"I Get to Do This"

I ran the NYC marathon on November 5th, 2023.  This was never something I thought I would say. Running is not something that ever came easy to me, but the journey, the accomplishment, and the strength (both mentally and physically) you develop along the way is one of the greatest gifts you could give yourself.

Running a marathon is something I always thought other people could do, but surely not me. When the opportunity came to enter the lottery for running the NYC marathon, I figured I would put my name in knowing how unlikely I would get chosen to actually participate since there is no guarantee you will get in through this method. A few months later, I found out I was in! My heart racing with a mix of butterflies and nerves, I knew this was going to be one of the biggest accomplishments of my life.

The following months consisted of training and putting in the real work. As an Oncology nurse, my work hours vary and the days are long, making it difficult to be consistent with training schedules and getting in the miles you need each week. I did what I could and made sure to get in the long runs on the weekends at a minimum.

Race day arrived and wow did it really exceed expectations. The energy and crowds that show up to cheer and support are overwhelming throughout the entire course and keeps you pushing forward. My husband ran beside me and encouraged me the entire way, and my parents and friends spectated in the crowds which sparked energy each time I would see them. Running past Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, the hospital I work for, gave me an extra push at mile 18(ish) and I tried to focus on "I get to do this."

I finished in a time of 4 hours 25 minutes and 45 seconds with my husband, Ben, beside me. I ordered my Tiny Tag to commemorate my run and this day and plan to wear it as a reminder that you can do anything you put your mind to. Never doubt how far you can go and what you really can do when you put your mind to it. I hope to continue to run the Abbott Marathon World Majors (NYC, Chicago, London, Tokyo, Berlin, Boston) and just see what I truly am capable of. 

- Lauren Cahill