One Week to New York: Feeling Ready, Trusting the Training & Enjoying the Journey
Well, here we are. Just one week until I line up for the New York City Marathon, and I have to say, I'm feeling surprisingly relaxed about the whole thing!
The training has gone well, the long runs are done, my fuelling is sorted and my race-day outfit is officially decided, thanks to my sister. Now it's just about getting to New York, staying healthy and enjoying every minute of the experience.
This will be my third World Marathon Major, following London and Sydney, and I still find it quite incredible that running has taken me to all these amazing places.
Trusting the Training
I've had a really good training block for New York, building on everything I learnt from Sydney. My endurance has improved, I've become much more confident with my pacing, and I've finally found a fuelling strategy that works for me.
I did have a little wobble recently with some tightness in my right glute, which wasn't ideal so close to race day. Thankfully, a visit to my physio and a good sports massage reassured me that nothing was injured, just a little tightness that needed some attention.
Since then, I've been focusing on recovery, mobility and keeping everything moving without overdoing it.
It's quite tempting at this stage to squeeze in another run or worry about whether you've done enough, but the reality is that all the hard work is already in the bank.
Now it's about arriving at the start line feeling fresh and ready.
The Race-Day Kit Is Sorted!
You know I love a bit of running kit, and choosing my marathon outfit is almost as important as planning my race strategy!
After plenty of testing, I've finally settled on what I'll be wearing.
My trusty carbon-plated race shoes are coming with me. I've trained and raced in these, and I love how responsive they feel. They're definitely my choice for New York.
A good pair of running socks is an absolute essential, especially over 42.2 kilometres. My SHYU socks have made the cut.
I'm going with my Lululemon Fast & Free shorts. I love how comfortable they feel, and comfort is everything when you're going to be running for over four hours!
I've chosen a lovely green tank top to go with the shorts. Simple, lightweight and comfortable.
Bright Pink Nike Running Sleeves
And because I couldn't resist a little pop of colour, I've added bright pink Nike running sleeves! They're a fun addition to the outfit and hopefully useful for keeping my arms warm during those cooler early miles.
Of course, my Oakley Radar sunnies are coming too. I love these for running, and they're firmly part of my race-day essentials.
So that's the outfit sorted. Green, pink and a little bit of running shoe magic. Now we just need the New York weather to cooperate!
Fuelling – Keeping It Simple
If there's one thing I've really worked on this year, it's getting my marathon fuelling right.
I've been using Maurten gels alongside a carbohydrate drink during my longer runs, and it's been working really well.
I've learnt that fuelling isn't something you can just leave until race day. It takes practice, particularly when you're running for several hours.
My plan for New York is to stick with what I've tested: my gels, my carbohydrate drink and water from the aid stations as needed.
Nothing new, nothing complicated. Just a strategy I know works for me.
I'm also being mindful of eating enough carbohydrates in the days leading up to the race, staying hydrated and giving my body everything it needs to perform.
A Little Goal in Mind
Of course, I have a time goal.
After taking 22 minutes off my marathon PB in Sydney, I know I'm making progress towards my ultimate ambition of running a four-hour marathon.
For New York, the goal is to try and improve on Sydney.
But one thing Sydney reminded me is that marathons are unpredictable. You can prepare brilliantly, but there's always something you can't control, whether that's the weather, the hills or simply how you feel on the day.
So yes, I'll have my race strategy, and yes, I'll be giving it my best shot.
But I'm also determined to look around, take in the atmosphere and enjoy the incredible experience of running through New York City.
Because these moments are about so much more than the time on your watch.
New York, Here We Come!
One of the things I'm most looking forward to is having Sunny with me.
Running has become such a big part of my life, and being able to share these adventures with him makes them even better.
We're staying in Midtown, and I'm really looking forward to soaking up the atmosphere of marathon weekend, exploring the city and enjoying some time together.
There's something very special about arriving in a city where thousands of people from all over the world have come together to do the same thing. Different ages, different abilities, different stories, but all with one shared goal of reaching that finish line.
And New York certainly knows how to put on a show!
The Final Countdown
So that's it. One week to go.
The training is done, the kit is chosen and the excitement is building.
This time I'm not feeling particularly nervous. I'm feeling ready, and that's a really lovely place to be.
I've worked hard, I've learnt a lot and I'm proud of the progress I've made this year.
Now it's time to enjoy the reward of all those early mornings, long runs, tired legs and endless kilometres.
Three World Marathon Majors, three incredible cities and another 42.2 kilometres waiting for me.
New York City, let's do this! 🗽
See you on the other side of the finish line.
Sylv x
