The Ocean Drive Marathon in Cape May was an adventure from the start. My friend Robyn—the one who got me to run my very first marathon—found this race in New Jersey, and we decided to go for it. We drove down, stayed overnight, and woke up early for the race the next morning.
Standing outside with the other runners, we overheard some veterans of the race talking about its reputation: rainy, windy, and cold. They weren’t wrong. The weather was brutal, and I quickly realized this wasn’t going to be an easy day.

The course itself was flat, but that didn’t make it any less challenging. At one point, I looked up and saw runners in the distance, stretching as far as I could see. They seemed miles away, and the sight was daunting. I put my head down, focused on the next step, and kept pushing forward.
The cold and wet conditions were a new challenge for me. I had worn thicker socks to combat the weather, but instead, they caused discomfort. Mid-race, I had to stop and take off my shoe to relieve the pain. Another runner kindly offered me a Band-Aid, and that small act of kindness made a big difference.
The course wound through quiet neighborhoods with little to no crowd support. It felt like a solitary journey, as this was a small marathon. It was just me, the road, and my determination.
Finally, I reached the boardwalk and crossed the finish line. It wasn’t my fastest marathon, but it was another important race that tested my mental toughness. Despite the rain, wind, and challenges, I pushed through and learned more about what I’m capable of.
Each race teaches me something new, and this one reminded me that even in the toughest conditions, perseverance can carry you through.
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