However, I think the mayor handled the situation terribly. By Tuesday or Wednesday or even Thursday, he knew what the losses were, but he announced No Cancellation. He waited until 36 hours before the race to change his mind - when people had flown to NY from foreign countries and paid money for airfare and hotels. When everyone was geared up and ready to go. The last minute nature of the announcement was unacceptable. My heart particularly goes out to the first time marathoners. For those of you who have run a marathon, I'm sure you remember what it was like in those 4 months leading up to your first one - every minute, every breath, was completely absorbed by your training and preparation. And as the big day approached you were filled with intense excitement about fulfilling all you'd worked for. Can you imagine what it would be like to have the rug pulled out from under you 36 hours beforehand? Just devastating. Not as devastating as losing your home, of course, but still a loss. It was just handled horribly. So that's my two cents.
As for me, I am still living in the dark. Our house is so cold that we wear down winter coats and gloves when we have to be there. We find places to be for as much of the day as possible, and that is particularly hard with the kids because the schools are still closed. No end in sight. Today is my daughter's 11th birthday, and we are trying to make it as special as possible, but it's hard for her. I did do a 7 mile run on Saturday morning because I was able to take a hot shower at my dad's house afterwards, and I plan to do another 5 miles after work today because I can shower there again. My every run is dependent on when I can shower. Sigh.
Oh, and as an aside, my town cancelled our local 10K this coming weekend that I was going to race with my son. It isn't even an option with down trees and power lines all over the place.
Nick and Coryna, it was good to see you check in. Nick, I'm so sorry about all your home damage.