After 18 Weeks of training, it finally arrived. My SECOND full Marathon race.

I never had the goal of running a full marathon. Never!

Then my Brooklyn Half Marathon finishing time in 2018 qualified me to run the NYC Half Marathon in 2019. Unbeknownst to me, it also automatically qualified to run the 2019 NYC Marathon, as well.

Many runners made me feel guilty for not registering when only 5% of those who enter the lottery get in.

So I registered to run the NYC Marathon in 2019. I trained for it and I FINISHED (smiling).

I was thrilled and I was ONE and DONE!!

I’m not sure when or why I changed my mind.  Did I have amnesia on how much time it takes to train for a marathon and how stressful it is? Was it the pandemic?

But when I entered the next age group, my finish time for the 2022 Fred LeBow Half Marathon again automatically qualified me for the 2023 NYC Half and full marathons.

And I registered for both.

I never ran the half marathon due to a broken foot but after I healed, I was more determined than ever not to waste the opportunity to run the NYC Marathon again for the following reasons:

• I time qualified and had an automatic entry. Thousands who entered the lottery did not get in.
• If I’m going to run another marathon, why not go BIG and run NYC?
• I am healthy now. Who knows what the future will hold?
• It’s only a train/bus ride away and I have enough points for a free hotel room for two nights.
• It’s a fall marathon. Weather should not be too hot or too cold to train or race in.
• I LOVE NYC.
• A few of my local running friends said they would come and cheer me on.

Marathon Training:

If you follow my posts, you also know that I am not strict about following a training plan. But on July 1, I downloaded the Hal Hidgen Novice Marathon Plan. It was the same plan that I used in 2019.

And though I may have re-arranged things, I completed ALL my weekend long runs.

Because now I was mostly working from home, I was able to complete all of the weekday runs too (although the longer ones, I had to split up.)

Though I felt better prepared to run 26.2 miles, I was 4 years older!

All the same, the goal for my SECOND marathon was the same as my first –  FINISH!!

Pre-Race Day Activities:

I took the train to NYC early Saturday morning with my running friends Stan, Sherry and Heidi. (Lisa and Elenora arrived the day before.)

Heidi and I roomed together (near Penn. Sta.) but Stan and Sherry were staying in a different hotel (near Columbus Circle) with Lisa and El.

We checked into our hotel and then met the others for lunch.

After lunch, we headed directly to the expo at the Javits Center. It wasn’t a bad walk and I was familiar (from last time) about how enormous it would be. I had planned to grab my bib and shirt, check out the freebies and photo ops.

And that’s what I did. I refrained from buying anything.

Since I wanted to see the finish line, Heidi and I headed to Central Park.

Afterward, I met up with a friend (who was injured and wouldn’t running the race.)

Probably not a smart move but we walked a lot. How can you not in NYC?

We met everyone for dinner. I was hoping to eat early but it was close to 8pm when we finally got served. I’m a firm believer in not trying anything new on race day (or the night before) but when we went out to an Italian restaurant, I had pasta. I usually eat pizza but I was confident that this would be okay.

Heidi and I walked back to the hotel but I was not tired yet (and too excited to sleep) so I got ready my clothes (and throw-a-ways) for the next day.

I went to bed a little later than I would have liked, but because of Daylight Savings Time, I actually felt okay when I woke up at 4:00 am the next morning.

Race Morning:

I lazily stayed in bed until 4:30 am and then had my usual pre-race breakfast (oatmeal and coffee) in my hotel room.

I left at 5:30 to walk over to the New York Public Library to catch my 6:15 am bus to Staten Island.

I knew the weather prediction for the weekend. And it actually turned out to be pretty accurate (just a little warmer and sunnier).

Fortunately, it was not as cold on race day morning as predicted ..in the 50s with plenty of sun and little wind. I was decked out in plenty of throw-a-ways and was not cold at all.

Good thing I left when I did because the line for the buses was already pretty long. I was amazed at how quickly it moved and how organized everything was so far.

Soon we boarded a bus and were on the way to Staten Island.

After we got off the bus, we had to wait in yet another line to go through security to enter Start Village.

Again due to the superb race organization, it moved quickly and before I knew it, I was in the Start Village!

You were assigned either Orange, Pink or Blue and a corral – colors corresponded to where you start (top or bottom of the bridge) as opposed to your wave which corresponded with your start time.

