It's time for the race recap! I wanted to write this right away but now that's it's been over a month, I have a lot better grasp on how things went.
I was up at 6:30 and out the door at 7:03. It was definitely much warmer than the day before and then I was expecting but I started the trek nonetheless. A few people on the street wished me good luck and I headed over to 57th and Broadway. The regular trains were not running so I had to walk farther to another station and it looked like the trains were running behind. It finally came and I was able to get a seat.
I was up at 6:30 and out the door at 7:03. It was definitely much warmer than the day before and then I was expecting but I started the trek nonetheless. A few people on the street wished me good luck and I headed over to 57th and Broadway. The regular trains were not running so I had to walk farther to another station and it looked like the trains were running behind. It finally came and I was able to get a seat.
I got to Staten Island at 7:50 and it was a bit of a mob. We had to wait through 2 ferries and finally were let inside to have the bomb sniffing dogs look us over and wait. It seemed super backed up but I felt really bad for the people coming home after a crazy Halloween the night before that had to deal with the craziness too.
I got on the ferry around 8:30. Never having been on the ferry I just picked a seat when I found one. Big mistake-I was on the inside and could barely see the Statue of Liberty and also ended up in the back so was one of the last people off the boat! Oops. While on the boat, I ate breakfast and just took in the scenery and relaxed. I debated playing a game or listening to music but I didn't want my headphones or iPod to die and I didn't want to engage my brain too much. I spent time reviewing the elevation map and my race strategy (yes, I printed it out) and before I knew, we were at Staten Island. I think we got there around 9:10.
I got on the ferry around 8:30. Never having been on the ferry I just picked a seat when I found one. Big mistake-I was on the inside and could barely see the Statue of Liberty and also ended up in the back so was one of the last people off the boat! Oops. While on the boat, I ate breakfast and just took in the scenery and relaxed. I debated playing a game or listening to music but I didn't want my headphones or iPod to die and I didn't want to engage my brain too much. I spent time reviewing the elevation map and my race strategy (yes, I printed it out) and before I knew, we were at Staten Island. I think we got there around 9:10.
At this point since I've had so much liquid, I decided to pee. I stopped at the porto and there was no toilet paper but a nice lady came prepared with a full roll so she saved the day! The bus line took forever but I stayed calm and knew I would be cutting it close. Longest travel time to a race ever!
The Manhattan skyline from Staten Island
The bus was uneventful but took forever. I chatted with the guy next to me that was running his first marathon and the lady sitting on the floor that ran last year. It seemed like we were going in circles and I finally got off the bus at 9:58. I did bag check and headed to my area which was in the back. Sadly, as soon as I got to the main area they had an announcement that people needed to head to their areas as they were closing in less than 10 min! No Dunkin donuts for me :(
I got in a huge line, took off my throwaway clothes and added them to a massive pile, got my fuel belt on and packed it and took out my Mylar blanket. This was happening so fast! I got in the corral as corral 2 was heading off and it was insane. They moved while I was trying to get in line for the portopotty and was able to hop right in one and then file in line to get in my corral.
I got in a huge line, took off my throwaway clothes and added them to a massive pile, got my fuel belt on and packed it and took out my Mylar blanket. This was happening so fast! I got in the corral as corral 2 was heading off and it was insane. They moved while I was trying to get in line for the portopotty and was able to hop right in one and then file in line to get in my corral.
Off the bus and heading to the start line
The craziness of the corrals
The area was electrifying. People were buzzing with excitement and I got to hear corral 2 go with the canon and music and it was about to be my turn! We moved into place and as we got to the bridge, I started crying. I was so overwhelmed by all around me and couldn't believe this was happening. It took so long to get here I didn't even get to use the pre area to relax or decompress. It all came out as tears-they were happy, excited and everything rolled into one. I collected myself and knew I could get through this.
Shades to hide the tears. I was SO EXCITED! The bridge is right there!
Soon we heard the national anthem, heard the canon, Frank Sintra started singing "New York, New York" and off we went! I was on the bottom level which made me a little sad but I read online it's a bit less of an incline. Over the crazy bridge we went! The bridge went on for almost two miles.
The Manhattan skyline from the bridge
One thing I liked about being on the bottom was it was pretty quiet and when we came off the bridge we ended up on our own path for about a mile. It was like running a smaller race and we still had amazing crowd support. When we reunited with everyone else the crowd was the craziest thing I've ever seen. It was SO loud and people were lining the streets on both sides at least 4-5 deep.
