Extraordinary Strides
Welcome to Extraordinary Strides, the podcast that celebrates the spirit of running and the inspiring stories of those who lace up their shoes and hit the pavement.
Here, we dive into the heart of what makes running an extraordinary adventure.
Whether you're a seasoned marathoner or just starting out, Extraordinary Strides is your go-to source for expert tips, motivational stories, and the camaraderie of the running community.
Our episodes feature seasoned runners, coaches, and everyday athletes sharing their triumphs, challenges, and the joy they find in every run.
Join us for casual, uplifting conversations that will leave you excited to put on your running shoes and hit the road. We believe that every run, no matter the distance, is a step towards something greater.
So, subscribe now and join our community of runners who are making every stride extraordinary.
At Extraordinary Strides, we're here to inspire, motivate, and celebrate with you every step of the way!
Extraordinary Strides
Running the Majors: TCS NYC Marathon Changes Runners Forever
The TCS New York City Marathon stands as the crown jewel of marathon experiences, combining breathtaking urban scenery with unparalleled cultural immersion across all five boroughs. Coach Christine and travel expert Ashley of Mystical Dream Travel break down this iconic event from every angle - revealing why it's simultaneously the most coveted and logistically challenging marathon in the world.
From its humble beginnings in 1970 as a Central Park loop to today's massive five-borough celebration drawing over 2.5 million spectators, we explore what makes this race truly special. You'll discover the dramatic Verrazano Bridge start, the electric energy of Brooklyn that can make or break your race, and the notorious silence of the Queensborough Bridge that tests even the strongest mental game.
This comprehensive guide covers everything from strategic spectator locations to post-race recovery tips, including the "hidden ultra marathon" of getting around NYC on race day. We share insider secrets about securing your entry through various methods - from the challenging lottery system to charity fundraising, qualifying times, and even the virtual marathon option that guarantees next year's entry.
Whether you're dreaming of your first NYC Marathon or returning to conquer the five boroughs again, this episode delivers practical advice alongside inspiring stories from the race's rich history. Learn about iconic moments like Grete Waitz's nine victories and Shalane Flanagan's breakthrough American win that inspired a generation.
Ready to take on New York? Join our Stride Collective or Women of World Marathon Majors communities where we support each other's extraordinary journeys toward marathon success. Share your NYC Marathon dreams, questions, and experiences - we're here to cheer you every step of the way!
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Hey friends, welcome back to Extraordinary Strides, where we're going to lace up, we're going to lean in and stride through the truly extraordinary. I'm Coach Christine and today I'm joined by my absolute favorite, the one and only travel expert and running friend, ashley from Mystical Dream Travel. Hello Ashley, Hi, how are you? I'm fantastic. I mean, we're going to talk about big dreams and big, audacious goals, and I think that this race definitely tops that list because we're going to talk about the most legendary, however, logistically challenging and unspying races in the world the TCS New York city marathon.
Speaker 2:I am so excited to talk about this one. This is definitely one of the ones at the top of my list to try to get into and we're going to break down the history of the race, the course breakdown and the challenges that you might face. Race day logistics we got to know how you get from your house there into the start line, because that's important. The best spots for spectators. And how to navigate the city. How to get into the race, because this is, as we found out, very, very difficult. And the iconic moments and must do's for before and after this race.
Speaker 1:I'm excited about it. I will say and I've said it before, I'm going to say it again, you guys are just going to have to get used to me saying this this was my first ultra, not because I ran more than 26.22 miles even though you're always going to add in a little bit extra, unless if you're running the tangents perfectly, which is kind of hard to do but because of the amount of miles that I put in before and after. I think at this point, to this day, even after running an ultra, I think that if I go into my Garmin history, this is still the most miles I have logged in one specific day. I think that if I go into my Garmin history, this is still the most miles I have logged in one specific day. It is a lot. So we want to make sure that you guys are aware of that and aware of how to still enjoy this incredible race, because it really is amazing.
