I loved New York City. But the masses of people moving together as amorphous blobs overwhelmed me. And the subways in New York are just unnatural. I am a big supporter of underground mass transit, as long as I am not part of the mass.
Times Square, I did not love. It was dirty, crowded and I didn’t get to see any celebrities. Our hotel was in Times Square and our room was on the 35th floor. There were also 35 floors above us. I was sandwiched between elevator rides from hell and the possibility the hotel might crumble. You don’t survive crumble from the 35th floor. And you don’t sleep when you spend all night long thinking about it. Also, it might have been my imagination, but I swear I could feel the building sway while I was in the shower. Six is my rule. I can go up six stories before panic sets in.
I had other apprehensive and claustrophobic moments during my trip – in the taxi, at the expo, in the elevator, on the street, everywhere. I couldn’t escape the crowds. The worst was waiting for the subway after the marathon – it was panic, vomit or cry. I think I cried. New York was trying to eat me. I was sure of it.
But you know what else was overwhelming, the nice people. Every time we clueless tourists needed directions, or a picture taken, someone helped us. New Yorkers, for the most part, were kind and that was surprising to me.
I survived the New York Marathon, and now I’m ready for the next one: Austin on February 17th. I’ve run Austin, I like Austin, but I don’t like running for 5 hours. Running for 5 hours is pretty much the opposite of fun. I haven’t quite figured out why I repeatedly keep putting myself through this. But if you know, please clue me in.
{ 9 comments… read them below or add one }
Why? Because you’re Runner Susan!
PS I wasn’t sure if you were serious about the pressups/pushdowns question – my answer would be “it depends on how anal an explanation you want”.
That’s easy – addiction to performance improvement. Maybe we should start a 12 step program because I know we are not alone.
Times Square is not a great place for sure — except for its proximity to the theaters.
Even though I am an ex-NYCer (now living in the Cheever-esque Westchester burbs) I always made the effort to be supernice to tourists and other lost souls when I lived in the city.
For some reason the whole world thinks New Yorkers are murderous, rude, puppy-kicking assholes. And we’re really not! Unless you get in our way.
My dad used to work in the now-gone World Trade Center tower and I remember once having lunch at teh restaurant on the top floor and the wind shook the place to the point the toilet water swished. So, you’ve every right to freak from the 35th floor, even if there were many more floors above you.
Because you’re a Runner reinventing yourself every time – and you’re tough as nails! The crowds are extreme in NYC, but it’s good to get out of our comfort zones occasionally. But I much prefer the wide open spaces of TX/ Argyle too!
i’d love to run the NYC marathon some day. i watched it once. the challenged athletes were so inspiring. then and there i decided i could do something too.
i’m so impressed that you did though!
well.done.you.
Thanks for the warning, but I must visit NY city one day. Aren’t most Americans nice people?
You keep putting yourself though it because you’re a much better runner. At least 4:15 to 4:30. You can do it Susun!
beer.
5 hours of running lets one drink a lot of beer.