The New York City Marathon is a bit of a hometown race for us being from Long Island, and hoards of our local running friends piled in the Runner’s Edge Buses to participate in the 2016 marathon.
My husband and I first ran the New York City Marathon in 2013 after 3 straight years of getting shut out of the lottery. (*Actually, we were in for 2012 but the race was canceled due to Hurricane Sandy. We chose the option to have guaranteed entry for 2013.) This was the last year that they would have the rules of three straight rejections earn you guaranteed entry. We both closed off an epic 2013 season that fall, and ran PRs we never thought we were capable of–I still owe that to the NYC crowds cheering us through mostly the entire 26.2 miles.
On a whim 2 years ago, Lance put in for the lottery and got in.
But due to a whole lot of life, he just couldn’t run last year. He had to defer.
So this past February, the night before his triple hernia surgery, I made sure to log onto NYRR and claim his guaranteed spot.
It was a long journey back, but this past weekend, he was able to participate in his second New York City Marathon. And even though his training didn’t go exactly as planned, he was able to thoroughly enjoy the day.
We were also able to catch a glimpse of Grand Marshall, Meb Keflezighi as he drove by–he totally gave us a thumbs up!
And we were super proud as we walked away–between car seats and parking spots, we were starting to sweat our timing just a little.
Our little wind tunnel of a spectating spot actually worked out perfectly thanks to my Queens based brother and sister-in-law.
As we waited for Lance, we all went through a roller coaster of runner emotions (they ran in 2014). When we first arrived the energy was amazing and we all wished we were running–if registration were open, we would’ve signed up on the spot. We watched the pro men fly by–awed by their speed. We stared at our trackers and analyzed paces from afar. The wind picked up and we thanked goodness we weren’t running.
Sometimes, the journey just to get to the starting line of a marathon is an accomplishment all by itself, the race a celebration, and the finish can be the end of a chapter and a new beginning. Lance has supported me through two post-baby comebacks and I was happy to support him as he came full circle this year.
I want to say congratulations to everyone who ran the NYC Marathon this year! There are too many people to list, but I thoroughly enjoyed following everyone’s journey on Instagram. Whether it was your first marathon, first NYC Marathon, PR, or just for fun, it means so much to everyone who participates.
Did you run? Brag below!!
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The energy from watching a race always makes me emotional, especially at marathons, people truly put their blood, sweat, and tears into training and the race…I can’t help but be moved.
It gets me every time too!
Congrats to your hubs! When I lived in NYC, I wasn’t quite into running yet, so I never made the effort to go and see the marathon. Now I’m beating myself up for that!
Congrats to your husband and a wonderful comeback! Thanks for the linkup today
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Congrats and what a comeback! The race seems like such a good one!
I think spectating the NY marathon would be super fun. No better way to convince you to sign up for one, that’s for sure.
Congrats to your husband! I was hoping I was going to be able to make it down to cheer everyone on but had to opt to watching it and tracking runners instead!
Congrats to your husband! My sister just ran the Marine Core Marathon in DC and I went and watched. It was so emotional seeing all the smiles and some struggling faces as people approached the finish line. It was fun being a spectator, but definitely makes you wish you were running a bit.
Congrats to your husband! I bet running or spectating the NYC marathon is just awe inspiring.
I’ve been a spectator at the NYC Marathon for the last 3 years, so I was so excited to actually be a runner this year. Thank you for coming out and cheering. All of the spectators are what really make this race amazing!! I wish I’d seen you!!
Congratulations to your husband! Looks like it was an incredible event.