Happy Wednesday! I hope that you’re all happy and healthy. Can you believe how many people are sick this winter? I know so many people that are currently sick with a head cold or the flu. I’m washing my hands like a crazy person in hopes that I can stay healthy for the rest of my training cycle!
So today’s topic is a little…different. If you have been a reader of my blog for a while, you know that I ran the NYC Marathon, my first marathon, back in November 2016. It was such a loooooong day but I felt like a freaking rockstar when I crossed that finish line.
Since I deferred my entry from last year (I just couldn’t handle another marathon after the sh*tshow that was the Chicago Marathon), I have guaranteed entry for this year’s marathon. Literally all I have to do is log into my NYRR account and pay the entry fee. It will take me 2 minutes to do this – but I haven’t. I’d had a few weeks to do this but I truly don’t know what to do. There are so many pros and cons to this particular marathon and I’m hoping that you, yes YOU, can help me make this decision. I truly value all of your opinions. Here’s the information I’m using in trying to make my decision.
Costs
Con: I have to pay the entry fee again. Eventhough I paid $255 for my 2017 entry, I would still have to pay the 2018 entry fee of $255, so it would end up being $510 to run this marathon – YIKES!
Pro: Yes, it’s going to be super pricy, but I’m due to get a bonus at my job next month so technically I could use that to pay the fee. Also you do get a good amount of things for the fee – long sleeve tech shirt, awesome medal, coach bus from midtown to Staten Island (this is one of the transportation options), bagels and coffee and the start village, goodie bag of food and drinks after the race and a really nice poncho at the finish.
Training
Con: The thought of training for another marathon in the summer makes me want to cry. It was SO ridiculously hot and humid last summer and if this summer is like that, I am not looking forward to doing long runs in that weather. Running in the humidity just sucks all of my energy. I’m a cold weather runner and will take 30 degrees over 85 degrees any day of the week.
Pro: If a runner is going to do a marathon, a majority of them will do a Fall marathon. This is nice because you can “virtually” train with runner friends, discuss things that are going bad/good, etc. Also NYRR has 3 long training runs that you can sign up for on their website. These training runs are untimed, but you do get a bib and on course aid (water/Gatorade) and food at the finish. Long runs in the heat feel a little bit better when you are out running with other crazy runners.
Course
Con: The course is not easy, there’s no question about that. I would have to do hill training – something that tends to aggravate my knee/IT band. You come across hills and all of the bridges are absolutely horrible. Spectators are not allowed on the bridges so you literally just hear the pounding of everyones feet and it’s eerily quiet. I also remember there being so much wind on the bridges as well.
Pro: The bridges can be rough, but when you finally exit the bridges, you hear a loud roar of people and that’s a great feeling. Besides the bridges, you will hear spectators cheering for you in ALL of the boroughs. Literally the whole city comes out to support all the runners and it really is magical.
My Body
Con: I have noticed that it’s taking my body longer to recover between long runs. During my first marathon training cycle I could do a long run on Saturday, do a spinning workout on Sunday and feel totally fine on Monday. That’s not exactly happening anymore. I’m noticing that it’s taking 2-3 days to feel fully “recovered” so that is worrying me. Maybe my body just isn’t made for marathons and I should focus on the half marathon distance.
Pro: I wouldn’t be running the marathon for a PR, so maybe I could do a less aggressive training plan? My only goal would be to finish the marathon in one piece.
So, that’s it! As you can see, there are loads of pros and cons. I know that this is a race that runners all across the world would love to run, and I don’t want to take away from that all. I just need to make sure that I make the right decision for me. Thankfully I have another week (February 15) to claim my guaranteed entry and I would REALLY love to hear your thoughts!
So…what do you think? New York City Marathon – yay or nay?
I’m linking up with Annmarie from The Fit Foodie Mama and Nicole from FitFul Focus for Wild Workout Wednesday.
And last but not not least, I’m linking up with Rachel from Running on Happy, Lora from Crazy Running Girl and Debbie from Coach Debbie Runs for Coaches’ Corner!
Lisa @ Mile by Mile says
Ah this is a tough call! I kind of think you should do it because NYC is such an awesome race. But you have to do what makes sense for you!
kookyrunner says
Right?! It’s a really tough decision and I’m just torn.