Any runners whom I knew were in different waves and different start colors so I hung out alone in the Orange village, used the porta-potties, got my Dunkin Donut hat while basking in the marathon excitement.

Eventually I had a bagel

and some hot chocolate since my breakfast had digested hours ago.

Anyone read the book Bravey?  I saw a group of runners with glitter on them and then I spotted…

Then I relaxed on the ground (sitting on my blue 2019 marathon poncho) and watched the first 3 waves start and cross the bridge overhead.

Time passed quickly as I chatted with some other runners and did some crossword puzzles.

I removed some of my throw-a-ways when they announced Wave 4 corrals opening.

So…as I waited to start, I chatted with many of the runners in my corral (and even bumped into a local runner I knew who had moved to Colorado.).

Soon it was 10:55 am and we were moving. Cannons fired, confetti was thrown and speakers blasted Frank Sinatra singing New York, New York. I was already moved to tears… as I crossed the start line of my Second NYC Marathon!!

The Race:

I have to say that I had a hard time writing this.  I didn’t know what to say.  I mentioned in my WRD that “this was a race to forget!!”

And I don’t want to be a Debbie Downer but it was “horrible” both mentally and physically.

What do you do when you do everything right and your body fails you?

Everyone one has supported you and is so impressed that you “ran” a marathon.

Yet, you didn’t want to talk about it or explain your disappointment…

So here’s goes nothing:

Miles 1-2

The first part of the race took runners to the highest point of elevation: crossing the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge out of Staten Island (borough #1) into Brooklyn (borough #2).

We ran along Fourth Avenue in Brooklyn. The crowd support continued to be amazing. I collected many high fives here and lots of cheers. I was glad that I had put my name on my bib. I was surprised at how many spectators and volunteers called out my name and cheered me on.

After the first 2 miles on the bridge, I thought there were water/Gatorade stops at EVERY MILE. I don’t run intervals, but my plan was to WALK and DRINK at every water stop even if I was not thirsty.

There seemed to be fewer water stops than last time (or perhaps I have amnesia). So yes, I was thirsty. And it was SUNNY!! I rolled down my arm sleeves but it was too hard to get both them off completely.

Around mile 4, I decided to take my first fuel.  My fuel of choice is GU and I had brought 5 of them.  I had stuffed some Swedish fish in my pocket (but I never ate them.)

The Brooklyn crowds really rocked.  Music and screaming around every bend. But I was tiring and the miles just dragged.

We turned from Fourth onto Lafayette Avenue in Brooklyn around mile 8.

And all of a sudden all the groups Pink, Orange and Blue starters were running together.

I looked up and there was Lisa and Lyndsey… What a lift to see a familiar face!

There were a good amount of rolling hills and inclines in Brooklyn but my friends were running 2:45 intervals so I said I’d run with them. I’d hope that chatting would make the miles go by quicker.

The problem was that they were running at a faster pace than I was comfortable with. I could keep up with the running interval but when it came time to walk, that’s where I fell behind.  They walked so friggin’ fast, I couldn’t keep up.

So I was never really with them and always trailing behind.

I ate a 2nd gel around mile 9 and continued to be behind Lisa & Lyndsey until around mile 10.

The last miles in Brooklyn brought us over the Pulaski Bridge into Queens (borough #3). For this bridge, I did walk the incline and run down it.

Then all of a sudden, I got a sharp cramp in my right calf and couldn’t run.  So I just walked until it went away.

I lost my friends and so I just ran slowly and walked when I was tired… my usual race style.

Then I got another calf cramp. This time it was my left leg and it NEVER went away.  I could only run a few steps and then had to walk.  It was painful and I definitely wanted to quit…. (In fact, I said to myself many times, if I ever finish this race, I’m never running another!!)

At mile 13.1 (or halfway) I spotted our local running organization.. They were timing part of the race.

They announced my name and that made me smile. I even tried to run. LOL.

Miles 14-16

Next came the Queensboro or 59th street Bridge. And what a long one… with no spectators!

I hadn’t seen my friends since mile 10 and then all of a sudden, I had caught up to them?

They explained that they were planning to walk the rest of the race until .2 miles left.

That sounded like a great idea to me… my calf wouldn’t let me run anyway.

