The 2014 Brooklyn Half Marathon

There's nothing like a hometown race. Every city/ town has one- that one race a year everyone runs. I think the Brooklyn Half is the best equivalent of that for New York City. Everyone who is any kind of runner or lack thereof, runs this race, hence why it sells out in hours. Now that I've experienced it for myself, I can definitely see why! Thanks to my guaranteed entry for volunteering at the race last year (that was NOT complimentary and NYRR failed to mention this pre- me getting up at 2AM. Thanks a lot!), I was able to score entry without worrying about the insanely fast sellout (although, it didn't sell out nearly as fast as it did in previous years, but I'm not bitter or anything).

I followed the warning of leaving extra early to get to the start and ended up sitting on the cement for a good hour before wave 2 was supposed to start. Opps. But it did give me a front row seat to the chaos of bag check for wave 1. Apparently, a TON of wave 1 runners did not heed the "get there EARLY" and missed their bag check (which to be honest, I thought they were bluffing to about the trucks leaving, too- but they did!). They did have 1 truck designated for late baggage for each wave, and I'm pretty sure the wave 1 last baggage truck had more bags in it than all the other trucks combined. I still have no idea how they got all those bags to fit into the ONE truck. The smarter thing for them to do would've been to push back closing bag check for 10 extra minutes- which is exactly what they did for wave 2. Good call.

Once it was getting close, I decided to find my way to a corral, and coincidentally enough, I ran into a friend of a friend, who I knew it was a her first half. I decided to stop and talk until the start of the race to pass the time and hopefully distract her from being nervous.

The sun came up and it was time for the race to start. The first half of the race was in and around Prospect Park, which I was very familiar with. I started thinking about my 1st 20 mile long run. Then I remembered I did all of my 20 mile long runs in and around Prospect Park. Almost like clockwork, my knee started hurting at the exact spot my 20 mile run ended. It was uncanny. I tried not to focus on it and it eventually went away. 

Then it was time for Ocean Parkway. Honestly, I was really concerned about the 2nd half of the race. 6 miles of straight highway- which means straight SUN on blacktop. Luckily, there WAS shade on the left side of the road and it was only straight sun for about .5 at the end of the race. I'm sure I would've died if it really was going to be 6 miles of sun. Do not forget your sunscreen and a hat for this race!

For some reason, NYRR decided it would be a good idea to put all the water stops on only ONE side of the road and that side also happened to be on the sunny side of the road. So, every mile the course of runners would start veering right to the water stop, then move back into the shade.

I absolutely LOVED the Brooklyn love and support we were getting. Something about the born and bred Brooklynite in that famous accent cheering us on was a huge energy boost. Hearing "Way to go! Brooklyn, Baby!" "You got this, Brooklyn!" "Looking good, Brooklyn!", I just felt incredibly Brooklyn Strong.

Have I mentioned I'm a huge fan of my borough? Brooklyn was the first place I lived when I moved to NYC and it was my saving grace after living in Manhattan for over 2 years. Without it, I would've peaced out from this city a long time ago. Brooklyn is my home and I have truly fallen in love with it through the years. I would even go so far as to say it might rank higher than NOLA and that's saying something. I thought about all that and I got pretty emotional.

The wind started to pick up and I new we were close to the boardwalk. I REALLY wanted to come in under 3 hours. I nearly ate boardwalk trying to accomplish it- seriously? Who put sand on the course?!- but I did it! 2:59. I'll take it!

At this rate, I'll PR in about 17 more half marathons :)

I went straight to the medical tent to tape my knees, per usual, but it seemed like everyone in the medical tent was running around with chickens with their heads cut off. All I needed was my knees wrapped, but it felt like I was asking for the moon. I know I couldn't have been the first person who only needed her knees wrapped. I wasn't interested in hanging out in the medical tent all afternoon, which they seemed very interested in keeping me there. I swear all I needed was ice for my old lady knees, but they REALLY wanted to find something wrong with me. Yes, I was not so very nice to some volunteers and I'm sorry for it, but seriously?! Luckily, I found the NYRR official medical director, who is in charge of all the NYRR races. He knew the drill and taped my knees perfectly and I was out. Thank goodness for him!

