The Roaming Minds

The Logo of the United Airlines NYC Half Marathon      The New York Road Runners (NYRR) is arguably the most sustainable and organized running club in the United States. I have already  completed  five races and noticed how efficient they are. NYRR has organized races year-round for over half a century in one of the most iconic running venues in the world - New York City! One of NYRR's signature races is this year's 23rd United Airlines NYC Half Marathon, or UA NYC Half. The race is so famous that there are nearly 25,000 runners who participate annually from all over the world! How did NYRR manage this volume of runners? Here are my accounts. Before the race There are different guaranteed entry methods to participate in the race. For example, if you are an NYRR member, your either run the half marathon virtual race or run at least four qualifying events in the previous year to have a guaranteed entry to the succeeding year. You can also run via a tour operator o...

An x-ray of a foot by Andrew Magill (Wikimedia Commons)      In my previous blog, I started an account of how I began my journey of becoming a future marathoner. I have been doing well. My endurance with running is getting better. My weight has improved, and I have officially completed two 5-kilometer runs. I even completed a half marathon two weeks ago. I am excited and ready physically and mentally to complete my first official half-marathon in about three weeks!  But, the story changed significantly about two weeks ago when I started experiencing health problems in my feet that could prevent me from running, including the marathon I am dreaming of completing in November 2023. Disclaimer:  The content of this blog is only intended for entertainment and not to provide expert medical information or give advice. If you have symptoms, consult your doctor. Plantar fasciitis      I am flat-footed, which sometimes causes my heels to hurt and inflame. ...

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 i...