Speaker 1:Historically, though, I love and I have watched so many documentaries about it because it's just such a fantastic race. It started September 13th 1970. Such a fantastic race. It started September 13th 1970. The first NYC marathon really wasn't NYC because it wasn't a five borough tour like it is now. It was just 127 runners doing loops around central park. I can't even imagine that. But there is no Verrazano, no roaring crowds, just pure running grit.
Speaker 2:That that is very challenging. I don't know if I could uh do that many loops around central park. You know, first time is a great sites to see and all the hype is there, but I don't know about that. And in that year only 55 people finished that very first race. It wasn't until 1976, the bicentennial year, that the course expanded into all five boroughs.
Speaker 1:I do love this, though, because what it does with the five borough course not only is it a hit, I mean, it's become again legendary. It's one of the world's most prestigious marathons, and what I love specifically about this race is that it gives you the feeling of truly a world marathon, major like no other race can, and yes, I'm gonna say that right here and now no other race feels this encompassing of cultures and different dynamics within those 26 miles, like this specific New York City marathon does. So I'm a little bit of a dork. You guys know that I have a few facts that I want us to chat about, so I'm going to let you lead with a little bit of these five facts and five facts for the five bros, right? So what would you say is something that you find interesting on this facts list, my friend, would you?
Speaker 2:say is something that you find interesting on this fax list, my friend. So I find it very interesting that that inaugural race was also held on a very tight budget. The entire event cost $1,000.
Speaker 1:I think that's how much it costs today. I don't even know that that would cover. That can't even possibly cover their safety pins that they hand out with bibs at this point, right Like there's nothing on their items. That would be a thousand. I think that for the most part like we would be excited if we were running for charity for New York city and we only had to raise a thousand dollars, so it's definitely could change quite a bit. What I think is super cool is that Greek Weights of Norway won nine New York City Marathon titles between 78 and 88. She's absolutely one of the most decorated athletes in New York City Marathon history. She's also gone on to win two London Marathon titles and the Marathon World Championships in 83. She is truly one of the most decorated athletes of all time. But for all us Disney folks and our run Disney folks, super cool that you can get your photo with her at um well, not with her, but her Brown statue over in Norway and Epcot. Have you actually checked her out over there?
Speaker 2:That's one thing I haven't now. That's on my list for my next trip.
Speaker 1:Yeah, we're going to have to make that happen. We'll have to post a photo on socials trip.
Speaker 2:Yeah, we're going to have to make that happen. We'll have to post a photo on socials, absolutely. And how about the race route? So this course has changed a lot from its central park beginnings, clearly, um, but it still ends in central park. But it now sets out from Staten Island before traversing all five New York City boroughs, but now it boasts over 2.5 million spectators to cheer on the runners on Marathon Day. That's a lot of cheer support, but I really like that. It's no longer that loop and you get a little tour of the city, because it is a very beautiful city.
Speaker 1:It absolutely is. The boroughs all have such different flavor and vibes. It's just so exciting to see all that aspects of it. And of course, the bridges, but we'll talk about those as well. I think it's pretty cool that in Brooklyn, no sleep till Brooklyn. Of course, the marching band from Bishop Laughlin High School plays the Rocky theme song Gonna Fly, now all day long the entire time, like just on repeat, to motivate the runners. That continue until every single runner has passed through. That's incredible. That's dedication for sure.
Speaker 2:And I totally get down to that because I mean, most of us know there's a lot of musicians that end up in the running world and we like to do the cadence to the bit more about the specific race that people want to know, and it is that the founder and I'm going to give lots of kudos, and there is some really great documentaries on him.
Speaker 1:The founder of the new york city marathon was from pennsylvania. Fred laboe fled from romania with his jewish family after surviving the nazi occupation of the country. Laboe spent time in czechoslovakia, the netherlands and ireland before finally into the United States, and now you can get a photo with the statue of Fred or you can run one of the races named after him but found in Central Park. What I also love about Fred and the New York Roadrunners is that they are very inclusive, like from the very beginning of the race. They want to be more inclusive, a representative of what New York City feels like different cultures and heritages all coming together for one common goal. So I'm going to quit fangirling now so we can go into some of the course records. Ashley, would you try to PR New York?
