"It's wild. It is New York's Super Bowl. Every single borough comes out to play, and it's amazing."

OK, soon-to-be New York City Marathoners: Here it is! Your unofficial guide to the 2022 TCS New York City Marathon. Today, with the help of a few very special guests, I'm here to answer all of your NYCM-related questions. This is a mega-episode — 2.5 hours long! — so enjoy your taper, listen in, and take lots of deep breaths knowing you've got this.

As for me: The New York City Marathon is my Super Bowl, my Christmas, my birthday, my favorite day of the year. It was the first marathon I ever watched, back in 2008, when I went out to cheer for a coworker who was running the race. (Thanks for the inspiration, Therese!) I've run it three times — in 2013, 2014, and 2016 — and volunteered once, in 2015, at a fluid station. In 2017, I cheered on "First and Fifth," and in 2018, at three weeks postpartum, going to the New York City Marathon was my first outing since having a baby. I sat in the grandstands as Shalane Flanagan finished third, and pumped in a fancy finish line porta potty. Then, in 2019, I got the best seat in the house for the first time: New York City Marathon finish line announcer. This will be my third year as one of the race's announcers, and it's a huge honor. I can't wait to see you.

And this episode isn't just for the marathoners: We have tips for spectators, a breakdown of how to get into the race in the future, and general advice for marathon-day fueling and hydrating.

SPONSOR: New Balance — Click here to learn more about how New Balance is supporting conversations around mental wellness in running. (And check out the SuperComp Trainer! I'm obsessed!)

What you'll get on this episode:

• New York City Marathon race director Ted Metellus talks about what makes the New York City Marathon so iconic (3:30)
• Ali answers your pre-race questions, including how to get into the race, dealing with logistics-related overwhelm, and how to watch the race on TV (27:15)
• Molly Seidel, who broke the American course record at last year's race, offers her advice for racing the New York City Marathon — plus a life update! (34:00)
• Everything you need to know about getting to the start village, and what it'll be like once you're there (50:30)
• Registered dietitian and five-time New York City Marathoner Kelly Hogan answers questions about how to fuel and hydrate on race morning and throughout the day (1:09:15)
• All about the New York City Marathon course (1:23:20)
• Running coach Anoush Arakelian offers course strategy advice, whether you want to race to a personal best or run-walk and enjoy the scenery (1:31:15)
• All about the finish line and beyond (1:54:15)
• How to be an awesome spectator (2:00:30)
• What happens after you cross the finish line (2:06:25)
• Questions for Ali (2:09:30)

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