I wrote a post last year pre-NYC half about happy places and happy races. I am back again for the 5th year in a row at the NYC Half. I did a similar pre-race visit to some happy places with my fave people. One of my fave places anywhere is my brother and Dan’s farm in New Jersey. I know there are some doubters that think New Jersey and farm is an oxymoron. It is the Garden State, people! I love the wonderful home they have made (check out the two House Beautiful articles and other shots on Dan’s website), my animal nieces and nephews and spending time with Larry and Dan in such beautiful surroundings. Happy Place #1. This year, we tried a great new restaurant, too. I also got to see Lauren and try out some great new “inspiralized” veggie dishes at Houlihan’s for the blog. Killed two birds with one stone and loved catching up with Lauren!
Then, I came to NYC and stayed with Kathy and David and their boys. Happy Place #2. I always feel welcome and love to spend time with them and be an honorary aunt! Saturday morning, I met Scott and Kelly (and Andrea and Grace) Central Park. Happy Place #3. And then, Jen and Natalie met us for brunch at Le Pain Quotidien. Happy Place #4. It is the places AND the people who make these my happy places. When I am in NYC, it is hard to believe we left almost 10 years ago! Jen and I then visited the NYC 1/2 “Experience” – not an expo (head scratch) and got our numbers. In the evening, I met my friend Melissa (from high school), Sue and friends and Grace for a low key dinner at a fave place in South St. Seaport. I feel so lucky to have the opportunity to do this year after year!
The reason for my visit is to run the NYC 1/2 for the fifth year in a row with Alexandra’s Playground. Learn more and check out my awesome raffle HERE. I love this race because I am supporting a great cause with friends and the course is awesome. It starts in Central Park (a happy place) and runs through Times Square (a place that is only a happy place for me during this race each year). My mantra for today: happy race, happy place.
RACE UPDATE:
I love this race and today was just “my day!” You may recall that I pulled my hamstring in December and had a pretty rough run at Carlsbad Half in January. I felt like I was getting stronger but I did not know what to expect today. Then, there was A LOT of concern about a snow storm at race time. Um. Hmmm. Well, the weather was very chilly, but I went with my plan to wear shorts, compression socks, long sleeve top and gloves. The weather was PERFECT for me. There was some wind, but most of it was a tailwind. I felt great from the first step to the last. I smiled from ear to ear and encouraged runners around me. I met a guy at the West Side Highway turn (Mike) and we helped each other push the last 4.5 miles. I imagine the photos will have me looking like a smiling fool. You know what? I am SO fine with that. There is nothing like the feeling when everything comes together and you beat your expectations. I have run well the last four years, so this was the slowest one (by only 20 seconds). I was over the moon to finish in 1:38.02 (7:29 pace). And then, I got to celebrate with friends who had PRs, great efforts and lots of fun.
Do you have any happy places or happy races?
PS. Don’t forget to check out my raffle (only $10 or a share to enter) and great giveaways!