I didn't make it into the NYC Marathon this year, despite the fact that I ran 9 qualifying races last year. I should have guaranteed entry but since I didn't join the NY Road Runners until Feb. 2006 instead of the required January 2006, I had to take my chances with the lottery. They didn't pick me.
Wait till next year? No way. I will run a marathon this year. I just signed up for the Philadelphia Marathon. It's November 18th. It's a flatter course than NY, but it's still a marathon — 26.2 miles.
If you'll be in Philadelphia that Sunday, be sure to come out and cheer the runners on.