Running the NYC Marathon is always an incredible experience, but this year, Kim and I found ourselves facing a whole new challenge.
Our morning didn’t start as planned. Our bus from Bryant Park was delayed, so we missed the bagels at Athletes’ Village, so we missed out on the usual spread of Dunkin’ Donuts treats, Power Bars, and bagels. To make matters worse, By the time we arrived, the announcer was already calling our wave to the corrals. With no time to grab food, we split a single GU packet—the only extra nutrition we had before the race began. It wasn’t ideal, but it took the edge off our hunger.
The First 20 Miles: Smooth and Steady
The first 20 miles felt effortless, almost magical. The energy of the city carried us as we ran consistent, low 8-minute miles. Familiar sights and sounds along the course reminded us why we love this marathon so much. From the crowds cheering in Brooklyn to the iconic Queensboro Bridge climb, everything felt in sync.
But as we approached Mile 21, everything changed.
Mile 21: Hitting the Wall
We hit the wall. Hard.
I’ve heard runners talk about “hitting the wall,” but this was the first time I truly understood what they meant. Running under-fueled is no joke. My legs felt like lead, and every step became a battle. Both Kim and I were completely wiped out, questioning if we could keep going.
The Final Push
Just when we felt we couldn’t push any further, we entered Central Park and spotted our friend Diane volunteering at the Mile 25 water stop. It was like seeing an angel. The sight of her brought such a wave of relief and emotion that I almost started crying. Her encouragement gave us the boost we needed to push through that final mile.
The last stretch of the race felt like an eternity, but we kept moving forward, step by step. The roar of the crowd and the finish line in sight reminded us why we do this. Crossing that finish line was a mix of sheer exhaustion and immense pride.
We finished in 3:50—a hard-earned time that taught us more about grit and determination than any marathon before it.
Post-Race Recovery
Back at the hotel, it took hours to recover. My body was completely drained, and I reflected on how critical proper fueling is for a marathon. Despite the struggles, this race reminded me why I love the marathon experience—the highs, the lows, and the incredible sense of accomplishment at the end.
NYC, you tested us this year, but we’ll be back stronger and wiser.
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