The thing I loved most was having my name on my shirt. Someone literally said my name every minute for the duration of the race. Honestly Brooklyn was a blur as it was so much crowd support. I was feeling strong and fueling every 2 miles. I do remember grabbing a banana around mile 5 that I held on to until I think mile 21 haha. I slowly ate it but wanted to grab one before I needed it. At one point we turned off the main road through neighborhoods and it was beyond adorable. The brownstones and stoops were covered with people having parties and cheering. I used a Porto around mile 8 as it had no lines-I was in and out in 1 min :)
As we headed towards Williamsburg and Queens, we passed a video screen with shots of the elites finishing and results scrolling. I could tell Meb didn't win but did not know how he did (top American! Woohoo). Next to the screen was a stage and they were just starting to play Empire State of Mind: now I'm down in Brooklyn, now I'm up in TriBeCa...THAT WAS GOING TO BE ME! AHHH! (even though we dont go through tribeca but you get the point)
The thing I loved most was having my name on my shirt. Someone literally said my name every minute for the duration of the race. Honestly Brooklyn was a blur as it was so much crowd support. I was feeling strong and fueling every 2 miles. I do remember grabbing a banana around mile 5 that I held on to until I think mile 21 haha. I slowly ate it but wanted to grab one before I needed it. At one point we turned off the main road through neighborhoods and it was beyond adorable. The brownstones and stoops were covered with people having parties and cheering. I used a Porto around mile 8 as it had no lines-I was in and out in 1 min :)
As we headed towards Williamsburg and Queens, we passed a video screen with shots of the elites finishing and results scrolling. I could tell Meb didn't win but did not know how he did (top American! Woohoo). Next to the screen was a stage and they were just starting to play Empire State of Mind: now I'm down in Brooklyn, now I'm up in TriBeCa...THAT WAS GOING TO BE ME! AHHH! (even though we dont go through tribeca but you get the point)
BROOKLYN
Around here is where things started to get a bit quiet and i could see people were starting to struggle and I knew my mental game would need to take over. I kept fueling and started taking bites of banana. We finally made it to Williamsburg and more parties and good times!
We hit our first real bridge in Queens and it wasn't too bad. Queens had good crowd support and at that point, I started taking salt. I could tell I was sweating more than I would have liked (it was pretty humid) and knew it would do me some good. We were only in Queens for a few miles before hitting the big one-the Queensboro Bridge. I had studied this bad boy and it was time to tackle it.
To me, the bridge wasn't too bad at all. I stuck to my intervals and never walked more than I needed. However I can't say the same for everyone else. People looked defeated and were walking. The thing that sucked about that is I got boxed in more than I would have liked and just conserved my energy until we were off the bridge. I could tell I was losing valuable time that I had built up in Brooklyn.
At the bottom of the bridge, I turned the corner and saw Ralph! He surprised me being at the bridge and it really helped. I stopped at the porto coming off the bridge (so I don't know what this was but I would have the urge to pee and when I go, basically nothing happened. It was so weird!) and kept going. First Ave was pretty incredible. The sound, the people were electrifying. The incline-not so much. I could tell I was slowing down not because I was tired but because of the incline. I counted the streets until I hit 89th and saw Jen and Jen where Jen got the greatest pic ever!
We hit our first real bridge in Queens and it wasn't too bad. Queens had good crowd support and at that point, I started taking salt. I could tell I was sweating more than I would have liked (it was pretty humid) and knew it would do me some good. We were only in Queens for a few miles before hitting the big one-the Queensboro Bridge. I had studied this bad boy and it was time to tackle it.
To me, the bridge wasn't too bad at all. I stuck to my intervals and never walked more than I needed. However I can't say the same for everyone else. People looked defeated and were walking. The thing that sucked about that is I got boxed in more than I would have liked and just conserved my energy until we were off the bridge. I could tell I was losing valuable time that I had built up in Brooklyn.
At the bottom of the bridge, I turned the corner and saw Ralph! He surprised me being at the bridge and it really helped. I stopped at the porto coming off the bridge (so I don't know what this was but I would have the urge to pee and when I go, basically nothing happened. It was so weird!) and kept going. First Ave was pretty incredible. The sound, the people were electrifying. The incline-not so much. I could tell I was slowing down not because I was tired but because of the incline. I counted the streets until I hit 89th and saw Jen and Jen where Jen got the greatest pic ever!
Manhattan
I gave them my sleeves and extra stuff and continued on. Not too many more miles to go! As we headed toward Harlem, we hit a fueling point so I took my Clif shot and walked it out. I was starting to cramp in my calf and stopped to stretch it out and use some biofreeze. Well I turned my leg a weird way (I can't remember what I did) but it sent a stretch up my leg and the pain went away. SCORE!