The post-race party was in MCU Park, The Cyclone's Stadium, which made me very happy for a real bathroom to change in. Best idea ever: bringing clothes and flip-flops to change into. Much like the expo, the Brooklyn Half Marathon isn't just a race. It's an event and you will be very happy for clean dry clothes, even it's only for the subway ride home.

There was a band playing and lines for days for food and beer. Getting to walk around on the AstroTurf was positively heavenly, but I preferred the shady seats to enjoy the post-race moment. I hung out there for a bit, but I really wanted to get on the beach. 

 Feet in the Atlantic= perfect ice bath. 

The water felt amazing and the beach was pretty empty. It was a nice peaceful moment from the crowds and noise at the after party. I would've stayed longer but I knew if I stayed in the sun much longer without eating, I would get sick.

I walked around for a bit trying to decide if I was hungry/ what I wanted to eat, etc. Luna Park was in full swing, but there was no way I could stomach getting on rides. I also decided I couldn't stomach eating a Nathan's hotdog (I know! Sacreligious!), so I got on the train for the long trek home. I miscalculated how long it would take to get home vs. how hungry I was, so I stopped at Dig Inn Market on my way home.

SO delicious. 

The Brooklyn Half was definitely a full day event and it was one of my favorite races, thus far! I'm so glad I got to run it.

The Brooklyn Half Marathon Pre-Party

The Brooklyn Half Pre-Party is not your usual expo. It's not a grab your bib and scope out the vendors on your lunch break type. . . it's a full on event. You should seriously consider it your evening plans. 

While the location was beautiful, it was seriously out of the way- and I live in Brooklyn! Sadly, the weather was super gross all that week, so the beautiful view of Manhattan that would've been worth the trek was completely greyed out and it was annoyingly drizzling.

It was about a mile from the closest subway station. Luckily, there were signs and volunteers guiding the way. I'm not familiar with the area, so it was a little  frustrating. There was also a ton of construction, so in order to get to the waterfront, you had to cross a bridge- that swayed. Talk about freaking out. The last time I experienced that I was on the Verrazano for the marathon.

The bridge of death and the construction.

It was also brought up that this is the only NYRR race that packet-pickup isn't in Manhattan. Could you imagine having to go to each of the respective boroughs for their races?

Once you finally arrived at the Pre-Party, it was really cute almost making you forget about the hike back to the subway- if you could remember how to get there. The official expo portion was under a tent and a tad crowded. Once you got your bib and shirt, you spilled into the New Balance merchandise area and the few vendors that were there were around it. I had my heart set on a couple of the race shirts that Brooklyn Circus designed, but I was disappointed that the designs either came in women's cut or unisex. The women's cut was shaped weird but that didn't stop me from buying way too many cotton blend shirts that said Brooklyn. I also picked up a half zip- what? How many times do you run your first Brooklyn Half?

You could also donation a pair of shoes and receive a $25 off coupon to the New Balance store on 5th Ave. I was really hoping I could pick up a pair of the New York City Marathon edition 890s, but alas they had already sent them to their outlets. You could buy the shoes at the expo, but you couldn't use the coupon. Whomp whomp. I should've bought them. 

Sparkly Soul had a custom headband for the race, so you know I had to have it. I'm loving that they're branching out this way, since they are the only headbands that don't give me headaches (but that doesn't stop me from buying others!) Nuun also had a special edition water bottle, like the one I got in DC, but I didn't realize that until it was too late, lucky for my kitchen cabinet. 

Brooklyn artists were there tagging your race shirts for free! By the time I decided I need that in my life, they had cut off the line. I thought it was a nice touch.

They also had a stage with lots of different musical acts, as well as plenty of AstroTurf area to enjoy the music. 

I was really interested in the food trucks for dinner. I am always on the look out for good Mediterranean cuisine, so I chose Toum. There was also a macaroni and cheese truck as well as a pizza one, I think. Luckily, I snagged a table under an umbrella and enjoyed my dinner.

