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Exercise, Life, NYC, Running

NYC Marathon Recap

November 3, 2015 By Robyn 42 Comments

Sunday was one of the best days of my life.

nycmarathon10

When I got into the NYC marathon through the lottery several months ago, it was totally unexpected. I was also just coming off an IT band injury after training for the DC marathon that I never actually ran because it wasn’t worth risking more injury.

So while I was shocked to have gotten in and a little apprehensive given the recent injuries, I was PUMPED. My friend Milam had ran the marathon the previous year and had so many amazing, give-you-goosebumps, things to say about it. And so I had my brother draw me up a training plan and after a few months of relaxed running I began pounding out the miles in July.

nycmarathon1

The plan was written on paper and I’ve somehow lost the papers, but because I’ve gotten requests for my plan..in essence it looked a bit like this:

Mileage increased from 30 up to 50 miles/week and alternated with a 30ish mile week followed by a 40ish mile week and I topped out at 50 miles/week on a couple weeks throughout the whole training cycle. 

Long runs were every other week and I ran those on Tuesdays since I didn’t have class or clinical and things were “predictable” on Tuesdays. I ran a couple 14 milers, one 16, two 18 and one 20 miler. Long runs usually ended with 1/3 of the run at marathon pace. 

One day a week I did either 8×400 meter repeats at 1/2 marathon pace with 15 second rest OR 10×60 second hill repeats that I ran on the Williamsburg bridge. 

Other than those two planned workouts a week, I filled in the other miles however it fit my schedule. I scheduled one full day off and one day of yoga and threw in some core work when I could- so in total, five days of running. Looking back though I think I’ve realized that my body works best with four days running, and 1-2 days of cross training. 

I was flexible with the plan and didn’t sweat it if I missed a workout here in there. I’m also not a morning runner [I though I wished I was!] so ran my runs at various times depending on the day. But even with this more “casual” approach by September, when I was running 40-50 miles a week I was frustrated with IT band issues. And when those resolved after being married to my foam roller, I was hit with what seemed like a stress fracture in my tibia after I ran 20 miles near the end of September. So I stopped running. All I wanted to do was run the marathon and I didn’t care if I couldn’t run for 5 weeks leading up to the race. So I cross trained and cycled a lot, foam rolled like it was a part time job, and iced my tibia whenever I could. I ate the best I knew how [read: enough calories and carbs/fat/protein], made sleep a priority the best I could, and tried to cut down on the weeknight wine consumption. I don’t drink a lot during the week, but Nick and I drink at dinner sometimes or Brit and I can easily drink a glass or two of wine while sitting on our couch on a random weekday night and neither of those were helping matters.

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The week leading up the marathon, I went on two 4 mile runs and was pain free, thank GOD. But still wasn’t sure how my leg would hold up to 26.2 miles. Sound similar to two years ago when I ran the Richmond marathon? It kind of was.

Ideally I would have loved to PR, would have been happy to run under 4 hours, but given the circumstances – just wanted to finish and soak up the experience knowing that was the most important.

I knew NYC was the world’s largest marathon, but I didn’t realize the magnitude of it all until I was at the Staten Island Ferry on Sunday morning. This was HUGE. There were people from all over the world – tens of thousands of people. I met people from France, became instant friends with a guy from Australia, and chatted it up with others from Denmark, New Zealand, and several other places. Getting from my apartment to the start line was like herding cattle. I biked down to the ferry at 7:20, caught an 8am shuttle, then we were shuffled along to shuttle buses that drove us to the starting villages. I got to my corral at 9:50 and wave 2 started at 10:15am. I could not believe all the people and all the hype. Friends kept asking me if I was nervous, and I was never nervous for the race (probably because I just wanted to finish and wasn’t pressured with a big time goal) but I was just so, so excited.

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At 10:15 they sang the national anthem and we were off! There were four waves total so the top runners and then the elite in wave 1 had already started. Surprisingly even with 50,000+ runners I never felt bottle necked or trapped. We started in Staten Island for the first couple miles and then crossed over the Verrazano bridge into Brooklyn. We were in Brooklyn for a while, up until mile 13 and the crowds were AMAZING. My friend Sarah was at mile 8, Steph at mile 9 and then a big group of friends and Nick I knew would be at mile 11 1/2. I felt awesome here and was running conservatively to prevent hitting a wall – running 8:50 to 9:10/mile.

