NYC Marathon

Well, it's done and I am super happy with the results! I FINALLY became a member of the sub-5 club. For some you folks out there, a sub 5 is nothing...but for a mid to back of the pack runner like me, it's a big accomplishment.

I'll be honest, before the broken toe incident I had some pretty lofty goals for NYC. But since I didn't start my training again until July, and I decided run fewer days in order to train for one more triathlon, I had to adjust those goals a bit. Not to mention that the hill training I intended to add to my workouts just didn't happen thanks to my work schedule...well, life happens and you adjust. But, I knew that I had been training consistently, I did my speedwork like a good girl and all of my long runs were under an 11:30 pace (slightly). Given some decent racing conditions, I knew I was capable of having one hell of a PR. Given decent racing conditions and no weird muscle joint isssues (you just never know), I was pretty sure I could pull off 26.2 in under 5 hours. Although I'll admit - those bridges and hills did scare me a bit. I did have some bridges and a few "hills" during my long runs, but nothing like NYC.

And I did it! My time was 4:57:52...that's a 23 minute marathon PR for me! Can I get a WHOOT?????

Sorry for the blurry and tiny pic, but I didn't feel like typing all of this out. So, as you can see I did slow a little toward the end. Normally, I'd rather speed up, but to be honest there wasn't much left in the tank and those "hills" in Central Park kicked my ass. (see? That's what I get for no hill training!)

I will post a full race report in the next day or so. Sorry for the delay, but we just returned from NYC last night. All I will say is that I loved every minute of every mile. LOVED IT! Well, okay maybe not so much for that gradual incline in Central Park...I HATED that. :-)