Best mile: While the finish and mile 26 would be an easy answer, mile 1 takes the top spot for me. The adrenaline, the NYC skyline off the Verrazano Bridge, and Frank Sinatra singing “New York, New York” on the loudspeaker make it impossible to beat.
Worst mile: Mile 15 and the 59th street bridge take the bottom spot. The incline is steep and you lose the roar of the NYC crowd cheering you on until you exit the bridge which means there’s lots of silence and tons of time to hear your legs barking at you.
What they don’t tell you: You will have to walk another 2 miles after finishing the marathon to receive your medal, have professionals snap a few pictures, and get to any friends and family you have waiting on you a few streets over from the finish line.
Motivational moment: Passing multiple people in wheelchairs or on crutches, seeing them press forward especially knowing they still had hours to go before they would finish … it will definitely humble you and give you a newfound appreciation for running.
Best entertainment: There were various kinds of musical entertainment, dancers and people holding signs but still nothing compares to a stranger holding their hand out to give you a high 5 or pat you on the back.
Most surprising thing: The amount of people lining the streets, screaming and cheering, you almost can’t hear yourself think. But the roar of that crowd will fuel you at the moments you need it the most.
Advice for any future first time NYC runners: Prepare for a very early morning, a very long process to actually get to the start line, and just a very long day in general. But also prepare for one of the best experiences of your life.
Nate Dove is a runner, duathlete, triathlete and all around fitness enthusiast. NYC was his fastest marathon at 4:18:06. His favorite type of run: Fartlek. His advice: “Don’t forget to have fun! Everyone enjoys crossing the finish line on race day, but there’s plenty of opportunities for a good time along the way.”
