#29 Formerly overweight, prediabetic, and almost 50: Journey of a future marathoner (November 2023 UDPATES)

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My membership card. I love the slogan!

On November 2022, I joined the New York Road Runners (NYRR). This organization is the non-profit group that sponsors the world-famous and one of the largest marathons in the world - the TCS New York City Marathon. The marathon attracts runners from 130 countries and with around 50,000 finishers. I am not an athlete and have never run a race. However, I decided to run to achieve a more active and healthier lifestyle, especially after the pandemic. Moreover, I want to fulfill the dream of becoming a marathoner and simultaneously explore the five boroughs of New York City through running.


At first, I thought I only needed to register to run the marathon. But, after exploring the NYRR website, I realized running in the marathon is a process. First, you become a member of the organization to gain a guaranteed spot in various races. Next, you train and maintain your fitness. Finally, keep racing.


I joined NYRR.


It is optional to become a member to run in the marathon. However, I became a member to receive a reduced registration fee every time I ran an NYRR-sponsored race. Becoming a member also allows me to register for NYRR races in advance and have access to member-only events, such as volunteering. Finally, as a member, I will gain a guaranteed spot to run in the annual TCS New York City Marathon!


I started going to the gym.


I have been exercising in the gym since June of this year to become healthier. My body mass index (BMI) and hemoglobin A1C (average blood sugar level) indicated that I was overweight and prediabetic, respectively. As a result, I decided to go to the gym, eat healthier, and now I am reaping positive results. My BMI is now normal, and my endurance with running is much better. I also hope my A1C will be normal during my next doctor's visit. However, one day, I thought, "Why not use my gym visit as a training ground to stay fit and pursue my dream of running a marathon?" Since I travel to New York City frequently, I decided to run there because it is where I can best experience running. By the way, a marathon is 26.2 miles long (42.2 kilometers).


I signed up for races.


Now that I am an NYRR member, I can start gaining a guaranteed, non-complimentary spot to run in the 2024 TCS New York City Marathon. I aim to complete the 9+1 program between January to December 2023, which means I need to run at least nine NYRR-sponsored races and volunteer at least once to get a spot to run in the marathon. However, I still hope to run in the November 2023 marathon by applying for the non-guaranteed drawing sometime in February 2023. Update: I was not selected to run the New York City marathon this year, but I am working on getting a guaranteed entry for 2024! However, due to my persistence to run a marathon this year, I signed up to run the 2023 Marine Corps Marathon in October in Washington, DC! Anyways, here are the races we completed so far despite some of the foot issues that I have:


Virtual NYRR Run for Thanks 5K, Any location - November 2022 (Warm-up #1) - COMPLETED

NYRR Frosty 5K, Prospect Park - December 2022 (Warm-up #2) - COMPLETED

NYRR Fred Lebow Half-Marathon, Central Park - January 2023 (Race #1) COMPLETED
FIRSTS: Half-marathon, medal, and winter race!

NYRR Manhattan 10K, Central Park - February 2023 (Race #2) COMPLETED

 
Virtual NYRR Black History Month 5K, Central Park - February 2023 (Race #3) COMPLETED

NYRR Al Gordon 4M, Prospect Park - February 2023 (Race #4) COMPLETED
 
NYRR Washington Heights Salsa, Blues, and Shamrocks 5K, Washington Heights - March 2023 
(Race #5)  COMPLETED

YAY! I will run with approximately 25,000 runners from around the globe this weekend, March 19th!

United Airlines NYC Half, Manhattan - March 2023 (Race #6)


Bib pick up the day before the the race

On March 2023, I completed the most famous half marathon - the United Airlines NYC Half! Read here for more details. (Race #6)  COMPLETED


Rain or shine the race must continue! NYRR Race for the Kids 4M (Race #7)  COMPLETED

Another famous and largest half marathon in the books - RBC Brooklyn Half! It was my 3rd half marathon for 2023! It was raining again, but I loved it and I had so much fun!  (Race #8)  COMPLETED)

I did not only run. I also volunteered during the Mastercard New York Mini 10K Women's Race.

 The iconic globe - NYRR 10K Queens! (Race #9  COMPLETED)

Race #10 is one of the most meaningful races for me for two reasons: 1) I was part of celebrating disability inclusion in running and 2) I completed the 9+1 program giving me a guaranteed spot to run in the 2024 TCS New York City Marathon!

Race #11 COMPLETED - the New Balance Bronx 10 M at the world-famous Yankee Stadium!

 

Capping my 2023 races through NYRR was the Staten Island Half Marathon! By completing this race (5-borough series), I achieved a guaranteed entry to run the 2024 United NYC Half Marathon in March 2024!

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As I mentioned earlier, I applied to run the 2023 TCS Marathon but I was not selected. However, due to my persistence to complete a marathon this year and I felt I was ready to do so, As a result, I registered in May 2023 to run the Marine Corps Marathon. Fast forward, I DID IT!

October 29, 2023 was my most momentous day with running because I completed my first ever marathon - the 48th Marine Corps Marathon! This day, my dream of becoming a marathoner became true!


Location: Manhattan, New York, NY, USA

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