The beauty of living close to NYC is being able to do NYRR races. The downside of living close to NYC is how early you must get up to go in for a NYC race. Logistics are not horrible, but it still adds time to your day. To be honest, I always plan more about getting in than getting out. It really is because I know that I can get on a train and get home even if I’m not that familiar with the trains.

So up at 4 AM and meet up for the van that was taking several of us in at 5. Seems too early which it is especially when you are starting in last wave. That being said, some of the women in the van are speedy and do need to be there early. Plus the roads around the race will close. So up and out early.

When I signed up for this race, I did think that one of my running friends would with me. I knew early on in my training though that would not be the case. I’m used to be a solitary runner, so it was not a deal braker fro me. I was running this race for me anyway:)

I prepped all my things the night before and thought that I was all good to go. Right up until I got there and realized that I forgot my headphones. The way I looked at it thought if you were going to gorget something on race day, this really is the best thing to forget. Especially at a NYC race. There is always so much to see.

The weather was perfect for race day. Chilly in the morning, but running temps were perfect. I always run hot anyway. So I planned to wear shorts with long compression socks, a short sleeve shirt and running sleeves. It all worked out. Throwaway jacke and blanket till the start. Checked bag for the finish. All Good.

As I said in previous post, I did not train for pace, but did have my plan for race day. I knew not to get caught up in the excitement in the beginning and just make sure to stay true to my training. I wanted to stay in the high 12/low 13 pace. I ran most, but walked when I felt I needed to or on a hill. Most of all is I enjoyed the day. I took in the crowds. I enjoyed the sites. I took pleasure in being able to do what I was doing.

Around mile 9 on one of the bridges a woman ran by me. She thanked me for running for Sandy Hook Promise. She then said she used to live in Newton and again appreciated me running for them. It was a boost that I needed. I got several of these through out the day. From seeing another Sandy Hook Promise runner as I was getting ready to start the race to something as simple as seeing a sign with an S (Sandy Hook Promise) on it when I was getting tired. Then on another occasion seeing an N (Newton) . Yes, you see signs when you are looking. I was looking.

At mile 10, my Sandy Hook Promise cheer zone was there and they always bring a smile to my face. At mile 12 my friend whose daughter was running was there with her daughter who finished much earlier than me (started wave 2 and ran sub 2). So I kept running.

As I was walking another runner came up to me and asked if she could finish the race with me. She hit the wall. So we walked, we ran, we chatted and most of all we got each other to the finish line. It was a picture perfect ending to a great day!

Although with a big event it’s never really over as it takes miles of walking to get out of park and home. All worth it..