In 2008, I was lucky enough to have a friend who was able to get me guaranteed entry to the NYC Marathon. I was doing the Chicago Marathon only two weeks before, but you don't turn down guaranteed entry if its offered.
At work, we had a long week of events, athlete appearances, and Run Club activities that kept me on my feet for long hours. The marathon was going to be my time to relax and enjoy the city after a long week of little sleep.
After four years of watching the marathon, I was finally going to get a chance to see the race from the inside. With only two weeks to recover, I decided I was going to enjoy the marathon and not worry about time. As I ran through Brooklyn, I waved to the crowds and quickly chatted with other runners I knew as I passed. The real fun started after I crossed the Queensboro Bridge. I entered first avenue and quickly moved to the right-hand side. The vast majority of runners clung to the left. I handed out High-fives for 60 blocks on first avenue. I stopped to hug friends and stopped a few times to talk to people. When I re-entered Manhattan, I re-started my mission of high-fives for everyone. A quick chat with the City Coach cheering section and I was back on my way. Being the manager of RUN NYC Run Club afforded me the luxury of knowing hundreds of people along the course, each greeting me with a smile or a yell. In Central Park, I spotted more friends as I made my "victory lap." When I finally crossed the finish line, I dropped and did a somersault across the finish line, which confused the volunteers who initially thought I had collapsed.
That night, I went to the Telephone Bar and celebrated the marathon with friends and fellow runners. It was one of the first times I spent some quality time with many of the people who became training partners, and more importantly, good friends.
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