I entered the lottery for the United NYC Half kind of out of habit. I assumed it was just something to check off my to do list — and then was shocked to get the message that I was in. I figured it would be a good training push going into the Boston Marathon. But fast forward to getting sick with the flu in March. Could I swing it?
I went into the race very realistically. I had nothing to prove. I wasn’t trying to set a new PR. I definitely didn’t want to risk injury before Boston. I also didn’t want to miss out on the first race ever to run across the Brooklyn Bridge. That and getting to run through Times Square? Totally hooked me.
It ended up surprising me, being such an amazing race overall. It wasn’t my fastest race — but I definitely didn’t come in expecting a PR anyway. I started off meeting a bunch of moms from neighboring towns, riding together in a van to the start line. Love an online to offline moment! Such a great crew.
Running across the Brooklyn Bridge was worth the trip in for the race alone. You could sense the excitement of the crowd going into that stretch and that energy really helped propel me through the remainder of the course.
It’s funny — I always want to run this for the opportunity to run through Times Square, but I am never able to really fully enjoy it at that moment. This time, I was trying to pace myself — not wanting to push myself too much being behind on training so as to run the risk of taking myself out for any reason. Maybe third time will be the charm on that?
The weather ended up being much warmer than expected. It was quite foggy at times but thankfully no rain. I was appreciative I chose to wear several layers but by the end, found myself wishing for shorts rather than my capris.
What can I say. Always love a medal moment! (Also enjoyed? A quick pitstop for a Shake Shake Shackburger — not pictured.) So yeah, definitely glad I went for this one after all. Really turned out to be a lovely experience!
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