I wasn't really fond of the only bathrooms being portapotties. It's one thing to go into one during a race, but in my work clothes with tons of bags? Ew.

See what I mean? It was an event. I easily spent a couple of hours there and I could've stayed longer, but I knew the trek home was going to be brutal.

I'm a fan of how much effort they put into making this entire event an authentic Brooklyn experience. I'm looking forward to how they handle the other borough races this year as well. I think it would be awesome for the other boroughs to get this much love, even if it does mean trekking there during the week :) 

BK Half Training- 2 weeks to go!

Monday: Rest

Tuesday: Rest

Wednesday: Rest

Thursday: NTC- Sweat + Shape

Friday: Rest

Saturday: Rest

Sunday: Rest

I brought my gym clothes to work all week with every intention of going to the gym, but I could not make myself. Even getting excited about wearing my new Nike gear didn't even motivate me to go. Sometimes you just need a break and this week definitely was needed.

Remember, when I was super excited about the NTC app? My initial reaction was: interval training? AWESOME! I can do anything for a minute. 

No. No, I cannot do anything for a minute. 

That app is no joke, people. 

Talk about a serious case of DOMS (Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness, for those not in the know). Let me just tell you, that's an understatement. I did the 30 minute workout on Thursday. I felt fine Friday, almost like I didn't even work out at all. Then Friday night hit. I was so sore, turning over in bed was painful. 

Moral of the story: Do not underestimate the Nike Training App.

I really wanted to do a short long run, so I could recover faster, but that wasn't in the cards for me this weekend. I had a lot of errands since I was out of town last weekend- so my "recovery" was a day of shopping throughout the city. If you've ever spent a day shopping around the city, you know that's no joke either. I'm pretty sure I did a 5k walking through Bloomingdales. It's no Macy's in Herald Square (which I avoid like the plague) but it was definitely an obstacle course for sure. 

I'm also scheduled for a massage today, which is very much needed. I'm hoping to flush out all the GSC/ NYC Half/ Nike Women's races so my muscles can start fresh for the Brooklyn Half in a couple of weeks. 

(3Things) Race lotteries, Running internet drama and a Made for More contest

The internet is action packed with running drama this week!

It was really hard not to get swept up in all the excitement for the NYC Marathon lottery this week. Although a part of me is a little bummed I won't be using my 9+1 guaranteed entry, (it is the most amazing marathon ever! But then again, I might be a little bias) there is another gigantic part that is damn excited about not rocking an 18 miler in August. However, I am excited about being able to run the Dash to the Finish Line the day before and participate in all the other festivities of the race without the side of taper madness anxiety. 

So, this blogger chick with a nasty attitude decided to bandit a race, ripped someone else's race selfies off and gets her 15 minutes of fame. I refuse to link her blog, but I will link the GENIUS response from Runner's World. I love that so many runners are against what she did. Back down and apologize gracefully, girlfriend. Attacking people when you're in the wrong is just gross and childish.

TUTUS ROCK!

Then, Self Magazine gets itself into a world of trouble with this. They included a photo of 2 ladies running in tutus- little did they know that was the owner of Glam Runner, who makes tutus that help support the charity Girls on the Run. ON TOP OF THAT, she was in the midst of chemotherapy for brain cancer when she decided to run the LA marathon as Wonder Woman in a tutu. Ouch, Self. Looks like you've really stepped in it. I've run the 26.2 mile distance 3 times- and all three times in a sparkle skirt and while you might think it's lame, I'm still a bad ass. There are no words to describe what Monika is, she's THAT amazing. Sidenote: I'd like to state for the record, with the exception of a race and even then they're pretty sparse, I've never seen anyone running in a tutu in Central Park. The above photo is in Prospect Park.

On a positive note, Oakley Women's is sponsoring a contest for the NYRR Oakley Women's Mini 10k. I love  their "Made for More" campaign and I'm glad they're continuing to use it this year.

