Ok, I'm aware I'm a pretty anxious/type A person. I also know it might seem silly to plan out what races I'm doing 6 months from now, especially shorter races that will most likely be run as "training runs." But believe me, if I don't plan ahead, I will totally forget about getting my 9 races done for the 2012 marathon until the last minute - or worse, I'll end up shut out and have to test my luck with the lotto. I am also toying with the idea of running a fall marathon, so I don't want to be stressed about waking up early for shorter races the day after long training runs. So without further adieu, here's my proposed race schedule...
*April 23 - NYRR 4 Miler
*May 17 - American Heart Association Start! Wall Street Run & Heart Walk
*May 21 -NYRR Half Marathon Series: Brooklyn Half Marathon
June 5 - NYRR Celebrate Israel Run Presented by the Jewish Community Relations Council of New York (4M)
June 11 - NYRR New York Mini 10K
July 30 - NYRR Half Marathon Series: Queens Half Marathon
August 28 - NYRR Half Marathon Series: Bronx Half Marathon
September 25th - ING New York City Marathon Tune-Up (18M)
October 9th - NYRR Half Marathon Series: Staten Island Half Marathon
* = already registered
If I do go ahead with a fall marathon, Brooklyn will be my last chance to race a half marathon. My pie-in-the-sky goal is to break 2 hours, but I think that might be a tad ambitious. Realistically, I would love to just set a solid PR and to finish strong to head into marathon season. Stay tuned for my training plan!
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
National Half Marathon Race Report
Since I got rejected from the New York City Half Marathon this year, my boyfriend tried to cheer me up by taking a long weekend trip to DC for the National (Half) Marathon. We had a fabulous weekend filled with good foods, great drinks, and even better friends. But the race itself? Oy vey...where to begin.
We landed in DC around 3 (thanks Amex rewards points!) and we were picked up right from the airport by our good friend. I was already getting anxious about packet pickup (I had read complaints on Facebook that there were 30+ minute lines during lunchtime) so we headed straight there. Luckily the crowds had died down and we had no problems getting in. Packet pickup was easy enough - I think I waited about 10 minutes for my bib. I noticed I was in corral 7, and was debating moving up a corral to reflect more recent race times, but the volunteer told me it was no big deal. Since I had two other non-runners with me who looked pretty bored, I decided to take her advice and skip another line. Was pleased to see the shirt was a tech shirt and came in xs (which I'm sure they told me when I registered back in December, but honestly, who can remember those things?), but when I held it up to me, I realized it must of been men's sizes...the xs was swimming on me!
We then headed back to my friend's apartment so he could feed his dog, made a quick stop at Union Station so I could help him pick out a tie for a formal event he had the next day, then checked into the hotel and off dinner - Italian, of course! . Before I knew it was 8:30 pm, so I sent the boys off to the bar and headed back to the hotel so I could relax and settle in before my 5 am alarm the next morning.
I woke up in a daze (I am SO not a morning person) but to managed to eat a bagel and banana before heading down to the hotel lobby. The hotel had promised us there would be a shuttle running, but when I got down there, there was a big crowd, and sure enough, no shuttle. And it was FREEZING! Like, below 30 degrees. My watch said it was already 5:45 am so I was starting to get a little anxious - I asked a couple of people around me if they would be interested in just grabbing a cab. They were, so we 6 of us piled into one cab (hello sitting on the lap of new best friends) and headed straight to the race. Our cabbie was slightly crazy and drove like a lunatic, but he got us there in 20 minutes and avoided all the traffic. Which apparently was a very good thing, as I heard horror stories from runners barely making the start because of terrible traffic!
The race itself both started and ended at the DC Armory - which means we had a warm place to wait before heading to the corrals, and had real, non-portable, bathrooms to use - such a luxury, compared to other races. But unfortunately the clock stuck 6:40 am, and it was time to venture out into the cold.
I found my corral easily enough, and lined up. The race started a bit late, and then it took me about10 minutes to cross the start. I already started to feel guilty since I had told my boyfriend to make sure to be at the finish at 9 since I expected to come in bit over 2 hours - whoops, I guess he'll have to wait.
The first few miles were S-L-O-W. I tried not to stress too much about the crowds, but I struggled to find my rhythm. I was definitely annoyed - I was trying to keep a 9:30 pace, but I was definitively closer to a 9:45 pace because of the crowded course. I started to regret not moving up after all.
Mile 1 passed by, and I thought it was strange that I didn't see a mile marker. I had just assumed I missed it. Kept going, and the same thing started happening at miles 2,3,4 etc
Water stations were a hot mess - I think I had to wait for a cup practically every stop, which really threw off my rhythm to have to keep starting and stopping again. I like to run through water stations but that was virtually impossible with the set up.
At mile 4.5 I caught up with the 4:15 marathon pace group, and decided to hang with them for a bit. Unfortunetly there was a water stop coming up very quickly...so of course I lost them. Luckily, I had the crowds coming up at around 5.5 in Dupont Circle to give me some energy!