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Then we left Brooklyn and ran into Queens where I knew another group of friends was waiting at mile 14 and Brittany was going to run miles 14-17 with me for fun. She came at the perfect time because the only part of the course without spectators is the bridge from Queens into Manhattan and it’s steep and windy. We talked and laughed and I barely noticed the uphill, windy climb and before I knew it we were done with bridge three out of five and headed towards Nick and a group of friends at mile 17 1/2 who were screaming. At this point I still felt great and had so much adrenaline.

But my quads started to tighten and I knew things might get rough. But I tried to stay present, focus on the mile ahead and soak up the crowd and people. At this point we were running up 1st Avenue in Manhattan into the Bronx. I saw friends at mile 19 and then headed across bridge 4 of 5 into the Bronx where the crowd was NUTS. I was hurting bad from mile 20-22 and starting to get disheartened as I clung to 9 minute miles hoping to go under 4 hours. But at mile 22 my legs would physically not move faster. From mile 15ish I knew a PR wasn’t in the cards and then I knew sub 4 hours was going to cost me my quadriceps so I tried to just let my pride of “you can’t ever run over 4 hours in a marathon Robyn!” go (I realize this is ridiculous to think that) and focused on putting one foot in front of the other and keep moving. And to actually enjoy the final miles with all the people cheering! After crossing the fifth bridge from the Bronx back into Manhattan, you have to run down 5th Avenue into Central Park. But from 110th to 90th street is a mile uphill grade that crushed me. All the negative thoughts of “I can’t do this” seeped in and all I keep thinking about was “Christ defeated death and he lives in you. This is nothing.” And that’s what kept my feet moving.

And then at mile 24 I saw Nick and all my friends and knew I was SO CLOSE. Knowing they would be at mile 24 pulled me through. The next two miles to the finish were through Central Park and the crowds were insane. Seeing and hearing all the people cheering continuously sent chills down my body and all I kept thinking was “This is the most epic marathon and the best day EVER.” And then there was the 26 mile marker. I could see the finish. I could hear the crowds. I saw the big TV screen and all the flags from around the world. I was almost there. It was totally surreal. I’ve watched the elite runners cross this finish line so many times on TV and here I was. One of 50,000+ runners crossing that same line.

thanksgiving5

4:08:41

15,312 out of 50,235

4067th female

I didn’t care that it was my slowest marathon. All I knew was that I just ran the NYC marathon, didn’t stop running once during those 26.2 miles, and had the best time.

I met people from all over the world. Denmark, New Zealand, France, Australia and on and on.

Ran alongside blind runners who nearly brought me to tears.

Saw this entire city come together to love and encourage each other.

Was cheered on as if I was an elite runner crossing the finish line from mile 1 to mile 26.

And realized what I already knew…that I have the best friends around and one all-star of a guy.

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NYC was my favorite marathon yet and I can’t wait to be back again next year.

Until then, I have lots of carrot cake to eat, hours to sleep and rest days to take.

But most importantly, many virtual hugs to give to all you guys for all you loving texts, emails, and Facebook + Instagram comments. You all are THE BEST and I love you more than you know!


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Filed Under: Exercise, Life, NYC, Running

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Comments

  1. leticia says

    November 3, 2015 at 7:34 am

    Congratulations Robyn.
    I can feel you while reading you recapitulation!

    Reply
    • Robyn says

      November 3, 2015 at 10:15 pm

      thank you Leticia!!

      Reply
  2. Kate says

    November 3, 2015 at 8:50 am

    What an incredible obstacle you overcame. I absolutely could never imagine myself running a marathon, but after reading this I don’t think I;ll cross it off the list just yet.
    I’m so glad you relied on God for strength and encouragement… your positivity makes it evident!

    Reply
    • Robyn says

      November 6, 2015 at 10:51 pm

      thank you so much!! you could totally do it- all it takes is some training 🙂
      xoxo

      Reply
  3. Dietitian Jess says

    November 3, 2015 at 9:00 am

    Congrats on an awesome race! I’m running my first marathon in 3 weeks and reading stories like this get me so pumped up! The past 3 months have been an extremely challenging time for me after losing my dad unexpectedly so I have absolutely no goal other than to finish… I ran a half Saturday as part of my 20 miler and had no time goal and it was actually super relaxing so I hope I have a blast at the full!

    Reply
    • Robyn says

      November 6, 2015 at 10:52 pm

      Good luck on your marathon! You are going to crush it!! 🙂 just enjoy it and run for your dad – thinking of you! xo

      Reply
  4. laura @Sheeatswell says

    November 3, 2015 at 11:28 am

    Congrats! The best goal for a marathon is to enjoy it and not get injured, and it sounds like you did both of those! Also, I found myself getting teary-eyed reading your recap…ha. Enjoy that marathon high and your rest days!!!!