Speaker 2:Oh see, I don't know that I could, because I'd be so soaked up in all the different boroughs and just the city skyline. I think it's one of my most favorite skylines out there.
Speaker 1:I mean absolutely, and I want to talk about that too. I know we're going to talk a little bit about okay, let's, let's talk about it now. I definitely want to talk about the PRS, of the course, but I want to ask you, as you're talking about the skyline one of the things that I think makes this race so interesting is the fact that it's got multiple ways to get to the start, and one of the ways is the ferry, where you could actually go see the skyline as you're on your way to the start. Is that something that calls to you, or do you think that you would rather make it much easier and just go straight through with one of the Midtown buses?
Speaker 2:See, I'd probably do the ferry. It's a unique way to get to this start line. I am team ferry all the way my friend it is.
Speaker 1:I know that, logistically, people get a little freaked out because with the ferry, you do have to now you have to choose a specific time. You also still have to ride buses. When you get to the other side, you have to jump on a bus as well, so it can feel like you're basically using plane, trains and automobiles just to get to your start line. Um, I think that feels very New York, though, so I I love it. So, before we get into the course, I'm going to get into a little bit of some of the course records. Which is men's course record is Jeffrey Mutai 205, 06 in 2011.
Speaker 1:We're not going to hear blazing fast times like some of the other courses, but these are still very, very fast times. Women's course record Margaret Okoya, from 222.31 is her finish time at 2003. We have the men's wheelchair record Marcel Hug. We've heard him before he takes. He's the goat. He's 129.22 is his finish time in 2022. And then the wheelchair record held by Tatiana McFadden in 2015 at 143.04. So, while it's not a PR race, it still proves that these elites are. They're trained and ready for business.
Speaker 2:Yeah, and I love how long it's been since we've seen some, so maybe we'll see some in the coming years.
Speaker 1:Yeah, I hope the elites take like two extra seconds. I know they've got prize money and they have sponsorship deals, but I hope that they still take like two extra seconds to kind of look around and soak it all in there because it is such an incredible race. So let's get right to it. Tell me all about the course, my friend. Let's talk about that mile by mile breakdown. How about you kick it off with Staten Island?
Speaker 2:Absolutely so. The race does start in Staten Island, one of the most dramatic starts in marathoning. There's helicopters overhead, the anthem playing and, of course, a sea of runners all ready to take on the race. Now, this is definitely something that I think gets into people's heads. There is a huge uphill start, followed by a downhill into Brooklyn. Now, this is definitely something you want to keep in mind. Your adrenaline will be sky high, but don't want to burn out on that first uphill just because you know you have that downhill. So take it all in, take that deep breath and let's go to Staten Island.
Speaker 1:So the Verrazano was the reason why I signed up for New York City. Like I saw an image of a bunch of runners running over Verrazano. It was an aerial image and I was like I have to have that in my life. This has been a common theme for me. It's also why I did Ragnars and the Florida Keys. I love bridges and just that imagery is so beautiful.
Speaker 1:I will say that one of the big things that we approach with coming into New York City is are you actually going to be able to run on the top side of the Verrazano, or if you're going to run underneath, where the cars generally go, side of the Verrazano, or if you're going to run underneath, where the cars generally go, there's another set of cars that go through. It is still a fantastic experience, regardless of whatever you're ended up at, because that will be chosen for you. If it's a huge deal and you absolutely want to run on top side of Verrazano bridge, you can drop back a wave to do so. So that is something to take into consideration. I do want to debunk a little bit of a myth that we have heard where that if you run on the bottom side of Verrazano that you're going to have urine on you because some of the guys decide to use the potty on the bridge top side. We know that for a fact, that it's not going to seep through by any stretch of imagination, so that is not a concern.
Speaker 2:Now I'm curious which side did you run on?