I knew to expect a slow, steady climb around 5-6, but it didn't really hit me until mile 6. I kept telling myself the downhill will come, but honestly, I don't even really remember it. I guess the climbs are more rememberable!
I paced myself until mile 10 (where I saw my first actual mile marker) , and tried to kick it into high gear. Unfortunately, the race directors thought it would be a fab idea to set up the relay exchange point right next to the disastrous water stations right next to a point in the road where it got narrower. There wasn't really much I could to do to avoid the crowds.
The last few miles were tough - mostly uphill. We got a great view of the Capitol on the climb around mile 11-12. I ended up finding the 4:15 pace group again, and passing them.
At mile 13, I knew were going to split from the marathoners, but was a bit confused on where to go. I just followed the crowds toward the stadium, and sure enough, I saw the finish line! I ended up crossing at 2:05:01, with a 9:33 pace. Not a PR, but a solid showing.
Getting through the finish line chute was completely chaotic - I think it took me at least 20 minutes to get out of there. I barely got any water, and missed the finish line picture. I didn't take any food either - I was just so cold, I couldn't. I did manage to grab my heat sheet and correct medal (I heard others were not so lucky. ) I was very happy to make it over to the family reunion area where my boyfriend was waiting with my long Northface down coat!
We headed back to the hotel via metro. I immediately ran up to the hotel for a hot shower, and my boyfriend headed downstairs to grab me a hot chocolate and another bagel - he's the best! Then it was naptime before spending the rest of the weekend leisurely exploring the city.
When it's all said and done, I did enjoy the race course itself and the crowd support, and had an amazing weekend in general. I won't be back for this race next year, but if they fix all the issues, I would consider making the trip again in a few years.
Now I'm spending this week recovering, and then it's refocus my training. I have the Brooklyn Half Marathon coming up at the end of May - my first of the boroughs to get me into the NYC HM!
 |
| Chilly but beautiful weather in DC all weekend! |
We landed in DC around 3 (thanks Amex rewards points!) and we were picked up right from the airport by our good friend. I was already getting anxious about packet pickup (I had read complaints on Facebook that there were 30+ minute lines during lunchtime) so we headed straight there. Luckily the crowds had died down and we had no problems getting in. Packet pickup was easy enough - I think I waited about 10 minutes for my bib. I noticed I was in corral 7, and was debating moving up a corral to reflect more recent race times, but the volunteer told me it was no big deal. Since I had two other non-runners with me who looked pretty bored, I decided to take her advice and skip another line. Was pleased to see the shirt was a tech shirt and came in xs (which I'm sure they told me when I registered back in December, but honestly, who can remember those things?), but when I held it up to me, I realized it must of been men's sizes...the xs was swimming on me!
We then headed back to my friend's apartment so he could feed his dog, made a quick stop at Union Station so I could help him pick out a tie for a formal event he had the next day, then checked into the hotel and off dinner - Italian, of course! . Before I knew it was 8:30 pm, so I sent the boys off to the bar and headed back to the hotel so I could relax and settle in before my 5 am alarm the next morning.
I woke up in a daze (I am SO not a morning person) but to managed to eat a bagel and banana before heading down to the hotel lobby. The hotel had promised us there would be a shuttle running, but when I got down there, there was a big crowd, and sure enough, no shuttle. And it was FREEZING! Like, below 30 degrees. My watch said it was already 5:45 am so I was starting to get a little anxious - I asked a couple of people around me if they would be interested in just grabbing a cab. They were, so we 6 of us piled into one cab (hello sitting on the lap of new best friends) and headed straight to the race. Our cabbie was slightly crazy and drove like a lunatic, but he got us there in 20 minutes and avoided all the traffic. Which apparently was a very good thing, as I heard horror stories from runners barely making the start because of terrible traffic!
The race itself both started and ended at the DC Armory - which means we had a warm place to wait before heading to the corrals, and had real, non-portable, bathrooms to use - such a luxury, compared to other races. But unfortunately the clock stuck 6:40 am, and it was time to venture out into the cold.
I found my corral easily enough, and lined up. The race started a bit late, and then it took me about10 minutes to cross the start. I already started to feel guilty since I had told my boyfriend to make sure to be at the finish at 9 since I expected to come in bit over 2 hours - whoops, I guess he'll have to wait.
The first few miles were S-L-O-W. I tried not to stress too much about the crowds, but I struggled to find my rhythm. I was definitely annoyed - I was trying to keep a 9:30 pace, but I was definitively closer to a 9:45 pace because of the crowded course. I started to regret not moving up after all.
 |
| early, crowded miles by the mall |
Water stations were a hot mess - I think I had to wait for a cup practically every stop, which really threw off my rhythm to have to keep starting and stopping again. I like to run through water stations but that was virtually impossible with the set up.
