March 17, 2024

I was hoping to run the race back when the course was only through Manhattan. (Now it starts in Brooklyn.) And I had entered the lottery several times in the past but never got in.

I finally time qualified for a guaranteed entry and ran it in March 2019.

I qualified again for 2020. Due to the Pandemic, it was cancelled and so I ran it virtually with two friends. I opted for a refund instead of a deferral.

I entered the lottery in 2021 and 2022 but didn’t get in. Instead I paid to run the Virtual NYC Half Marathon in 2022 so I would have a guaranteed entry into this race for 2023.

Then during my February vacation in Florida, I broke my foot.

It was mostly healed by race day but I wasn’t trained and so I decided to cancel and spectate my friends who were running it.

celebrating THEIR race

I signed up for the 2024 NYC Half Marathon for several reasons:

• I got a cancelled guaranteed entry.
• I love NYC.
• I had enough pts for a free hotel room for 2 nights.
• Three of my running friends got in too.
• It’s such a prestigious race. How could you not?
• I needed a re-do!!

Half Marathon Training:

And then on Dec. 19, I fell and badly sprained my ankle!!

If you follow my posts, you also know that I had to defer my half marathon on February 18 in Florida.

I didn’t run at all for 4 weeks and then I started back very slowly and followed an abbreviated long run plan (2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 0, 11, 12, 8)

I really wasn’t sure if I could run 13.1 miles (since my training runs were all hard even with walk/run intervals) but I decided to take the gamble.

Although it would be my 2nd time on this course, the last time was FIVE years ago. I finished in 2:16 (with little prep and recovering from a calf injury).  But this year, I had zero hopes of coming close to that time and honestly expected a PW.

IOW, my goal for this half marathon was finishing!! It’s a BIG race. There would be many runners finishing behind me. I planned to just enjoy the experience.

Pre-Race Activities and Preparations:

On Saturday I took the train to NYC with my running friends Stan, Deb and Sherry who were running the race plus Heidi and Barbara who would be spectating.

We were all staying in the same hotel. After checking in, we had lunch and then headed to the expo to pick up our shirts/bibs.

We still had lots of time before dinner so I talked everyone into checking out the finish line in Central Park.  We also coordinated spots for our supporters to see us during the race and meet afterward.

And then we walked back to our hotel through Times Square.

Finally it was time to carb load on pizza

Everyone except Heidi (my roommate) and I returned to the hotel. I wanted to see the Field of Light and she indulged me.

It was worth it and then we walked back to the hotel.

Ok, don’t ask how many miles I walked the day before a half marathon?!

Race Day:

I brought my usual race breakfast of oatmeal and coffee with me and got up around 5:45 am.

I quickly put on my race outfit…

gotta wear green on St Patty’s Day, right?

At dinner the night before, we had decided not the take the bus that we signed up (and paid) for.  Instead we would take the subway which allowed us to sleep later and arrive together (we would have been on 3 different buses).

It was warmer than I expected but I still wore a throw away jacket, DIY arm sleeves, sweats, and gloves.

Having two friends meeting us at the end of the race also meant we didn’t have to check a bag. I gave them a light jacket just in case.

We met in the lobby at 6:45 am with plans to take the #2 subway at 7 am.

As you would expect the subway was crowded but they came one after another.  We squeezed into the first one and got off with everyone else (Eastern Pkwy). Our first mistake. We waited here for almost a half hour. (One more stop on the subway, Franklin, we would have been almost alone and entered in a less crowded security gate.)

Eventually we left the subway station and entered Prospect Park.

First you had to go through security (removing your belts, phone, even watches) and then find the corral entrance.

The lines were long but there were many and so things moved pretty quickly.

My wave (4) was scheduled to start at 8:50 and close at 8:30. Due to our unexpected long wait in the subway station, I thought Stan & I would miss it and just start in wave 5.

Things were delayed and we did enter at the back of the corral and Sherry and Deb entered in the front of wave 5.

There were tons of port-a-porties with no lines.

Although I was wave 4B, I stayed in the back and removed my jacket and pants. I kept on my arm sleeves and gloves (but not for very long). I also ate a waffle since my breakfast seemed hours ago.

We started moving not long after we entered the corral but it took awhile to get to the start line being at the back.

I’ll do my best to recap the race below. (Warning: it’ll be long…)

My plan, as usual, was to stop and walk briefly at every water stop (so I wouldn’t get dehydrated) and to stop and walk longer to eat a GU at every other water stop. And of course, walk/run up all the hills.

Anyway, here’s how the race went.

Miles 1-5:

Of course, the start was very crowded and slow going at first.  In fact, I was surrounded by runners the whole race – the benefit of a big race with over 27,000 runners.

nyrr.org

The start line was in the middle of Center Drive. We started by heading east and after a slight downhill on Center Drive, we took a sharp left onto East Drive.  We quickly reached the main hill, commonly known as “Prospect Park Hill” or “Battle Pass Hill.” I had run quite a few races in this park so I was familiar with the hill(s).  And I was feeling strong at this point but still I didn’t want to waste my energy so I ran/walked up it. I stopped at the both water stops but tried to stall until at least mile 4 for my Gu.