However, they explained where Lyndsey’s parents and our running friends were waiting for us so we needed to look happy when we ran by them.

Lyndsey waved and so Lisa and I did too.

The funny thing was that we never saw our friends (but they saw us!!)

It definitely lifted my spirits to know they were there. I continued to sprint away until I was out of their sight and then I slowed to my painful walk.

Miles 17-20

At this point, you left Queens and entered Manhattan (borough #4) to run down First Avenue. I continued to try to walk with Lyndsey and Lisa but their walk pace was too fast so every now and then, I would painfully run to get close to them.

In addition to water stops (of which 2 had SIS gels), there was volunteers that would spray you with Bio Freeze, offer you salt tablets, Vaseline, etc.)

I finally succumbed to drinking Gatorade instead of water because I thought it would help the cramping and I knew I was heading up and down bridge #4.

Unfortunately I don’t like Gatorade and as it, had in the past, made me very nauseous. (Blech.)

After crossing the Willis Avenue Bridge (again, all the bridges were hard!), you entered the Bronx for a mile.

Although you were in the Bronx (borough #5!) a short time, there were really energetic spectators and lots of music. I work in Queens often, so the atmosphere seemed familiar.

So after a quick couple of miles through The Bronx, we crossed the Third Avenue Bridge and headed back into Manhattan for the final 5 miles on Fifth Avenue, up 59th St. and into Central Park.

After this bridge, we were close to mile 20… This was where there were signs with names of those people that you were praying for who had died or were currently suffering from cancer. (There was a sign there with my friend’s name and I stopped to see it).

Miles 21-23

You ran through Harlem when you first entered Manhattan from Queens. The crowd support was almost as crazy as Brooklyn!

We continued running up Fifth Avenue and it was a false flat. The incline was a killer at this point in the race and in addition to calf, my lower back ached, my quads started to throb. I even started to feel the neuroma on the bottom of my left foot. I was toast but…

I was finishing this race…no matter how long it took me.

I was lagging behind Lisa and Lyndsey but running at times to catch up to their walk and then unexpectedly, we saw our friends again.

I looked pretty dead at this point but they yelled words of encouragement.  Heidi even pushed onto the course to hug me.

Fifth Avenue seemed to go on forever. Thank God for the crowds. I can’t tell you how many times spectators called out my name and told me how great I was doing.

Miles 24-26.2

I had no time goal. I just wanted to finish. I thought I may finish in daylight but it wasn’t looking good at this point.

So despite the pain, I tried to walk faster. After being out there for almost 6 hours, we finally entered Central Park…yes, the hills of Central Park.  The crowds were insane.

Believe it or not, I don’t remember the hills being tough. But this time, I actually saw the “cat” on Cat Hill. I have to say, you do see a lot more when you are walking rather than running and staring at the ground.

I was so glad to be nearing the end of the race (though it was far from over.)

Eventually we turned up 59th street heading toward the final stretch of the race. Lyndsey and Lisa were up ahead and said that they would run the last .2 of the race. I thought I would too but decided to wait until I saw the finish line… and I barely sprinted across it.

Well, I DID IT!

I competed my SECOND NYC MARATHON.

Getting out of such a big race is a long slog. After we got our medals, the runners received heavy recovery bags filled with snacks (large bottle of water, Gatorade, protein drink, apples, power bars and more)..

Then there was a long slow walk to poncho pickup. It was actually too warm for that fleece poncho but I put it on because everyone else was and it was too awkward to carry.

It was another LONG slog to exit the park… at least 10 blocks more!! Finally at 77th St, I left the park and walked down Central Park West. The road was still blocked from friends and relatives.

So I kept walking trying to locate my friends. I finally found them at 69th St.

Post Race:

I couldn’t imagine walking down the subway stairs and squeezing into a crowded subway so Heidi and I walked back to our hotel (on 35th St!!)

I quickly showered and off we went to dinner. We had plans to eat at a restaurant (La Masseria) where we ate at after the NYC and Brooklyn Half Marathons last spring.  We walked there (quickly) and were only a few minutes late for our 7:30 pm reservations.

I never got a picture at the finish line with my medal after the race so this would have to do!

The Next Day:

I got up early, had breakfast in the hotel and then Heidi and I headed off (on foot) to Central Park.

