On November 2, I joined more than 50,000 other runners to cross the start line of the NYC Marathon. This was after I spent 20 weeks training with Nike Moonshot (which for the first time consisted of only female runners) as well as my running buddy Laura. More than anything else, this experience left me with an overwhelming sense of community. Because despite the fact that running is an individual sport, it’s community that really makes sports worth following.
On the personal side, it was incredible to find companionship not just with the other women in my training group, but with friends across the country who sent me voice memos to listen to over the course of the race for a much-needed morale boost. I was also part of a group chat, put together by my friend Mel, comprised of eight women of all different paces and run levels, all running the NYC Marathon. We talked about everything—different fuel types, how to combat chafing, frustrations with NYRR, what songs give you the best jolt of energy after mile 19. So despite the fact that I won’t actually get to meet most of these women IRL until a full week after race day (marathon training doesn’t leave a ton of extra social time on one’s calendar), I still feel so supported and connected to each and every one of them.
On the professional side of women’s sports, it’s been thrilling to see the community of WBNA fans come together in support of the players negotiating a new Collective Bargaining Agreement. And I’ve have multiple conversations with friends from across the country eagerly anticipating the start of the WNSL playoffs. These are folks, much like my marathon group chat, from so many different walks of life who come together to cheer on a shared experience, whether they’re actively competing or not. Maybe I’m still recovering from the emotional highs of finishing a marathon, but that sense of community is currently filling my heart to the brim and making these last two months of the year feel so much more joyous. Read on for all the best news, events and celebrations happening in women’s sports this November.