(Photo by Jon Simon for New York Road Runners.)

We exited the park at Grand Army Plaza and took some sharp turns onto Flatbush Avenue.  We were on Flatbush for the next 4 miles.  First there was a downhill along the park and then we returned back up Flatbush, through GAP, and onto a long downhill. There was timing mat at 5k point and happily I couldn’t really tell my pace (since it was time that the race had started).

(Photo by Brandon Todd for New York Road Runners.)

The tail end of mile 5 was the beginning of our approach to Manhattan Bridge and—yep, it went uphill.

Miles 6-7:

This was the beginning of what made this race so scenic and iconically New York. It was hard. Probably the hardest part of the course. I seemed like we went uphill forever and minimally benefited from the downhill.

But the views from the bridge were amazing. I tried to focus on all my surroundings – Freedom Tower, Empire State Building, etc. to get me over this bridge.

When we got off the bridge, we had finished 6 miles. The hard part over, right?

Not quite.

The start of mile 7 included two sharp turns: first onto Canal Street and then immediately onto Allen Street, where we hit the 10K timing mat.   Allen Street was surprisingly downhill as well as scenic, and this portion of the course gave us a perfect view of the bridge we just conquered.

At the end of Allen, we turned left onto South Street and ran for half a mile before merging onto FDR Drive.

Miles 8-10:

At Pier 36, we began our 8th mile and merged onto FDR Drive. This 3-mile stretch was mostly flat but included some up/down ramps. Compared to the sections both before and after, this stretch was a welcome reprieve from serious changes in elevation.

Around this time, I took my second Gu at a water stop.  I walked again for too long.  I had been stopping at and walking briefly at almost every water stop.

(Photo by Ben Ko for New York Road Runners.)

This was only part of the course without much crowd support. The crowds were awesome throughout the race. NYC running fans rock big time!!.  I was wearing a cap that said “Run Lucky” and people kept calling out “Go Run Lucky.”  Very cool (and welcome support.)

a popular theme for this year’s signs

I loved FDR Drive for its scenic views of the Manhattan and Brooklyn skylines as well as the UN building. Every time I see this building, I recall my childhood dream of working there someday (Even my majoring in languages in college did not get me that job.), But boy, did it seem long….

We crossed our next to last timing mat at 15k.

 (Photo by Ben Ko for New York Road Runners.)

Finally we turned onto 42nd street.  It was uphill too. Ugh.  My legs were starting to get weary. The highlight of this section was at 3rd Avenue with the iconic Chrysler Building just ahead.

Miles 11-12

The beginning of the final 5K started a gradual uphill climb all the way to the finish! There were some ups and downs. But I focused on taking in all the sights around me -—the Chrysler building, Grand Central, the New York Public Library, and Bryant Park, etc.

When we turned right onto 7th Avenue, we were running down the middle of Times Square, a magical and memorable experience. While this was also steadily uphill, I didn’t mind. The energy was positively electric.

The highlight was that our two friends were there… and although I was dragging while running down 42nd, my energy level rose when I spotted them in the crowd.

I faked “strong” as I ran by my friends

We hung a right onto Central Park South as we finished up mile 12 and entered the park at the southeast corner—the same corner you exit in the final stretch of the NYC Marathon.

I was glad that they eliminated most of the hills from the end of the race – No Harlem Hill or 3 Sisters. Still, my legs were toast by this time. I couldn’t wait to be done!

Mile 13- 13.43:

We turned on the 72nd Street Transverse and would finish at the same spot as the NYC Marathon, between Sheep Meadow Park and Tavern on the Green.

There were still minor ups and downs, particularly at Bethesda Fountain,  Well, actually they all felt like ups. I walked a few extra times trying to save up enough energy to sprint through the finish line.

800m to go…400m  … 200m – it seemed endless. I kept mumbling “WTF is that finish line??”

Excited but dying…

Dead…

Yes, I dragged those legs across the finish line.

Was I walking!?

I immediately got my medal and posed for a quick pic.

I kept walking and when I turned my phone back on, I found that Stan had texted me and was waiting at the Recovery Zone sign.. I met him there and we waited for Sherry and Deb who finished just a few minutes later.

We all headed for the exit and grabbed a bag of food (filled with water, Gatorade, apple, pretzels, protein bar, etc) and a foil blanket.

It was an easy walk out of the park to Columbus Circle where we were meeting our spectating friends.

Post Race Activities:

After we all gathered, we slowly walked back to the hotel.

group pic in Times Square

After a very long HOT shower, Heidi and I went out for a stroll…

and drinks!!

And later we met the others for a walk to dinner where we celebrated with Italian food, wine and desserts.

We all agreed that it was a great day…

Additional Race Reflections:

It took me awhile to start this recap.  I wanted to make sure I focused on the positives.

It’s one thing to expect a PW and another to actually get one.

Now looking back on race day, besides not spraining my ankle and missing a half marathon and weeks of running, I wouldn’t change a thing.