We headed towards the Bronx and I almost lost it on the bridge. Something was wrong and I'm not sure what it was so I did a check. I felt hydrated, had been taking salt, maybe I was hungry? It was passed lunch time so I had almost the rest of my banana and felt much better. However I was so over bridges and knew there was only one more after this. This is also the time when I started doing math and realized I would not be getting my sub-5 but knew if my legs could hold up, I could PR. All the warnings about this course were no joke!
The Bronx is the shortest part of the course but people were still out cheering! Before we hit one of the water stops, I noticed a few people with Stick rollers. THEY ROLLED ME OUT FOR ONE MINUTE AND IT WAS HEAVEN SENT. all of the weird leg aches and pains that are typical for a marathon were worked out and I was ready to rock it home!
I stopped to have another phantom pee (I wonder if it was my salt intake?) and they finally started handing out bananas. I was finally not feeling wonky and was not hungry for anymore food but all of the bananas at the water stops made for very slippery ground so I took extra caution.
We headed towards the Bronx and I almost lost it on the bridge. Something was wrong and I'm not sure what it was so I did a check. I felt hydrated, had been taking salt, maybe I was hungry? It was passed lunch time so I had almost the rest of my banana and felt much better. However I was so over bridges and knew there was only one more after this. This is also the time when I started doing math and realized I would not be getting my sub-5 but knew if my legs could hold up, I could PR. All the warnings about this course were no joke!
The Bronx is the shortest part of the course but people were still out cheering! Before we hit one of the water stops, I noticed a few people with Stick rollers. THEY ROLLED ME OUT FOR ONE MINUTE AND IT WAS HEAVEN SENT. all of the weird leg aches and pains that are typical for a marathon were worked out and I was ready to rock it home!
I stopped to have another phantom pee (I wonder if it was my salt intake?) and they finally started handing out bananas. I was finally not feeling wonky and was not hungry for anymore food but all of the bananas at the water stops made for very slippery ground so I took extra caution.
The Bronx
We turned the corner and headed across THE FINAL BRIDGE BACK INTO MANHATTAN! I just needed to hold on to see the Jens and Ralph and then I would be done and could have Shake Shack! Heading through Harlem, the streets were lined with people but my legs were feeling it and I was starting to struggle. We went around this park which I totally don't remember from the map and was mentally not with it. I added in a few more walk breaks and felt much better and knew I could hold on for a PR. Heading down 5th Ave I thought we would run down 5th and then go into the park but we headed into holly Central Park. Crazy incline on tired legs. Of course the Jens and Ralph were at mile 23 and I missed them because where they were was the only place on the entire course it was too sunny to see people. And then Ralph told to look on the right and he was on the left haha.
5th Ave
I have run the park before even though it was years before so I basically knew where we were. All of the spectators in the park were great and kept me going. I definitely took an extra 5 sec of walk breaks and completely walked the hills.
Before I knew it, we were mile 25 and heading out of the park to loop back in. I knew exactly where we were and kept solid intervals turning into the park. Those feelings from Friday came flooding back and it hit me: 400 m to go until I finish the NYC MARATHON. 400m UNTIL I PR THE NYC MARATHON, MY FIRST WORLD MAJOR.
Honestly it was all a blur, I took one final walk break about 200 m to go and then took off. Holy crap-I can see the finish line and this is about to happen! BOOM
5:12:41. New PR!
Before I knew it, we were mile 25 and heading out of the park to loop back in. I knew exactly where we were and kept solid intervals turning into the park. Those feelings from Friday came flooding back and it hit me: 400 m to go until I finish the NYC MARATHON. 400m UNTIL I PR THE NYC MARATHON, MY FIRST WORLD MAJOR.
Honestly it was all a blur, I took one final walk break about 200 m to go and then took off. Holy crap-I can see the finish line and this is about to happen! BOOM
5:12:41. New PR!
All of my emotions came flowing in and I could definitely tell I was dehydrated and salt deprived. I got my medal, took a quick selfie and got my poncho and food.
I love that the food came in a bag but with runners brain in full effect and a Mylar blanket that covered my arm, I couldn't get to anything. And I had to pee. I stopped a volunteer and got them to open my water (I couldn't do it!) and asked about the restroom. They said to keep going. I know the drill-you keep walking and they have spotters everywhere and I did see people get pulled. Ralph called and I couldn't talk (I got super cold and also I had no idea where I was minus walking through the park to exit to walk back) and said I would exit at 66th and would meet him at shake shack. I have the best friends as the Jens went to shake shack and got in line and ordered my food.
