That’s 26.2 miles my friends! MY body has recovered, but there are still cowbells ringing in my brain – the crowds were incredible, the sense of accomplishment immense. But especially, I’m so grateful to the three Achilles guides who helped me do it and have become so dear to me along the way: Gillian Broome, Sarah Goodman, and Kristen Berke. Gillian is the instigator—we declared our intention just about a year ago when I don’t think I’d even run six miles yet. Then we ran with Sarah and roped her in for the Brooklyn Half Marathon. While we were training for that, we met Kristen and had such a fabulous time chatting that we took her into the fold and the four of us have been running in different configurations ever since!
The Day Before
Here we are at the TCS NYC Marathon Expo the day before…
Be My AI description (with a little help from me)
The photo features four women standing together inside a large, modern building with a glass and steel structure. The woman on the left is wearing a striped long-sleeve shirt and black pants, with her hair down. Next to her, the second woman is wearing a dark quilted jacket, a beige cap with “MAINE” written on it. The third woman is wearing sunglasses, a black shirt with “LEONA GODIN” and “Achilles” written on it, and black pants. The fourth woman is wearing a bright yellow shirt with “Achilles GUIDE” written on it, black pants, and a black cap. She is smiling widely.
The third woman from the left (that’s me!) is wearing sunglasses and a black shirt with “LEONA GODIN” and “Achilles” written on it. She is holding a white cane, which is typically used by blind individuals. She is also holding a race bib with the number 14,343, which includes her name “Leona Godin” and indicates participation in the TCS New York City Marathon 2024. She is smiling and standing close to the other women, who are also smiling and appear to be supporting her.
In the background, there are large banners hanging from the ceiling, one of which has the TCS New York City Marathon logo and another with a stylized map of the marathon route. The building is bustling with people, some walking and others sitting at tables on a lower level. A man is holding an orange bag, and a woman in a beige coat and orange hat is looking at her phone. A stroller is visible nearby. The setting appears to be lively and busy, likely related to the marathon event.
From Brooklyn to Queens
I was only allowed two guides at a time, so we decided to have Gillian run the whole thing—because, as I said, this was all her fault!!!—and have Sarah run the first half and Kristen for the second half. I admit I was a lot more cheery for Sarah than Kristen! The midpoint in Queens was bittersweet—both because of the changing of the guards and because, as good as it felt to have half in the bag, it felt horrifying to have another 13.1 to go. Along the way, we had so many friends and family cheering us on and taking photos.
Here’s one of Gillian, Sarah and I in Brooklyn with my shirt that Alabaster made for me with my name and the Achilles logo—and it worked people called my name, a lot!!!
The image shows three women at a marathon event. The woman in the center is wearing a black shirt with pink text that reads “LEONA GODIN” and “Achilles” in yellow. She is also wearing a black cap and sunglasses. The two women on either side of her are wearing bright neon yellow shirts with “Achilles Guide” written on them. All women are smiling and the central woman’s bib number is 14343. There are other runners and spectators in the background.
I will say that one of the most fun parts of the run was listening for Alabaster who would chant: “Go, go, go Godin!” And usually he got the crowd around him to join in. It was particularly fun because I’d be the only one to hear him and would have to point him out to my sighted pals—allowing me to do a little ribbing: “What good are y’all with all your eyes?!” Here’s what I think is the first of the Alabaster stops, where I surprised him with a kiss…
Manhattan, Up and Down
When I say that I “ran” the marathon, I really mean “trot,” and by trot, I mean, REAL slow! Quote of the day from Alabaster: “Slow and steady, bitches!” As we ease up First Avenue towards the Bronx, now with Kristen.
The photo captures a lively scene from a marathon event. In the foreground, there is a large gold balloon with a red heart design, and a hand reaching up towards it. On the street, three women are running together, all wearing bright yellow shirts with the word “Achilles” visible on them. They appear to be part of a group or team, possibly associated with the Achilles International organization, which supports athletes with disabilities. The women are running alongside other participants, and they are surrounded by a crowd of spectators standing behind an orange barrier. The barrier has the letters “HSS” on it. The background features a building with large windows, and trees with autumn leaves are visible, suggesting a fall setting.