I enjoyed the day before the race and don’t regret not resting my legs.

I walked at the water stops as I had planned and ran/walked all the hills (and it seemed to be mostly uphills). I tired during the last 3 miles and walked often but such is life.

The weather was perfect for sightseeing while running the course.  I didn’t miss a thing because I wasn’t concerned about my finish time.

And sharing a race with friends was the best!!!!!

And no, I have zero desire for redemption and will not run this race again!!!

2 and done!

The Good:

• Easy packet pick-up. Organized expo. Not too large and overwhelming.
• Lots of fun photo ops at the expo.
• Real bathrooms and comfortable location to wait at the start/finish (if you chose to use the non-race organized bus ($26).
• Many porta potties at the start.
• Bag Check. Well organized before and easy pick up at the end
• Water and Gatorade stops at almost every mile or so.
• Gels (SIS) available at several water stops
• Many porta-potties along the course.
• Music at various points along the course.
• Awesome crowd support (except FDR Drive, obviously)
• Well marked course
• Clocks at 5k, 10k, 15k, 20k
• Pacers (useful only if you started in the correct corral).
• Gender specific long sleeve tech shirts.
• No lines for post race refreshments (gave you a bag immediately)
• Foil blankets put on and taped close for each runner (if desired)
• Lots of photos (through MarathonPhoto)
• No blisters or residual pain after. Ankle felt fine (just a little stiff).

The Bad:

• Long Manhattan Bridge climb
• Hills at the end in Central Park
• Tired legs after mile 10
• The course was LONG (at least 13.5 some recorded it as 14m)
• Same color shirt as 2019

The Ugly:

• Nothing 🙂

Would I recommend this race?

Yes. Yes. Yes.

Do it if you can.  You won’t regret it (unless you hate hills. LOL).

No, it’s not an easy course. At least 25,000 runners are there so it is crowded. But running from Brooklyn to Manhattan is such a memorable experience (maybe I’m biased?)

Final Stats:

love the age-graded time!!

I laughed when I saw the graphic below – such an accurate picture of my race:

my Garmin recorded 13.7 miles!!

still the reigning queen of the positive splits

All in all, I thought this was a great race (especially for those who enjoy a challenge.)

I’m not done yet with 2024 big NYC races.. next is the Brooklyn Half Marathon on May 18 and there’s a bigger challenge – NYC MARATHON – Nov. 3!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Then I’m done…

Next Up:

A local race. A downhill course. Lots of running friends. Should be fun…

April 15, 2024

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Since today is Tuesday, I’m linking up with Zenaida (The Running Teacher) and Jenn (Runs with Pugs).

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and tomorrow:

I’m also linking up with: co-hosts Coach Debbie Runs, Confessions of a Mother Runner, Mile by Mile, and Runs with Pugs

Happy Running! Ever run this race? Do you want to? What is your favorite half marathon? Do you prefer big races or small ones? Please share.

MAY 20, 2023

This was my 2nd time running this half marathon. I ran it in 2018 in the pouring rain… I definitely did not get to enjoy my post-race Coney Island experience.

So I signed up to run Brooklyn in 2023 for several reasons:

• I love NYC (and Brooklyn).
• I surprisingly got a guaranteed entry.
• My two local running buddies were running it too.
• We all ran a local half marathon a month before so we were sorta trained already.
• NYRR races are so well-organized.
• Who wouldn’t want to finish at the beach on Coney Island.
• It was on a Saturday so I would not have to take the next day off from work.
• I wanted to re-do this race after the wet one in 2018.
• I had to DNS on all my 2023 half marathons so I was super excited to give this one a try!!

Half Marathon Training:

If you follow my posts, you also know that I am not strict about following a training plan.  I ran my last half marathon on April 15 November 20, 2022.  I broke my foot and had to DNS my half marathons in February, March and April.

Since March 20, I have completed easy SHORT weekday runs and a few longish runs on most weekends.

the plan though I admit it got altered quite frequently

Though I don’t usually care much about my short runs, I usually like to get in a 10, 11 and 12 miler before each half marathon.

Thanks to support from my running friends, I used run/walk intervals and got those long runs done.

They were slow and they all felt very hard.

After the 12 miler, I went to Florida and skipped my long run in favor of a short easy run (in the heat/humidity.)

So I tapered with another SLOW (hard) 10 miler.

refueled with birthday cake!!

Obviously I was a little worried about my endurance. However, I didn’t expect to run the half marathon at a PR pace anyway. I was running it purely for the experience. I was very excited to be back out there racing.

Pre-Race Activities and Preparations:

As I did for the NYC Half Marathon, I planned this race with my two local running friends Sherry and Stan.

thanks to my broken foot, they are now a “couple” – long story

Stan’s friend, Lisa, also decided to come along and support us even though she was not running the race.

We all took the train to Manhattan Friday morning. While on the train, I decided to use my app to check into our hotel.  Well, the reservations had disappeared!! What? So I called the hotel, they gave me some bogus stories about me cancelling my reservations. Long story short, it appears that the hotel had closed and they didn’t notify anyone. Luckily we were able to find another hotel (although it cost a lot more and  it wasn’t within walking distance of the race start).