Autumn @ AutumnPTW.com says
Hi! Stopping by from www link up! Wow, its a tough decision. You could toss a coin on this one! Cant wait to hear what your choice is!
kookyrunner says
I might just end up tossing a coin, lol
Deborah Brooks says
Since I have never done it, I don’t feel like I can really give an opinion. If you have had a few weeks to think about it and are still doubting it, then maybe it’s not the right race at the right time. Your schedule is pretty packed. Just my 2 cents! You know we will cheer you on no matter what you do!
kookyrunner says
I didn’t even think about my Fall racing schedule – lol. In the past I’ve used those half marathons as training runs, but it would be nice to just run the races for fun. Another piece to add to the puzzle before making a decision!
Wendy says
The struggle is real, Kim! It’s a lot of money and you sure don’t want to DNS this one. So if you decide to do it, maybe make a back up plan that guarantees you’ll cross that finish line, no matter what. Even if you have to walk the thing. But on the other hand, 2 marathons in a year is really hard on the body.
Last year, I was registered for Grandma’s marathon ($180). I was really going to do it, until reality set in aka RA and I was just overwhelmed. Could I have done the marathon? Yes. It would have been slow and painful, but it was doable. Did I want to? No. And that’s what you have to ask yourself. How bad do you want this?
kookyrunner says
You’re so right Wendy. I would not want to DNS the race after spending so much on it!
On one hand, I’ve done this race before so I know how amazing it is, but on the other hand I know how much I hate running in the summer so I don’t know if I can give myself enough motivation to get through the weeks of training.
Annmarie says
GOSH this is a TOUGH decision..idk what I’d do. I had no idea you would have to pay the entry fee again after deferring, that is a bummer.
kookyrunner says
Right?! I think what makes it so hard is that I have run the race before so I know how awesome it is, but then I think about all the training it takes to get there!
Lesley says
I think the prospect of a race should make you excited to do it. That way you can be excited to start training, and use the race as motivation. If doing NYC gets you excited, then I’d say go for it. If not, paying the registration again might hurt.
kookyrunner says
That’s so true Lesley. I think what makes this a difficult decision is that I have run the race before so I know how special it is, but I just don’t know if I will have the drive to train for it.
Marcia says
I wish you could wait until after Shamrock to make this decision. Paying the entry fee again is a tough one to swallow. Is there fire in your heart for NYCM this time around? If not, I’d say pass.
But 20 years from now are you going to look back and have regrets? I regret passing on the chance to run my third Boston. At the time, I felt I was getting slower, the whole weekend is $$$$ and I’d already done 2. If I could have a do over, I’d RUN IT!
kookyrunner says
Me too! I have a deep love for NYCM because it really feels like the whole city is out there cheering you on. Part of me also knows that if I dont run it this year, I probably won’t run it again because it’s hard to get in via lottery and I am not going to do the 9+1 program again. But then another part of me doesn’t know if I have another summer marathon training cycle in me – ugh! Decisions, decisions…
Nicole @ Fitful Focus says
I didn’t know you had to pay the entry fee again. That sucks pretty hard. But it is an amazing race. It really comes down to your desire to run another marathon!
kookyrunner says
I agree that it does suck to have to pay the entry fee yet again!
Kimberly Hatting says
Wow, a second entry fee? That would be a deal breaker for me. BUT…..I love my hot summer running and hilly routes are great for breaking up the terrain for such a long distance. UGH. But, having an open mind (and not running it for a PR or specific finish time), this may be a great (though expensive) experience of a lifetime.
kookyrunner says
Yeah, seems nuts right? I was surprised to see that, considering how expensive the race fee is to begin with!
Artney says
I can’t believe you have to pay an entry fee again; however, I believe you should go with your heart. When I ran Marine Corps in 2016, my summer training was brutal, but it was so worth it! I wish I could give you the right answer. To be honest, I don’t think there’s a wrong one. Being this is one of my bucket-list races, I’m all for the NYC experience! But there will be other opportunities for sure. Even if it’s running for charity!
kookyrunner says
I know – it doesn’t seem fair at all but I guess that’s just their policy 🙁 Definitely agree with you about your heart having to be in the training or else it will be a miserable experience.
Chaitali says
That is a tough one. Though I have to say, if the thought of doing the marathon training in the Summer really does fill you with dread, it seems like it might not be the right thing for you at this time.
kookyrunner says
Ugh it really does! But it’s actually more the humidity than the heat to be honest, lol
Nicole @ fitnessfatale says
Tough decision! I loved running NYC – it was my slowest race but also one of the most memorable.
