Yesterday, I ran my 20th NYC Marathon since 1996. The weather was just about perfect and the crowds were great, as usual. Having run Chicago just three weeks ago, I wasn’t sure what to expect. My legs felt pretty good, but NYC is a tough course and I haven’t done much hill training this summer. I made a plan to start with Sue (who also ran Chicago) and to have as much fun as possible. Spoiler alert – there were tons of smiles.
As always, I had an amazing weekend. It included a visit with Larry and Dan, catching up with many friends, a Runstreet Art Run, the Streaker / 15+ party with my former teammates, going to the Expo with Sue and, of course, the race. We stayed with Kathy and her family and went out with The Husband’s college friends on Friday night.
Saturday, I did the Runstreet Run and brunch with Yvette and Kelly (my new friend from the Chicago Marathon). Then, we visited Holly and Chad and met up with Andrea and Grace at LPQ. We had a pre-marathon dinner Kathy, Daniel and Mark from Chicago.
I got all of my stuff ready for an early wake up! I had great luck with my gear in Chicago so I kept it the same except I decided to try the Hoka Carbon X shoes.
I met Nicole and her friend Scott for the subway to ferry. My friend Scott (who’s also a 15+ runner) had to skip this year. I was worried about the ferry/bus crowds because NYRR was advising people to go earlier, so we went 20 minutes earlier this year. We got there SO early. I owe Nicole one for that. She and Scott were great sports. We found Sue and went to line up.
Sue and I chatted with a bunch of other 15+ runners and exchanged stories. Before we knew it, we were off. It took us less than 4 minutes to cross the start. My shoe came untied 1/3 of a mile up the bridge (rookie mistake) and I pulled over to tie it. Sue went slow and I caught her with a bit of extra effort. We were planning to pace about 8:30s but were ahead of that pace for the first 5 miles. I knew I was going too fast, but decided to stay with Sue until at least half way.
Fourth Ave is always a blast. I saw Emily (and I think Seth) near mile 7. I missed Kelly and the Prospect Park Track Club. I knew Zach and Sam would be near mile 8. They got some great footage and pics as always. Lafayette St (8 to 9) is always amazing and we got tons of energy from the crowd.
I knew Runstreet would be at Mile 11. Greenpoint and Williamsburg have upped the crowd game! We loved this section. We high-fived Marnie and kept moving. We stopped for a potty break at mile 13 before the half way mark. We still go to the 1/2 at just under 1:50 which was too fast for me but felt pretty good all the same.
Super fan Carolyn and her son Micheal were at 13.5. She always has a balloon and texts me what she’s wearing. They got some great pics as usual and super charged me through the next few miles!
Sue and I ran together to the bridge. Running 15 miles with a good friend is the best! I loved running together and catching up with Sue. It made the miles fly by. She was feeling good so we split at the base. I felt happy and strong running up the bridge and tried to keep pace with/pass people. It wasn’t a terrible slog. Before I knew it, I was turning onto 1st Ave.
1st Ave is always amazing. I took in the energy and headed toward Lauren at 72nd. I gave her my arm warmers and gloves which I carried for 10+ miles. After a quick hug and high fives, I took off. I saw Eric at 87th (The Husband was running late!) and then a great crew of my NYC running friends at 109th street.
I moved toward mile 20 and the Bronx. The Bronx is only a mile. I saw Daphne and her NYRR team just before the last bridge. I loved all of the “last bridge” signs and happily ran back into Manhattan. There was great music and cheer stations in Harlem. I smiled and thanked as many volunteers as possible. I was excited to have “only” 5 miles to go!
I ran down 5th Ave – I was running slow but not feeling miserable! I usually dread this stretch. I looked for friends around 110 and then focused on seeing Kelly. I saw her around 93rd and felt like I was home free!
In Central Park, I ran along the crowd to take in the cheers and look for “my people.” I saw The Husband, Eric and Nolan, then Brett caught me and finally Kathy and Daniel. I was so energized!
I crossed the 25 mile mark and knew I was going to come in under 4 hours. I took in energy from the crowd and smiled my way across Central Park South. Zach and Sam surprised me just before mile 26. I was running like a wooden soldier but I was still smiling and moving in the right direction!
I took that energy and ran strong to the finish. Right after I crossed, I ran into Meb! I reminded him of where we’ve met and he gave me a hug. DAY MADE!
NYC Marathon #20 was complete. I really enjoyed myself as you can tell from the photos. My time was 3:52.47. I was a minute faster than Chicago on a tougher course 3 weeks after that run. Not bad at all!
We met up with The Husband and Brett at the Dakota. It was a celebration there with every marathoner getting big cheers. So fun!
A million thanks to all who cheered, texted, Instagrammed, Facebooked, called and supported me. I’m so grateful and humbled by all of the love and support year after year. Congrats to friends, old and new, who impress me year after year.
Marathon #51 and NY Marathon #20 is in the books. Not many people can say that – right?
That’s a wrap – see you next year NYC Marathon!