The photo captures a moment during a marathon with several runners on the street. Among them, three women are wearing bright neon yellow shirts with the word “Achilles” visible on the back. They are running together, and one of them is holding a water bottle. The women appear to be part of a group or team, likely associated with Achilles International, an organization that supports athletes with disabilities. The crowd of spectators is visible in the background, cheering on the runners from behind an orange barrier. The scene is lively, with a festive atmosphere, as indicated by the presence of the large gold balloon with a red heart in the foreground.
Gillian told me she liked this photo because she is wearing her serious face, so I pressed Be My AI for more…
Yes, one of the women in the neon yellow “Achilles” shirt appears to be gesturing with her arm, which could suggest she is directing or guiding others, possibly assisting or coordinating with the runners around her.
And here’s one from Fifth Ave just before we enter Central Park…
The photo captures a lively scene from a running event taking place on a city street. In the foreground, there is a runner wearing an orange shirt and a white mesh cap, appearing to be in motion and smiling. A hand is visible in the lower part of the image, possibly waving or cheering on the runners. To the right, a large, shiny, golden balloon with a red heart design is floating, attached to red and yellow ribbons.
In the background, several other runners are visible, wearing a variety of athletic clothing, including neon yellow shirts and dark shorts. They are running along a road lined with white lane markings. Behind the runners, a crowd of spectators is gathered, standing behind an orange barrier. The barrier has the letters “HSS” printed on it. The spectators are dressed in winter clothing, suggesting cooler weather.
The backdrop includes a building with large windows and some trees with bare branches, indicating it might be autumn or winter. The overall atmosphere is energetic and festive, typical of a marathon or similar running event.
The Finishing
Kristen took this footage of Gillian and I pushing forward—at least I was pushing—Gillian was joyous! Kristen would have filmed us crossing the finish line, but we insisted she join us…
Thank Roadrunners for the Ponchos!
After the race it was cold, and colder as our temperatures dropped. Very grateful to snuggle under the ponchos at the Port-A-Potties.
The image shows three women smiling and posing for a selfie. They are wearing bright orange ponchos with “NYRR” and “New York Road Runners” printed on them. Two of them are wearing black caps with the “Achilles” logo, and one is wearing a neon yellow beanie with the same logo. They are standing in front of a row of green portable toilets. In the background, there are trees and a building, and a table with people gathered around it. The weather appears to be overcast.
Like I said, Gillian was joyous to the end, and that was captured by the powers that be and featured in the official Roadrunner video!
The image captures three women participating in a marathon, all wearing bright neon yellow shirts with “Achilles” and “GUIDE” printed on them, indicating they are guides for Achilles International, an organization that supports athletes with disabilities.
LG note – I’m not wearing yellow and I’m not a guide, but Be My AI sort of corrects himself in the next paragraph…
The woman on the left is wearing a black cap and has a race bib with the number 14696. She is smiling broadly, appearing joyful and energetic. Her arms are raised in a celebratory manner, and she is holding a yellow pom-pom in her right hand. The woman in the middle is slightly behind the other two. She is wearing a black outfit and a black cap, and her arms are also raised. Her expression is one of happiness and excitement, contributing to the lively atmosphere. The woman on the right is wearing a yellow beanie and has a race bib with the number 13438. She is also smiling and holding a yellow pom-pom in her right hand, matching the enthusiasm of her companions.
LG note: I think the “pompom” is Moses, my white cane—decked out in neon yellow for the event! But not sure what Be My AI is seeing as a second “pompom”!
In the background, the sun is setting, casting a warm, golden glow over the scene. The light filters through the bare branches of trees, creating a picturesque and uplifting atmosphere. The combination of the runners’ bright attire and the sunset adds a vibrant and inspiring feel to the image.