At mile 4.5 I caught up with the 4:15 marathon pace group, and decided to hang with them for a bit. Unfortunetly there was a water stop coming up very quickly...so of course I lost them. Luckily, I had the crowds coming up at around 5.5 in Dupont Circle to give me some energy!
I knew to expect a slow, steady climb around 5-6, but it didn't really hit me until mile 6. I kept telling myself the downhill will come, but honestly, I don't even really remember it. I guess the climbs are more rememberable!
 |
| 10k mark - it's a bit "Where's Waldo" to spot me |
The last few miles were tough - mostly uphill. We got a great view of the Capitol on the climb around mile 11-12. I ended up finding the 4:15 pace group again, and passing them.
 |
| Still found the energy to smile in the late miles |
 |
| Crossing the finish! |
We headed back to the hotel via metro. I immediately ran up to the hotel for a hot shower, and my boyfriend headed downstairs to grab me a hot chocolate and another bagel - he's the best! Then it was naptime before spending the rest of the weekend leisurely exploring the city.
 |
| Post-Race Cherry Blossoms! |
When it's all said and done, I did enjoy the race course itself and the crowd support, and had an amazing weekend in general. I won't be back for this race next year, but if they fix all the issues, I would consider making the trip again in a few years.
Now I'm spending this week recovering, and then it's refocus my training. I have the Brooklyn Half Marathon coming up at the end of May - my first of the boroughs to get me into the NYC HM!
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
The Challenge
I've been a recreational runner on/off for most my life (ok...a lot more "off" than on for most of my life, but I've made up for it in recent years). I also love, love New York City - I wanted to live up here since I was 10.
Last November I finished my first marathon - New York, of course. I'm dying to run the New York Half Marathon, but got shut out of it via lottery this year (along with many other tri-staters). I've also been pretty eager to branch out out into the world of multi-sport for a few years now - even more so now that I'm the road owner of my first road bike. I'm sure you're shocked to hear that my race of choice is the big tri held in my favorite city - the NYC Triathlon.
I was thinking - what better way to celebrate New York than to race all 3 in one year? Of course in a city with a population of over 8 million and endurance sports becoming more and more popular every year, you can't exactly just register for these events. You either have to take your chances with an increasingly more difficult lotteries, or secure guaranteed entry. These are a few different ways to accomplish it, but here are the most realistic options for me...
a) New York City Half Marathon - March 2012, TBA
Run four out of the five boroughs half marathons for guaranteed entry in 2012
b) Nautica New York City Triathlon - June 24, 2012
Easy as pie - volunteer for the 2011, and you're in for 2012
c) ING New York City Marathon - November 4, 2012
Run 9 qualifying races with New York Road Runners as a good member in standing (yes, the four half marathons for NYC HM count) and volunteer at one additional race, and you too will have the privilege of taking over the streets of the city for 26.2 miles that first Sunday in November
Then once I fulfill these requirements, I actually have to, you know, train for these three consecutive events. Running is definitely my strongest sport, but I would like to improve my speed. I also have to work on first getting comfortable on a road bike and re-learn my swimming skills. I definitely have my work cut out for me.
Oh yah and there's one tiny fact I left out of all these big plans. I can't say anything until it's official, but let's just say I should have a BIG social/life event coming up on the horizon that will take up a huge chunk of free time.
Let the games begin!
Last November I finished my first marathon - New York, of course. I'm dying to run the New York Half Marathon, but got shut out of it via lottery this year (along with many other tri-staters). I've also been pretty eager to branch out out into the world of multi-sport for a few years now - even more so now that I'm the road owner of my first road bike. I'm sure you're shocked to hear that my race of choice is the big tri held in my favorite city - the NYC Triathlon.
I was thinking - what better way to celebrate New York than to race all 3 in one year? Of course in a city with a population of over 8 million and endurance sports becoming more and more popular every year, you can't exactly just register for these events. You either have to take your chances with an increasingly more difficult lotteries, or secure guaranteed entry. These are a few different ways to accomplish it, but here are the most realistic options for me...
a) New York City Half Marathon - March 2012, TBA
Run four out of the five boroughs half marathons for guaranteed entry in 2012
b) Nautica New York City Triathlon - June 24, 2012
Easy as pie - volunteer for the 2011, and you're in for 2012
c) ING New York City Marathon - November 4, 2012
Run 9 qualifying races with New York Road Runners as a good member in standing (yes, the four half marathons for NYC HM count) and volunteer at one additional race, and you too will have the privilege of taking over the streets of the city for 26.2 miles that first Sunday in November
Then once I fulfill these requirements, I actually have to, you know, train for these three consecutive events. Running is definitely my strongest sport, but I would like to improve my speed. I also have to work on first getting comfortable on a road bike and re-learn my swimming skills. I definitely have my work cut out for me.
Oh yah and there's one tiny fact I left out of all these big plans. I can't say anything until it's official, but let's just say I should have a BIG social/life event coming up on the horizon that will take up a huge chunk of free time.
Let the games begin!
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