Running Through the Heart of New York

By Michele Berardi
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Published on
In the city that never sleeps, I found my rhythm on the pavement, my footsteps echoing through the boroughs

Running Through the Heart of New York: My Journey from 5Ks to Ultramarathons

In the city that never sleeps, I found my rhythm on the pavement, my footsteps echoing through the boroughs, from the quiet streets of Staten Island to the bustling avenues of Manhattan. Each race, regardless of its distance, was a chapter in my evolving story as a runner in New York City.

The Early Miles: Small Races and the Spirit of Community

My journey began with the smaller races, the local 5Ks and community runs that dot the NYC running calendar. These events, brimming with camaraderie and local charm, were where I learned the value of every step and the strength in every breath. They taught me persistence, and with each finish line crossed, my ambition grew.

Stepping Up: The Half Marathons

As my confidence soared, so did my aspirations. Half marathons became my new frontier, each 13.1-mile course a test of endurance and a chance to push my limits further. These races, set against the backdrop of New York's iconic landmarks, were not just about the distance; they were about discovering my own potential amidst the diversity and dynamism of the city.

The Ultimate Challenge: Marathons and Beyond

The TCS New York City Marathon was a dream turned reality, a 26.2-mile journey through the five boroughs that was as much a personal pilgrimage as it was a physical challenge. Crossing the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge, running through Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, and finally Manhattan, each mile was a testament to the months of training, determination, and the unwavering support of the spectators cheering us on. It was here, amidst the exhilaration and exhaustion, that I truly understood the transformative power of the marathon.

But the road didn't end at 26.2 miles. The call of ultramarathons beckoned, pushing me into the realm of distances beyond what I once thought possible. These races, each a unique journey through some of New York's most beautiful trails and terrains, were about more than just running; they were about resilience, mental strength, and the relentless pursuit of what lies beyond our perceived limits.

Lessons Learned on the Run

From the small races to the sprawling marathons and the daunting ultramarathons, my running journey in New York has been an adventure of self-discovery and growth. It has taught me the importance of community, the strength that comes from support, and the incredible resilience of the human spirit. With each race, I've not only traversed miles but also forged unforgettable memories and friendships that will last a lifetime.

