Athletes move through the five boroughs, driven by the rhythm of their breath and the unmistakable energy of the city. For them, the marathon isn’t just a race—it’s a test of endurance, a journey of self-discovery, and a celebration of the grit that defines New York.

We caught up with Neil, a lifelong runner and New Yorker, as he prepares for his second NYC Marathon. After crossing the finish line last year, Neil returns with a deeper respect for the race and the lessons it’s taught him about patience, humility, and resilience. In this interview, he shares the mental and physical challenges of marathon training, how the race has shaped him, and what it takes to push through the toughest moments on the streets of his city.

Q: How did you get started with running?

Neil: Running has been part of my life since I was a kid. I grew up watching my parents do local races, and I ran my first 5K in fifth grade. From there, I joined cross-country in middle school and continued through high school. I took a break to play basketball in college, but after my senior season, I got back into running, aiming to do triathlons. When COVID hit and races were canceled, I focused more on running and cycling, and eventually, I set my sights on the NYC Marathon.

Q: What inspired you to run the NYC Marathon?

Neil: Living in New York, the energy of the marathon is unreal. I watched my friend run it, and just being in the city on race day made me want to experience it for myself. The crowd support is incredible—millions of people lining the streets, cheering you on. It’s like the closest you’ll get to feeling like a professional athlete without being one. I ran my first NYC Marathon last year, and though I didn’t hit my goal, it made me even more determined to go for it again this year.

Q: What has been the hardest part of your marathon training?

Neil: The toughest part is adjusting to how your body feels when you’re running six or seven days a week. Also, the constant hunger—sometimes it’s hard to eat enough to fuel all the training. There are days when I don’t feel great or don’t want to run, but those are the days where I know it’s important to push through. Running when nothing feels good is mentally challenging, but it’s part of the process.

Q: What do you enjoy most about marathon training?

Neil: Seeing progress is probably the best part. There’s something really satisfying about noticing improvements in your pace, heart rate, or how you feel on familiar routes. When a workout feels easy, or when you hit paces that used to feel hard, it’s a great feeling. I love that running gives you such clear, measurable progress, and it’s rewarding to see all the work pay off.

Q: How do you mentally prepare for a marathon?

Neil: I’m very cerebral when I run, so I spend a lot of time visualizing the race during my training runs. I think about different parts of the course and how I want to feel at certain points. I also practice discipline beyond the runs themselves—like making sure I eat the right things and get enough rest before long runs. Last year, I put too much pressure on myself to hit a time goal, and it took away from the enjoyment. This year, I’m focusing on staying present and enjoying the race while still working hard.

Q: What’s your pre-race ritual?

Neil: Music plays a big role in my pre-race prep. I create a playlist throughout my training and listen to it before race day. The night before, I always make pasta and have one glass of wine—just to remind myself that I’m not a pro and that one glass won’t hurt my performance. It’s a small ritual that helps me relax.

Q: What advice would you give to someone training for their first marathon?

Neil: Be consistent, and don’t worry about your pace, especially if you’re just starting out. Just focus on getting out there and running regularly. Also, eat a lot of carbs—there’s no such thing as too many bagels or pasta when you’re training for a marathon! And don’t be too hard on yourself when things don’t go as planned—learn from it and move on.

Q: How has your mindset changed from last year’s marathon to this year?

Neil: Last year, I didn’t give the marathon enough respect—I thought I could just impose my will on it. This year, I’m approaching it with more humility. You have to prepare as much as you can but also surrender to the race. It’s going to be what it’s going to be, and my goal is to go into it more mentally prepared and enjoy the experience.

Inspired by Neil’s story? Whether you’re gearing up for your first marathon or looking to take your training to the next level, don’t forget that the right gear can make all the difference. Swiftwick’s socks will keep you comfortable and supported as you chase your own personal records. 

Ready to take that first step? 

Lace up, set your goal, and start the journey today.