Speaker 1:I pulled back a wave so that I could run topside. It was very important for me. I mean, again, I signed up just because I had seen this aerial image, so I definitely wanted to run topside. I also had. I was starting a little bit ahead of the girls that I had trained with, so I dropped back so we could all run together at least through the first half of the race. Um, so it was all the way around. There was multiple reasons for me to pull back and I feel like it made it like solidified, such an incredible experience for me.
Speaker 2:Absolutely, and there's there's no bad view or time for the New York marathon. And that takes us to the next step. So miles 13. We're jumping right to the half marathon point. Miles 3 through 13 is the most electric part of the race. 4th Avenue and Bedford Avenue are packed with spectators and then you get to hit the Park Slope, williamsburg, greenpoint, each neighborhood bringing a unique energy to that race. That's where you enter the lovely Brooklyn New York area.
Speaker 1:Yeah, absolutely. This is the most incredible part of the race. I think I must have high-fived 482,000 kiddos that were cheering during that entire 10 mile range. So that is again one of those things where you may not even notice how much energy you're expending. You may even forget to fuel. So be very mindful of those aspects, because once you go into Queens and the Queensborough bridge you're getting into a sticky part of the marathon anyway. Right, like, once we get past that half, you get a little sticky. Then you're actually going to go into the bridge, the Queensborough Bridge, and it's quiet there. It's like the antithesis of all of the energy that you just heard. So you have to really prepare yourself to have that mental fortitude to dig a little deeper, knowing that you're going to be rewarded for going through that bridge on the other side. So what can we expect on the other side?
Speaker 2:It's Manhattan's first Avenue. That is where we are headed. So as soon as you leave that uh bridge they're crowds again. So they are just on the other side. You just got to get over that little bit of a hump of quietness, but this stretch is flat and straight, but make sure you don't go too fast. That is something that will definitely get runners as they come back into those crowds again. But they want to hit the ground running with all of that energy. But make sure you aren't draining your energy because we still have some miles to go. And up next is the Bronx. I think this is such a classic area of New York, so we do a quick loop through the boogie down Bronx. The Madison Avenue bridge takes you back into Manhattan, towards that last couple of miles.
Speaker 1:I'm glad that we're calling out that the Bronx is such a quick little like visit, like it is. You're only there for like a mile, a mile and a half Um, still iconic, still fantastic. The neighborhood still comes out to really support, but absolutely feels like it's over in a flash before you're already coming back into Manhattan with Harlem and Central Park. Now this is where, again, we have another point in this race where it may feel a little tougher because the last four miles are rolling hills. So you need to keep that in mind.
Speaker 1:Fifth Avenue is a long incline which can feel brutal at this stage. We know that Verrazano is the highest peak of this entire elevation course, but it feels because it's so early on, you don't even feel those. These, my friends, you tend to feel a little bit more. So it's very important to definitely have those hill repeats and learn how to incorporate training on those fatigue legs, because as you turn into central park, your legs may be maybe barking at you a little bit, but the crowd is still there supporting you, ready for you to take home your big shiny metal. Um, are you more excited about your metal or the superhero Cape that they give away at the end for individuals?
Speaker 2:Definitely the cape.
Speaker 1:What are you doing with your cape? Are you going to keep it as a cape, like? Are you going to like people are repurposing it now, like as vests and so on? Yeah, I don't.
Speaker 2:I haven't thought that through that's somebody had actually taken um, I had seen they made like a jacket out of one of them. Yeah, that was such a cool idea.
Speaker 1:I love that idea Because, honestly, the cape that I have from New York City is something I will never part with, but I also never use it. It's like I want to use it for a throwaway layer, so I think that we should look into how to get that repurposed. Okay, we've already touched on the fact that this race feels daunting to a lot of individuals because of logistics, so let's get into those logistics. Ashley, what should we think about in terms of that race morning logistical puzzle Like, for I think that most people will probably? If you get easily overwhelmed, I think that the official race buses from midtown are definitely something you should consider. While I will always be team fairy, if you feel like you want streamlined, those race buses are definitely the best way to be streamlined absolutely, because we don't want to recommend private drop-offs.
