I ran 26.2 miles for that infamous orange poncho

Truth: I never wanted to run a marathon. 

It wasn't on my list of things that sounded like a good time and honestly, even to this day, it still sounds like a horrible idea. 

I was perfectly content running the hell out of some half marathons for the rest of my life. And if more 10ks gave me medals for running, I'd love that even more. . . 

The original race I started running for was The Walt Disneyworld half marathon. Thanks to spectating Fred at the Boston Marathon, I was inspired. Not enough to put marathon on my list of things to do, but to run through some Disney parks and take pictures with characters? Sure! Fred runs the Goofy Challenge (now Dopey) every year, so I'd have the best support if I actually went through with it. Disney and I go way back, so why not experience it in a fun new way?

Still my favorite Disney medal ever.

Then my roommate found out about Team in Training and convinced me it was an awesome plan. I used The NYC Half as a warm up for it (and a few others in between). Getting to run through Times Square and Main Street USA in the first year of running are pretty awesome notches in my running belt, if I do say so myself. 

First Half Marathon ever.

As I started training for these races, I also started racking up on the NYRR races. I knew I needed to run 9 in one year (which if you live in the city is pretty easy) and volunteer at one in order to qualify for THE New York Marathon. Originally, it wasn't a goal to accomplish the requirements, it just kind of happened. . .

Then the 2011 lottery happened and Fred didn't get in to The NYC marathon for the 3rd time- that meant he was guaranteed entry for 2012 (FYI: NYRR has since done away with that policy EDIT: Unless you're grandfathered in). Since I had managed to qualify for automatic entry as well: Wouldn't it be cool to run the race with (and by with, I mean hours behind!) the person who first got you into running? 

So it was settled. 

and then the city unsettled it. But that's ok, because I ran anyway and I had another one planned in January. 

Which brings us up to speed. 

Spoiler: 

I GOT THE INFAMOUS ORANGE PONCHO!

First time- ever- I was looking forward to something more than the medal.

I ran the official 2013 New York City marathon 

and finished with a 45 minute PR!

Yes. You heard that right. 

(That's what you get when you run your first official marathon in a heatwave.)

What I learned: Sometimes you just have to trust that there is a better plan. There is no experience after this. This is THE marathon to run. Don't get me wrong: While Disney was an amazing experience and I wouldn't change it for anything- nothing can hold a candle to running through the greatest city in the world. 

But then again, I'm pretty bias ;) 

I cannot wait to spectate the hell out of this race next year! 

Don't worry, there will be a play by play recap. Stay Tuned!