NYC Marathon. "One Day" to "Day One"

I am passionate about running the New York City Marathon in 2024, although I have never run a distance further than 6 miles. My father has completed multiple Iron Mans and my mom has done a half Iron Man. Growing up, I watched my parents train extensively for their races. It look them hard work and lots of early mornings but they both accomplished things that most people never will. They inspire me! I even began doing triathlon's for a short period when I was younger.

I signed up for Cross Country running and later joined track at my school. I participated in competitive swim for two years before later becoming a lifeguard at my neighborhood pool. In high school I stopped running for a bit and decided to be a 'gym girl' instead. Fast forward ro my sophomore year of college, I started running on a treadmill in my crowded school gym. Running at this stage of my life felt more like a chore than a hobby. I did it to feel better about my body, not because I enjoyed it anymore. Running was dreadful.

A few months ago, as I began my junior year of college, my boyfriend urged me to run outside, like he does. I was hesitant and too comfortable with my current routine to really listen to him. Then, one beautiful fall day, I said why not and ran around campus. It was hard but I fell in love. It felt easier to run when I had things to look at, when I was breathing real air. I watched the trees fall around me, and waved at friends who motivated me to move faster. After warming up around campus for a few weeks, I changed directions and relocated my runs to the nearby Bronx Botanical Gardens. I downloaded MapMyRun and now average a cumulative 10 miles a week.

This November, I watched video after video of people finishing the NYC Marathon Race. It reminded me of my parents, and my own personal experiences with running as a kid. This morning I woke up feeling re-inspired. If I start now, and really commit to it, whose to say I can't do it too? As I went through my morning run, I envisioned my mom cheering for me. I thought about my dad at mile 18 and hugging them both at the finish line.

My favorite photo of my dad is a picture of him finishing his first Iron Man. Both hands are held high in fists above his head in triumph. I want that picture to be me. Next year.

I'm determined to do this but first I need to get through the severe case of Strep I currently have.