But first, that obligatory medal picture at the finish line:

Then on to my appointment – 10 minutes in Normatec boots.

followed by added time with the massage gun.

After all that walking, we worked up an appetite.  Good thing because we had plans to meet Cari for brunch.

After brunch, we met our running friends for drinks.

Unfortunately this enjoyable time (with friends not referring to the race.) had to end… and we sadly boarded the train to return home.

Additional Race Reflections:

I can’t say enough good things about this race. I may have focused too much on my pain and that I walked the last 16 miles of the race.  But since that day, I am trying to only think about the positives and how I lucky I am to have had this opportunity.

The Good:

• Abundant communication beforehand about all aspects of the race
• Organized packet pick up.
• HUGE expo with lots of samples and items to buy.
• Many things to do (for free) before the race -podcasts, lectures, runs, etc.
• Organized, easily accessible and sufficient buses to the start.
• Ferry/bus option to get to the start
• Dunkin hats, coffee, bagels, bananas in the race start village.
• Bins everywhere to discard clothing
• Organized and easy access to corals.
• Sufficient number of port-a-potties. In the village, corrals and along the course.
• Prompt wave starts with canons, confetti and Frank Sinatra
• Sufficient number of water/Gatorade stops – 2 had SIS Gels
• Lots of medical support along the course
• BioFreeze and Vaseline provided along the course, as well.
• Spectators handing out paper towels, candy, food, drinks, etc.
• Well marked course with mile markers and timing at each mile and clocks at each 5k.
• THE MUSIC, THE CROWDS, THE SUPPORT
• Great weather
• No blisters!! No chafing!
• Cool medal
• So many photos (almost 200)
• Post finish line support of food bag and a fleece-lined poncho
• Free subways after the race
• Post race recovery tools
• Friends before, during and after!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The Bad:

• Ran out of finisher shirts in some sizes (but they will be mailed in Dec.)
• Ran out of the freebies (glass, jackets, etc) at the expo (if you didn’t go the first 2 days)
• The bridges (LOL)
• The long walk out of the park
• The early bus time and long wait to start
• Price of the photos (not that I would buy any this time)

The Ugly:

• MY CALF PAIN

Would I recommend this race?

OMG! YES YES YES.

What can I say? This is an amazing race. Crowd support is incredible. From the Expo to poncho pickup, the organization was perfect. Everyone has to run New York at least once! (or in my case twice.)

Final Stats and Thoughts:

As you all know, I trained for 18 weeks for this marathon. I rarely missed a weekday run (although they were often done in two parts) and nailed all of my long run distance runs. Based on my NYRR pace per mile. I was predicted to finish at 4:30.

I expected to finish around 5:30. But I said that I wouldn’t even be disappointed at 6 hours.

I had ZERO time goals.

2019:

2023:

The real story is in the walking. I’m happy with my pace since I’m not a fast walker. All the credit goes to trying to keep up with Lyndsey and Lisa.

It was a great experience. I am glad that I took the challenge.

Thanks to Alexi for this message:

How am I feeling and What’s next?

I think walking around NYC after the race and the next day helped because I didn’t really have much soreness days after.

Will I run this race again?

Now I say NO!!!

Walking most of a marathon was not fun.. and what caused my calf pain is unclear.

I have a time guaranteed entry for 2024 and friends who will be running it.  I could go and cheer.

That’s sounds like a better plan.

My next races are a 10k and then a 15k.

There’s nothing big scheduled until February’s half marathon in Florida.

Last but not least, THANK YOU!

So I couldn’t end this post without thanking so many awesome people that encouraged me on my NYC marathon journey.

To my running friends. THANK YOU for all of your wisdom, words of encouragement and support during those LONG weekend runs.

Thank you to my Topo running shoes!

To my friends (including virtual friends and bloggers), you guys are the real MVPs. THANK YOU for supporting me on this crazy 18 week journey and for cheering for me during the race. It means more than you’ll ever know!

Happy Running! Ever run this race or another marathon? How did you feel about your experience? Did you meet your goals? Please share.

 

 

 

 

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There is a link-up organized by Zenaida and Kim (Kooky Runner).

Since today is Tuesday, I’m also linking up with these ladies and you should too.

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I’m also linking up here:

with co-hosts Coach Debbie Runs, Confessions of a Mother Runner, Mile by Mile, Runs with Pugs, and Laura Norris