    Reply
    • Robyn says

      November 6, 2015 at 10:52 pm

      thank you laura!!

      Reply
  5. Jen says

    November 3, 2015 at 11:39 am

    You are AMAZING!!! Congrats!! So glad you had an amazing experience.

    Reply
    • Robyn says

      November 6, 2015 at 10:53 pm

      thank you jen!!!

      Reply
  6. Sarah @ bucketlisttummy says

    November 3, 2015 at 12:01 pm

    You are SO adorable. I’m so happy for and proud of you, Robyn! How you manage to do so much while in school, owning a blog/business astounds me. You are a great role model, and your outlook on life and nutrition is so refreshing. CONGRATULATIONS! I bet it really helped to have so many familiar friends and faces along the way – I can’t imagine not having that! Didn’t you have a little bit of training issues before your last marathon, but you fought through? Our bodies are so much stronger than we realize. Congrats again and enjoy some rest time!

    Reply
    • Robyn says

      November 6, 2015 at 10:55 pm

      you are so sweet sarah! the supports from friends was amazing and what got me through!
      I did strain my hip before Richmond and ran it after not running for 2 week which wasn’t the best idea I’ve had but my body made it and recovered..thank you so much for reading the blog and your kind words! 🙂

      Reply
  7. Nicole says

    November 3, 2015 at 2:24 pm

    Congratulations! Running a marathon at any pace is a huge accomplishment. Enjoy your recovery time ????

    Reply
    • Robyn says

      November 6, 2015 at 10:55 pm

      thank you Nicole!!

      Reply
  8. Clare @ fitting it all in says

    November 3, 2015 at 3:57 pm

    SO PROUD OF YOU!!!! It sounds so fun. I might just have to do this one day.

    Reply
    • Robyn says

      November 6, 2015 at 10:56 pm

      you totally have to!!!
      thanks girl, hope you are well! xoxox

      Reply
  9. Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says

    November 3, 2015 at 5:17 pm

    Amazing girl! You finished, that’s just amazing and something so many will never experience! Congratulation! xoxo

    Reply
    • Robyn says

      November 6, 2015 at 10:56 pm

      thank you rebecca! xoxo

      Reply
  10. Ashley V says

    November 3, 2015 at 5:51 pm

    WAY. TO. GO. It sounds like an amazing time-what great friends you have to support you! A marathon is not in the cards for me (tried the training once and got HA as a result of over training and under eating), but I sure love reading about others’ races!

    Reply
    • Robyn says

      November 6, 2015 at 11:05 pm

      thank you so much ashley!!
      the fact that you find so much joy in other peaces races despite not being able to do it yourself is so inspiring – but know that I had HA and now menstruate and run marathons and you can too!!

      Reply
  11. Kate @mindfoodly says

    November 3, 2015 at 7:34 pm

    GO YOU!

    This is amazing, I am not a long distance runner and the thought of running a marathon scares the absolute crap out of me so I applaud you and anyone else who can do it 🙂

    Well done, now go have a glass of wine, some delicious food and take a well deserved break x

    Reply
    • Robyn says

      November 6, 2015 at 11:09 pm

      thank you kate 🙂

      Reply
  12. Emily @ My Healthyish Life says

    November 3, 2015 at 7:40 pm

    Congrats, Robyn!!! It really is an incredible experience (I ran it last year). Your friends got some great pictures of you too!

    Reply
    • Robyn says

      November 6, 2015 at 11:10 pm

      ahhhh isn’t it the best?!

      Reply
  13. suzanne says

    November 3, 2015 at 8:02 pm

    Congratulations Robyn – sounds like an awesome day – your enthusiasm and excitement are infectious – I can feel it thru your words!
    Enjoy some chill time 🙂

    Reply
    • Robyn says

      November 6, 2015 at 11:11 pm

      thank you suzanne! means a ton! 🙂

      Reply
  14. Michele @ paleorunningmomma says

    November 3, 2015 at 9:34 pm

    Huge congrats! I relate to this in many ways – the exhilaration and the tough spots. That mile uphill you speak of really crushed me too and I considered I might not make it, but I did and the finish was amazing and surreal. Such a special day!

