13.1 Marathon Series: NYC recap

 13.1 Marathon Series NYC Race. 

The Good: I finished! I got to have an awesome race with an awesome friend and I got to see a part of Queens I don't think I will ever see again. Kidding. But seriously, that was a trek! With this race, I've successfully completed 12 half marathons in 12 months. What?

Did you know: New York 13.1 Marathon was run in Flushing Meadows Corona Park, home of the 1939 and 1964 World's Fair? This park is fully loaded with anything and everything you could want. There is a zoo, a professional Baseball field, an ice rink, multiple soccer fields, a lake, a golf course, a museum of art, a wildlife center and I'm sure I'm missing much more, but you can check out their website if you're in the area.

The Bad: Starting a race at 9am was a little annoying. I would've liked to just get it over with at 7:30-8. Giving us less time in the sun being that it is unseasonably warm. There was no serious corral system and I noticed there were a lot of first time halfers so it was a bit of a cluster, but not terrible.

The Ugly: I hurt my foot :-( Around mile 12 (which is also the stretch where people were walking to get to the subway. Super frustrating because I was still running the race, assholes!) It felt like I had tied my shoe too tight. Later that night, it was swollen. Boo.

Special guest appearance by The Fabulous Megan!

Anna Banana was supposed to join us, but due to unforeseen circumstances, we had her there in spirit while sending love and prayers her way. So, instead, I got to run with the amazing Megan! Normally she's a super speed demon, but she's trying to take it easy for all the races she has signed up for (if you think my racing schedule is insane, you should see hers!) and she just announced she's expecting! YaY! for Megs and the Hubby and YaY! for me for getting the chance to run with her.  Do not be fooled by her size, she is a ball of serious energy. And the woman is always prepared for you with anything and everything. She super rocks and I'm so lucky to have her in my life!

I made sure to tell her I was exceptionally slow. She didn't seem to mind, though. She was excited to see how the run/walk method worked so maybe she could incorporate it into her races more as she gets further along. In fact, it was pretty perfect. She would speed up when she saw a bathroom and then catch up with me. We chit-chatted the whole time and before we knew it (except for mile 12) it was over!

I also decided this time I wouldn't bring my camera, just my phone and see how pictures turned out. Even though, it was a little bit more of a pain, I'd rather not carry so much stuff with me. I think the pictures came out fine, too!

 The Hall of Science?

 The Aquatic Center; ice rink included!

 Start line 2nd time around. We ran through it 3 times.

 The Model Aircraft field?

 The winner totally looping us at mile 4

 Ever seen Men in Black? That was cool to see.

 The Unisphere! This was mile 5(?) and mile 12. 

When times were getting tough, I kept telling myself the ball is mile 12. Just get back to the ball.

 

Arthur Ashe Stadium; where the US Open is played.

One of the only "hills" we had to conquer. twice.

12th half marathon in 12 months DONE.

 I'm so amazing I can hold the Unisphere up after running 13.1 miles.

 Sometimes, you need a little help from your friends :-)

 Post Race Ice Bath.

I already feel much much better.

What's the coolest place you've ever gotten to run? (excluding Disney!)