Once we arrived in Manhattan, we took the subway to our new hotel, left our bags and started carb loading at a nearby restaurant.

After lunch, we took another subway to Pier 2 (near the Brooklyn Bridge) Pre-Race Party location to get our shirts and bibs.

not a fan of the design or color

I didn’t buy anything at the expo although I was tempted to buy another pair of Goodrs.

We took the prerequisite photos

and then headed back by subway to check into our hotel.

As you can tell by the photos, it was a beautiful day (perfect for a race… LOL).

After we checked into our hotel and unpacked, it was time to head out again (by subway) for dinner.

pizza, of course

We were all in Wave 2 and so we didn’t started until 7:45 am.

The Uber left us off near Grand Army Plaza.  I think we were there by 6:30.  Everything was very organized… the security line moved very quickly.

Of course, it started to drizzle (just like the forecast said.)

staying dry until the race started

There was an abundant number of porta potties and minimal lines.

We decided to all wait in Sherry’s corral (J).

I considered doing run/walk intervals with Sherry (since we did ALL our long runs like that) … but in the end, I decided to move up (to corral D) and do my own thing. Stan did the same (in corral G)

My plan for the race, as usual, was to stop and walk briefly at every water stop (so I wouldn’t get dehydrated) and to stop and walk longer to eat a GU at every 4 miles or so.  And then basically walk whenever I needed to.  Based on my training runs, that would be pretty often.

Lisa, Sherry, Stan and I planned to meet at the finish and then hang out. Of course weather permitting.

Anyway, here’s how the race went (photos courtesy of the NYRR/Cheer Everywhere/ FB websites):

Miles 1-3:

Eventually we started to move. I immediately ditched my poncho. And long walk it was to the start line (and I was only in D). Some runners actually ran but nope, I walked until I hit the start line.  It was drizzling but with the humidity, it felt very comfortable. I was secretly hoping that this light rain would last until I was done with the race. It was warm enough that I threw away my long sleeve shirt right away.

NYRR photo

As you can see, it was quite congested in the beginning of the race.  Did I mention that almost 26,000 started this race and half were in Wave 2? I may have started middle of the pack but moved into BOTP by the 2nd half of the race.

For the first 3 miles, you ran outside of Prospect Park and there were minor ups and downs in the elevation.

(Photo by NYRR)

Of course, I had amnesia thinking that the hills weren’t bad at all. (LOL I hadn’t hit the hills yet.)

(Photo  for NYRR)

My plan to stop at every water stop slowed me down because in this race, they were at every mile (not every 2 miles as I was used to.)  I stopped anyway even though I wasn’t thirsty.  They were a tempting opportunity to walk and so that’s what I did.

NYRR photo

By the 5k point, I was getting hungry (since I had eaten breakfast at 5:30 am) and ate my first GU.

NYRR photo

I tried not to look at my Garmin at all because it would make me stressed… but every mile, my pace would pop up.  I was shocked at my pace for the first few miles… I didn’t feel like I was running that fast.  But based on my training, I knew that I would slow down but I decided to just continue at this pace until I couldn’t.

Miles 4-6:

NYRR photo

At mile 4, you headed into the park. It started off flat and just before Mile 5 comes the biggest hill on the course which is not as steep as some of those Central Park hills, but seems like it will never end. I continued my water stop walking and used the one at hilly 10k clock to eat my second GU. Thankfully as you loop around the park, you discover what goes up must come down and you get to enjoy a nice downhill.  This was my favorite part of the race. At this point, I actually felt warm (due to the humidity).

NYRR photo

The downside was that it was raining more steadily, there were puddles and my feet were getting very wet.  Wet sock + bunion = BIG painful blister.

I got one on my right foot and it hurt with every step. I tried to figure out how to step without the pain but there was NO WAY!

Then I passed this runner:

Yup, I told myself to “Suck it up.”

Miles 7-9:

Finally, the part of the race I was waiting or… No more hills!

from FB – recognize these celebrities??

As you come through Mile 7 just outside the park, you head to Ocean Parkway with a quick dip down and a steady bump in elevation on the entrance ramp.

I tried to think of this as my final stretch to the finish line. But it felt like Ocean Parkway would never end. Until this point in the race, I was really feeling strong. My injury layoff and it being my first half marathon in a long time really reared its ugly head at mile 9.  My lower back starting aching. As a result, walks at the water stops were getting longer. To make things worse, it was raining even harder. Believe it or not, there were lively crowds all along the course…even in this weather. That helped a lot.

The volunteers at all the water stops were so supportive too.

Miles 10-12

Still running down that endless Ocean Parkway. At the 15k clock, I ate my third GU and walked what seemed like forever hoping to get some zip in my step.  But now it was POURING!!! (Those Wave 1 runners lucked out.)

