A Great Race

Firstly, I want to apologize for any negativity that I brought into the universe last week.  I was in a bad place for no real reason. I guess sometimes our emotions just get the best of us, but I'm back to my cheery self and I promise to make up for it with extra positive vibes this week.

Last night, I got an email from Team Sparkle that the skirt I won from Jessica's blog is on its way and I am so excited about it since I have wanted one for a long time, but haven't been able to justify the purchase.  Now if only I could win a Sparkly Soul headband.

I had to order new sneakers with only 27 days until the marathon and those should arrive this week as well.  I plan to christen them with my tempo run and then have them go all out with me for my longest training run on Sunday.  Yup, the week of the 20 miler is upon me.  If I can get through it and just stay healthy (read: lots of yoga, vitamins, eating well), the marathon should be a good one....

I actually had a great run this weekend in my territory.  New York Road Runners Club and thousands of runners flooded Staten Island for the annual half marathon.  While most probably complained about getting there, Nurys and I jumped on the Staten Island train. It is one train line and goes from one end of the island to the ferry and back.  We left just after 7 a.m. for an 8:30 start.  It was awesome!  We even had time to pick up our bibs there.  They were out of shirts but we were promised that we could get them at NYRR this week.

Pre Race

It was a chilly start so I was glad I opted for arm sleeves.  I ran into Stephanie just before we started and wished her luck before heading to my corral.  Nurys and I started out faster than we were supposed to, but we have been doing that all along in training season.  I think it was mentally easier for me to pick a more conservative marathon pace, knowing I had a kick to give. After the first few miles, which came and went quickly and easily, we slowed down a little, agreeing that after 10 miles, we'd let it all go.  There is one big hill at mile 8 that can be exhausting but I just concentrated on putting one foot in front of the other.  At mile 10, Nurys and I were still feeling great and took a little more speed.  At 12, we really kicked it up for a strong finish. They changed the course this year so that the last .2 is downhill and then plateaus.  It was great!  Thanks for that NYRR!  It almost makes up for how crowded it was.

This was one of my best races in a long time.  I am seriously hoping I can channel some of the same vibes for 11/4.  Unfortunately I went home and realized that my race results were not on NYRR.org. I had attached my D-tag so I am not sure what the issue was.  I have since emailed them and was asked to do a few things to prove I ran.  They asked that I:

• email them a picture of my D-tag on my sneaker (done)
• send the D-tag to them for testing
• name or bib #of anyone I started or ended near (done)
• look for photos when they come out late this week. 

The Proof!

I'll do all of that. However, I assure you that I ran this 13.1 and I ran it in 2:11:07 with a smile. Now I just have to do that twice and I'm done. :)

With that, happy Tuesday!

Congratulations to Heather for winning a copy of Renegades Write All the Rules.  She won by a landslide as my sole commenter.  Thanks for reading, Heather.

Sharing is Caring:  What was the last race you enjoyed or do you usually have a great run?