The question I've been asked the most this week is "Are you ready?" As far as I know, yes. But to be fair, this is the first time I've run two marathons in a two-week span, with the New York City marathon coming up Sunday. Of course, this is the first time I've run two marathons in a calendar year. And yet it seemed like a good idea to stack my second and third marathons ever within a short time period. If I've already trained for one, I figure, why not cross two off my list. One of my friends here at work, who just did the Marine Corps Marathon, has two more 26-mile training runs planned before doing the Goofy challenge at Disney (a half and a full on consecutive days). So I know there are plenty of people who can do it. I just didn't know if I was in that group.

So I ran with my Forerunner 405, updated my software, listened to my Virtual Partner, shared training tales with Peg and chronicled my miles on Garmin Connect. Train, taper, race and repeat. And for you, another chance to win free Garmin gear: What will my time be in Sunday's New York City Marathon? Enter in the comments below, with appropriate coaching or smack talk, and we'll announce winners next week.

In announcing the previous marathon contest, I provided some training insight. This time, it's easy - I've only run once since finishing the KC marathon. Otherwise, here's some pertinent info that could help predict my time: 1) My legs felt back to normal within three days of the KC marathon. 2) I've been filming more Forerunner 405 videos, which are now on YouTube, so I've done my homework. 3) I'm going to be walking around Manhattan all day Friday, getting a feel for the city while loosening my legs. 4) Ryan Hall, Deena Kastor and Constantina Tomescu-Dita will be signing autographs Saturday in the Asics and Garmin booths, so I'll be plenty inspired.

And while I'm always aiming to improve my previous best (in this case, the 3:31 from KC), here are some other factors that could play a part: 1) Despite the nearly 40,000 runners who will join me through the five boroughs, I don't have a running partner. And I like to talk (a lot) while keeping pace. Strangers beware. 2) I have a busy weekend at the Expo and various meetings, and I hope to take in a few sights. Rest might not come as easy as it did here at home. 3) The sightseeing will certainly continue during the race. This is a unique way to see the city, and I plan to soak it all in. Even if that means slowing down from time to time to be a tourist. 4) This is gravy. I got the time I wanted in KC and I'm not aiming for Boston (3:15) any time soon. I'm going to have fun. Fast would be a bonus.

So don't delay. Enter your prediction in the comments below for a chance to win a Team Garmin T-shirt and limited-edition Oregon geocoin. Deadline is 9 a.m. EST on Sunday, Nov. 2, when the race begins. And if you're coming to New York or already in town, stop by the marathon expo. Starting tomorrow, my friends and I will be showing off the latest and greatest in fitness technology, and Saturday will feature autograph sessions with some stars of the Beijing races.

Comments

[Martin]

Have a 3.37 good time.....

[dualie]

3:37:36

[Chuan KK]

3:46:86
I just close my eyes and hit the keypad...
Hope U can send the prize to Singapore...

[Ron C]

Finish time 3:21:14 have fun

[Chris]

I'll be watching you! My guess is 3:36. I think a little rest has been good for you, but you don't sound as if you are trying to get after it.

Good Luck friend!

[Georgia]

I have no idea but will be a copycat and guess 3:45 because of sightseeing and such. Go Jake!

[lc82]

3:41:13

[Paul]

Feeling good about 3:18:26. Good luck!

[Eric Dominicus]

3:39:12

I just happen to know.
Enjoy

[jerrycan]

I'll say 3:40:50. Enjoy!

[sheas]

I'm going with a 3:42

[jeffh]

Your best time ever 3:29

[jeff]

I think you will be a little slower after running 3, I'll go with 3:56

[TMillerS]

I think you will only sightsee with one eye! 3:27:07. Maybe you guys can find that "cash" cab and turn it into a "cache" cab! Best wishes for safety, warmth, and hydration too!

[Alberto Reyes]

Your time will be 3:48:46

[Greg]

You can do faster than this, but I'm going to say 3:45:67 (OK, 3:46:07) just because it's fun to type. And you'll be sightseeing.

[mcwooster]

3:42:17.

Add 24 seconds for each puff pillow consumed beforehand.

Subtract 16 seconds for each bulbous nose running in front of you.

[Jennifer]

3:43:55

Good Luck!

[smthng]

I think you'll actually do better than KC, so I'm guessing 3:26:00. I'll be running my first race at the same time in DC (only an 8k, but I'm still stoked.) Good luck, have fun!

[Jeff D]

I say 3:29:00 ... it's easy to get swept up in the Big Apple.

[J. McCormick]

4hours be sure to enjoy the sights and don't cramp by going to fast.

[Laura]

3:42:19, good luck!

[Steve Haycock]

3:48:27, you can run way faster than that but like you say you're out to have fun and enjoy the crowds!

[Christian]

Its going to be rainy and a bit windy. . . . 3:33:33
Remember voting!

[Scott]

I'm thinking 3:48 =Scott

[Darren]

Good luck at hitting 3:38:17!
Have fun too!

[Olathejoe]

I'm going with 3:40:30. Good luck.

[Jared F]

3 hours 36 minutes and 25 seconds

[Peg]

3:35:20. Padding your KC time just a bit to account for the crowds. I think you'll find a way to have fun in NYC and still knock out a great time.

[kevin]

03:35:35

[Jocie]

3:37.33

If you find your shoulders getting tense, roll them out and pretend for a moment that you're in Turbo Kick! Then by all means get back to running so you can finish in 3:37.33.

[Larry J Davis]

You will do it in 3:27:18. Have a great race.

[Matt]

3:40

Good luck!

[Charles Geiwtiz]

I'm guessing 4:18:48 because this one is for fun.

[Louis]

I'm going to say 3:25:14. Good luck!

[dimkasmir]

How about 4:16:29?

[Steve Saeedi]

3:30:45

[Juan]

Adding 6 minutes for sightseeing in Central Park 3:37:42, have fun

[Nolan Grimm]

3:45:27

The same time it takes you to recover at G'mas after our one on one battle.

[sailor]

Total guess: 3:33:33

Good luck.

[Justin]

3hrs 53mins 18 sec

[Dan C]

Here's a 3:36:16 from Salem. Just pretend it's four-and-a-half consecutive legs from Hood to Coast.

[Charlene]

New York Marathon prediction - 4:05:07

[Andy Rutherford]

Enjoy it Jake 3:55:35

[J.R.]

3:31.30

[Jesse]

3:21:57, and that includes sightseeing and other lollygagging.

[Andy]

Thanks for letting us share in your experience again and a chance at some cool swag.

My guess - 3:34:20

[UltraRob]

I'm predicting 3:23:33

[Kelly Anderson]

I'll say you can do it in 3:30:30, good luck.