The Great NYC Marathon Lottery: A Tale of Hope and Despair
So, you've decided to run the NYC Marathon, huh? Bold move, champ. Let's talk about the most exciting part of this whole ordeal: finding out if you got in. Because let's face it, the actual running part is just a formality.
The Lottery: A Game of Chance (and Patience)
The NYC Marathon lottery is like winning the Powerball, but with less money and more Lycra. You fill out that application with a mix of hope and resignation, knowing full well that the odds are stacked against you. It’s like applying for a job where the only qualification is being able to run 26.2 miles without dying.
The Wait: A Crucible for the Soul
Once you hit that submit button, you enter a purgatory of anticipation. Every email is a potential acceptance letter, every notification a false alarm. You start to question your life choices. Did you really need to eat that entire pizza last night? Could you have run one more mile?
The Results: Heartbreak or Euphoria?
The day the results come out is a national holiday (at least in your mind). You refresh the page like a madman, your heart pounding in your chest. And then it happens: you either see the words "Congratulations!" in big, bold letters, or you’re greeted by the cold, hard truth of rejection.
If you're lucky enough to get in, congratulations! You're about to embark on one of the most challenging and rewarding experiences of your life. If not, don't despair. There's always next year (or running another marathon to qualify).
How to Cope with the NYC Marathon Lottery
- How to manage expectations: Remember, the lottery is a lottery. Don't get your hopes up too high.
- How to find alternative races: If you don't get in, there are plenty of other amazing marathons out there.
- How to stay motivated: Keep training, even if you don't get in. You'll be ready for next year.
- How to celebrate if you get in: Treat yourself to a new pair of running shoes or a massage.
- How to console yourself if you don't: Ice cream and Netflix are always there for you.
