Hi all - Hoping to get in as a lottery applicant this year. If not, next year is an automatic thanks to the consecutive rejections rule. Sure hope that I get in, as I hear there's nothing like NY. Did I mention this will also be my first marathon? I'm trying to make the jump from being an occasional 5K runner last year to a more consistent (and hopefully thinner and healthier) runner this year. As an aside, I've got a backup plan or three in case I don't get in. If not New York, then either Hartford, Newport (RI), or Cape Cod. Right now I'm leaning away from Hartford (too many lonely highways) and Cape Cod (heard LOTS of hills on that course) but I'm not deciding yet.... By the way, a little help please - I notice many using the abbreviation HTFU (HFTU?). What does this mean? Thanks - Hope to see you all in NY! Michael

Thanks! Sounds like a good motto, and one of the reasons I started running again! Got to get myself out of that Clydesdale division. With my build I don't belong there.