    Reply
    • Robyn says

      November 6, 2015 at 11:13 pm

      seriously that mile doesn’t seem like a big deal until you’re running it and then I was like “this is the WORST, when does this end??” so glad you have experienced it too!!

      Reply
  15. Katie says

    November 3, 2015 at 9:43 pm

    Way to go girl!! Enjoyed hearing how it went and so glad you were able to finish! Enjoy your recovery and carrot cake!

    Reply
    • Robyn says

      November 6, 2015 at 11:14 pm

      thank you! ha you know me, I ordered Peacefood takeout that night and ate a huge piece of carrot cake while laying on the couch with a glass of red wine 🙂

      Reply
  16. Jacklyn @ Jack's Balancing Act says

    November 3, 2015 at 9:50 pm

    Ahhh congratulations!!!! I was thinking of you on Sunday and hoping you were having the time of your life! I feel like I got a little sliver of the amazingness that is race day vibes just from your recap. Happy resting 🙂

    Reply
    • Robyn says

      November 6, 2015 at 11:15 pm

      thank you!! it was such an amazing day for the whole city!!
      xoxo

      Reply
  17. Louise says

    November 3, 2015 at 10:57 pm

    What an amazing achievement! Congratulations Robyn xox

    Reply
    • Robyn says

      November 6, 2015 at 11:15 pm

      thank you louise!!

      Reply
  18. Molly says

    November 4, 2015 at 9:54 am

    Your recap just gave me chills! NYC Marathon is definitely on my bucket list. Congrats!

    Reply
    • Robyn says

      November 6, 2015 at 11:16 pm

      you have to do it!!!
      thank you 🙂

      Reply
  19. Pragati // Simple Medicine says

    November 4, 2015 at 2:14 pm

    Congratulations Robyn! What an amazing experience. I think the best part about running races is the spectators. There hasn’t been a single race where they’ve haven’t lifted me up when I though I couldn’t keep going.

    Reply
    • Robyn says

      November 6, 2015 at 11:17 pm

      and NYC had the BEST spectators ever!!

      Reply
  20. Katie says

    November 7, 2015 at 4:00 pm

    So happy for you Robyn!! Congrats to you 🙂 you sure bring a whole new meaning to, “JOY” “GRACE” & “KINDNESS”!

    Reply
  21. backrooms game says

    April 10, 2023 at 11:09 pm

    Your recap really gave me shivers! The New York City Marathon is unquestionably on my list of must-do activities

    Reply
  22. Flappy Bird says

    March 31, 2025 at 5:02 am

    Wow, great recap of the NYC Marathon! Inspiring! Reading this makes me want to lace up my running shoes…or maybe just stick to tapping my screen playing Flappy Bird – less physical exertion, ha! Seriously though, conquering 26.2 miles is incredible. I wonder if anyone tracked their average heart rate during the race? Knowing that data would add another interesting layer to this recap. Congrats to all the runners!

    Reply

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  1. half marathon says:
    October 10, 2016 at 6:58 am

    […] for a full marathon was the no brainer thing to come off my plate. It was a hard decision since the NYC marathon last year was an unreal experience and I also had a few friends running with me this year. But it […]

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A non-diet dietitian and nurse practitioner helping women find peace with food, accept their natural body size and heal from hormonal issues and period problems.

