How our beach-loving AWNY member Giulia found her new passion in NYC

Right, so, picture this: pre-dawn, the salty tang of the Pacific already clinging to my skin, the sound of the waves my only alarm. Back in Sydney, my morning ritual wasn’t about green smoothies or affirmations (though, let’s be honest, a flat white was definitely involved afterwards). Nope, my pre-work zen came courtesy of a lung-busting, heart-pumping swim from Manly to Shelly Beach. Or, on days when I was feeling a bit… less energetic, and simply craving the sheer beauty of it all, I’d head north and find solace in one of the glorious Northern Beaches rockpools. Dee Why, Curl Curl, you name it – I’ve probably swallowed a few litres of their finest.

It was my reset button. My sanity saver. My way of washing away the worries of work, relationships, and the ever-present existential dread that comes with being a functioning adult in the 21st century. The ocean was my therapist, my personal trainer, and my bloody good mate, all rolled into one. It was cheaper than therapy, too, although the parking fines at Shelly probably evened things out.

Then… New York. Concrete jungle where dreams are made of, and where the closest thing to an ocean swim involves battling a rogue wave of yellow cabs on Fifth Avenue. Don’t get me wrong, I love this city. The energy, the ambition, the sheer audacity of it all – it’s intoxicating. But that first year? Let’s just say I felt like a fish out of water. A very, very dry, slightly homesick fish.

I missed the sting of salt on my skin, the rhythmic pull of the current, the feeling of being utterly free in the face of something so vast and powerful. I missed the quiet camaraderie of the early morning swimmers, the unspoken understanding that we were all, in our own way, seeking solace in the sea.

Then, like a beacon of hope (or maybe a pair of ridiculously bright running shoes), I met Ed and Lisa at a birthday bash for one of my dearest Aussie mates here in NYC. Two fellow Aussies and absolute running fanatics. Now, running, for me, has always been something other people did. People who enjoyed pain. People who weren’t, well, me. Back home, my preferred form of cardio involved spotting Port Jackson sharks – far more exhilarating than pounding the pavement.

But Ed and Lisa… they were persistent. And charming. And, crucially, they understood the Aussie need for a good yarn and a bit of a laugh, even (or especially) when you’re gasping for air and questioning your life choices halfway up the Brooklyn Bridge on your way to Red Hook for a smokey American BBQ (don’t judge!). It was Ed and Lisa, with their infectious enthusiasm (and, let’s be honest, a healthy dose of peer pressure), who ultimately persuaded me to sign up for the NYRR’s 9+1 program.

For the uninitiated (which, until recently, included me), this is basically your golden ticket, or, your marathon ticket, to the New York City Marathon. You run nine qualifying races, organised by the New York Road Runners, and volunteer at one. Tick those boxes, and you’re guaranteed entry into the big one. Easy as, they reckon. Pull the other one. The reality is, plenty of starters don’t become finishers when it comes to the 9+1. So, if you’re still here and reading, let me give you some pro tips that will actually help you get the 9+1 done.

Pro Tips from a Convert (aka, How to Survive the 9+1 Without Chucking a Sickie Every Other Week)

Righto, you’re still keen? You’re a glutton for punishment, I like it. Here’s the good oil, straight from someone who’s been there, done that, and nearly spewed on their fancy new running shoes:

Crack Open Your Piggy Bank: Seriously. Become a paying member of the NYRR – it’s cheaper in the long run (pun intended, ha!). Get some decent shoes – your poor, blistered feet will thank you. And, most importantly, register for more than nine races. Because life, eh? It’s a bugger. You’ll get crook, you’ll have a whinge, your mate will have a barbie you can’t miss… having a few extra races up your sleeve is like bringing two bottles of wine to a party when you’re only supposed to bring one – better to be safe than sorry (and slightly more popular).
Midnight Run Shenanigans: Kick off your NYRR year with the Midnight Run on New Year’s Eve. Bangers in Central Park, a bit of a jog to sweat out the previous year’s bad decisions, and you’re still good to go for a proper piss-up afterwards. Best of both worlds.
Time to Work Those Glutes: Strength training. Yeah, I know, sounds about as appealing as a warm beer. But trust me, your creaky old body will thank you later. Squats, calf raises, the whole nine yards. It’s like getting your car serviced – preventative maintenance, so you don’t end up broken down on the side of the road (or, you know, the West Side Highway).
Dr. YouTube Will See You Now: Learn some rehab exercises, become a bloody expert in self-massage. Otherwise, you’ll be forking out more cash to the physio than you spend on your Qantas flight back home.
Volunteer Like a Boss (and Stay Warm): Pick a volunteering gig early. And choose something indoors. Unless you’re a fan of hypothermia or the awkward feeling of sunscreen + NYC summer humidity on your skin.
Summer Strewth: Get most of your races done in the warmer months. It’s not just about avoiding the brass-monkey weather (though that’s a bloody good reason). It’s about practicality. Those tiny, flimsy bag check areas aren’t designed for your giant puffer jacket.
Bib Pickup Like a Pro: Friday night is your secret weapon. While everyone else is getting sloshed at the pub (where you arguably should be), you can sneak in, grab your bib, and avoid the Saturday morning queue.
Schmear Yourself: Sunscreen and Deodorant in NYC? What am I, your Mum? Yeah, yeah, I get it. But trust me, this ain’t the time to be a hero. Sunscreen stops the burn, deodorant stops the stink. Simple as. Don’t make it harder than it needs to be.
Run, Walk, G’Day, Repeat: This ain’t the bloody Olympics. The run-walk-run method is your best friend if you are just getting started (or you just made it your vibe, like me). No one’s chasing you. There’s no rip to drag you out to sea. Take your time. Every race deserves a selfie!
Embrace the Bonkers: Seriously, embrace the whole crazy, wonderful, slightly-masochistic community. The 9+1 is a bloody weird and wonderful thing. You’ll meet some legends, suffer alongside them, and maybe even make some mates for life. And at the end of it all, you’ll have earned the right to tell everyone you’re running the New York City Marathon. And that, my friend, is worth more than a slab of VB.

My Top 5 NYC Races (That Aren’t the Marathon, Obviously)

Right, so, we’ve covered the 9+1 grind. But what about the races themselves? Here’s my personal top five, in no particular order (because choosing favourites is like choosing a favourite child – impossible, and potentially dangerous):

Mindful 5K: It’s all about, well, mindfulness. It’s a good reminder that running doesn’t always have to be about pushing yourself to the limit. Sometimes, it’s just nice to… breathe. And not spew. Which is always a bonus.
Mastercard New York Mini 10K (Women Only): It’s a women-only race in CP, and the atmosphere is electric. There’s something incredibly empowering about running alongside thousands of other women, all supporting each other. Plus, it’s a great excuse to wear your brightest, most fabulous running gear. And maybe even a bit of lippy. Don’t judge.
Achilles Hope & Possibility 4M or 5K: This race is all about inclusivity. Achilles International is an amazing organization that helps people with disabilities participate in mainstream running events. Running alongside Achilles athletes is incredibly inspiring – a reminder that running is for everyone, regardless of their abilities. It’s a truly humbling and uplifting experience.
Jersey City 5K or Half Marathon: Okay, so this one’s technically not in NYC, but it’s close enough (and offers spectacular views of the Manhattan skyline). It’s a great, fast, flat course – perfect for chasing a PB if you’re feeling ambitious. Or, if you’re like me, perfect for a slightly-less-ambitious run followed by a well-deserved brunch.
The Midnight Run (as previously discussed): I had to include this one again. It’s just such a unique and fun way to kick off the year. Fireworks, a bit of a run, and the promise of a hangover-free (or at least, less-hangover-y) New Year’s Day. What’s not to love? It is a pretty good start.

What I’m Still Learning About Running (and Life)

So, yeah, I swapped the ocean for, well, roads. It’s not exactly love at first sight. It’s been… an adjustment. It’s been a bigger shift than I expected. I miss the salt, the feeling of being weightless. But running? It’s teaching me things, in its own, surprisingly sweaty way.

This whole move has hammered home that change is the only constant, really. It makes you appreciate what you had – those early morning swims, the feeling of the ocean – but also what you have now. And you know what’s funny? I’m finding this unexpected joy in doing something I’m not naturally good at. I’ll never be a graceful runner, but there’s something freeing, something humbling, about embracing the imperfection.

It’s a reminder that you’re never too old (or too stubborn – guilty!) to try something new. I always thought I was just an “ocean person,” end of story. Turns out, life’s full of surprises.

And honestly, it’s less about the running itself and more about the mindset. That discipline, that pushing through, finding your rhythm… it applies to everything, doesn’t it? Moving here, I felt adrift. Finding my running mates, my Aussie friends in NYC, that’s been the game-changer. Community – it’s everything.

So, yeah, I’m learning to embrace the ache in my legs the next day because it’s all part of it. The sweaty bits, the walking bits, the whole shebang. Life’s too short to not soak it all up, right? I’m still learning, still stumbling, still figuring it all out. But, hey, that’s half the fun, isn’t it?

See you on the road – hugs, Giulia