Finally as you ran South, the Avenues go in order from A to Z then you make a right hand turn onto Surf Avenue where you can see the roller coasters up ahead. But by mile 12, I barely had any energy. I just willed myself to continue. I knew the end was near.

Run…walk… run… walk….

Mile 13- 13.25

from FB

Soon I saw the sign that said “800 meters to go” and then I was finally on the boardwalk.

400 meters… then 200 meters.

NYRR photo

It was SO SLIPPERLY that I had to walk several times to make sure I didn’t fall.

The finish line seemed so far away but all of a sudden, the race was over.  I crossed…. (LOL… I thought I sprinted but maybe not…)

chip time= 2:21:41

Post Race Activities:

NYRR photo

I pushed through the runners finishing to get my medal and then was handed a bag with boxed water, Gatorade and some snacks.

wet but happy

I followed the crowd to exit and walked and walked to eventually get into the park/stadium.

NYRR photo

Our original plan was to hang around, go to the After Party (where you got beer, pizza, Nathan’s famous hot dogs, etc.)  and even walk along the boardwalk (dip our feet into the ocean, etc.)

Not into this weather, our friend Lisa has texted us that she would be on the bleachers where families were directed to wait (and in section R).

The sections started with A and so I limped to R and finally found her. I was soaked and FREEZING and glad to put on my rain jacket.

in hindsight I wish I had changed into a dry shirt… brrrrr

Stan had finished just after me followed by Sherry. We walked toward the exit to find them.

They both exceeded their time expectations and were cold, wet but happy, as well.

We quickly headed to the subway where we shivered for 16 stops before arriving at our hotel.

I took the longest HOT shower ever, changed into dry clothes and bandaged up my blood blister.  We were all starved and I hoped that Lisa had found a nearby restaurant for lunch.

Luckily the food was delicious because we walked several miles in a monsoon there and back.

Then we had to shop for Stan’s birthday celebration (more walking in the rain.)

Will this day ever end?

Nope, we hopped the subway and headed to Manhattan for an recovery/celebration Italian dinner…

It was sooo delicious (sorry no pix).

Finally back to Brooklyn for dessert and champagne.

My bed that night never felt so good.

Additional Race Reflections:

Though there were timing clocks at every mile during the race, they started when the elites of wave 1 started so I really wasn’t sure how I was doing.  I kept thinking that I was about an hour less than the displayed time.

So I was really pleased at my time. I thought I would finish much slower. I knew I would not come close to my 2018 time of 2:11:23 but secretly, I wanted to finish faster than 2:27.  That was the qualifying time for my new age group for the NYC Half, Brooklyn Half and NYC Full Marathon in 2024. (I may not run them all but it’s nice to have that option.)

Well, this was a bucket list race for me.  Since I couldn’t train hard, I was expecting to completely enjoy my experience, take lots of photos, hang out at the beach, etc.

All of this impossible in such miserable weather conditions.

But no, I don’t regret running the race.  I actually liked the course more than I thought I would.  The hills weren’t as bad as Central Park.  More than 25,000 excited runners. So much energy. NYRR puts on a first class event.

And running a race with friends made the experience even better.

The Good:

• Easy organized packet pick-up.
• Lots of information from sign up to race day
• The excitement and energy
• Prospect Park part of the course
• Ending on the board walk of Coney Island
• Hot Dogs and Beer at the Post-Race Party (even though I didn’t have any)
• Water & Gatorade Stops at every mile (many tables of cups and many enthusiastic volunteers)
• Crowd Support (even in the rain)
• Having friends to train with and spend the race weekend

The Bad:

• Running down Ocean Ave for so long was a little boring
• Pre-Race Party was disappointing – very few vendors
• Prospect Park Hills (since I didn’t train on hills)
• Slippery Boardwalk at the finish
• DOMS two days after.

The Ugly:

• The Weather!!
• That blister!

Would I recommend this race?

Yes. Definitely.

And my finish time will give me a guaranteed-entry into this race for 2024.

Though I wish that I could wait to see the weather forecast before I sign up again.

Final Stats:

It was not my slowest half marathon. And as I mentioned above, it was faster than I expected (based on my long run pace).

I’m pretty sure than if I didn’t take 5 weeks off from running due to a broken foot and have to skip THREE half marathons, I would have run this race more confidently and had a better finish time.

But it is what it is and I am truly grateful to to able to race again.

I retain my title as “queen of the positive splits”

well, at least no 12 minute miles

I didn’t use run/walk intervals but I did stop and walk at EVERY water stop and the 2nd half of the race, I walked several times between water stops.

Next Up:

10 MILER – May 28, 2023

Happy Running!  Have you ever run this race or any NYRR races?  Do you prefer large races or small ones? Do you enjoy running in the rain? Please share.

***************April 15, 2022******

As with all my big races, I impulsively sign up way in advance (and then often regret it LOL).

