I wrote this post a year ago, just a few days before spectating the 2016 NYC Marathon. I have updated it to include that spectating experience at the end of this post! 

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Before I jump into my Flashback Friday NYC Marathon Edition I just wanted to share a few things….. some more fall foliage pics I took while walking the dog yesterday. because every single year I in awe of Autumn…

And I went for a short run yesterday to test the waters after running the Trenton Half this past Saturday. I even wore my 2015 NYC Marathon Finisher’s shirt.

I’ve been involved with the NYC Marathon every year since 2011 in one capacity or another from running it, to spectating and then there was the year it was canceled.

Here’s a little timeline:

2011: My very first full marathon. I finished in 5:28 and swore I’d never run another full marathon again. My brother and niece and nephew came out to see me in 2 spots in Brooklyn and also at mile 23 in Manhattan.

For more about the day you can read this post remembering my very first 26.2

2012: Somehow I forgot what I said after running in 2011 and was all ready to run in 2012 until Hurricane Sandy had other plans. I was actually at the expo crying because of all the conflict (I live in Staten Island and we got hit hard and the race starts in Staten Island) and within 20 minutes of leaving the expo I found out the race was canceled. As a Staten Islander I knew I needed to do something so on 11/4/12 (the actual date the marathon would have been) I still ran 26.2 miles…..only it was to and from the local shelter where displaced Staten Islanders were staying. I delivered activities for the kids to keep them occupied  and warm socks and gloves as many had lost everything.

2013: This was the only NYC Marathon than I ran sub 5 squeaking in at 4:57. Here’s my recap of the 2013 NYC Marathon

2014: I spectated at mile 22 and had an amazing time spotting 7 of my friends, some random costume clad runners and this man: Dave Obelkevich.

Just last week ESPN asked to use the photo for an article they were running on him. So I now have a photo credit on ESPN. Here’s the link to the article.

Here’s my recap of spectating at the 2014 NYC Marathon

2015: The morning of this race was super special because my friend Jane and her friend’s Claire, Anne and Kerri all came to my house and we stayed here until it was time to head to the start. I drove us all there and we parked and entered into the secret back entrance for easy breezy access.  It was also super special because Mr. SOTSS and his family were out on the course to see me.

And the most serendipitous part was bumping into Lisa just as we entered into Central Park at mile 23ish. We ran the last few miles together and crossed the finish line together. Such a highlight! I haven’t run a full marathon since. I’ll see if 2017 changes that. Here’s my recap of the 2015 NYC Marathon

 

2016: I had so many friends running the 2016 NYC Marathon that I just HAD to spectate.

You can read my recap here.

Do you have a memory to share for Flashback Friday?

Ever run the NYC Marathon