Mess Runs

NYC Marathon 2021

Mess Runs NYC

Hi! Some of you have seen me on my running journey, either training for a race or completing half marathons. Well, it was time to level up.

I ran the New York City marathon on November 7. 26.2 miles through the 5 boroughs on what I hope is a beautiful day. Running the marathon is a bucket list item for me. Once I began running seriously, I knew the marathon would be one of the things I wanted to do.

I got into running because of my late uncle Carlos. He was an avid runner himself and one day he asked me what I would do after I couldn’t hoop anymore. He told me to consider running as a healthy alternative. Even though I was a sprinter in high school, I hated running long distances. It was boring to me. But I told him I would consider it.

Running grew on me. I took the time to think about work challenges, life and relationship issues, then came up with ways to solve for them. As I ran more races at varying distances, I got more comfortable with myself and I was ready to run the big one. Covid caused the cancellation of 2020, but we are good to go for 2021.

Like many other runners, I decided to run for a cause to help raise money and awareness. I ran for Honor Humanity and Girl Scout Troop 6000. Honor Humanity is the organization I co-founded to make a difference in our underserved communities. Troop 6000 is based in New York City, and supports girls living in the homeless shelters across the city.

The goal was to raise over $2,500 and split it evenly between the two organizations. There were a few ways people can help if you’re able:

Buy my limited edition shirt to commemorate this historic run.
Donate to the Girl Scouts.
Donate to Honor Humanity.

Jason aka Mess

Money Raised

$ 0

Shirts Sold

The first time walking through the convention hall to pick up my bib was an adrenaline rush. Seeing so many people who were also about to undertake this journey was both exciting and overwhelming. I had trained well, and I felt I was ready to conquer the course.

I began strong. Going over the Verrazano Bridge was fun and exhilarating. I saw friends along the route in Brooklyn, and I was in good spirits. At Mile 14, I felt my left quadricep tighten and I went to the medical tent. From that point on, I walked and jogged the remainder of the course. Harlem was dope. I got so much love from my friends and I kept pushing. Crossing the finish line was euphoric. Emotions overcame me as I thought about my family and friends who had passed away. I know they'd be proud of me.

I was so sore! I could hardly walk, feet were sore, chaffing in all the wrong places. I went to a spa to recover, and I'd say the cold water plunge was the best thing. It took me 2-3 weeks to recover from the race. I also vowed to never run it again.