Today is the NYC 1/2 Marathon. The last two years in this race, I ran my best times in years and had a great time. This is the third year that I am running with the Alexandra’s Playground team. This is the second year that I am holding a great raffle for my fundraising. You can read all about the organization and check out the raffle HERE. I raised more than twice my $1,000 goal so I am going to add an extra bonus prize! What is it?? It may just be a Timex GPS Marathon watch. This one.
Midwest Erica (that is me after 7+ years living in Chicago) struck up a conversation with a “kid” on the train in to NYC from the airport. He asked why I was in NYC and I said to visit and run a race. He mentioned that he is doing his first marathon in a few weeks. I asked him about his training and goals. And then told him I would offer him one piece of advice. I told him to find the pace group 5 to 10 minutes slower than his goal time and to stick with them for the first 10 miles. He asked “why?” I told him distance races are all about patience. I should know – I have none. I told him about my first marathon and the 8 minute per mile first half and nearly 10 minute per mile second half. In the net, it was all good – sub 4 hours. But boy did that hurt! I also wound up telling him to look around, to meet people, to smile and take it in. There is only one first marathon.
My goal for the run is to take my own advice: be patient, be present, smile and most of all have FUN!
There is still time to get in on my awesome raffle – 8 great prizes – HERE. I will stop by later to let you know how the race goes!
Race Update: I DID IT! I took my own advice. My first 5k was the slowest, I ran strong and positively, I had fun and remembered to smile!!! I was very excited about this run! I met a woman, Jen, before the start who was doing her second half marathon and we had similar goals. We ran the first 10 miles together and chatted. It was really fun to run with a newer runner (she did amazing in her 2nd half marathon ever!) and to share my experiences with her.
I pushed myself. I felt very positive and never questioned my abilities or had negative thoughts. I was really proud of that! I smiled and took in all of the sights and sounds. I did not love the changes in the course, but still loved the race. The conditions were cold and windy but once we started going it was really pretty nice!
My time was 1:37.12 (7:25/mile) which was slower than last year, but great for the conditions (and after the tough winter to train in!) I was the 346th woman of almost 11,000 women. Not too shabby! And top 10% overall!
I am so grateful for my health and all of the support I received for my raffle and run! Special thanks to all of my NYC friends who made extra efforts to meet this weekend, terrific race support from Stacy and to Larry and Dan, and Kathy and David, for their hospitality!
PS. Don’t forget my Ocean’s Halo seaweed chip giveaway and Sprint Into Fitness Blog Hop Giveaway, too!