NY

I had to fore go 2 local races to revisit my home state of New York to run their marathon. Having been ripped off in their stupid, biased lottery system twice, I jumped at the chance to enter after a miracle victory that allowed me to qualify. Even with that, I was given a hard time, at first being placed in that horrible lottery despite qualifying for guaranteed entry. After a few emails & having to submit more proof, they reluctantly obliged. I decided to do this for the following reasons:

1. Prior to the marathon. I wanted my name to be recorded.
2. I don't plan on doing it again, unless invited or I get rich; the former is the least likely.
3. I don't know if I could even afford it again (high gas prices made flight more expensive, plus the entry fee, hotel, travel & other related expenses).

Weekend agenda-New York city marathon

I had go up without any support. I learned the hard way between those who are friends and those who are people you know; most fell under the latter. Also, most concealed that they were even going but of those who admitted it, only one had a legitimate excuse. Oh well. That is why in God I trust. Although I had to sacrifice a good time (clockwise), I still had a good time in that I was able to finish.

The good:
a. I finished & got my medal.
b. I escaped without injury.
c. the weather, other than the wind.

The bad:
a. lack of support, other than my dad.
b. the cost (entry, hotel, plane).
c. accomodations (1 bedroom with no bath).

The ugly:
a. failed to meet self imposed time limit of 4 hours.
b. nyrrc rule of putting all in a ups bag forced me to carry a heavy jacket (cant afford to throw out).
c. discovered shoes were falling apart the night before & due to b., I had no backup.

Despite the obvious challenges- cold, wind, bridges & hills, plus lack of a tune-up run, I had to deal with the heavy jacket.

Honorable mention

Congrats to my fellow runners who ran NY. Many more may have run but the following I know for a fact:
* Felipe, niketown
* Aldo V, runners depot teammate
* Renee G, owner of runners depot & teammate
* Josh L, miami feet owner + niketown
* Allan Miller, runners depot teammate