Sad face.
I am seriously bummed about not getting into the NYC 1/2 Marathon this year. Lotteries have never been my friend.
So, a bit of a bummer start to my day today.
I know I shouldn’t complain — I did get to do the race last year (I PR’d!) and I loved it. Hence why I wanted so badly to do it again this year.
However, I am so excited for all of the first-timers who will be racing through the streets of NYC this year. I want to hear from you, so let me know if you got in!
Now that NYC is out — I know I could run it through a charity, but I have pretty strong opinions about why I don’t want to do that for this race — I need to pick my next race!
I’m signed up to do the Colon Cancer 15K in NYC, which is the Sunday after the NYC 1/2 (March 27). But I’d love to do another 1/2 Marathon sometime soon.
Any recommendations?
Tell me what your favorite 1/2 Marathon is, what races you have coming up, which ones I should consider, etc.
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Sorry to hear about the half! I read through the comments and really liked your perspective on charity running. I have never run for a charity, partly because I haven’t found one that I feel so passionate about. I am still considering the lottery for NYC 2011.
If you want to come to Canada and do a race you could join us to do the oldest race in North America called Around the Bay! It is 30K but from having read your blog for a short while, you seem ready 🙂 And the weather is about the same!! http://www.aroundthebayroadrace.com/
I’m too new to racing (and running, in general) to have a favorite yet, but I’m running my very first half in just a few weeks – the Rock & Roll marathon in Phoenix! I’m super excited!
I’m running my first half marathon in Ottawa in Feb! There are a couple half marathons around the MA/NY area in Feb and March if you’re interested. I’d def check out runnersworld.com to find one near youuuu!
OH! And there is the NYRR Manhattan Half in CP on Jan. 22nd. I’m doing it!
There is the More/Fitness Magazine Women’s Half Marathon in NYC on April 3rd. Registration opens on January 10th; I am going to sign up!
http://www.more.com/2029/10135-more-fitness-women-s-half-marathon-2011
Hey Ali!
So glad you explained your reservations about running for a charity. I knew as soon as I got to NY for college (in 2005) that I wanted to run the ING NYC marathon, and as you said, none of the charities spoke directly to me. Running NYC was, above all, a physical fitness goal for me and I felt that signing up for a charity I didn’t feel incredibly passionate about would be a sort of selfish way for me to cheat the system and I wanted to depend on no one else and no one else’s money but myself and my own to make it happen. So I committed to the NYRR’s 9+1 plan (nine scored races and one three hour volunteer shift the year before you want to run) in 2009 and qualified via guaranteed entry to run this year on Nov. 7, 2010. It was a drag to have to wait so long to finally do it, but in the end, I was in better shape than ever and I killed the thing! With this weekend’s Ted Corbitt 15K, I’m qualifying via 9+1 to run NYC again next November.
And I’m also running the Colon Cancer 15K in March! See you there??
Yes, we should meet before the 15K in March! Also, the 9+1 program is fantastic and I’m a huge fan of that method of getting into the marathon. My only drawback to that is that I have no idea what I’ll be doing by 2012! So it scares me a bit to commit to it. We’ll see though — it’s a great option and I commend the NYRR for creating the program.
Aww, sorry too! Everything happens for a reason.
I have a race secret, but I’ll share it later:) Can’t wait for next year! Def have the Disney Half planned with my mom in Feb, wooo hooo!
I am running my first 1/2 in May 2011…all proceeds go toward the University of MD caner center..my father just finished radiation and chemo there for base of the tongue cancer. The staff at the cancer center were amazing and I can’t wait to run for my dad.
That is amazing, good for you! That’s wonderful that your dad has completed the radiation and chemo, and I wish him all the best moving forward. High five, girl — kick that race’s booty!
I AM SO SAD TOO!
ahhhh i have been looking up other half marathons around the US to see if i can do a race. super sad face!
I love your blog. I am also a NYCer and run many NY races. I am sorry you didn’t get into the half.
BUT The Colon Cancer 15K! I am so signing up! My mom is fighting colon cancer and I had no idea htey even had that race. I am signing up right now!!
I also ran the NYC half last yar and it was a lot of fun!
You have the best reason in the world to run the colon cancer challenge. Definitely do sign up — and we’ll have to meet before then! Best wishes to your mother.
Hi Ali!
I live in the city too and also got denied from the NYC half marathon. So sad! However I decided this morning to sign up to run through a charity (Team for Kids). You mention you have strong opinions against doing this and I’m just curious why? I hope I didnt make a mistake by signing up! Please let me know .
THanks 🙂
Jamie
Hi Jamie,
Thanks for your comment. NO, you did not make a mistake signing up through a charity—Team For Kids especially is a wonderful, beneficial organization, and I have lots of friends who have run with TFK!
I have run two races through Team Challenge, which supports the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation of America. I did this because I have Crohn’s Disease and the charity is very important to me.
Running with a charity is a great way to get into a race while also doing something for a great cause. I am a huge supporter in that. But because I want to run the 2011 NYC Marathon, and I understand that I may not get in through THAT lottery either, I’m holding off on committing to a charity, if that makes sense.
Fundraising is a big undertaking — I’ve done it twice and it’s HARD. I don’t feel comfortable asking people to donate to two causes for me this year so that I can run races. If it was for Team Challenge, I would do it in a heartbeat. But because TC isn’t a NYRR supported charity, it’s not an option. There are a ton of wonderful, approved charities involved, but none of them speak directly to me in a way that makes me want to fundraise for two seasons.
I hope that makes sense. My opinions are more personal, having fundraised in the past. Raising money for Team for Kids is a fantastic undertaking and it’s awesome that you’ll be running the NYC 1/2! I can’t wait to read about your progress!
Ali
Ali,
That makes total sense– thanks for explaining! I’ve never done this before so was unsure but I appreciate the quick response.
I’m excited!!
Jamie