I ran the first annual H2H half marathon in 2019. Due to COVID, in 2020, I ran the race virtually and in 2021, I ran it on a completely different course (a hilly one). Last year, it returned to its original course

So I signed up for 2023 Helderberg to Hudson Half Marathon for several reasons:

• FOMO. Many of my running friends were doing it.
• It’s local. I can sleep in my own bed.
• I am familiar with the course. I run on it often.
• It’s a downhill course. (470 ft elevation loss)
• I was already sorta trained from my March 19 Half.
• It was part of a challenge with the Miles on the Mohawk race that I had also signed up for.

Half Marathon Training:

If you follow my posts, you also know that I broke my foot on Feb. 14 while on a vacation in Florida and I had to DNS TWO half marathons (Fort Lauderdale and NYC).

I casually started running again after a month but really started after my 5 week x-ray revealed the the fracture has fully healed.

March 20

I debated over and over again on what to do about this race:

• Transfer my bib and volunteer or spectate
• Walk 13.1 miles
• Run/Walk 13.1
• Go for it… Run it!

The complication with the transfer was that I registered for the Challenge and it included TWO races – this half and  a 10 miler on May 28. So I would be transferring both.

So I contacted the Race Director and they said that they would be able to separate the registrations.

I had started running short and slow distances and gradually increased my weekend runs from 4 to 6 to 8 miles Using run/walk intervals).

Could I run 13.1 miles???

Ultimately, pride aside, I opted to skip the race, not risk injury and concentrate on being prepared for my May 20 half marathon.

And my running friend Barbara bought my registration to this race but I kept the one for the May 28 Miles On The Mohawk 10 miler (for now.)

Pre-Race Activities and Preparations:

thumbs up in 2019 as my 2:11:15 finish time qualified me for the 2020 NYC Half Marathon. & Marathon

last year, 2022, my finish time of 2:12:24 was my fastest of 9 for the year 

So before my injury, I was hoping that again this race would be my fastest of the year.

Today, I could just watch.

Several of my friends were running this race so I decided to volunteer to help in the finish area.

Race Day:

Since I had run this race before, I was familiar with the start and finish logistics.

Course Map:

My assignment was to help set-up at the finish line which was at Jennings Landing in Albany (along the Hudson.)

I arrived around 8:15 am and got a great spot in the parking lot by the boat launch and walked to the finish.

My first job was to help unload the bus with the checked bags.

I wanted to hang around and wait for runners to finish.

So I had also volunteered to hand out medals to the finishers.

I was fortunate to see the winners…

under 5 min pace for 13.1 miles (on a hot day.)

and of course, I got to see so many of my local running friends.

a former French student of mine

Soon some other friends who were course marshals joined me.

And we anxiously awaited our friends Sherry and Stan,.

They finally did and I was able to give them their medals.

And then we headed to get our boxed lunches (but skipped the beer tent.)

meeting more friends along the way

Post Race Activities:

And since it was Saturday I met my running friends for our usual brunch date.

And on Sunday, I ran 10 miles and 5 with my friend Barbara who ran this race virtually…

Additional Race Reflections:

The temps were warmer than usual for this time of year.  I think I made the right decision not to run the race.

We’ll never know.

Hopefully, next year, I will be healthy enough to train for the race.

The Good:

• Lots of race info emailed and on website including runner guide and spectator guide.
• Easy packet pick-up. Neat race-related items.
• Registration options – cheaper without a shirt
• Free bus from the finish to the start.
• Many porta potties at the start and finish.
• Bag Check. Well organized before and easy pick up at the end
• Downhill course (except for first and last 2 miles)
• Water and Nuun stops.
• GU available at several water stops (even salted caramel)
• Great crowd support
• Well marked course for each mile
• Clocks at 5k, 10k, 15k, 20k
• Very cool medal.
• Great post race refreshments (boxed lunch)
• Immediate electronic race results
• PR bell
• Free photos
• Nearby – no transportation or hotel costs.
• Support from friends

The Bad:

• The boring, unscenic last 2 miles.
• Fat-free chocolate milk (I deserve the real thing after 13.1 miles)
• This year, it was very warm!!

The Ugly:

• Not being able to run the race (due to recent injury (broken foot)

Would I recommend this race?

Yes. Yes. Yes. ARE did a fantastic job attending to every detail.  I hope actually race it again next year.

Next Up:

May 20, 2023

and finally:

May 28, 2023 – I’m running the 10 miler

Happy Running!  Did you race this weekend? Do you have a big race coming up? Ever do a half marathon not properly trained? Do you volunteer often at races? Please share.

Race-cations have been an annual tradition with my running friends since 2017. We started in Corning, NY and then traveled to Montreal, and Brooklyn, NY.

The past two Octobers, my friends and I rented a house for 3 nights in Hampton Beach, NH and ran a half marathon (among other fun shenanigans.)

This year, the house that we rented was located in Old Orchard Beach, Maine.

So I signed up for the Maine Half Marathon (in Portland) as my 61th Half Marathon (54th if you don’t count the 2020 virtuals) for several reasons:

• A race-cation.
• Nine of my friends would be running/supporting the race.
• Running along the ocean.
• There was a marathon and marathon relay option.
• Lobstah rolls to eat and lighthouses to visit…

Surprisingly, I was also named as an Ambassador for this race.