Speaker 2:Um, if anybody has ever visited New York City, even on a normal day, it is chaos city. I for one will will vouch. I visited when I was younger. And if you don't walk when that crosswalk sign says walk, you are getting run over as a pedestrian. Yeah, absolutely. I don't want to add any more stress in your morning by trying to get to that start line by driving.
Speaker 1:You've already seen because we've traveled together and you've seen that I tend to walk. I call it a little bit of a New York hustle. I walk a little bit faster and I can tend to usually use my phone at the same time. I'll only trip a few times when I do that. I don't dare to do that in New York City. You got to be aware of your surroundings there.
Speaker 1:So when it comes to where to stay at New York City, I think it really comes down to personal preference. But I will always recommend for New York City if you are really panicking about that start is maybe even considering a split arrangement where you stay at Staten Island the night before the race and have your people who love you dearly pack up while you're running this race and maybe meet you somewhere in the city close to the finish line or go ahead and make your reservations to stay in Manhattan. I would not necessarily suggest a lot of the other boroughs. I know people love Brooklyn or they may love even to like keep costs low and go across the tunnel and stay in New Jersey, but those can actually add a lot of additional stress and maybe even additional expenses that you don't take into consideration Absolutely.
Speaker 2:And again, it's the city that, uh, is always moving and grooving, so don't want to add on any extra stress. Um, on the morning of now, we did already talk about how to get to the race. Let's go back after the race. So, when you are leaving, after you get that shiny new metal, take all of your pictures. You can either do the subway, which is your best bet, follow the crowds down into the tunnels, a taxi or an Uber, but expect some crazy surge pricing because, as we know, they can get expensive the more people that try to get rides. Or you can just walk if you're very close to that finish line. Um, what's better than shaking out your legs with a little walk after you've done all of the hard work, uh, to just keep those legs moving and grooving?
Speaker 1:So something that I heard early on when I was researching New York City and a podcast and, you know, like BC times because it was such a long time ago was to utilize the New York sports club, get it by a day pass, leave something in the locker the day before possibly there, and when you're done with your finish at New York city is go ahead and take a shower at this sports club that's closest to the finish line. Change and then just like find some place to eat locally, because for the most part, unless if you are super close to that finish line, it's going to be super hard to move around, be it subway or taxis or Ubers. So I just did that and had dinner, and I think it was pretty late in the evening when we were done with our celebration, but still it was just the best way of like minimizing that stress of trying to get back to my hotel, knowing that like the city was pretty gridlocked at that point. Still, Absolutely.
Speaker 2:And there's so many people in New York City and you still have those tall buildings. You want to make sure that you always have a meeting plan for these days, especially if you have spectators coming up. That's another kind of known fact for that race. Um, make sure you have a plan to meet up with your people at least at the end of the race, if you can't catch them during or pre race.
Speaker 1:Now I think you're considering when you do get into New York city and we were going to talk about that as well as how to get in and how hard it is to get in and all that jazz but you're considering having a majority of your family coming to the finish line. I think you're thinking your dad's going to come, cole's definitely going to be there. Where are you suggesting they set up for those spectator spots so that others can maybe follow suit?
Speaker 2:So I think there's a couple different places that I'm kind of eyeing up. Um is Brooklyn, so big crowds, lots of space, a lot of energy. That covers like miles three through eight. So pretty much earlier in the race, um, they could go like mid race for first Avenue and that is super exciting, but it's a little more busy packed area, um. So definitely on the top of the list, but maybe a little bit further down um, or there's central park for that finish.
Speaker 2:Um, I definitely love a good finish line area Um. That's when I start to drain and really feel the uh, rolling Hills as the back half of this marathon. So I think probably central park. But they need to make sure they are not using um again the first avenue cross. You cannot get across there during the race. You can't expect to hop all around the city easily like some of the other ones. So pick two, maybe three spots If you're willing to risk, maybe one of those kind of prioritize in one, two, three, what are the most important for you as the runner and make sure you're communicating that with your spectators so they know what to expect as well during that day, what you're expecting to see them If you want to catch them at a certain spot.
