I got entry into the 2014 NYC Marathon through the last group of the "three strikes and you're in" program (where if you were denied three consecutive years in the lottery, you had guaranteed entry the fourth year. This program has since been discontinued).

It's New York City, the best city in the world. It's 50,000 people. It's a huge, epic experience that is like no race anywhere else. The volunteers are amazing, the course support is outstanding, and it's definitely a once-in-a-lifetime experience if you do the race.

Since there is so much info already on the course, the sites and the experience, I thought I'd share more about what I learned from participating in the race and what I would pass on to those doing it for the first time.

The hardest part is the pre-race logistics. If you are not used to getting up very early and then not having your race start for several hours later, make sure you plan and think it through. I wound up parking in a garage near the finish accessible via subway, then took the subway to the Staten Island Ferry. I took a later ferry to have less time waiting on Staten Island. I wore a throwaway shirt and pants to keep warm during the morning outside wait before my wave start, and I also brought food and drink with me to keep my nutrition up before the race start. I used the porta potties outside the Staten Island ferry drop off before getting on the buses to the staging area- the lines are the smallest there.

The most spectator-lined section of the course was Brooklyn, which was a wonderful several miles of constant cheering, music and support.

The one thing I will say about the course is that it still felt like there were not enough bathrooms on the actual course. In Brooklyn, many people went to businesses and restaurants.

The toughest part of the course is the bridges. With the incline, hard-cement roads, and winds, take these portions easier.

If you are in the last wave and you are a slower runner, keep in mind that the race typically falls on Daylight Savings Time and you may be finishing in the dark. The temperature will also drop. With that being said, I wish I had done bag check instead of the poncho. The poncho does not close all the way, and in 2014, it was cold and windy at the finish. I wish I had my clean, dry, warm clothes to change into. Also, be prepared for a good half-mile walk out after the race whether you check a bag or do the poncho. If you didn't check a bag, change into dry clothes as soon as you can.

Save your energy for the second half, where there will be less spectators, and the sites will be less interesting. Also, the first half is much more crowded as everyone starts off together. Expect to slow down, and even weave and bob a little bit. Focus more on the experience than on your time. Put your name on your shirt and you'll be cheered by your name for hours.

The expo is a good size (not as big as Boston, but still lots of vendors). Bring a cloth bag with you to hold your race goodies, free samples and any items you purchase.