Half Marathon Training:

If you follow my posts, you also know that I am not strict about following a training plan. But I do run 3 miles several times during the work week. My weekday runs are sometimes solo and sometimes not.  The last one was unplanned. I just needed to try out new shoes.

And on the weekends, I try to do my Long Run. Usually most of my miles are with one or more of my running friends. However, some shorter races did interrupt my mileage (as shown below).

Pre-Race Activities and Preparations:

My taper consisted of a 5k race + several easy runs (as mentioned above). I did schedule two rest days before the race. Perfect, right?

We carpooled and left for Maine on Saturday morning with a stop for a delicious lunch (in Hampton NH)

before checking into our AirBnB in Old Orchard Beach, ME.

almost all the bedrooms had a view of the ocean…

After we all picked our rooms, we headed to the expo in Portland (held in the gym of U of So. Maine).

We were in and out in no time… not much interesting to buy. We just picked up our bibs and shirts (in addition to a shopping bag and a Dunkin Donuts gift card).

while our cheerleaders made signs.

and then we explored the race logistics (i.e. where to park on race morning).

By the time were were done, it was time for an early dinner. We parked in the waterfront area and had pizza (of course).

Coincidentally, two bloggers were also in Portland and we coordinated a very quick meet-up.

who recognizes them? Deborah and Debbie

Finally we headed home, #flatmes were organized and we headed to bed early (though I never can sleep the night before a race.)

I did make a last minute switch to NEW shoes

Race Day:

Sorry to be a broken record about not having a time goal. But my goal for races these days is to FINISH happy (that is not injured and ready to do another.) But if I had to guestimate my time, it would have been between 2:15 and 2:30.

Actually, even more important would be to run a smarter and less painful race than my last half marathon four weeks prior. Slower the first half so that I can enjoy the second of the race… (Spoiler alert: it didn’t really happen.)

Video of the course: http://viewtherace.com/maine/maine-half-marathon

The race was advertised as follows:

The half marathon takes place alongside the Maine Marathon. Enjoy the Back Cove, views of Casco Bay and fall foliage along the out-and-back route. All three races are together for the first 6.5 miles before the half marathon heads back to Portland. The courses features a mixture of rolling hills and flat sections, but start and finish with two flat miles along Baxter Boulevard. (dirt path detour due to construction.)

The half marathon course is well supported with water stops with Gatorade (lemon-lime Endurance Formula) located approximately every two miles. 

according to my Garmin (after the race)

One of my friends was running the 6 am early start marathon. Four Three of my friends were running the marathon relay and then three of us were running the half marathon.  Both races started at 7:45 am. Two others (as pictured above) were cheering us all on.

As you can imagine, coordinating the race logistics would be quite challenging.

To complicate things further, one of my friends had to leave before the race due to a death in the family. That meant that one of the relay runners had to run two legs rather than one (and change the leg that she originally planned to run.) Oy!

It did get sorted out and we all left for the race.  It wasn’t far but what we didn’t consider that there would be so much traffic.

We planned to park in the parking garage (as we did for the expo) but my car (the half marathoners and relay runner #1) wound up taking a detour and parking (maybe illegally) in a bank parking lot near the start.

We ran to bag check to get rid of a bag with warmer clothes for after the race.

we all wore throwaways because it was quite chilly (and windy).

Then we headed to the start line. (Unfortunately there wasn’t enough time to coordinate meeting Deborah.)

My memory is a little vague but here’s how I remember it:

Miles 1-3:

Bag pipes played to begin the race.  I lined up with my friends at the over 11 minute mile sign.  Since it was chip-timed, I really didn’t care where I started.

I was cold so I kept on my gloves and throw-away jacket. The course started at Back Cove and we ran along a path that circled Casco Bay. Though it was very windy, the temps were perfect for running.

We almost immediately had to detour due to construction onto a dirt path.  It was so much narrower than the road we started on that we came to a complete stand still.

But I enjoyed the scenery and the dirt felt softer on my feet. I was happy so far.

The wind seemed to stop and I threw away my jacket.  The temps couldn’t be more perfect.

I was determined NOT to start out as fast as my last half marathon so I walked a bit at the mile 1 sign and then again at the water stop around mile 2.

Eventually we ran over the Martin Point Bridge which was the beginning of the rolling hills that continued throughout the race.

There were pacers and I was ahead of the 2:15 runner until the second half of the race.

Miles 4-6

There were so many water stops during this race.. It seemed to be one almost every mile. I stopped at most of them to walk and ate my first GU at mile 4.

As you can see from the map, we ran inland for a bit but still the scenery was so pretty. And it warmed up enough to get rid of my gloves. And then the sun came out (glad to have those Goodrs.)

I unsuccessfully tried to spot my friend at the first relay exchange.

And around mile 6, we encountered the steepest hill.  As per usual, I walked/ran up ALL the hills. It has always worked for me and has enabled to run faster on the flat sections.

All the music especially the drummers helped me to forget about hills and enjoy my run.