Speaker 1:Love this. This is such really good, valuable advice. I wish that I would have had this I don't know a decade ago, because that was a big issue that I ran into with my spectators. So this really, really solid information here, my friends. Okay, let's talk about how to get in, how to get this golden ticket, because it really does feel impossible. Um, I know that you attempted through the lottery. How do you feel about it after trying the lottery?
Speaker 2:hey, this is my second year for the main lottery. Now that's something that's a little unique with this race, is they also in previous years? Um, hopefully they have it, for this is a lottery for a virtual option as well. Um, so I have tried for both in-person and the virtual options and have not secured my ticket just yet. Um, the virtual lottery is you run it virtually on the same day as the New York city marathon, um, so you have a 24 hour window to get your miles in, however long it takes you, but it has to be on that day, does have to be logged in Strava, and then you get that golden ticket for the following years in person marathon. I love, I love that they give a different option because they know that it's very, very, very tough to get in this race.
Speaker 1:Absolutely. I mean, without a doubt. So the nine in one program for all the local folks, even though I have a girlfriend who does this particular way of doing it, even though she lives in Florida, where she'll go up and run the nine New York road races and then volunteer so that she can get her magic lottery golden ticket. But again, as we've discussed a bazillion times, we're going to discuss it here again as well. We cannot stress this enough If this is something you want to make happen, like any of the majors, you're going to have to have creativity, You're going to have to have patience, a little dash and sprinkle of good luck and a whole lot of just determination to not give up, because, more than ever, we're continuing to see lots of little fun ways of getting in.
Speaker 1:I think I recently saw somebody got their New York City golden ticket through like a Strava competition that they had entered. So there's just there's different ways to just stay in the loop. Um, so there's just there's different ways to just stay in the loop. You might even want to do New York city marathon. Um, I don't know.
Speaker 2:Registration as a Google alert, so that when things pop up, you can see that marathon entry yeah, and definitely take a look at the New York road runners, um pages. I know they have an awesome organization, um organization and they're always putting out different ways to get into this race and even if they have a lot of other fun races that they have throughout the year that are again still breaking new barriers and you can see a lot new things.
Speaker 1:Yes, absolutely. So. Before we bring this to a close, we're going to talk about some of those legendary moments that we've already touched on a little bit Greet weights winning nine times, but Meb breaking the US drought and winning in 2009. And we're all every single runner woman in the world is going to remember Shailene Flanagan's epic win. I mean, it was actually my favorite Halloween costume that entire year of 2017, where little girls were getting dressed up as Shailene with that epic, epic win that she had that year. So there's so much to do and see in New York City we can't even possibly get into it all, except that this is a race that you're definitely going to want to do, and we welcome you to join us with the stride collective or women, of world marathon majors to continue getting that community support. Ashley, I'm going to ask you, though what do you think you are most excited to do in New York city before, after, your marathon?
Speaker 2:your marathon. Oh, I, I'm. I'm having on my list to go visit um the hotel for home alone. Oh, really such. Yes, so I love New York city. I, I, definitely. I mean you have to go see the statue of Liberty. I have done that before and it is really a sight to see. It is no longer there, but FAO Schwartz they used to have toy soldiers that stood outside, like human toy soldiers that stood outside, and it was such a memorable experience for me. You could say Rockefeller center. There's so much to do in New York city. Like I'm, I'm so excited to go do it again because it just never gets old.
Speaker 1:Well, with that said, friends, we want to hear from you what you're excited to see or undo at New York city and, if you've got gained your golden ticket to run the race, we want to cheer you on and support you on your way there. So, without a shadow of a doubt, we look forward to continuing to cheer you along your journey, as you race towards your stars. Until next time, keep striding toward the extraordinary.