Below all my 89 races

Event NameEvent DateDistanceFinish TimePace
TCS New York City Marathon 201903-Nov-19Marathon3:25:167:50
TCS New York City Marathon 201804-Nov-18Marathon7:05:4816:15
2018 Poland Spring Marathon Kickoff (5M)28-Oct-185 miles0:43:468:46
2018 NYRR Retro 4-Miler14-Jul-184 miles0:53:1313:19
2018 Achilles Hope & Possibility (4M)24-Jun-184 miles0:36:099:03
2018 Front Runners New York LGBT Pride Run (5M)23-Jun-185 miles0:46:209:16
2018 Italy Run by Ferrero (5M)03-Jun-185 miles1:25:1117:03
2018 Japan Run (4M)13-May-184 miles1:06:3916:40
2018 Run as One (4M) Presented by JPMorgan Chase22-Apr-184 miles1:10:5617:44
2018 Boomer’s Cystic Fibrosis Run to Breathe (4M)08-Apr-184 miles0:55:0813:47
TCS New York City Marathon 201705-Nov-17Marathon4:44:3710:52
2017 Poland Spring Marathon Kickoff (5M)29-Oct-175 miles1:23:4616:46
2017 NYRR Grete's Great Gallop (10K)01-Oct-1710 km1:22:5913:22
2017 Front Runners New York LGBT Pride Run (5M)24-Jun-175 miles1:21:1316:15
2017 Japan Run (4M)14-May-174 miles0:56:3714:10
2017 Run as One (4M) Presented by JPMorgan Chase23-Apr-174 miles0:38:289:37
2017 Boomer’s Cystic Fibrosis Run to Breathe (4M)01-Apr-174 miles0:56:3514:09
2017 United Airlines NYC Half19-Mar-17Half-Marathon2:12:0310:05
2017 NYRR Gridiron 4M05-Feb-174 miles0:31:347:54
TCS New York City Marathon 201606-Nov-16Marathon4:34:0010:27
2016 New Balance Bronx 10-Mile25-Sep-1610 miles2:06:2312:39
2016 NYRR Five-Borough Series: Queens 10K18-Jun-1610 km1:12:2611:40
Airbnb Brooklyn Half Marathon 201621-May-16Half-Marathon2:56:1813:27
2016 Run as One (4M) Presented by JPMorgan Chase24-Apr-164 miles0:43:0410:46
2016 City Parks Foundation Run for the Parks (4M)10-Apr-164 miles0:45:5011:28
United Airlines NYC Half 201620-Mar-16Half-Marathon2:34:3611:48
2016 Gridiron 4M07-Feb-164 miles0:55:2413:51
2016 NYRR Joe Kleinerman 10K09-Jan-1610 km1:35:0315:18
2015 Race to Deliver22-Nov-154 miles0:35:408:55
2015 NYRR 60K14-Nov-1560 km8:37:5813:54
TCS New York City Marathon 201501-Nov-15Marathon5:16:4412:05
2015 NYRR Five-Borough Series: Staten Island Half11-Oct-15Half-Marathon2:26:3711:11
2015 NYRR Five-Borough Series: Queens 10K21-Jun-1510 km1:04:2510:22
UAE Healthy Kidney 10K30-May-1510 km0:59:089:31
Airbnb Brooklyn Half Marathon 201516-May-15Half-Marathon2:12:1710:06
Run as One (4M) Presented by JPMorgan Chase26-Apr-154 miles0:41:0710:17
United Airlines NYC Half 201515-Mar-15Half-Marathon2:35:4211:53
NYRR Gridiron 4M01-Feb-154 miles0:42:0110:31
TCS New York City Marathon 201402-Nov-14Marathon5:52:4713:28
2014 NYRR 5-Borough Series:Staten Island Half12-Oct-14Half-Marathon2:34:0611:46
2014 Bronx 10M28-Sep-1410 miles1:56:3611:40
2014 Boomer's Cystic Fibrosis Run to Breathe12-Jul-144 miles0:38:349:39
2014 NYRR 5-Borough Series: Queens 10K22-Jun-1410 km1:05:0210:28
Portugal Day 5M15-Jun-145 miles0:46:449:21
Celebrate Israel Run01-Jun-144 miles0:40:0210:01
Brooklyn Half Marathon 201417-May-14Half-Marathon2:21:2410:48
Japan Day11-May-144 miles0:38:109:33
2014 UAE Healthy Kidney 10K10-May-1410 km1:04:2410:22
Run as One (4M)27-Apr-144 miles0:38:589:45
NYC Half 201416-Mar-14Half-Marathon2:40:3712:16
ING New York City Marathon 201303-Nov-13Marathon5:53:4913:30
Staten Island Half-Marathon13-Oct-13Half-Marathon2:31:3611:34
Bronx 10M29-Sep-1310 miles1:42:3410:16
NYRR 5-Borough Series: Queens 10K21-Jul-1310 km1:05:4810:36
2013 American Heart Association Wall Street Run30-May-133 miles0:26:308:50
2013 Brooklyn Half Marathon18-May-13Half-Marathon2:13:4310:12
Japan Day12-May-134 miles0:40:4210:11
Run as One28-Apr-134 miles0:37:209:20
Scotland Run06-Apr-1310 km1:02:009:59
NYC Half 201317-Mar-13Half-Marathon2:37:4412:02
Manhattan Half-Marathon27-Jan-13Half-Marathon1:31:156:58
Join the Voices02-Dec-125 miles0:52:5910:36
Staten Island Half07-Oct-12Half-Marathon2:18:3610:35
NYRR Fifth Avenue Mile Presented by Nissan22-Sep-121 mile0:07:237:23
Bronx 10-Mile09-Sep-1210 miles1:50:3611:04
Run to Breathe21-Jul-1210 km1:09:4711:14
Queens 10K01-Jul-1210 km1:09:0611:08
New York Giants Run of Champions 5K24-Jun-125 km0:29:149:25
Portugal Day17-Jun-125 miles0:50:5810:12
Celebrate Israel03-Jun-124 miles0:39:079:47
Brooklyn Half-Marathon19-May-12Half-Marathon2:36:2611:56
UAE Healthy Kidney 10K12-May-1210 km1:08:2911:02
Run as One29-Apr-124 miles0:42:1410:34
NYC Half 201218-Mar-12Half-Marathon2:37:1112:00
NYRR Gridiron Classic05-Feb-124 miles0:51:2812:52
NYRR Jingle Bell Jog 6K10-Dec-116 km0:40:3210:53
NYRR Dash to the Finish Line (5K)05-Nov-115 km0:32:2310:26
Staten Island Half Marathon09-Oct-11Half-Marathon2:47:5312:49
Fitness Mind, Body, and Spirit-Men17-Sep-114 miles0:44:1911:05
Central Park Conservancy Run for Central Park16-Jul-114 miles0:39:559:59
Boomer's Run to Breath09-Jul-1110 km1:08:2511:01
Front Runners New York Lesbian and Gay Pride Run (5M)25-Jun-115 miles0:51:4410:21
Portugal Day19-Jun-115 miles0:51:0810:14
NYRR Celebrate Israel Run05-Jun-114 miles0:41:2210:20
AHA Start! Heart Run17-May-113 miles0:30:3110:10
UAE Healthy Kidney 10K14-May-1110 km1:12:2311:40
Japan Run 4M08-May-114 miles0:43:5310:58
Scotland Run10-Apr-1110 km1:07:2610:52
NYRR Gridiron 4M06-Feb-114 miles0:42:0910:32

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