Holy hills!!! The course for the More|Fitness Half Marathon kicked my butt this morning!
Ashley and Theodora weren’t joking when they warmed me about the hills in Central Park. I knew about Harlem Hill because I ran it last summer during BlogHer , but I didn’t realize just how difficult the other “rolling” hills would be! Yowsahs. The National Half Marathon course was child’s play compared to this one!
I didn’t PR at this half marathon, but I still had a blast running through Central Park and being part of the Thomas Bagel Thins team with Caitlin and Jennifer . What a cool experience it has been for me!
Just like last weekend , Theodora and I found each other before the race. We only chatted for a few minutes before the gun fired promptly at 7:00 AM.
As expected, the first mile or so of the race was jam-packed with runners and a little bit crazy, but, eventually, the group spread out and there was plenty of room to run.
The race started on West Drive at 63rd Street, and then looped counterclockwise twice around the Park. I thought I’d get bored running the same course a second time, but I actually didn’t mind it at all. Central Park is so beautiful, and there were tons of spectators cheering us on. Running the course again also helped me plan for the hills the second time around. Harlem Hill and Cat Hill almost killed me on the second loop! My legs were burning!!
Even though I really struggled with the hills today, I finished… in one piece. I completed three half marathons in three weeks , so I think that’s a major accomplishment in itself! I’m feeling pretty proud of myself right now.
Considering the hills, I’m happy with my race time. I finished in 1:57:49 (8:59 pace). Of course, I’d like to PR at every race, but, as we all know, it doesn’t always happen that way.
My Garmin time and official time were the exact same. When does that ever happen!?! What a difference compared to last weekend , huh?
- Mile 1: 8:02
- Mile 2: 8:29
- Mile 3: 8:31
- Mile 4: 8:41
- Mile 5: 9:10
- Mile 6: 8:40
- Mile 7: 8:42
- Mile 8: 9:09
- Mile 9: 8:53
- Mile 10: 9:25
- Mile 11: 9:47 <— Harlem Hill 2nd time
- Mile 12: 9:03
- Mile 13: 8:45
I have to say, the More|Fitness Half Marathon was soooo well organized. There was plenty of water and Gatorade at all of the “fluid stations,” clearly visible mile makers at every mile, and a smooth, efficient finish line with no crazy back-up of runners. I’m very impressed by the New York Road Runners . Perhaps I’ll have to come back to NYC for another race soon?!
After the race, I refueled with a mini carton of chocolate Silk soymilk, which tasted delicious and provided lots of wonderful nutrients for recovery.
I also ate a massive bagel with cream cheese.
And an iced soy latte from Stumpton Coffee , which I’ve been obsessed with ever since my first sip back in October 2009 . Mmm! Nice and bold!
Since the race, I’ve been lounging around and watching TV. Hopefully, I can motivate myself to get out and take advantage of my time in New York City!
Holy hills!!! The course for the More|Fitness Half Marathon kicked my butt this morning!
Ashley and Theodora weren’t joking when they warmed me about the hills in Central Park. I knew about Harlem Hill because I ran it last summer during BlogHer , but I didn’t realize just how difficult the other “rolling” hills would be! Yowsahs. The National Half Marathon course was child’s play compared to this one!
I didn’t PR at this half marathon, but I still had a blast running through Central Park and being part of the Thomas Bagel Thins team with Caitlin and Jennifer . What a cool experience it has been for me!
Just like last weekend , Theodora and I found each other before the race. We only chatted for a few minutes before the gun fired promptly at 7:00 AM.
As expected, the first mile or so of the race was jam-packed with runners and a little bit crazy, but, eventually, the group spread out and there was plenty of room to run.
The race started on West Drive at 63rd Street, and then looped counterclockwise twice around the Park. I thought I’d get bored running the same course a second time, but I actually didn’t mind it at all. Central Park is so beautiful, and there were tons of spectators cheering us on. Running the course again also helped me plan for the hills the second time around. Harlem Hill and Cat Hill almost killed me on the second loop! My legs were burning!!
Even though I really struggled with the hills today, I finished… in one piece. I completed three half marathons in three weeks , so I think that’s a major accomplishment in itself! I’m feeling pretty proud of myself right now.
Considering the hills, I’m happy with my race time. I finished in 1:57:49 (8:59 pace). Of course, I’d like to PR at every race, but, as we all know, it doesn’t always happen that way.
My Garmin time and official time were the exact same. When does that ever happen!?! What a difference compared to last weekend , huh?
I have to say, the More|Fitness Half Marathon was soooo well organized. There was plenty of water and Gatorade at all of the “fluid stations,” clearly visible mile makers at every mile, and a smooth, efficient finish line with no crazy back-up of runners. I’m very impressed by the New York Road Runners . Perhaps I’ll have to come back to NYC for another race soon?!
After the race, I refueled with a mini carton of chocolate Silk soymilk, which tasted delicious and provided lots of wonderful nutrients for recovery.
I also ate a massive bagel with cream cheese.
And an iced soy latte from Stumpton Coffee , which I’ve been obsessed with ever since my first sip back in October 2009 . Mmm! Nice and bold!
Since the race, I’ve been lounging around and watching TV. Hopefully, I can motivate myself to get out and take advantage of my time in New York City!