On Sunday 1/25/2015 I did not need the help of my alarm clock to wake up. I probably slept for a total of 4.5 hours, but made it a point to nap well the day before. I was up early and pumped up with excitement because this was my first race at the half distance since 2007. You see I am not really a racer, I just run on my own in order to stay in decent shape and live a healthier lifestyle. I went thru a normal mental checklist making sure everything was set and headed out the door with some degree of trepidation.
I was anxious, calm, hyped and even doubtful all at the same time. Yes, I said doubtful. I had let doubt creep in, but it wasn't going to be welcomed very long. I fell back on my training runs and remembered some of the toughest times pounding the pavement. The many bridge runs with crazy winds, sleet and snow and thought "I got this"! I arrived at Central Park an hour early in order to allow myself some prep time and get a warm up jog in. Huge lines formed at the Porta potties and that dug in to my time. Runners, including me, show up overly hydrated hence the 100 or more potties that still can't accommodate a NYRR event. When the gun went off, I simultaneously clicked on my watch, so when I cross the start I subtract the elapsed time throughout the race. It works for me. Mile one was just like any first Mile and due to the weather the ground looked like black ice but wasn't bad. I looked at my watch and slowed down in order to digest the situation, watch the speedy people zoom past and try to negatively split my pace. I maintained a decent pace and enjoyed my run until Harlem hill came along. Again, I fell back on my previous hill work and stuck to my plan focusing on breathing and proper form to save energy. Matt was on point when he said look out at miles 3, 4.5, 9 and 11.5 along with Meg predicting my race time. I was able to get some speed on the downhill portions and adjust for the ascents. I came in at 1:44.33 and was glad to start my race year on a positive note. All in all I had a great time at the race and look forward to the next one. Trust your training!
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