Three years ago today, I ran my dream race, the NYC Marathon. It truly was a race like no other, and an experience I will never forget. It was one of the highlights of my life.
2015 was what I now look back at as my best year. Or, at least one of my best year’s ever. I recall the moment I received the news that I was in for the 2015 TCS NYC Marathon. I jumped up and down and didn’t get a lick of work done the remainder of that day. It was a dream come true, and I was on cloud 9 from that moment on.
Training for the race, which was my 5th marathon wasn’t always easy. But, I had a dream in my heart and God right beside me, so I felt as though nothing was impossible. I pushed through the grueling summer training in Florida knowing that the big event would be worth every drop of sweat that poured off of me through the miles.
That year was all about New York and those five boroughs. Arriving in New York a few days before the big dance, I was full of excitement and anyone who came in contact with me knew it. I may have driven my family and friends a bit nutty through it, but I couldn’t help it, I was running the NYC Marathon!
From the moment I picked up my bib at the expo to race morning itself, I felt so blessed. Even better was that my mom, who is my best friend came along with me for race weekend. We had such a great time together and even got to see family whom I hadn’t seen in years.
Once I was in my corral at the foot of the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge, I was a ball of emotions. All it took was hearing Frank Sinatra crooning, New York, New York to get me teary-eyed. That feeling, that experience starting the 2015 TCS NYC Marathon will live with me in my heart forever.
The 26.2 mile journey through five boroughs of the streets of New York City weren’t always easy, but I loved it. Through the pain, exhaustion, and emotions, I felt oh so loved by that city. It’s a love that just surrounds you like a big bear hug. New York loves it’s runners!
Crossing the finish line felt amazing. I cried, I thanked God up above for giving me the strength. I had a big dream in my heart, and with hard work and the strength of God, I was able to see it through. That feeling is so beautiful and awesome and honestly, difficult to truly put into words. I was grateful, happy, and blessed.
**********
If you are running the TCS NYC Marathon this Sunday, enjoy every single moment! It’s an experience you will remember for the rest of your life. And, if you have a dream to run this incredible race in your heart, don’t give up on that dream! Dreams do come true!