Yeep! It’s been quite a while. I had the best intentions earlier this year, but guess I’m best at updating this blog when I’m sick and incapacitated.
So here we are, in some kind of pseudo-spring in which I’ve still been wearing two layers of gloves and tights on most of my runs, along with many other east coasters. There are some whisperings of spring, though, and the now two weeks ago United NYC Half gave us pretty decent weather (in the low 40s!). This race was an interesting one. First, I did not want to run it. I haven’t been feeling like doing any sort of regimented training most of this awful winter, and had no idea what to expect from myself. Fully prepared to give my best effort but not PR, I went out for margaritas two nights before the race, had fun and didn’t really worry about being properly hydrated or rested. I did eat some carbs the night before and managed to get to bed at a reasonable hour for a super early wake-up call.
whole wheat pasta, tofu, kale, brussels sprouts, pesto
Even though the race started in Central Park and all I do is run to the starting line, we had to be there at least 30 minutes before the race when the corrals closed (big races… grrrr), and I remember standing in my corral, quite cold and wishing I could just take off and go home. By the time the gun went off, I was just ready to get the damn thing over with and felt pretty “meh” through the park loop (~6 miles?). Didn’t really look at my watch because the satellites were kind of screwy, and just ran by feel. I think my pace averaged around 7:50-ish. Once we were out of the park my spirits perked up a bit and I found myself enjoying the run through Times Square and down to the West Side Highway (minus the girl who was trying to make a phone call while running and cut in front of me. I was not nice to her). And, I started to think that hmmm, I may actually be pretty close to my PR (1:42:24). But whatever, just keep running.
Then something happened near the World Trade Center where there were some great crowds cheering – I remembered why I love running! And in particular, racing. Pushing yourself, doing something you maybe never thought you’d be able to do, people cheering for you – it’s pretty awesome. I felt all the feels, got a little emotional, and freaking loved the last few miles of the race. For the first time in a long time (maybe ever?) I finished with negative splits, had a nice finishing kick and PR’d by about 40 seconds.
1:41:41 (7:46/mile) was my official time (so, pretty easy to remember..).
The post-race high was just as awesome as brunch at The Smith with some RD friends afterwards. I didn’t realize how much I missed that feeling until actually feeling it again. I’m kind of sad my training failed so miserably for the New Jersey Marathon (on April 27), but was able to switch to the half marathon and am pretty excited to have another shot at my goal (<1:40) before getting back into marathon training later this spring/summer. So that’s the plan for now, but as evidenced by my life of the past few months, it could change. And I’m ok with that too.