FINALLY after a mile we headed out of the park to get our ponchos but they were exiting at 58th and not 66. A police officer opened up a path for us at 66 and I walked to shake shack. Mentally I was off, I felt out of it and just kept moving. I called my dad and mom while walking to let them know I made it and loved it and was getting food. Surprisingly my legs weren't tired. I was physically tired haha. I knew recovery started now! Less than 6 days until my next races.
Ralph forgot to bring my recovery bag so I was stuck in my sweaty socks but ate food, finally peed twice after lots of water, and felt good. We walked to catch the subway, took it one stop and walked to Josh's for a shower and dinner. Again I have the greatest friends because they cooked me a full course meal even though I barely ate (I didn't have much appetite until a few hours later) and they relaxed with me after.
I love that the food came in a bag but with runners brain in full effect and a Mylar blanket that covered my arm, I couldn't get to anything. And I had to pee. I stopped a volunteer and got them to open my water (I couldn't do it!) and asked about the restroom. They said to keep going. I know the drill-you keep walking and they have spotters everywhere and I did see people get pulled. Ralph called and I couldn't talk (I got super cold and also I had no idea where I was minus walking through the park to exit to walk back) and said I would exit at 66th and would meet him at shake shack. I have the best friends as the Jens went to shake shack and got in line and ordered my food.
FINALLY after a mile we headed out of the park to get our ponchos but they were exiting at 58th and not 66. A police officer opened up a path for us at 66 and I walked to shake shack. Mentally I was off, I felt out of it and just kept moving. I called my dad and mom while walking to let them know I made it and loved it and was getting food. Surprisingly my legs weren't tired. I was physically tired haha. I knew recovery started now! Less than 6 days until my next races.
Ralph forgot to bring my recovery bag so I was stuck in my sweaty socks but ate food, finally peed twice after lots of water, and felt good. We walked to catch the subway, took it one stop and walked to Josh's for a shower and dinner. Again I have the greatest friends because they cooked me a full course meal even though I barely ate (I didn't have much appetite until a few hours later) and they relaxed with me after.
seriously-how cute is this sign they made for me?!?!
Overall, the experience was better than I could have ever imagined. The crowd was insane and there were many times that I stopped and just thought-this is insane! The course was a lot tougher than I imagined it to be and that definitely effected my performance. Overall I stayed strong and didn't have a complete breakdown even though I slowed down as the course got tough. There is nothing I could have done differently but I think whenever I run it again, fly in earlier to have another day to adjust to the time difference. See below for the takeaways and things I would do differently.
I would recommend this race to any and every runner. It is definitely a bucket list race and a great experience.
I would recommend this race to any and every runner. It is definitely a bucket list race and a great experience.
I MADE THE CUTOFF FOR THE NEW YORK TIMES!!!
TAKEAWAYS
WHAT I WOULD DO DIFFERENT NEXT TIME
Overall, I am so happy with my performance in my first world major. The course was hard but overall I never hit a mental wall or even a physical wall. I know there is always room to improve but there is nothing I could done differently to improve how I did. I am very proud of what I accomplished. That course was hard and I think I faired pretty well.
Would I do it again? HECK YES! Will I do it next year? Nope, sadly :(. I am hoping to get through most of the World Majors before repeating.
Anyone else run NYC this year? Have you ever run NYC or want to run NYC?
- It takes forever to get Staten Island so plan to get up early and get there!
- Pack some toilet paper for the Portos
- Put your name on your shirt so you can get support
- Have a race day after plan-where to meet, where to eat, how to get back to where you are staying
- Pee when you see a porto at the end of the race (or maybe before)
- Take it all in!
- The app rocks-I obviously didn't use the app on myself but Ralph was able to find me and know my estimated time, my family was able to track me from all over the country and it worked wonderfully.
WHAT I WOULD DO DIFFERENT NEXT TIME
- Fly in a day earlier-the day after the marathon was the first day I felt well rested. I would take a red eye on Weds to allow for some extra recovery time
- Stay off my feet a bit more before
- Pack a bigger suitcase-I had too many bags with me!
- Have a better plan for seeing people-I need exact location
- Practice more hills on tired legs-my legs did not like the hills around mile 23
- Run the last few miles of the course in NYC
Overall, I am so happy with my performance in my first world major. The course was hard but overall I never hit a mental wall or even a physical wall. I know there is always room to improve but there is nothing I could done differently to improve how I did. I am very proud of what I accomplished. That course was hard and I think I faired pretty well.
Would I do it again? HECK YES! Will I do it next year? Nope, sadly :(. I am hoping to get through most of the World Majors before repeating.
Anyone else run NYC this year? Have you ever run NYC or want to run NYC?
RSS Feed