(3LATEthings) Happiness, RNRBK cancelled and iTunes Radio stations

I don't fully understand the concept of a National Happiness Day, but apparently yesterday was the 2nd annual one thanks to the UN. Personally, I'm a fan of being happy more than one day a year, but to each his own. Thanks for pointing out that a lot of people go through their entire lives never actually knowing what true happiness is. . . but I digress. I hope you were happy yesterday.

 

 

I got this email about the Rock-n-Roll Brooklyn 10k being "postponed indefinitely". Bummer. They had really come leaps and bonds from the inaugural year. I was also looking forward to finally enjoying the after-party this year. They did mention that they're hoping to bring it back as a half marathon, so fingers crossed! I liked having a Rock-n-Roll race in my backyard. But the good news is I don't have to fork over money for the RNR NOLA (because I completely blanked on registering during the alum-pricing special) and I can go home again next year. Win win!

Do you know how amazing iTunes Radio is? There is a FROZEN station and just recently, they added a "One Hit Wonders", "Ladies of the 80s" and "Spring Break Party Anthems" stations to the main page. It's been my favorite thing about my days lately. Good music. Now THAT'S happiness.

What makes you happy?

(3 Things) Winning, NYC Half Lottery, WDW10k

First things first, Congrats Elle! She is the winner of my ENERGYbits contest. Thanks to everyone for participating. If you'd still like a chance to try some, please check out Tina's giveaway! 

It's been a lucky week! Due to a crazy coincidences, I actually won Elle's ENERGYbits giveaway last week (I promise nothing was rigged, everything was done through Rafflecopter), so now I can keep them in the routine, until I can buy some more! YaY! Karen had a Snowed in giveaway for a SmartWool winter headband that I won as well. I adore their running socks, so I think a warm headband for winter training would rock. Now I'm completely convinced that spot in my neighborhood (pictured above) really IS good luck. I think I should buy a lottery ticket.

Speaking of lottery tickets: The NYC Half drawing is today. Sending some good luck your way if you're in the drawing (please let me know if you get in!)! I have (non-complimentary) automatic entry for volunteering this year, so I'm in! I was debating heavily on whether I run this race or not, but after deciding The Glass Slipper Challenge would be for fun, I like that I can run this one for time (and I better! They have a strict time limit). . . who knows? Maybe even PR! This is my anniversary race. But let's not get ahead of ourselves. I need to actually DO speed/hill work, instead of just think about it. 

Waivers and Corral placements went up the runDisney website yesterday. Sadly, no corral assignments for the 5k or the 10k. Now I know what the 5k runners usually feel like! Anyone else think it's funny that WDW Marathon weekend is the only weekend where running a marathon isn't the most insane thing happening? I'm not sure how I'd feel about that if it were my first race of the distance, but I digress. Just because we aren't running an insane amount of miles, does not mean we shouldn't get the same treatment! All runners are rockstars in my eyes.

With the exciting energy in the air, I think I've safely settled on a costume (bonus: I already own everything I need!). If you follow me on Pintrest, I'm sure you have a pretty good idea who it is.
 

What's your favorite thing you've ever won? 

Rock-n-Roll: Brooklyn, a race recap

  
It's been kind of fun seeing this race evolve each year. I've run it since it's inaugural and I can say it's leaps and bonds from what it started out to be. 

We can start with the non-existent expo the first year. I volunteered to give out bibs and it was literally in a running store in midtown Manhattan. No room for anything. Last year, they actually had a pretty decent pickup area upstairs at the 18th st. Pavilion. This year, they made the ground floor with a healthy amount of vendors AND. . . .wait for it. . . .

 MERCH!!!

I was super excited, but I'm also a sucker for anything that says Brooklyn :) Sadly, I passed on those because my bank account was going to boycott me if I didn't- but I'm hoping they had left-overs and they pop up on the website soon. I was a little bummed they did not have the medal pins or magnets to add to my RNR collection, but maybe next year? 

Along with all the expo improvements, the course has changed each year. The original course was 2 loops of the park, this year's course took you out of the park longer which I thought was awesome.

