NYRR Brooklyn Half Marathon Recap

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Racing the Brooklyn Half was a last-minute decision. It was supposed to be a training run for the now-canceled Liberty Run Marathon. After deciding that racing a marathon just wasn’t going to happen, I turned my focus to Brooklyn. The good news: I was trained and ready to race.

Luckily, Laura was running already and offered to pace me!

Start line

Be Fearless I was ready. I was set to push to my limits. I truly felt fearless.

I wanted a huge PR. I actually felt like I deserved it.

I did PR. But barely. And it hurt bad. The NYC Half was a perfect race for me. I pushed the pace and maintained that pace that I previously thought was impossible. I went into Brooklyn thinking I would execute it flawlessly. I forgot that MOST races are not perfect, or even near perfect.

Race plan: Miles 1-5: 7:45, Miles 6-10: 7:30, Miles 11-end: fast as I can go. I hoped to go 1:40 or even under.

Actual Result:

Brooklyn Half Splits

Until Mile 10, my plan was being executed (almost) perfectly. Then I started getting awful stomach cramps that actually made me panic there was no bathroom close by. I sprinted till I could see one. Then I almost fell in and cried because I was in a lot of pain and I knew I wouldn’t be able to make up the time.

The rest of the race was a blur. I had to dodge people sprinting across the street. The shortest distance felt like 10 miles. The race wouldn’t end. Thankfully, Laura kept checking on me and pushing me. She gave me water and told me I could finish strong.

Right after the “800 Meters to go” sign, my playlist ended. My thoughts were “No shit, I was supposed to be done already” and “FUCK IT’S ONLY ME AND MY NEGATIVE THOUGHTS.” I gave it 100% effort. I emptied my already depleted tank.

I mustered up a post for the race photographer.

I spy a No Meat Athlete tee!

My true feelings are expressed below:

PAIN FACE

I crossed the finish line. I knew I ran a very respectable race but I was disappointed.

Brooklyn Half Marathon Finish

Official time: 1:42:42. A new PR by 41 seconds.

I was an emotional wreck. I cried AGAIN. Who cries when they PR? Not cool.

Then I got over it. This helped:

Brooklyn Half Marathon celebration

$5 32oz Coors Lights will solve ALL of my problems. We danced, we drank, we celebrated.

I’m proud of my accomplishment but I will always yearn for more. I think that is a good thing.

Reebok Spartan Race

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In the midst of all of my marathon drama, I basically forgot I committed to run the Reebok Spartan Race on June 2.

Let’s back up. In January, I had the opportunity (through FitFluential) to attend the press conference in Times Square announcing the newly formed partnership between Reebok and the Spartan Race. Cliff-notes: We learned that the race has grown exponentially and that this partnership will absolutely help to continue that growth. Joe DeSena (one of the founders of the race) has big dreams. He wants obstacle racing to be an Olympic sport.

Reebok and Spartan Race Partnership

Fear came over me when I saw the 10 obstacle course set up on Broadway/43rd Street in the HEART of Times Square. It was a preview of the event. It looked scary as shit and made me feel like my Tough Mudder finish was worth nothing!

Tri-State Tough Mudder 2011

Some of the FitFluential folk were brave enough to conquer the course. I was not. I watched them complete the course from the sideline. I also watched children and Team X-Treme (wounded veterans) scurry up a rope, climb over a 7-foot wall and flip huge tires over. I felt awesome about myself.

Reebok Spartan Race Times Square

I was impressed and I was inspired. Then came an opportunity to run the race with Reebok and FitFluential. I signed up and I am running the Tri-State Spartan Race on June 2. My sister Shelley (you met her in the awesome stretches post) is my +1. She is equally as thrilled to get an ass-whoopin.

Another perk: I got some AWESOME Reebok gear to use during my training.

Reebok Satellite Duo

I’m ready for the race!

The goods:

PWR Fitted Capri: I’ve been wearing them during runs, to Refine Method and Spin class. Fucking awesome and so comfortable.

Sublite Duo Run: I’ve been wearing these sneaks to Refine Method as well. Perfect for the high intensity exercise class!

Strength 3/4 Sleeve Top: I’ve never had a 3/4 sleeve exercise top. I always roll up my sleeves during runs. Problem solved.

I’ll check back in with you regarding the outcome of the race. Godspeed.

Have you ever done a Spartan Race? or any obstacle course race? Have you ever successfully climbed a rope? If so, help me.

Disclosure: Through FitFluential, I received a complimentary entry to the Reebok Spartan Race as well as the awesome clothes and shoes. All I had to do was sign a waiver and pay for race insurance. Sounds promising right? As always, all opinions (and risky decisions) are my own.

Marathon Update and Training: Week 15

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Let’s start with the obvious: I have shit luck when it comes to choosing a marathon that will actually happen.

I had been complaining for too long about which race I should run. I gave up the idea of a BQ and I finally chose an inaugural, local marathon in Jersey City. I was happy and content with my decision. AND THEN YESTERDAY IT WAS CANCELED.

Liberty Run Marathon cancelation notice

After the Pocono Marathon race was potentially going to be canceled, I reviewed MarathonGuide.com in depth. I can’t and won’t spend anymore money on race fees and traveling. After this race was canceled, I knew there was no other option.

I cried. A lot.

I asked “WHY ME? 3x in a row!!!”

I complained “BUT I WORKED SO HARD FOR 20 WEEKS.”

With supportive messages from friends and a kick in the ass from myself, I got over it. In the scheme of things, this is NOT a big deal and I am upset that I made it into one. It is a fucking road race. There are others. Hell, I am signed up for a marathon in October.

New plan: Race the Brooklyn Half this weekend and run as fast as I can. I am trained and I want a PR.

Brooklyn Half 2013