This morning I went for a run. It was the first time I’ve gone on a run just for me (and not to train) this year. I’ve found that running helps me feel better. Let’s step back. I’ve wanted to run the @nycmarathon since 2003. I was a cross country runner in high school and captain of our team senior year—though that’s when I started smoking. I basically smoked from 2003 to 2017. It disrupted my ability to run. I had a cough for a solid decade. I started doing the Frosty 5K in Prospect Park a few years after I quit, and when it sold out before I could buy my place in December 2023, I decided to run the 2024 United Half instead. After that race, I extended my training, joined a group chat with @sebastiensilvestri, @GeoMendes, @GavinKaysen and @mcleod_ashton, and here we are. A year of training. Runs around the world. Figuring out how to pack my sneakers and running clothes when I don’t ever check a bag. I didn’t have the opportunity to do so yet...so I want to thank BRC. I was honored to run on your behalf. I’d also like to thank everyone who donated to make this dream a possibility, and everyone who showed up to cheer on Sunday (you also made this a possibility), especially @alexandrecorda, @crissyfetcher and @jogooooood! I feel deeply compelled to thank the volunteers, too. You made the day so special! I mean, from the welcome we received at the Staten Island ferry to the warm embrace of the medal stations. I want to send sincere thanks to Lauren Kent. Far more than a decade ago, when I was a starving writer (who somehow smoked a pack of cigarettes a day), she bought me a pair of running shoes. I was there watching Lauren when she ran the Shanghai Half, and I was out with signs at two spots when she ran the 2010 New York City Marathon. A few days later, right before my month-long move to London, she had a stroke. On Sunday, I ran for her. The first photo is by @rafalwielgus! He took it in a moment of surprise and joy! Most of the rest are official event photographs and I find them very entertaining.