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New York City Marathon #28

Running the New York City Marathon in 2015 was an unforgettable experience, one filled with ambition, excitement, and the ever-persistent challenge that this iconic race is known for. Unlike previous years, this time I set my sights on a time goal: I wanted to Boston Qualify (BQ). It was an aggressive goal, but one I was determined to chase.


The morning started off perfectly. I felt strong, motivated, and ready to tackle the course. Early on, I found the 3:30 pacer and settled into their rhythm. For the first 20 miles, everything seemed to be going according to plan. The crowd’s energy was electrifying, pushing me forward with every step, and the iconic bridges and boroughs seemed to fly by. I was in the zone, fueled by the dream of crossing the finish line with a BQ.


Jeanne Corey Marchand, New York City Marathon, 2015 - Jeanne Runs

But around mile 19, reality began to set in. The toughness of the course, the pace, and the strain of shaving 15 minutes off my PR (3:45) started to weigh on me. In hindsight, it was a bold and perhaps overly ambitious goal, given how much time I was trying to cut. It’s funny how we often forget the hardest parts of the marathon, much like the way childbirth memories fade—we remember the joy of holding the newborn, or in this case, the triumph of the finish line medal, and not the grueling hours it took to get there.


Those last 7 miles were an uphill battle—literally and figuratively. Every incline felt steeper, and the course seemed endless. The cheers of the crowd, however, never wavered. They were my lifeline, pulling me through the hardest moments. The energy of New York is unmatched, and it’s a big part of what keeps bringing me back to this race year after year. Even though I’ve run marathons like Big Sur, which is renowned for its challenging terrain, there’s something about the relentless energy and support in NYC that makes it feel even tougher—and yet, so rewarding.


Jeanne Corey Marchand, New York City Marathon, 2015 - Jeanne Runs

In the end, I crossed the finish line with a time of 3:41. While I didn’t achieve my BQ goal, I still managed to set a significant new PR. Reflecting on the race, I’m proud of what I accomplished. The marathon tested my limits, and though I came up short on my goal, it reaffirmed my love for running and my respect for this incredible event. The New York City Marathon is truly one of a kind, and I can’t wait to take on its challenges again.


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