Q&A with a first-time marathoner

Welcome to the first installment of our Running Weather Q&A series! Throughout this series, we’ll be sitting down with runners of all backgrounds to chat about their training, race experiences, and what keeps them motivated, mile after mile. To kick things off, we’re excited to be joined by Natalie Kaminski—a fellow Brooklynite, and, as of this Fall, newly minted marathoner!

We’re thrilled to dive into Natalie’s journey to becoming a marathoner, and we hope her story will inspire you just as much as it has us.

RUNNING WEATHER: First off, a huge congratulations—what an incredible achievement! To put it in perspective, only 1.1 million people ran a marathon last year. That’s roughly 0.01% of the global population, making it an exclusive and inspiring club to be a part of.

So, tell us—what was it that made you want to take on the marathon, especially NYC? Was it always on your radar?

NATALIE: Like many, I took up running during the pandemic, initially just to add some cardio to my fitness routine. At first, I wasn’t exactly loving it, but I needed a way to stay motivated. So, I started setting small goals—running a 5k, then beating my time, running a 10k, and so on. Before I knew it, training for a half marathon became my new obsession. The challenge was addictive. 

RUNNING WEATHER: From pandemic running to 26.2 in NYC. Did you feel both mentally and physically prepared?

NATALIE: When I first decided to train for the marathon, the distance seemed almost impossible. At that point, I had completed four half marathons, but the thought of doubling that distance in one run was hard to wrap my head around. I remembered when running a 10k felt like an incredible achievement, so I believed that with the right training, I could make it. I did set a sub-4 hour goal for myself, but it was more of a loose aspiration—if I hit it, great, but if not, I was okay with that, especially since it was my first marathon.

RUNNING WEATHER: Even going from a half marathon to marathon distance is a huge leap. How did you structure your training to help make that jump feel more achievable? Were there any key strategies or adjustments you made along the way?

NATALIE: My training was a mix of structure, support, and consistency. I worked with a coach, Alli Felsenthal of Runwithalli, who takes a holistic approach to running. She guided me not just on running schedules, but also running form drills, nutrition, race fueling strategies, and even mental training. On top of that, I continued working with my personal trainer, Kristie Alicea of ABC Fit Collective, who’s been with me for years and actually encouraged me to incorporate running into my fitness routine.

My training schedule was rigorous—running five days a week following the 80/20 method, where 80% of my runs were at an easy pace (and I really learned what that meant), and 20% focused on tougher workouts. I also did strength training twice a week, concentrating on runner-specific exercises but never neglecting my core and upper body. I’d occasionally attend yoga classes at my local studio, Yoga Sole, to keep my flexibility and recovery in check.

In terms of products, I experimented with various fueling options, and I found that Huma gels combined with Precision Hydration chews worked best for me.

Balancing this all with running a business and raising two daughters wouldn’t have been possible without the unwavering support of my family, especially my husband, who was my rock as my long runs got longer.

RUNNING WEATHER: Loved ones are definitely the unsung heroes in marathon training. Were there any unexpected challenges or setbacks during your training that caught you off guard?

NATALIE: Training for the marathon was demanding, but I didn’t find it overwhelming. I think this was largely due to the solid running base I had built from previous races and my commitment to sticking with the program. I followed my coach’s plan closely, rarely skipping or modifying workouts, which helped me stay on track and progress.

That said, I did face a couple of injuries. Early in the summer, I dealt with a sciatic nerve issue that set me back for a couple of weeks. I took it seriously and avoided pushing through the pain, which allowed me to recover. Later, towards the end of my training, I developed hamstring tendinopathy. This forced me to adjust my training and start my taper a week earlier than planned. While it created some uncertainty, I followed my coach’s advice, sought physical therapy, and was able to make it to the starting line on November 3rd!

RUNNING WEATHER: Okay, describe your mindset going into race day. 

NATALIE: By the time race day arrived, I was feeling calm but excited. All the work had been done, and it was time to trust the training. I had a quiet confidence, but I knew there would be challenges ahead. With my hamstring still not fully recovered, I knew the sub-4 goal was no longer realistic, but I wasn’t upset about it at all. My focus was on finishing strong, enjoying the experience, and setting myself up to want to run another marathon. It was all about enjoying the ride and staying present in the moment.

RUNNING WEATHER: It’s pre-dawn and you’re arriving in Staten Island. What’s the vibe like before the race? What’s going through your mind?

NATALIE: I couldn't help but feel the energy in the air. Having volunteered at the runner's village in 2023, I had an idea of what to expect, which definitely helped calm my nerves. There were thousands of runners from all over the world, buzzing with excitement and a touch of nervousness. The sense of community was electric—we were all there for the same purpose, preparing to take on this incredible challenge. We all knew it would hurt, but we were ready to push ourselves beyond our limits, and that anticipation was contagious.

For me, the focus was simple—staying warm (it was a chilly morning!) and making sure I got my breakfast in and hit the bathroom one last time before the race. It was the quiet before the storm, and I couldn’t wait to get started.

RUNNING WEATHER: Let’s talk about your experience of the course. Did you interact with the crowd? What were some specific moments or interactions that stood out to you?

NATALIE: As I crossed the Verrazano Bridge and entered Brooklyn, the atmosphere was absolutely electric. The crowd’s energy was unlike anything I’d ever experienced. It felt like the entire city was rooting for each and every runner. The cheers, the music, the laughter—everything came together to create this incredible sense of community.

I made sure to interact with the crowd as much as I could—high-fiving spectators, hearing my name shouted from the sidelines, and feeling a rush of motivation every time someone cheered me on. (Pro tip: put your name on your shirt—it really makes a difference!) 