Miles 7-9

Finally we got to the turn around..  This was a relief knowing that I was heading back. It also gave me to the opportunity to see any of my friends who were behind me.

The 2:15 passed me and I never saw her again.  But I never saw the 2:30 pacer so that was good news.

The monster hill turned into a downhill so I picked up some speed.

I was hoping that my new shoes would be miracle workers and I would have zero pain. Unfortunately that was not the case.  My lower back started to and continued to ache. My right bunion and left neuroma hurt on and off until the end of the race.

I don’t regret wearing new shoes since my feet didn’t hurt worse (and the pain disappeared as soon as I finished running.)

I continued to walk when necessary, especially at the water stops.  I ate a 2nd Gu around mile 8.

I was surprised at how much crowd support there was and volunteers supporting all the water stops.

back over the bridge (smiling for the camera even in pain)

Miles 10-13.1

The course was repeating itself with just a few changes. Instead of along the water, we ran through Payson Park.

It was still beautiful.. The sun was out and I was even getting warm. I rolled down my arm sleeves and covered my Garmin. I wasn’t concerned one bit about my finish time. I was so ready to be done!

One last Gu for this road so that I wouldn’t feel dizzy after the race (It worked, I think.)

Of course, it seemed like forever until I saw the finish line. But when I did, I sprinted (even though my legs started to cramp… OUCH!)

my friend is the one in pink with the cow bell.

I crossed at 2:18:XX and I was very happy!!  And it was an awesome feeling to hear my friends cheering me on.

must stop that watch!!

Post Race Activities:

After I got my medal and foil sheet, I went and got my bag since I was quite cold.

I also grabbed some snacks. There were cups of cookies, bars, fruit, chocolate milk, etc. Then I headed to the finish line to wait for the two other half marathoners.  I also found our Relay leg #1 runner.

As I mentioned, it was very windy and cold in the finish line area. I was glad that you didn’t feel the wind on the course. We had quite a wait ahead of us so Sherry and I went to find the food trucks.  Instead of using our $3 coupon, we ordered hot chocolate but they ran out and we had to settle for coffee (that we waited 1/2 hour for)

Soon our Relay leg #2 runner finished and we all found a spot in the sun to wait and nervously track Deirdre, our marathoner. I finally was getting hungry and ate several slices of pizza among some other snacks..

It was not an easy course and especially the 2nd 13 miles but she finished and we were all crying happy tears.

While Deirdre was recovering, we tried to figure out when our last relay runner (who ran legs 3 & 4) would be finishing.

thumbs up… at the last minute she had to run TWO legs instead of ONE!! Rockstar!!

We timed it perfectly so that the other two relay runners could join her and cross the finish line holding hands.

I think I enjoyed cheering in our friends as much as running the race.

Some of us took advantage of the free massages provided (I did not but should have…)

Eventually we all headed home to relax, debrief,

too cold to soak our feet…

shower and then head out to a celebratory meal (in walking distance from our house.)

Additional Race Reflections:

It was so fun to be out there and soaking up the racing atmosphere. It was even more fun to run a race with friends.

During the first half of the race, PR thoughts always run through my head.. but I knew that I had NOT trained well enough for that and just focused on finishing the race healthy.  I may never be that fast again…but the good news is that my finish time was was over 2 minutes faster than my last half marathon (and a more challenging course.)

There’s still hope for this old broad.

More importantly, I felt fine the next day and ran Tues, Wed, Thurs, and Sat without any after effects.

our happy group (sorry no jumping on the beach this year…)

Positives:

• Part of a 4 day race-cation with friends.
• Bay and Ocean views.
• Easy Packet pick-up
• Nice gender-specific long sleeved tech shirts
• Post race refreshments – pizza, snacks
• Food coupon for $3 for the food trucks and coupon for two free beers (though we used neither)
• Crowd support along the course.
• Friends cheering you on at the finish line
• Music along the course (including bag pipes and drums)
• Varied route – bridge, water route, neighborhoods
• Pacers
• Free Photos
• Instant race results
• Great swag for AG awards (pottery)
• Nice medal provided to all runners.
• Abundant water stops and porta-potties
• Free massages offered.
• Perfect weather
• Plenty of free parking (lots and parking garage)

Negatives:

• The course was long
• Some early start marathoners went off course
• Relay logistics were poorly managed
• Cold and windy in the start/finish area

Would I recommend this race?

Yes. yes. For all the reasons mentioned above.

Final Stats:

Splits:

Walking definitely slowed down my pace. I already mentioned that things usually go downhill for me after mile 7…

My legs were more crampy after the race than usual. I attribute that to running those two 5ks and skipping those long runs (but sometimes fun trumps finish times). But it could have been that it was colder than I’m used to.

No award… I’m still in that age group where many runners are still very FAST.

times for 65-69

All in all, I was happy with my results,

Next Up:

two 5ks …

7th Annual Summer Smith 5k Addiction Awareness Memorial Run – Oct. 22. 2022

followed by a 15k and another half marathon in November.

Nov. 13, 2022

Nov. 20, 2022