Holy hills!!! The course for the More|Fitness Half Marathon kicked my butt this morning!
Ashley and Theodora weren’t joking when they warmed me about the hills in Central Park. I knew about Harlem Hill because I ran it last summer during BlogHer, but I didn’t realize just how difficult the other “rolling” hills would be! Yowsahs. The National Half Marathon course was child’s play compared to this one!
I didn’t PR at this half marathon, but I still had a blast running through Central Park and being part of the Thomas Bagel Thins team with Caitlin and Jennifer. What a cool experience it has been for me!
Just like last weekend, Theodora and I found each other before the race. We only chatted for a few minutes before the gun fired promptly at 7:00 AM.
As expected, the first mile or so of the race was jam-packed with runners and a little bit crazy, but, eventually, the group spread out and there was plenty of room to run.
The race started on West Drive at 63rd Street, and then looped counterclockwise twice around the Park. I thought I’d get bored running the same course a second time, but I actually didn’t mind it at all. Central Park is so beautiful, and there were tons of spectators cheering us on. Running the course again also helped me plan for the hills the second time around. Harlem Hill and Cat Hill almost killed me on the second loop! My legs were burning!!
Even though I really struggled with the hills today, I finished… in one piece. I completed three half marathons in three weeks, so I think that’s a major accomplishment in itself! I’m feeling pretty proud of myself right now.
Considering the hills, I’m happy with my race time. I finished in 1:57:49 (8:59 pace). Of course, I’d like to PR at every race, but, as we all know, it doesn’t always happen that way.
My Garmin time and official time were the exact same. When does that ever happen!?! What a difference compared to last weekend, huh?
- Mile 1: 8:02
- Mile 2: 8:29
- Mile 3: 8:31
- Mile 4: 8:41
- Mile 5: 9:10
- Mile 6: 8:40
- Mile 7: 8:42
- Mile 8: 9:09
- Mile 9: 8:53
- Mile 10: 9:25
- Mile 11: 9:47 <— Harlem Hill 2nd time
- Mile 12: 9:03
- Mile 13: 8:45
I have to say, the More|Fitness Half Marathon was soooo well organized. There was plenty of water and Gatorade at all of the “fluid stations,” clearly visible mile makers at every mile, and a smooth, efficient finish line with no crazy back-up of runners. I’m very impressed by the New York Road Runners. Perhaps I’ll have to come back to NYC for another race soon?!
After the race, I refueled with a mini carton of chocolate Silk soymilk, which tasted delicious and provided lots of wonderful nutrients for recovery.
I also ate a massive bagel with cream cheese.
And an iced soy latte from Stumpton Coffee, which I’ve been obsessed with ever since my first sip back in October 2009. Mmm! Nice and bold!
Since the race, I’ve been lounging around and watching TV. Hopefully, I can motivate myself to get out and take advantage of my time in New York City!
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this makes me want to run again! you make it sound fun (ah I was burned out before)
3 halfs in 3 weeks is incredible! Congrats!
I still vote for beer in bed. Congrats on a great race!
Get out and enjoy the food in New York.
U seriously inspire me girl! I really , really, am thinking of training for a half one day ! I want to ! Congrats!!!
Congrats. Time to become a half fanatic!! http://www.halffanatics.com/criteria.html You definitely meet some criteria!
Sounds like such a fun race! Speedy 1st mile! Great job! Should take up Kerry’s suggestion and become a fanatic….
3 halves in 3 weeks = I bow down to thee. You are superwoman! Take next weekend off
Congratulations!! You deserve a bagel twice that size and filled with chocolate
Congrats on your time & running 3 half-marathons in 3 weeks!! That’s an amazing feat on its own for sure! =)
Congrats Tina – 3 marathons in as many weeks is a serious accomplishment!
You rock! Three half marathons in that many weeks is a huge accomplishment!! Way to go!!
congrats on 3 halfs in 3 weeks! as someone who’s never even completed a 5k, that definitely sounds like quite an accomplishment!
I would do a half marathon soley for that bagel at that!!! Also, Ive always wanted to run in Central Park, so I am jealous!
Congratulations! Great job Tina!
Nice job on the race!!! I can’t imagine running 3 halves in 3 weeks!!! You’re amazing!
Congrats! I’ve never participated in any marathon activities, and from your posts it seems like such a fun thing to do. I have to start baby steps first, as it looks like a test of endurance.
three half marathons in three weeks! AWESOME JOB!
That sounds like it was a great race!!
Nice work lady! Three halves in three weeks–that’s awesome!
PR or not, u rocked the half! Three in a row plus a fabulous time! Props to ya
congrats on an incredible race!!!
miss you <3
Congrats! Three in three weeks is an amazing accomplishment!
Congrats on your race!
LOVE SILK! 
Congrats-that is awesome of 3 in 3 weeks!! I like the medal too
you should be proud of yourself, girl, you have accomplished something amazing! i’ve got plans to run my first half marathon this year. in theory it sounds exciting, but i’ve got this darn hip problem currently that is slowing down my training progress. i can’t increase my distance much past 6 miles at a time right now. oh, well. i’m so grateful to be able to do 6 that i refuse to complain
xo
Congrats! Well done…especially with the hills. Those always suck the energy out of me.
3 in 3 weeks! That is an accomplishment! I am totally with you. You can’t approach every race an expect to PR, and if you don’t get down on yourself. Every run is so different with weather, the course and how you are feeling. I try to enjoy each one for what it is and for the simple reason that I enjoy racing! The best part is just being around so many other people the love to run as well. That feeling of unity is amazing!
You’re so inspiring! Congrats- and have a well earned rest today!!
3 half marathons in 3 weeks; you are a rockstar!!!! Hope you enjoy the rest of your time in NYC
Congratulations! My legs just fell off while reading this!
Congrats on your 3 halves in 3 weeks! That’s pretty amazing!
You’re right that you can’t PR ‘em all, but you still did great.
Congrats on 3 halfs in 3 weeks! Very impressive
funny that you ran the race for bagel thins, but ate a HUGE ass bagel afterwards. haha! sounds like such a fun race.
congrats! 3 half marathons in 3 weeks is BAD ASS.
And if this course was a lot hillier than national, I think you should be VERY proud of that time!
i LOVED nyrr races back when we lived in CT for the very reason that they were always so well organized
Congrats on the race!!!
Congrats! That’s so amazing that you can now finish half marathons under 2 hours like it’s nothing! (Ok, I’m sure it was tough but obviously even with hills you can kick ass!).
On a separate note: we need to get together soon!!!
There is something so comforting about massive bagels once in a while when you need them! I always feel so content and full when I have one
Congrats on a great race!
AWWW I just saw your pictures and remember you running past me right before the 4th and 10th mile markers! I was volunteering at the event =)
Great job honey!
haha I’d like to reiterate on how GINORMOUS that bagel is, indeed.
Congratulations on a great run!!! I was there too and it was my first Half-Marathon ever! I am a walker/jogger and wanted to turn a new leaf for my 50th Birthday in June! Turn a new leaf? How about the whole darn tree at 13.1 miles? But, I finished it and lived to do it again next year. Loved spending time in NYC, and now I have an official race time in the NYRR books, so cool! Bring on the 50th!
Awesome race recap! Congrats!
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