As I've said previously, this was supposed to be my 20 mile week. I registered for the race thinking I wouldn't be training for the marathon again and it would be a nice 6.2 miles followed by a great post-race concert. That was definitely not the case. Since I already had a few races lined up before I finally settled on marathon training again, this weekend was the only weekend I could fit my 20 in again. Last year, I ran with someone which made it so much easier. This year? No one. Not gonna lie, the thought of running 20 miles solo AND with a race was extremely daunting. I wasn't sure I was going to do it until I actually woke up that morning and I was still praying for rain- it was the only thing I would allow myself to get out of it. 

 

Grand Army Plaza

I decided getting 4 miles in before the RNR Brooklyn would give me the push to do it- I figured I'd be half way through at the end of the race and that sounded a lot better than I have 14 more miles to run. That was a genius plan if I do say so myself. I was so proud of myself for getting those miles in and making it back to the corrals in time. 

The Brooklyn Public Library

Around mile 3 of the race, I noticed the ball of my foot was developing a hot spot, so I pulled over to the med tent and used the vaseline trick Pam taught me at Dumbo. I had too many miles to go to worry about stopping. The med volunteers were super great, too! Apparently, since it's such a short race, they hadn't had many visitors. 

The last 3 miles went by quickly. I will admit it was a great course, even if it did include that killer hill. But what's a prospect park run/ race without it?

I crossed the finish line, got my medal and some gatorade and chocolate milk and was on my way again. To finish the 2nd half of my long run, I did half of a loop inside the park (roughly 2 miles) and decided to do 2 loops of the exterior of the park (4 miles each). The path inside the park was too banked for my knee to handle. For not running in Prospect Park often, I was proud of myself for remembering where the landmarks were and even better- water fountains and bathrooms! 

The weather was perfect and the only complaint I had was my darn knee pain. It would come and go and I took way too many stretch breaks, but hey! Whatever it takes, right? I knew towards the end it was going to get pretty dark mentally, especially considering I was alone and didn't have anyone to take my mind off of all the pain. I decided to focus on the fact that I needed to enjoy the run for what it was: my last 20 mile run. That seemed to work well and even though the run didn't go as well as I would've like physically, I believe it was a success mentally. 

Next year, I'm sticking to just 6.2 miles! 

NYC Marathon: 3 weeks to go!

Monday: Walked around the Food and Wine Festival! 

Tuesday: Rest

Wednesday: Rest

Thursday: Half of a Zumba class and 3M

Friday: Rest

Saturday: 20 Mile 10K

Sunday: Rest

This was a weird week. I feel like I did more, but the facts are right there. Travel always messes with me like that. So does heat and it was hot in Florida! But I digress.

Thursday, I got frustrated with Zumba so I quit the class half way through and went to run on the treadmill. I've never done that before and I usually always enjoy the class even if there is a routine or 2 I'm not a fan of. It's a perfect warmup for running when I don't want to. But this class just wasn't working for me. Every routine seemed to be focused on gyrating in one way or another. I'm sure that's beneficial somehow, but this white girl wasn't having it. Then my 3 miles sucked, but I decided that was ok. You have to have the crappy workouts to appreciate the good ones, right? 

I still wasn't sure I was going to rock the 20miler until I woke up that morning. I reallyyyyy didn't want to. I knew I hadn't been taking care of my legs as much as I should've been and I knew it was going to be painful, specifically my knees. Spoiler alert: I was right. It was definitely painful, but I pushed through. I need to focus the taper on stretching and rolling more. I don't remember hurting as early as mile 11 last year, or I've conveniently forgotten. I do know I took care of myself better last year, though. Despite all that, I feel a little more tired than usual but again, not total zombie-like. Cheers to no longer being a marathon training noob! 

Can't believe it's already taper time. I think I might be finally getting excited about this. Or I'm just getting excited about being able to just shorter distance races and enjoy them- I was completely jealous of all the people enjoying the RNR BK post-race party and everyone who gets to run the Staten Island Half tomorrow. Either way, there is excitement happening!

PS: An update on the government shutdown affecting the race, NYRR addressed it later this week.