I accidentally* ran the NY Marathon
How Running 10 Miles of the NYC Marathon (Unplanned!) Changed My Perspective on Support and Community
Sometimes, life throws you into situations that completely redefine what you think is possible.
Less than two weeks ago, I "accidentally" ran 10 miles of the NYC Marathon—totally unprepared, wearing my dog-walking sneakers—and what I experienced shifted my understanding of support and community.
(Side note: I couldn’t sit on the toilet for 48 hours after. Worth it? Absolutely. 😅)
The Start of an Unexpected Journey
When my college bestie flew in from LA to run her 8th marathon, I had no grand plans. My goal? Cheer her on as she ran past my Brooklyn neighborhood, then retreat to Starbucks. (Full disclosure: I’d rather bike 20 miles than run ONE mile!)
But when I saw her running by, I got so excited that I impulsively jumped in to snap some photos. I figured I’d run a few blocks alongside her and bow out.
Instead, block after block, something amazing happened.
The Power of Being Seen
Suddenly, I was running through Brooklyn, over the Pulaski Bridge into Queens, and finally into Manhattan.
💥 The streets of New York were electric. Korean drummers pounded rhythms that vibrated through the concrete. Salsa music blasted while children and pets jumped in excitement. Entire neighborhoods came alive with joy and connection.
What started as a spontaneous few blocks turned into five miles, then ten. I was running highways normally filled with cars, reclaiming the streets with thousands of others.
Signs like these kept me laughing and motivated:
“Leonardo DiCaprio would stop at 25.0”
“Run like JD Vance is behind you” 😂
“Pick a butt and follow it”
The Transformational Impact of Support
Through all this, I wasn’t just running—I was witnessing the power of collective support. My friend broke her personal record that day. She told me that running with me gave her energy she hadn’t felt in her seven previous marathons.
That got me thinking: what’s possible when we allow ourselves to be truly supported?
Ten days later, I’m still reflecting on this:
🦄 The strength we gain when strangers cheer us on, offering water and silly signs.
💞 The transformation that happens when we are genuinely seen and supported.
Lessons for Life and Business
In a world where social media sets impossible standards, the marathon reminded me of the power of real connection. It’s not about perfection. It’s about showing up as we are, supporting each other, and creating spaces for authentic growth.
💡 This is why I’m so passionate about our PR community. It’s not just about business growth (though that happens too). It’s about witnessing each other’s journeys and thriving together.
The real magic lies in showing up, seeing each other, and creating safe spaces for growth—on our terms and timelines.
🙏 With a full heart (and finally walking normally again),
Gloria
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