Lucky for me, NYRR was having a Long Training Run. This was a non-timed/scored training run that had course support. You could run anywhere from 6 to 20 miles. They had a map for how to get all of your miles in- 1 full loop (6), 2 middle and lowers (5 each) and 1 middle (4). I decided to rock the first 2, which would get me my 11 miles.
The run started by 102nd St. on the east side. The transverse was used as a regrouping area after each loop, complete with port-a-potties, water, gatorade and energy gels to grab on your way out for your next loop. There was also a med tent, where I saw a lot of iced knees. They had water stations along the course as well as sprinklers. Pace leaders were provided by the New York Flyers running group in case you wanted to run with a group, too. They were every 30 seconds up to 11 minute miles. I was a little nervous being a lot slower than that, but there were people in the back with me doing their own thing, too.
Can they please do this more than twice a year during NYCM training? It was really nice to have an organized relaxed run in the park. The weather could not have been better for July; it ended up being a beautiful day for a run (that's what a 7 day heatwave will do to you!). I'm glad I had something structured to make me get out of bed early and be there for. As much as I like getting a long run done before 10AM, getting out of bed before 4AM can be quite brutal.
I believe the next training run is actually a full 18Mile Tune-Up. It is scored and timed, so to get the full credit, you have to finish (or at least, cross the finish line.) I did that one last year and I can say, I totally prefer the non-scored version. It's a lot less pressure especially if it's supposed to be a training run.
I love hitting an organized group run every now and then to break up my training runs. My issue is they never start until 7am, which when it's warm is just too late for me. So I haven't done any this year. Plus the ones around here are always on Sun, and unless I have an event on Sat, I prefer Sat for the long run. Way to get up and get it done!
ReplyDeleteThat's funny you say that. With all the races starting at like 9, 7AM was a treat! I agree. Saturday is my favorite for a long run.
DeleteThat's really cool that the ING had an organized run like that, and basically what my wife said in the comment above this one.
ReplyDeletehaha! You two are awesome. What I said above, too :)
DeleteHi there,
ReplyDeleteI found you on #Team Run Disney's FB page when I was looking for new running blogs to follow. So glad I found you and will be returning often. That is so cool that you get to do those group runs. I think it's awesome that you have that much local support!
Hi! Thanks for visiting :)
DeleteHaving NYRR is a really great bonus to the running community, I do love how often they have races! It's a plus. You should definitely check out your local running organizations!
A non-scored training run with support? So jealous! That sounds fantastic. Yay for good weather! And yay for 11 miles under your belt!
ReplyDeleteRight? I kind of love that NYRR does this.
DeleteI'm jealous! Sounds awesome to have this event. I really wish I could take advantage of something similar.
ReplyDeleteI agree, it's pretty cool that NYRR does this.
DeleteWow, so cool to have a supported training run!
ReplyDeleteRight? Originally I was skeptical, but it turned out to be awesome, especially if you had a decent long run on the schedule.
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