This is how you run the marathon in New York

When I was cycling through Amsterdam yesterday and took a break at the line of the Amsterdam Marathon, I felt nostalgic again. Two years ago, I was (almost) at the start of the 42 kilometers of New York. Unfortunately, there was Hurricane Sandy that had devastated the city. The marathon was canceled. I believe that after hearing the news (on the radio in a Yellow Cab), I was at a hotel bar within fifteen minutes. Well, you have to do something. after months of training, weeks no alcohol, stacking kilos of carbohydrates, going to bed before 10:00 PM for days, and raising thousands of euros for a good cause.

On November 2, it will be run again in the Big Apple. Without me. One day I will do it, but something like this is no walk in the park; it takes an incredible amount of time, money, and discipline. But it should be on your bucket list, this running round. I will surely tell you how it should be done. For who knows, maybe next year. Shall we go together?

 This is how you run the New York marathon:

Don't underestimate all of this. Every marathon runner is completely crazy (me too), as it is not necessarily good for your body. I think that up to about 21 kilometers is still responsible, after that you are actually asking too much from your body. But well, if we are going to start discussing what is and isn't good for you, we will be busy for a while.

– You have a few options to get a starting ticket. You can here buy a single ticket, but you can also choose a package that includes your hotel and travel. Then you are usually a bit cheaper off, but still, running a marathon in New York remains an expensive joke. Just assume that you will spend at least 2000 euros. There is another option, which is to run for a good cause (which I did). Together with my dear friend Madieke, we raised 11,000 euros through sponsors, selling clothes, washing cars, and other chores, for KiKa. We flew with eighty others (who also ran for KiKa) to New York.

– Start training at least 6 months in advance. Training mainly means putting in kilometers. On My Asics you can easily create a schedule. Make sure to stick to it. You need to build everything up slowly, and that's for a reason. Otherwise, you will quickly get injuries, and then you can forget about the whole run. It is also important to train on hills. In New York, there is a lot of false flat, and you will feel that.

– Also do a lot of interval training. So sprinting, jogging, sprinting, and then jogging again. This will boost your endurance.

– Besides just running, it is also wise to do strength training. Especially for your legs. So do a lot of lunges and squats and work with a kettlebell. With strong legs, you can run longer.

- Adjust your diet. You won't even manage the half marathon on a cup of low-fat yogurt with a bit of fruit. Try out well in advance what kind of nutrition works best and longest for you. So don't eat a big bowl of oatmeal for the first time on the day itself, which might come back up during the whole run.

– Also work with nutrition on the way. You really need that. A banana in your back pocket, pieces of dried fruit, or a chocolate bar. Something that gives you an energy kick.

– Find out in advance how the route goes. It is handy to know where the road gets steeper and what to expect. Additionally, you can also arrange a spot with family or friends who might be along the line, which is nice to look forward to.

– When you finally reach that finish line, you probably want just one thing. To take off those shoes and toast to what you have achieved. You can bet that you will cross that finish line in tears. However, you also need to think about your body for a moment, and it is wise to book a massage at a spa. well in advance. Your legs need to be massaged loose; otherwise, you have a great chance of not being able to take a step in the days after. That is no fun when you are in a fitting room (assuming you still want to shop in New York).

– After that, you will of course go out for dinner, and there are plenty of parties in the city where the marathon is celebrated.

– The best part is that every restaurant or shop you walk into the day after the marathon with your medal around your neck welcomes you with applause. I missed that, damn it. But my time will come. Just wait.

(image credit www.gowanuslounge.com)