I would like to begin this blog by saying I know my story is not unique in any way, shape or form. That being said, I was humbled when asked to write a piece regarding my journey to completing my 15th NYC Marathon just over two weeks ago, on November 3rd, 2024.
I believe this achievement is highly sought after, and has been obtained by many, including a great number of Flyers! It’s an incredible honor to be part of the “15+” group.
I began running NYC Marathons the year that I was 30 years old. At that time, I knew nothing of running teams, training programs, etc., but thankfully, I was able to run with the charity, Team For Kids. Thankfully, they had some long runs, which I joined, & after 4 months of training I ran and completed my first NYC marathon. It wasn’t pretty, but I did it & knew I wanted to run again the following year. 🎉
However, I had an injury & was unable to do so. Thankfully, the year that followed I was, once again, able to join the thousands of other runners who took on the streets of New York & from then on, my love for both running marathons, and the NYC Marathon, in particular, blossomed. 🌸
Somewhere along the way, I realized that running the NYC Marathon had become an important part of my life. New York is home and it feels unnatural to not run the marathon when I have the access and opportunity to do so. That being said, I don’t take said “access” for granted. I know there are many who do not get in via lottery or can’t make the 9+1 happen, so I remind myself to remain grateful for this opportunity. I always look forward to registration day! To me, it signifies the commencement of training & preparing for my favorite day of the year!
At some point along the way, perhaps by my 9th NYC Marathon, I realized that if I ran 15 NYC Marathons, I would have guaranteed entry for life! I found that information intriguing and decided then to make completing 15 my goal!
With each marathon I have run and completed, I have faced various challenges here and there. Sometimes those challenges were with my training, other times I was recovering from injuries. There were moments when I wondered if my goal was actually going to be attainable, but every year I signed up, trained and thankfully, completed another one.✅
For the first time this year I ran the marathon alongside some friends. Their company, along with my own mental willingness, helped me to complete NYC marathon #15!
There was a point during this year’s race when I honestly considered not finishing - a thought that NEVER crosses my mind ever, but this year it did. Unfortunately, starting at mile 5, I dealt with horrible, if not,l unbearable at many times, stomach discomfort. I remember the moment when I thought I should simply call it a day … but I then reminded myself that I needed this one race to complete my 15th NYC marathon and to have the guaranteed entry I’ve been working towards for so long. That realization, along with my friends continuously looking back for me, and knowing there were people on the course waiting & hoping to see me, helped to keep me in the race. I am grateful that I didn’t give up.
This year’s marathon was special for so many reasons, but especially because I finally met my goal.💕 I am proud of myself for working hard over the years to reach this milestone. I am both humbled and excited that I am part of the very special group of runners who have reached this status! I look forward to next years marathon when I’ll get to experience all the wonderful amenities that the “15 +” marathoners have earned.
If doing this is something you feel compelled to work towards, I encourage you to stay the course and continue reaching for your goal. I am both hopeful & rooting for you. 🎊
Thank you for reading!
Jessica Baez