Yesterday, I ran my 21st NYC Marathon since 1996. After last year’s cancellation, they promoted this as the 50th running (instead of the 50th anniversary). I was so excited to return to NYC after an unbelievable two years away from the city. The race had a smaller field and was more spread out due to COVID (and international travel restrictions). That said, the weather was perfect and the crowds were epic. My face hurt from smiling. I was so excited to be there and so grateful for every step.
Since Chicago was so warm, I felt like this was my chance to run a better time. I typically do much better in cooler weather. My legs felt pretty good, but NYC is a tough course, I haven’t done any hill training all year and I have a 600+ day run streak going on. Sue and I decided to start together and catch up. Sue is faster than me, but I decided to give it a go to get the opportunity to run together. We’re also both celebrating our 50th birthday in the next month so all of the 50th gear was made for us. We geeked out about it and may have grabbed a few extra goodies this year.
Pre-Race
As always, I had an amazing weekend – it was so nice to be back after 2 years away. It included a visit with Larry and Dan, catching up with many friends, a Runstreet Art Run, going to the Expo with Sue and, of course, the race. I stayed with Kathy and her family, as usual.
Saturday, I did the Runstreet Run and coffee with Lauren, Nicole and Lauren C. After lunch, I visited with Andrea. We had pre-marathon take out this year from the restaurant we often go to.
I got all of my stuff ready for an early wake up! I had great luck with my gear in Chicago and I was so easy to spot. I wore exactly the same outfit.
Race Day –
I met Scott, Cheryl and Nicole on the subway to the ferry. There were many fewer runners this year, the waves were 45 minutes apart and there were 5 waves. The ferry was pretty empty. We found a spot, took pics and made it over to the start area with no issues. We wished Nicole and Cheryl well and went to find the 15+ tent. We found Sue quickly.
Scott started in 15+ this year so we stayed with him in the corral and onto the bridge. Before we knew it, we were off. It took us less than 3 minutes to cross the start. As soon as the gun went off, we made it up the bridge. I was grinning – especially on the downhill. It was just so great to be back and running in NYC again.
Like last year, 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. We chatted, high-fived kids and enjoyed the crowds as we ticked off the miles. I messed up my watch and wound up winging it and letting Sue tell me the pace.
Fourth Ave is always a blast. My friends that are normally on 4th weren’t able to make it this year, but I thought of them and all of the friends and family who’ve cheered me on. I got a ton of “Go Erica cheers” with my name on my shirt. Passing BAM and heading on to Lafayette is always my favorite and this year did not disappoint! It was better than ever. I saw Christi and her teammates at Mile 9 and they were awesome.
Greenpoint and Williamsburg have upped the crowd game! We loved this section. Sue’s friend jumped in and we saw his partner a bit later. We got to the 1/2 at around 1:51 which was a bit too fast for me but felt pretty good all the same. Sue decided to pick it up, so I just tried to get in the groove and to enjoy the crowd. I’m so happy that we had the chance to run together and catch up. It had been way too long.
Super fan Carolyn and her son Micheal were not able to make it this year. I thought of them as I ran in Queens and enjoyed a ton of music and the great crowds.
I felt good heading onto the Queensboro Bridge. I haven’t done any hills but I just did my best and tried to relax. I had my “20 finishes and counting bib” on my back so some runners encouraged me along the way.
1st Ave is always amazing. I took in the energy and headed toward Lauren at 72nd. She jumped in with me and we headed out. Because of the race size and waves, it felt pretty empty on 1st Ave, but the crowd was great. I saw Eric and Nolan at 87th and then a great crew of my NYC running friends at 115th 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! Things got tough for me at Mile 21. Lauren kept chatting and encouraging me. Bless her heart!
I ran down 5th Ave and tried to stay positive! It felt so long and it’s slightly uphill. Lauren and I chatted about fun plans we might make for next year and running Chicago or NYC together next year. That helped the miles pass. Lauren popped out before Central Park. Bless her heart, I was struggling and she was such a good sport!
In Central Park, I ran along the crowd to take in the cheers and look for “my people.” I saw Eric and Nolan, then Brett and Taryn and finally Kathy. That was what I needed to fuel the last two miles (plus a nice downhill helped.)
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 and every step to the finish.
I took that energy and ran strong to the finish. I screwed up my watch at Mile 2 so I had no idea what my time was. I knew it was under 4 hours because the clock was still under 4. I felt like I gave it my all.
NYC Marathon #21 was complete. I really enjoyed myself as you can tell from the photos. My time was 3:55.40. This was 6 1/2 minutes faster than Chicago but the weather was about 10x better!
I met up with Sue, Brett and Taryn at a friend’s restaurant on 84th and Columbus. It was a long walk which helped in the long run! We caught up, tracked friends and chatted about what we’ll do differently next year – LOL.
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 #54 and NY Marathon #21 is in the books. Not many people can say that – right?
That’s a wrap – see you next year NYC Marathon!