The Hilly Horror Story of the NYC Marathon
So, you wanna know how many hills there are in the NYC Marathon, huh? Well, let me tell ya, if you're expecting a flat, leisurely jog through Central Park, you've got another thing coming. This ain't your average Sunday stroll, folks.
How Many Hills In Nyc Marathon |
The Myth of the Flat Course
Let's clear something up right away: the NYC Marathon is not flat. It's like saying the ocean is calm. Sure, there are stretches of relative flatness, but those are just lulls before the storm. The course is a rollercoaster of emotions, and by emotions, I mean quads on fire.
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The Culprits: Those Darn Bridges
Now, you might be thinking, "Bridges? What's the big deal?" Well, my friend, have you ever tried running uphill while carrying your own body weight? It's not pretty. The Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge, the Queensboro Bridge, and a few other sneaky inclines will have you questioning your life choices.
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The Good News (Kind Of)
Okay, so it's not all doom and gloom. The hills, believe it or not, can actually work in your favor. They're like little speed bumps that force you to slow down and recover. Plus, nothing beats the feeling of flying downhill after conquering a beast of a climb.
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But let's be real, the NYC Marathon is tough. It's a mental game as much as a physical one. So, if you're planning on running it, prepare to meet your match. And remember, every runner who finishes is a champion.
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How to Conquer the NYC Marathon Hills
- How to mentally prepare for the hills? Embrace them! Think of them as challenges to overcome, not obstacles to avoid.
- How to physically train for the hills? Incorporate hill repeats into your training routine. Find a local hill and run up and down it repeatedly.
- How to pace yourself on the hilly course? Don't go out too fast. Save your energy for the climbs.
- How to use the crowds to your advantage? The crowd support in NYC is legendary. Use their energy to push yourself up those hills.
- How to recover after the race? Rest, ice, and elevation. Seriously, elevate your legs whenever possible.
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