This escalated quickly. I entered the lottery in February for the TCS NYC Marathon, knowing it could take years before I might be selected and if I wanted to do it sometime, it couldn’t hurt to start now. And then I donated to get some extra chances through the extra NYRR draw. Oh and now the NYRR members would be eligible for an extra “last chance” draw. Sure — let’s do that too. Somehow after all of the above, the idea of waiting to go through the same thing a second year felt too much. I was ready already!
Back in 2023, I ran the NYC Half Marathon with the Autistic Self Advocacy Network. I started thinking — wonder if they have any bibs for the marathon? Before I really thought about it too long, I’d emailed to see about a spot and found myself on the team, trying to figure how on earth you train for a marathon! Shoutout to this amazing organization. So honored to run with you again and to help raise ~ $3.4K for the cause!
Race weekend
I stayed in the city the night before the race so I could ideally get a decent night of sleep and not be rushed to get to the start line. I never stay in the city so wasn’t sure on hotels but really liked the way The Archer Hotel looked online. It was not too far from the finish line and had a reception that was staffed 24 hours/day, a must seeing as I needed to check my bag after checking out the day of the race.
The day before the race, I planned to go for a repeat visit to the expo with my friend JB but we decided to have a relaxing day in the city. We had the race cookie (and a bunch of others!) at Janie’s Life-Changing Baked Goods in the West Village, some great coffee at 787 and then ordered a large cheese pizza to go from John’s Pizzeria on Bleecker Street and we ate it outside. Perfection.
Race day
I basically didn’t sleep the night before — all by no fault of The Archer, where I loved my personal quiet dark room and cozy bed. The hotel had a nice early breakfast set up for the runners, so I was able to grab a banana and a protein bar before I headed to the subway. Definitely recommend them. Great spot!
The ‘fit was carefully curated and I loved all of it. Totally worked and there were multiple cries of “Taylor Swift skirt! Woo!” as I made my way through the course.
- PopFlex pirouette skort in digital lavender
- Sprints performance running visor in Neon Flash Reflective Pink (click here for $5 off!)
- Brooks Glycerine 21 in Zephyr / Violet / Green
- Zensah Tech+ compression socks in Coral/Mint/Purple
- FlipBelt
- Goodr sunglasses (out of stock 2024 Pride edition)
- Custom “My First Marathon / Lara” extra bib – Races2Remember
- Fuel – SaltStick, Gu Energy, Honey Stinger
I chose to take the subway to the Staten Island Ferry over to the runners village. It worked very well — just hit a little wait (and crowding) at the Ferry. All manageable and the early morning Statue of Liberty views were worth the crowding and breezy experience!
I thought I was going to have a bunch of extra time to connect with others in the runners village — even making a bunch of friendship bracelets to take with me — but I found it went by crazy fast. I caught up with a friend, ran to the bathroom and barely made it into my corral before it closed. Phew!
The race
I’m so immensely grateful for all the smiling faces who I saw along the route — from old friends to new to strangers who still encouraged me along the way just the same. I admittedly had a bit of a freak out when I hit the course. Like who do I think I am saying I’m ready for something running-related as legit as this? But after I made it through the never-ending Verazano Bridge (side note: one of my only texts sent during the race was to my sister to say “Get me outta Staten Island!”) I hit my stride and it was go until the end.
I feel compelled to explain my toilet paper roll, which made it into so many pictures. Admittedly too it made me smile during the beginning of the race from its ridiculousness! I really thought I would need a roll of toilet paper during the race. I was so worried about needing to stop for the port-o-potties. Of course I couldn’t find my small roll to take with me — so I made a quick decision to take a fresh roll from The Archer before I checked out (thanks, guys!). Only downside? Didn’t really fit into my pockets. After 4 miles with it in hand, I decided to toss it somewhere in Brooklyn.
Speaking of which, my favorite section had to be Brooklyn. I hit a group of my friends around mile 7/8, and it gave me the much-needed boost. This was the longest I stopped the entire race. I had to give them each a hug, and they helped me pin on my name which I’d been holding in my hands up until then. Bless them! I had a hard time with muscle control so I slightly hit one of them in the face when I tried to hug them. (Sorry Amanda!!!)
My strategy coming in really worked for me in the end. I didn’t want to go too fast in the front and end up limping at the end. My mile pace was on the slow side for me — from the start through to the end.
Most miles were super close in pace — I was quite consistent. Not fast, but consistent. Even on the bridges, I barely walked — walking only to take in water at each of the stops.
When I made my way into Central Park, it was dark outside. It was bright, too — with all the lights of the finish line setup. I was chilly and beat but man, I felt like a rockstar!
So … what’s next?
I honestly only ever intended this to be my one and only marathon. I expected the end of it to be miserable. I expected to be wiped beyond comprehension. Sore for weeks. But I really surprised myself!
Was I dehydrated, exhausted and ready to sleep for forever? Oh totally. You bet I was. However I think one of the most amazing feelings ever was realizing just how much underestimated my own strength and how much I really am capable of. I’m still overwhelmed by it all.
So yes — turns out I’ll be lacing up again before too much longer. Excited to share more on that!
And I have to share the medals our kids made me, which are proudly on display as if they were the ones from the race itself. Love them so much.
** I earn a slight amount of commission on some of the links above to help support the cost of running this site. All products were purchased by me and are legitimately things I love! **
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