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A little way I’m learning to enjoy these years o A little way I’m learning to enjoy these years of getting to spend so much time with my kids: aka another way I’m discovering some pockets of peace so my heart & mind & soul don’t crumble under the reality of dependent & emotionally dysregulated tiny humans.  About once a week we go somewhere for baked goods. We drive or walk, buy something buttery & then find a beautiful, relatively quiet outdoor spot where the boys can romp and I can sit and think my thoughts while I watch them play. This past week we were found ourselves at the Wool Factory where the boys threw rocks & whatever else off the bridge while I ate 90% of this almond 🥐 from @coucourachou that will blow your mind. Boys ate the other 10% bc they were busy playing and didn’t ask for more quickly enough 😜  I’m finding *for me* playgrounds have a time & place but they aren’t where I enjoy motherhood & my two toddlers the most. Baked goods & a pretty outdoor spot without high drops my 15 month old could launch himself off of…I’m here for it.
I brought this bag of snacks along when I took the I brought this bag of snacks along when I took the boys to hike out at one of our favorite spots last week and when I ripped it open I was regretting my choice to share them with my kids. @baresnacks randomly sent me a box of snacks and I usually eat free food we receive or give it to a friend/neighbor and move on. But I felt it my duty to tell you about these bc they are THAT GOOD. I’m not getting paid and this isn’t sponsored - I was just shocked at how tasty these were and felt you needed to know. We ate them with some buttery roasted nuts and the combo was 👌🏻 but they are good just on their own.  The boys climbed rocks and swam in the reservoir - leave it to my almost 3 year old to want to strip down naked and fully submerge himself in chilly water on a sixty degree morning. “Mama can I get super nakey?” Sure baby. Sure. This is your childhood.
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a girlfriend brought me a 🍪 the size of my face a girlfriend brought me a 🍪 the size of my face from @mariebettecafe this morning when she came to get her toddler who played with us all morning and it is v good. even better when paired with an iced latte 😍
#AlignPartner I left off a few weeks ago sharing a #AlignPartner I left off a few weeks ago sharing about how taking @alignprobiotic regularly has improved my digestive regularity.  And I’m still taking them! I’ve permanently added Align 24/7 Digestive Support* into the roundup of supplements I take before bed (prenatal, vitamin D, choline & DHA - all which help keep me healthy while breastfeeding) so I can keep seeing the benefits.  Just because you see benefits, doesn’t mean you should stop taking your probiotic. Keep taking Align daily (under the supervision and recommendation of your health care provider of course) to keep seeing the benefits!  I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again - one of my favorite parts of Align probiotics is that they don’t need refrigeration AND they come in a convenient little blister pack that has the days labeled. It’s the little things people! #MyAlignGuutJourney #guthealth  *These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
I realized it was going to be a long, hot afternoo I realized it was going to be a long, hot afternoon (91 and muggy in MAY 🤯) when a toddler nap was refused and a baby nap was cut wildly short ....so my tired mom brain pulled out two plastic storage bins, filled them up with soap & hose water and striped ‘em down naked in the yard. Two hours later, it was almost time for an early dinner and I had magically been able to sit for most of that time and we already had baths checked off the list. 👍🏻 I’m archiving this idea for my future self, hope it helps another tired mama out.
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*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
We had an AFTERNOON today. Toddler didn’t care f We had an AFTERNOON today. Toddler didn’t care for a nap. Putting baby down was harder than I wanted it to be. Miraculously, I had a moment of clarity as I was covered in tiny humans and decided I wasn’t doing the nap battle thing a on 60 degree, gorgeous, sunny spring day 🙅🏻‍♀️ so I piled both babies into the car half naked, opened the sun roof, put on white noise for them and an audio book for me and drank a kombucha as I drove a meal to a postpartum mama. Thirty five minutes later we had a sleeping baby and a toddler who at least had a rest. Baby transferred without waking HALLELUJAH and although my toddler didn’t nap today (lord help) at least we got soaked in breezy sunshine 😎🤘🏻💆🏻‍♀️
We veered from our usual Friday night homemade piz We veered from our usual Friday night homemade pizza (minus the dough, we leave that to @albemarlebakingco) because we are eating pizza tomorrow with some friends - instead I called my mom and asked her how she makes her chicken fingers and we fried up a big ole batch of chicken nugs 🙌🏻🤤 along with a sheet pan full of sweet potato fries and a simple arugula salad dressed with parmesean, olive oil and s&p. Oh and my moms honey mustard recipe for dipping. It’s SO DANG GOOD.  Over the past 6ish months we’ve been practicing (and practicing and practicing bc it doesn’t come naturally) unplugging from technology and slowing down and resting and just being for one day a week. Some call it Shabbat. Some call it Sabbath. Maybe you call it something different. All I know is IT IS SO GOOD FOR MY WEARY SOUL and the day I look forward to ALL WEEK. Sundown on Friday to sundown Saturday. Nothing but rest. For us that means hiking (or something outside) and napping and reading and being with friends and eating really good food. And drinking some really good wine or craft beer. Sometimes whiskey. 😛  And because I know I’ll get asked about the chicken finger recipe and also because it’s too good not to share and Momma Coale said I could, here ya go:  Cut chicken breast into thin strips or small pieces (I prefer nug size bc the breading to chicken ratio is perfection). Salt and pepper those babies really well. Then dredge them in all purpose flour, then egg, then panko - just like you would bread anything else. Then fry them up in a light oil - I use avocado oil because that’s our everyday oil. You could also use canola or peanut oil. Just fill a pan with an inch or so of oil on medium high heat. They only take 2-3 minutes per side. You can always temp them to make sure they are at least 165 degrees F to really make sure they are done. Dunk in all the sauces and enjoy!  Happy weekend!

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