October 29, 2009
Big Apple bound: Two UW runners take on New York City Marathon Nov. 1
A is for apple, but it’s also for the UW’s Annabelle Allen and Angela Abel, who will take on the Big Apple this weekend to run the famous New York City Marathon.
Allen is an admissions specialist here at the University and Abel is a doctoral student studying Communication.
The pair have been training for the big day for four months. Their training consisted of a progression from short to long distance runs, conditioning through swimming, bike rides, sleeping, and a fair amount of eating.
Abel said, “We’ve also been washing our hands all the time. We want to stay healthy and have been cautious because of flu season.”
The pair met in 1999 when they were placed in the same Freshman Interest Group (FIG) at the UW. They both studied communication as undergraduates and have been friends ever since.
They are excited to share another important experience together on Sunday, Nov. 1.
“Running has always been an interest of mine, but it has always been strictly recreational,” said Abel. “It’s probably been about 15 years that I have been running.”
Allen also considers herself a recreational runner and has been running for the past 14 years.
“I want to make it clear that we’ll be going to the marathon together, but we won’t be running side-by-side. Annabelle will definitely be way ahead of me,” explained Abel.
“I don’t know about that,” Allen quickly responded. “We’ll have to wait for Sunday to see our results.”
Abel and Allen said they both have always wanted to run a full marathon, and “If you are going to run one, there’s nothing better than the New York City Marathon,” said Abel.
“I’ve heard the course is awesome,” said Allen. “It goes through all five boroughs of New York City and includes five bridges. We’ll get to see New York in a way that few ever do. It will be an experience just to see so much of New York running through the streets.
“The crowds are also supposed to be incredible and full of energy,” Allen continues, “I hear they can’t be beat!”
While most people have heard of the New York City Marathon, many might not realize that it is more than simply a race. Rather, it is an entire week of events. There will be question and answer sessions with runners, dinners and a fireworks show Saturday night at the marathon’s finish line.
Abel said, “One of the things I am excited for are all of the elite runners who will be there. Many of them are giving talks and I am really interested to hear from them and what they have to say about running”
There will also be many celebrities in attendance. Famous faces running this year’s race include: Oscar nominee Edward Norton, ER alum Anthony Edwards, and Grammy winner Alanis Morissette.
“Both Angela and I are really curious to see if we spot any celebrities either on the course or in the crowd,” said Allen.
As a big fan, Allen also said she is looking forward to the prospect of potentially seeing Tara Costa, season seven Biggest Loser runner-up, who will be running the marathon.
Part of the fun will be seeing which stars they can spot.
“The moment I cross the finish line will be the highlight, though,” said Abel.
During their “mini-vacation,” as Allen put it with a smile, the pair hopes to catch-up with some friends and do some sightseeing around the Big Apple. They are also eager for a huge celebration dinner Sunday night.
“Our friends and family are all pretty excited for us,” said Allen. “I have a lot of friends who have run marathons, so they are really excited that I’ll be joining their ranks very soon.”
Runners for the New York City Marathon are chosen through a lottery process. The official Web site said over 100,000 applications were received. Around 40,000 runners were selected.
“We got lucky,” said Allen.
The pair said they are convinced anyone can run a marathon and encourage everyone to give it a try at some point.
“It’s 80 percent mental,” said Abel.
“Just sign up,” said Allen. “That’s the hardest part. Once you’ve signed up, you’re committed. It’s all or nothing.”
Abel and Allen plan on running marathons together in the future.
The 2010 Hood to Coast Relay may be up next for the pair. They recently applied for the long-distance relay, which is held in Oregon every August. It runs 197 miles and consists of 36 legs.
For now, Abel and Allen are eagerly anticipating Sunday.
