PPTC recaps from this year's ING New York City Marathon
Carla Benton: Yesterday was a great day, despite not running the race I had trained for. My twin sister, Emilia, was here from Houston and we had planned to run together to shoot for my first sub-4. It was the fourth marathon for each of us, but the first time we'd ever run the same one. Unfortunately, my lower body revolted early in the game, and the second half of the race was definitely a physical struggle. Nonetheless, being a part of PPTC certainly made it more enjoyable. As a brand-new member, I was hesitant to wear the singlet for the marathon without being able to test it out for potential chafing issues. In the end I decided to risk it, and I'm so glad I did! Hearing "Go, Prospect Park!" and "Go, PPTC!" all along the course and from fellow club members running was a major boost, especially when the going got particularly tough. New Yorkers are such amazing cheerleaders. Thanks to them, and thanks to PPTC, Emilia and I were able to keep pushing though, and we made it to that finish line hand in hand for the last 100 yards.
Abe Velez:
This native Manhattanite ran his first marathon yesterday. It was one of the toughest things I've ever done. And it was awesome.
And the people of PPTC really helped to make the day! The whole community and camaraderie of it all, the bus, the post-race scene at the school...great, great, great! My 5-year-old daughter was already happily clambering about on the playground as I mummy-walked in from 77th St.
The memory of the "Final 10" really did help, but...holy Toledo was it tough as I rounded back down from the Bronx. Forget about "3 miles to go" kind of thinking -- this was "one foot in front of the other" thinking like I'd never had to do before.
Thank you all!!
Michael Ring:
http://whatyourdonotknowbecauseyouarenotme.blogspot.com/2013/11/best-job-ever.html
Aditi Naik:
The biggest takeaway that I have from the NYC marathon is how amazing being a member of PPTC is. I would have never been able to run any portion of the marathon without the amazing support of PPTC.
The NYC marathon wasn't my finest race. You would think that after two previous marathons, I would have been able to get things figured out. On race day however, my nutrition failed me, I struggled, I booted and rallied and was miserable. All I could focus on as I made my way through the boroughs were how proud I was to hear "Go PPTC!" along the course. When I hobbled into the PS 87 cafeteria after my most miserable race ever, to cheers and applause, I burst into tears. I realized that I would have not changed a single thing (except for maybe the whole throwing up thing).
I have made amazing friends, trained with some of the best training partners and coach, improved my running and it is all because of PPTC.
The NYC marathon will go down in my running books as the best/worst race I have ever run. I will have my revenge on the course one day, but for now, I am just happy to be a member of PPTC and to keep running and cheering my friends on as they continue to amaze me with their amazing running prowess.
Jseaforth:
My first marathon!
It has taken 6 years for me to get to this point.
Starting with the bus and waiting in Staten Island with my teamates was an amazing expariance the time went so fast, at the start and hearing the official song of the marathon "New York, New York" made it real for me, the crowds in Brooklyn made me feel like a rock star, the first 15 miles went so fast until mile 23 were I had a small episode, but I pushed on and I was able to Finish!
The warm welcome at the school made the race for me, I am very thankful to PPTC for all they have done to make my dream a reality.
Yves Roger:
My first thought is how different a race is the marathon, you have to be really prepared, know how to supply your body with essential nutrients before and during, do the training before hand, it is a job! Another though is that I do not think I would have done it without my teammates who help me when 3 weeks before the race I could not run 1/4 of a mile, during the race asking me how I was doing and finally that warm welcome at the school!
Yet another, BROOKLYN rocks big time, I love all the people along the race, they were great and reachable, Manhattan felt distant but it could be that by that time I was just focusing on finishing the race and not making contact with the crowd!
Drew Butler:
http://tumblelog.drewinpursuit.com/post/65944088172/the-ing-new-york-city-marathon-2013-a-recap
Jessica Bari:
This was my first full marathon -- and might as well let it be the NYC Marathon! I was sidelined by the doctor from running last winter and spring -- and in physical therapy until June. I NEVER thought I'd be able to run the marathon in November. With a good PT I made a training plan and got (and kept) my head straight with training a slow and steady race focusing on reaching new distance goals -- verses new time goals. It's a pretty humbling experience to train slow, focus on the distance and listen to what my body was healthy doing.
I had an incredible tour of New York City on November 3rd. I took in all the colors of that gorgeous fall day -- smiled and teared up probably every other mile when I saw friends and my Minnesota family out on the race course. I'd say I was even overwhelmed at times by the people cheering my name. I heard about the crowds but never imagined how much energy they'd add to my run. SIDE NOTE: I had my name on my shirt -- and, I don't know why, I got a lot of "Yeah Jessica Baby". ??? I mean I loved being called "Jessica Baby" but it's kind of hilarious.
Anyways, I finished my first marathon! I reached my goal and I didn't further injuries during training or during the race day.
And I think marathons must kind of work for me because, even with these janky sore legs, I already want to run next year. :)
Attached is my favorite photo from the race. It's me, Jessica Baby, hugging my big sister at mile 18.