So, You Want to Run the NYC Marathon? Good Luck, Champ!
Let's talk turkey. Or rather, let's talk about running the New York City Marathon. It's a rite of passage for some, a bucket list item for others, and for the truly insane, an annual tradition. If you're one of the latter two, then you're in the right place. If you're the first, well, maybe you should reconsider your life choices. Just kidding! Kind of.
The Lottery of Life (and Marathon Entries)
First things first, let's address the elephant in the room: the lottery. That's right, folks, getting into the NYC Marathon is like winning the lottery, but with less money and more sweat. Every year, hundreds of thousands of people throw their names into the hat, hoping against hope that Lady Luck will smile upon them. And by "Lady Luck," I mean the NYRR's random number generator.
If you're lucky enough to get in, consider yourself a superhero. Or at least, someone with really good karma. If not, don't despair. There are other ways to get in, like qualifying races (which involve running really fast), charity entries (which involve begging your friends and family for money), and running for a team (which involves, well, running).
Training: The Fun Part (Said No Runner Ever)
Okay, so you've managed to get into the race. Congratulations! Now comes the really fun part: training. You'll need to run a lot. Like, a really lot. And you'll probably get injured at some point. But hey, at least you'll have great legs, right?
There are countless training plans out there, from the super-strict to the "I'll run when I feel like it" approach. Find one that works for you, and stick with it. Or don't. Whatever. Just make sure you're not crawling across the finish line.
Race Day: The Big Kahuna
The day is finally here! You've trained, you've suffered, and now it's time to reap the rewards. Or at least, to try not to puke on the side of the road.
Remember to eat a good breakfast, stay hydrated, and don't forget your lucky running socks. Also, try to enjoy the experience. You've come a long way, and you're about to do something amazing.
How to...
- How to increase my chances of getting into the lottery? There's no guaranteed way, but being an NYRR member can help.
- How to find a good training plan? Check out websites like Hal Higdon or Runner's World.
- How to deal with the crowds on race day? Just go with the flow and don't get stressed out.
- How to celebrate after the race? Pizza, beer, and a massage.
- How to prevent injuries? Listen to your body, cross-train, and don't overdo it.