That being said, I don’t think it’s very hilly. But maybe that’s because San Diego is really hilly?
kookyrunner says
Agreed – I have so many fond memories from that race, that’s for sure! I also agree with you that San Diego was is way hillier (I ran RnRSD)!
Rachel says
Oooh, this is tough, girl. If it were me making this decision, I think I would pass based on cost alone. $510 is steep AF. Unless it were a race I really, really wanted to do, I can’t imagine shelling out cash like that for a race. Maybe pick a less expensive fall half and keep spring as your only full? That’s so tough!
kookyrunner says
I know – that $510 is crazy and I feel like I’ve already lost the $255, do I want to pay that again. To be honest, it’s pretty shitty that they make runners pay again, seems like a total money grab to me. I like your idea of picking a less expensive half for the Fall and doing just one marathon this year. I’ll think about it more this weekend before making a final decision!
Hannah says
What a hard choice! I vote sign up if the weather looks reasonable ?
kookyrunner says
Yup, definitely a hard choice!
Clarinda says
NYCM is at the top of my race bucket list but even then I wouldn’t spend $510 on the race. Plus, that’s just the entry fee and doesn’t include any travel expenses.
I followed your summer struggle last year and wouldn’t want to wish that on you again this year. Plus, since you’ve already run NYCM I don’t feel like you’d be missing out.
My vote is nay! Use your bonus money for something else that will really make you smile. 🙂
kookyrunner says
I know – the $510 price is pretty steep! I could definitely use my bonus money on something more fun, lol
Andrea says
Oh man that’s a lot to think about and consider. I can see how hearing the people cheer as you come over the bridge would be so enticing. Good luck making a decision!
kookyrunner says
Thanks Andrea – Definitely a lot to consider!
Janelle @ Run With No Regrets says
This is a really tough decision, but honestly if it was me, I would pass on the NYC marathon this year. The expense is SO high and like you, I find summer marathon training to be absolutely miserable! It seems that since you’ve taken so long to register that your heart might not be in it? Listen to your gut. At least you’ve already had the experience of the NYC marathon! Is there another fall race that you’ve always wanted to do but never had the opportunity?
kookyrunner says
Yeah the expense would be outrageous, but luckily I wouldn’t have any additional travel expenses which is a plus. But yes, training in July and August and even September is just the worse! I haven’t really thought about trying to do another race in the Fall – that’s definitely something to consider!
Coco says
Tough call! Is there another marathon you want to do instead? I think you have to ignore the entry fee you already paid (that’s “sunk costs” in econ speak) and weigh the guaranteed entry against other other options. I’d keep mulling it over and go with your gut. And if you’re still undecided on the 15th, maybe that’s your answer. If you don’t want to do it enough to sign up, will you want to put in the training?
kookyrunner says
I haven’t considered any other marathons. If I don’t do NYC then Shamrock would be my only marathon this year and I would be okay with that to be honest. You’re 100% right about actually wanting to put in the training – that is seriously the biggest obstacle right now.
Renée says
Hmmm. Money? Yeah it’s expensive but … you could try to reduce costs in another area of your life? Training will always be a challenge no matter what time of year it is. You aren’t going for a PR so definitely do a less agressive plan, making sure you strength train for your knees and hips, incorporate more rolling and possibly massage Ian’s rest in your plan. For me it’s a no brainer – even with the price (it’s the only thing I would flinch at). I say DO IT!!
kookyrunner says
Training is so much harder for me in the summer vs the winter. I’m really a much better cold weather runner, lol. I’m going to take a look at all the feedback and make my final decision over the weekend.
Kathryn @ Dancing to Running says
You definitely have a really tough choice to make. Yes, it would be a very expensive race but I’m sure it would be an incredible experience. Its clear that you’ve weighed both options, and I look forward to hearing what your final decision is.
kookyrunner says
Yes, definitely tons of pros and cons but I’ll make a decision this weekend.
Jennifer @ Fit Nana says
Wow. That’s definitely not a decision to take lightly at that cost. I had no idea NYC entry cost that much! Sucks that you’d have to pay the full entry fee again.
As far as your training, I’m just amazed that you can do cycle class after a long run. My schedule has a short shake out run after long run days and sometimes, even that’s a stretch. Maybe a less aggressive training plan is the way to go if you’re just trying to run and have fun.
You’ve got a tough decision and I definitely wouldn’t want to be in your shoes right now. Good luck!!
kookyrunner says
I decided to not run NYCM. Instead I am going to try to volunteer if there are any spots left!