This was the 6th year I entered the lottery. And the first time I won the entry. For me, this was a once in a lifetime event. The entry fees, a couple of nights in NY, a couple of meals in NY & all the great race swag I wanted turned this into my last excursion for a while.
The week leading up to the marathon I was a ball of stress. And i have to say, my husband is an angel...he put up with it all, without a complaint. I think my biggest worry was the amount of time from when I left my hotel til my race start time (about 5 hours).
We got to NY Saturday. Checked into the hotel (a great big Thank You to my cousin for setting me up with a nice hotel at the edge of Central Park. Couldn't have asked for a better location!), got some lunch and headed to the expo. I picked up my number and shirt, strolled through aisles of products (fuel, electronics, running accessories, and racing booths (don't you want run a marathon in Italy or Bermuda?). 
We then headed to meet some friends that were there to run and cheer along the course. Last stop was dinner...lots of protein and sweet potato fries! Back to the hotel to make sure I had everything layed out for the race...Sneakers, clothes, sweatshirts/gloves/scarf/socks to keep me warm while I wait, fuel, hydration, and breakfast.
Race day morning. I slept pretty well. Woke up ready to head to the bus that would take me to Staten Island. (I owe a great big thank you to my girl...she walked me to the bus and posted all the pictures) On the bus ride from Manhattan to Staten Island I sat next to a gentleman from Montreal and we talked racing and running and our experiences the whole way. 
Once at the starting village I took some pictures and sat in a tent for a little bit amongst lots of runners ready to curl up to rest til race time and waited for another friend to arrive. There were runners everywhere...curled up in extra clothes and trash bags. We were provided with a fleece hat and coffee from Dunkin' Dounts. There was hot water for tea and hot chocolate, bagels, Gatorade, and water. After meeting up with my friend and Natick runners, we found a spot in the sun to wait out the next few hours. We munched on all the snacks we brought and talked about our running, our race plan and goals. The time went by quick. And before long it was time to get to our starting corrals.
Standing in line with my small group of the 51,000+ people running the boroughs of NY, I was excited to tears. It seemed everyone was. Lots of picture taking! This was my most emotional start. And I loved that I got to share it with so many people. 
The cannon went off and we were on our way. The first bridge off of the island was amazing. So many people running. And taking pictures and videos. After the bridge we were in Brooklyn. Then into Queens, Manhattan, the Bronx and our final turn back into Manhattan. The crowds were amazing. Loud and cheering. Some were dressed up...I saw Darth Vader, T-Rex and bananas. Shouting support, giving out hi-fives, holding out tissues...cheering us all on! I ran alongside Superman, Wonder Woman and Thor (to name a few). The energy of the race was amazing. I spent time giving out high fives and shouting woohoo every chance I got! The volunteers were there cheering us on and providing water or Gatorade or vaseline on a stick.
The hardest part for me was the Queensboro Bridge. All you could hear was the steady pounding of our feet and an occasional subway. It was a quiet stretch and my slowest miles of the race. But just another experience along the course. Once off the bridge you're again surrounded by tons of screaming cheering people! By mile 22 you're back in Manhattan and Central Park is in sight.
A couple of more miles to go! My pace picked up as we were going up 5th Ave (and yes, up...it was an incline). Then we turn into Central Park for the last 2+ miles. And still there are people cheering all around you...pushing you right to the finish line.
I felt awesome til after mile 25. I had 800 meters to go and my legs were trying to fight back. 600 meters to go and it was getting harder. I swear there's an incline (felt like a small mountain) at the last 400 meters. Then I can see the grandstand seating at the finish line. And I know my husband is there cheering, waiting for me to finish. But I couldn't turn to look for him. I woohoo'd and concentrated on hitting the finish line. I could see the clock. And it looked like I was going to PR and have my best marathon ever!! So I kept pushing!! And I did it! What I didn't know at the time was that the clock was two minutes off and I was actually fast enough to PR and BQ. 
The volunteers after the finish line were amazing. They put the medal on you. They wrapped a foil blanket around you so it didn't fall off. They gave you a bag of goodies and kept pushing you towards the exit. At one point I had to take my sneakers off and asked volunteer help me with my bag and stuffing my sneakers inside. I felt bad for asking, but he gladly helped and congratulated me for completing the marathon. I think I walked another mile to get my very warm, very welcome poncho (which was also put on me) All the volunteers congratulated all the runners on competing the marathon and made sure they didn't need anything else. They really were awesome. Then I met up with my babe for a great big kiss and my girl for a great big hug. I cannot explain how awesome it was to have run the NYC marathon, how awesome it was to have them there, how awesome it feels to have run my best marathon yet.
We hobbled back to the hotel after buying me a pair of slippers. I took the longest hot shower and found I had no chafing!! Then headed out for dinner with my babe. I ate everything! We walked back through Times Square taking in the sights. Back in our room I sank under the covers and watched football. 
Monday morning and it's time to go back home & reality. But first, back over to Central Park and the finishers store. I got my medal engraved and bought a finishers top (or two). Feeling pretty good, my legs only complaining with inclines and upstairs. I think the walk to dinner & back helped. My left arm is sore from carrying my new water bottle (there's a lot of truth in 'don't try anything new in race day'). Lots of memories made. I'm still enjoying yesterday's accomplishment. I wore my medal all day. And I know I'll talk about it for weeks!
