At Smart City, one of our core business principles has always been “It’s the People,” and we strive to highlight our wonderful team whenever possible!
Madison Grimes is our Event Coordinator at the Tampa Convention Center (TCC). She handles all Show Management and Exhibitor orders, as well as works to make sure the local team is prepared for all events on the coming horizon. Recently, Madison ran the 2023 TCS New York City Marathon, a fantastic accomplishment, and we are all very proud of her! We talked with Madison about the Marathon and her prep work. Check out our interview below!
FOR THOSE THAT DO NOT KNOW, WHAT WAS THE MARATHON YOU RAN?
This is one of the 6 major world marathons, ‘The New York Marathon,’ that took place in all 5 boroughs of New York City in November.
RUNNING A MARATHON IS SO EXCITING! WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO RUN IT?
I have been a runner for almost 9 years now, and running gives me such peace of mind and a sense of accomplishment. I had accomplished a couple of half marathons and I wanted to see if I was able to push myself and see if I could do it, as well as become the less than 1% of people who can do that.
HOW DID YOU PREPARE MENTALLY AND PHYSICALLY FOR THE MARATHON? ANY CERTAIN TRAINING TIPS TO SHARE?
I used the Nike Training App with their marathon plan to help train and prep, along with watching/reading ever tips and trick I could on preparing, how to run, gear to get, how to fuel properly, etc. For mental prep – a really good playlist was key!
DURING THE MARATHON, WAS THERE A MEMORABLE MOMENT THAT YOU CAN RECALL?
The amount of people that lined up to cheer on every single runner. It blew my mind how much love and support that was given! The views were absolutely beautiful as well! When you entered a new borough, it was fun with signs like “Welcome to Brooklyn!!”
HOW HAS RUNNING A MARATHON IMPACTED YOUR LIFE, EITHER PERSONALLY OR PROFESSIONALLY?
The amount of time-management and dedication to training and balancing that with your life. It has helped show how much you really can get done in a day when you want something so bad. I would run prior to my work day, and I learned doing that I have a way more productive day, and it will boost your confidence in yourself.
WHAT STRATEGIES OR TECHNIQUES WOULD YOU RECOMMEND TO SOMEONE WHO IS INTERESTED IN RUNNING A MARATHON?
Get a good pair of shoes to run in, that is the most important thing. Then just get out there and start running. The Nike Run Club App has “Getting Started” training plans that coach and help you learn how to run properly.
DID YOU HAVE ANY SUPPORT FROM FRIENDS, FAMILY, COWORKERS, FELLOW RUNNERS, ETC. DURING THE EXPERIENCE?
My family was my biggest support, my dad would take my kids on the weekends so I can get my long runs done. Then my family that lived in New York created a cheer squad, meeting me at mile 12 and mile 24 with signs and snacks. My boyfriend and my friends would constantly cheer me on, and everyone was able to track me while running the marathon and send me text messages. Coworkers would ask me about my run, or cheer me on when they saw me running on the riverwalk, I got a handful of emails everyone cheering me on. It was such a great feeling!
POST-MARATHON, HOW DID YOU CELEBRATE OR UNWIND?
They have you walk 2 miles after you cross the finish line before you are able to get to family or friends (which was harder then the marathon in my opinion) and my cousins helped us shuffle up and down subway stairs – we celebrated with a delicious pizza dinner, a beer and then I fell asleep pretty fast.
DO YOU HAVE ANY MORE ASPIRATIONS IN TERMS OF RUNNING GOALS?
I want to run an ultra-marathon! I would love to train for a 50k next year which is 31 miles, and then keep seeing how far I can go after that!
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