New York City Marathon, Tiffany Fenton

Tiffany Fenton’s experience at the New York City Marathon

Why did you decide to sign up for the NYC Marathon?

- I decided to sign up for the NYC Marathon because I had heard so many amazing things about it (NSA has been training and taking people to NYC for 6 years!) and I had heard that it was “the one to do”. I have never been to NYC and I thought it would be a fantastic and unique way to see the city. Imagine being able to run over the 5 boroughs in one day with 50,000 other people!!!! I am also not an experienced marathoner (I had previously finished 2) and I wanted to do a marathon with beautiful scenery

I don’t know if everyone is aware but Tiffany was the Head Organizer for the NYC Marathon Clinic. What aspect of leading the clinic did you enjoy most? Were there any challenges?

- The thing I enjoyed most about being a clinic leader was watching each and every clinic runner improve week by week. I was excited to be running with lots of new faces as well as with the returning members

- We had a really hot summer and some days we had to modify our runs so that they were more in the shade. Although that was a challenge It forced people to pay a little more attention to their nutrition and how to properly hydrate in the heat!

What did your training consist of?

- I followed the NSA Marathon program and ran 3 days a week with the clinic. Earlier in the summer I was swimming and biking because I was training for a half Ironman and an Olympic distance triathlon. After the triathlons were complete I cut out swimming and biking and focused solely on running.

What challenges did you face during your training?

- I will be honest and say that I was very lucky and didn’t have any real set backs. I followed the program that NSA had created and listened to my body. Those 2 things combined allowed me to have a very successful run in NYC.

How much of a part did North shore Athletics play in your preparation for the marathon?

- NSA played a huge part in my preparation. I ran all summer with the clinic and the motivation of all the clinic members. Knowing that I was going to run with dozens of other people allowed me to stay motivated the whole way through. With only running 3 days a week I was able to run 2 almost back to back marathons (less than a month apart) and I also achieved a personal best and qualified for the Boston Marathon

Did you train any different for this marathon than one’s in the past?

- This was the first time I actually followed a proper training program. In years past I just made my own program and I had no clue about periodization and how to build up my mileage gradually.

What were you most looking forward to while in NYC?

- I was really looking forward to seeing the big city, shopping, and running the marathon.

Was the NYC Marathon well organized?

- Yes. The marathon is extremely well organized. With over 50,000 runners it has to be! I was very impressed with how quickly and efficiently they were able to transport us all to the start that early in the morning.

I did the race last year and I remember the biggest challenge was waiting around in the damp and cold weather for 4 hours before the start. What was your experience like before the race gun went off?

- I had a really great experience because I had been warned about the cold weather and was very well prepared. I brought a lot of layers and I even brought an old pair of running shoes to wear before the race as to ensure that my race runners did not get wet. I have to add that this year the weather was uncharacteristically warm. I was lucky!

Did they do a staggered start again?

- Yes. I started the marathon at 10am.

What was the best part of the NYC Marathon?

- I think the best thing about the NYC marathon is that it allows an amateur athlete like me to be apart of one of the worlds largest marathons. Unless you are a pro soccer player in Europe, you will probably not likely ever get a chance to run with millions of spectators cheering you on every second of the race. That was amazing.

How did you celebrate your finish?

- I celebrated with friends over dinner.

Would you recommend this event to others? If so, Why?

- Absolutely!!!! For two reasons: (1) I think it’s really fun to go away with a group of people you have been training with. It’s great to combine a holiday with a race. (2) It is a huge event and it truly is a marathon I believe is a “must do”.

Clinic Members