The county of kings was alive with nearly 10,000 runners yesterday morning. I am sure you have been reading recaps from all my fellow NYC bloggers as so many of us ran it! Congratulations Heather, Ashley, Sarah, and anyone I forgot! I realized it was going to be quite packed when I found out 4 people on just one floor of my office alone were running!
Since it was a bit more of a trek to BK than my usually park races, I made arrangements to stay at a friend’s in Brooklyn the night before, but at the last minute, I decided I wanted to sleep in my own bed and not have to adjust my morning routine. Getting to the race wasn’t too bad, but I had to run over a mile to baggage drop off and back because it was closing a few minutes after I arrived in the park. Then I had to wait while at least 400 other runners stood in line for the numerous, but not numerous enough bank of port-a-johns. That took at least 15-20 minutes, however, I really didn’t have to worry too much about getting into my corral as things were slow to get moving, on the walk there I saw a co-worker and Heather waiting to start!
I am going to be honest, this was not a great race for me. I did not run nearly enough since the More Half last month—make 5 times and never more than 4 miles—so mentally, I was not feeling physically prepared. Physically, the first two miles were tough, but then it was kind of autopilot from there. However, the mental battle was exhausting. I was so mad at myself for not properly training, for not making an effort to improve my speed; consequently, I spent a decent amount of time questioning whether running is even a good sport for me as I have maintained the same 10 minute mile pace since pretty much the day I started.
I was also sad because I had been really looking forward to the great course, and I couldn’t even enjoy it because I was mad at myself the whole time. I also had a very annoying sock bunch going on and my foot fell asleep for over a mile before I finally decided stop and loosen my laces, which helped.
On the bright side, I did make one very smart decision that morning: I decided to wear my fuel belt. I like my fuel belt, but I bought it a size to big, so it can be a little annoying and a wee bit heavy, so if I want to be fast (humor me) I don’t wear it. But when I looked at the course map I noticed that there were very few water stations, so I felt safer having my own water so I didn’t have to worry about getting dehydrated or clogged water stations. This turned out to be a great idea because it was a hot day and the water stations were very far apart and under stocked. I have never ran a race where people were waiting for water! So that was a good move. I also like to bring my fuel belt because it always makes me sad to see 50,000+ paper cups smashed along the road. I am not an environmental goddess—I use way to many plastic bottles, but I do try to help out where I can.
I was excited to reach mile 12 and know that the Coney Island Boardwalk was right around the corner! The Boardwalk was a little wobbly and harder to run on than I had anticipated but the ocean view, the smell of wet sand and sea salt and the sound of the water made it all worth it, I happily jaunted along until I saw the finish line and sprinted as hard as could to the end. By this point, my fuel belt was much lighter (cause it was 75% empty) and was riding up to the point that it was practically a sports bra. Time wise, it was not my best or worst half, I got 1:12:43. A very steady 10:07.
I did find out that my coworkers are far too modest about their mad running skills; they got 1:41 and 1:49—girls btw!
After the race I started thinking about whether I wanted to really train for one more race before South Africa, and on ways I could get motivated to train for NYC. I realized over the course of the last month that I really miss running with people. So here is the motivation plan I came up with
- I am 90% sure I am going to sign up for the Jack Rabbit Sports Marathon program, which meets twice a week from July 14-Nov. 1st.
- I have three friends that have (separately) expressed interest in running with me, so actually making that happen will be extremely beneficial.
- Doing on Urban Run or Niketown training runs at least once a week
- Wearing a watch and actually paying attention to pace and time. I actually ordered the Garmin FR60, and I am very excited to receive it. I returned the Forerunner 305 because it was just too darn big, and I think the foot pod will be more accurate in the long run.
Today I decided against doing another race before SA because my June calendar is pretty booked on all possible race dates, and the one possible exception is the mini (10K) on June 7th. Today I decided against it, one because it is the morning after my roommates birthday extravaganza and two because today I went for a run and my ankle was feeling very tender. During my hike last week I turned my ankle several times—I have very turned out feet and my ankles like to roll, but it was never sore enough to notice, since I really didn’t run much last week, mostly elliptical. However, I felt it a little yesterday and all the pounding was enough to make me decide that an all out race would be too much. I am icing right now (this is the second time I have ever iced anything!) and I might get a little stabilizer bandage. It’s not severe pain, but it is the first time I have ever felt anything enough to decide to walk the last mile home.
So sorry to be a downer, I have off days occassionally! However, all of this made me really commit to an idea I have been considering for a while, I am going to switch from marathons to triathlons after the NYC marathon. Many people have suggested it to me, and it makes a lot of sense. I am a swimmer, which tends to be the hardest part for most people. I am a decent biker, or will be when I get over my fear of city biking. And running is my weakest link, but clearly I can muddle through when necessary and I have come a long long way endurance-wise in the last few years. So just thought I would let ya’ll know even though it is way in the future at this point!
Moving on, THANK YOU to everyone who gave me a response to my white dress question. I truly appreciated your input. On the way back from the marathon I stopped at Macy’s and got a pair of nude boy shorts—I haven’t found a decent half slip yet—and the shorts seemed to do the trick! I also bought what I thought was a really cute BCBG dress, but since I wasn’t going to try it on in the store post-race (not exactly daisy fresh at that point), I waited until I got home and it looked awful, so much for the back up! In the end, I much preferred my cheap-o Forever dress!
No underwear (or anything else) showing day or night:
Last night my roomies and I had our second annual roof deck party followed by water taxi beach and I got lots of compliments! The party was fun, I always worry because I have so many small groups of friends from different circles (NYU class, NYU roommates, high school friends, TNT friends, coffee shop friends, study abroad friends, Martha’s Vineyard friends, and now blog friends too), and I don’t want anyone to feel uncomfortable. Fortunately, all the circles represented seemed to mix, mingle and have a good time. A few bloggers even made the scene!
Me, Gena, Missy and Ashley
and I got to meet Missy’s boyfriend Nick too!
Shane came a little bit later—no pic, and was so sweet as to bring me a great book and Grey Goose! Love those bottles!
Coming up tomorrow, I am going to tackle all the Italian upgrade requests from so long ago!
In other news, I am BEYOND EXCITED to hear about Meghann’s first marathon!
The top has a tennis, golf, preppy look. It’s snug, but soft and stretchy and made from moisture wicking fabric. I like this for the gym and spinning, right now it’s a little warm for outdoor workouts, but it will be nice for fall. Like all of the products I tried, it was very comfortable and affordable at only $12.99.