Also, there were so many hilarious signs, like 'You think you’re tired? My arms are killing me!' Or, 'No matter your pace, you’re faster than the MTA!' And then, 'Where is everybody going?'

The energy was contagious. It felt like it was lifting me, and for a while, I truly felt like I was flying, even though it was the longest distance I’d ever run. And of course my family and friends were my lifeline. They showed up at four different spots along the course, and their cheers and smiles fueled me in ways I can’t even put into words.

RUNNING WEATHER: They made it to the four spots despite the MTA! You said the energy carried you, but did you hit any low points? Or was the experience uplifting throughout?

NATALIE: For most of the run, I felt like I was floating outside myself. It wasn’t painful, difficult, or especially challenging. I truly believe this had everything to do with the incredible crowd support and my focus on staying in the moment with them.

There were definitely a few moments where I had to dig a bit deeper. One of them was in South Williamsburg. The energy from the crowd was much quieter there, and it felt like a challenge to stay focused. Another tough spot was crossing the Queensborough Bridge, where the incline and the silence made it harder to keep my momentum. But both times, I reminded myself that these were the moments I had been training for, and my body responded well.

On the Queensborough Bridge, I even started yelling, 'Let’s go!' and the runners around me joined in. That spontaneous moment of connection really helped me push forward.

Overall, though, this ended up being the least challenging race for me, even though it was the longest. The crowd support and my mindset kept me uplifted, and I found myself running more easily than I had anticipated.

RUNNING WEATHER: Easy and NYC are two words that don’t often go together when it comes to the marathon, so that’s probably a testament to your preparation! Did you have any meaningful encounters or connections with fellow runners?

NATALIE: Definitely. At the halfway mark, I noticed a runner who had started walking, so I nudged him and encouraged him to pick up his pace. Together, we powered on, which felt like a small victory for both of us. On the Queensborough Bridge, I spotted a woman I follow on Instagram racing on crutches. Her determination was so inspiring and humbling—it gave me an unexpected surge of energy that I didn’t even know I had.

Later, as we climbed 5th Avenue at mile 23, I came across another runner struggling with his hamstring. I slowed down to share my own experience, and we exchanged a few words of encouragement. His spirit lifted, and he pushed forward—just like I did. It was such a powerful moment of connection.

These small interactions, these shared moments of struggle and triumph with fellow runners, really made the day even more special. It reminded me that, in a race this big, we’re all in it together.

RUNNING WEATHER: That really is beautiful. Now that you’ve had some time to reflect, how do you feel about the experience?

NATALIE: I can honestly say that the experience was transformative. It deepened my belief in the power of community. There’s something incredibly moving about running a race where people from all walks of life come together with one common goal—to push through, to achieve something monumental. The energy of the crowd, the encouragement from fellow runners, and the support of my family reminded me how much we’re capable of when we lift each other up.

It also changed my perspective on what it means to truly challenge myself. I went into the race thinking about endurance and physical strength, but what I came away with was a deep appreciation for mental resilience. It wasn’t just about running the distance—it was about overcoming the obstacles in my mind and pushing through when things got tough.

Looking back, the marathon wasn't just a race—it was a celebration of human determination and the unexpected power of connection. I feel more inspired than ever to continue challenging myself and to embrace the journey with all its ups and downs.

RUNNING WEATHER: What advice would you give to someone running a marathon for the first time?

NATALIE: My biggest piece of advice is to not make the marathon your first race. Start with shorter distances, and build up to a few solid half marathons before committing to the full 26.2 miles. It’ll make your training more manageable and the race experience far more enjoyable.

When you do start your marathon training, focus on consistency and discipline. Train your stomach to handle race-day fuel, as it’ll help you avoid hitting that dreaded wall and keep you feeling strong—my last 5k was my fastest, and that’s a testament to proper fueling.

On race day, the golden rule is: don’t try anything new. Stick to the foods, fuel, and gear that you’ve been training with. And definitely don’t go out too fast! The marathon is 26.2 miles, so there’s plenty of time to make up for any lost seconds. In fact, I’d recommend letting go of any time goals for your first marathon. Instead, focus on the experience—put your name on your shirt, high-five the kids, and smile. The energy of the crowd will carry you farther than you can imagine.

RUNNING WEATHER: What’s next? Has this experience inspired any future running goals or new approaches to racing?

NATALIE: Absolutely! My immediate goal is to run a faster 5k, so I’ll be focusing on speed work over the next few weeks. After that, I’m aiming for the United Half in March, and I already have a guaranteed spot for the NYC Marathon in 2025, which I’m really excited about! However, I also applied to run the Chicago Marathon in 2025, so we’ll see which one I’ll be running next fall. 

Looking further down the road, my ultimate goal is to run all 7 major marathons by the time I’m 50. I’m 44 now, so I’ve got a few years to make it happen, and I’m definitely looking forward to the challenge and the adventure ahead.

Natalie Kaminski is the CEO of JetRockets, a women-owned software development firm specializing in high-quality custom solutions, with a focus on Ruby on Rails. A relatively new runner who started during the pandemic, Natalie has quickly caught the running bug, completing her first marathon and setting her sights on running all 7 major marathons by the time she turns 50. When she’s not pushing her physical limits, she’s leading her business to new heights while balancing the joys and challenges of family life. A proud mother of two girls, Natalie lives in Brooklyn, NY, with her husband, where she juggles the demands of a growing business, marathon training, and the special moments that come with raising a family.