Robin Quivers is the popular sidekick and news anchor on Howard Stern’s ultra-provocative talk show, now airing on Sirius XM radio. Her autobiography, Quivers: A Life, was a New York Times bestseller, and in 2009 she made People‘s best-dressed list. She is also cofounder of the charitable organization 15 Foundation. Quivers  blogged exclusively for more.com about training to run her first marathon, in New York City on November 7.

November 18, 2010

Running the marathon for the first time is a lot like the first time you have sex. It hurts and it doesn’t live up to the hype.
 
Don’t get me wrong, the NYC marathon is an awesome event. It’s amazing how many people are lining the streets for practically the entire route to cheer for strangers. It’s as if the whole city wants this event and the people in it to be successful. That, in and of itself, is amazing. The problem is that it did not help me run the 26.2 miles that make up a marathon.
 
At the start of the marathon I feel strong. Running through Brooklyn early on the race, I recognize a Stern Show superfan, ‘’Marianne from Brooklyn," screaming my name in the bird-call screech of a voice that’s made her famous on our show. I’m feeling so good I run over and give her a hug.
 
By mile 13 I’m beginning to feel my legs and I pray that it doesn’t get really bad. Josh, my running coach, is running with me and he says it’s time for some nutrition. I pull one of the flasks off my belt and squeeze some of the gel inside into my mouth. It’s sticky and really sweet. I can hardly stand it. Ten minutes later I’m back on pace, but ten minutes after that I’ve slowed down again. The pain in my legs is increasing rapidly.
 
From this point on, I know I’m going to hurt with every step and there is still much of the race to go. We cross the Pulaski Bridge into Queens and I slow to a walk at the crest. I try more of the sticky substance in my flask and wash it down with water. Even though I know it will hurt, I start to run again. We run through Queens to the 59th Street Bridge. I tell Josh I’m walking up. He agrees with that decision. At the top I get my sore legs moving again. This is how it will be for the rest of the 12 miles I have left. 
 
Reaching Manhattan is no big deal when you know you have to run all the way to the Bronx and then come back. I wanted so badly to just cut across town and run to the park, but I could never live with myself if I did that, so to the Bronx and beyond. We finally reach Fifth Avenue, the final stretch. My legs are really killing me now and Josh just keeps whispering, "Only a little more pain to the finish."
 
I am determined to run the the final stretch. I had been told that the crowd at the finish line urges you on, but they are strangely silent as we run by. But I can see the finish line, and I know I can make it. As I run through I raise my arms as I have seen so many runners do, just for the picture.
 
As soon as I’m through, I slump into Josh’s arms exhausted and in excruciating pain. We have to walk to find our things, then we have to climb stairs to get out of the park, and then there are still five or six blocks to my apartment. It all hurts, but I did finish the course. I have my medal.
 
Josh asks me if I did the best I could and I answer, "Yes." I know I couldn’t have done any better on these legs. I also know now that I need to be stronger. Guess I need to do another marathon…so I can get it perfect.
 
Robin Quivers completed the NYC Marathon in 6hrs 13min.  She would like to thank all those who have supported her by donating and following this blog.  She was running to raise money for the Sylvia Center and Family Cook Productions.  The two organization provide nutrition education to children and teens in the New York area.  To donate and find out more about the two charities go to 15foundation.org.

November 2