My First Half-Marathon

Today I checked another milestone off the list, I completed my first half marathon. I plan on doing the same thing again in June, of course I will be running the 13.1 miles after swimming for 1.2 miles and biking for 56 miles. Today was the first half-marathon of the NYRR Grand Prix Half-Marathon series. During the year, a half-marathon will be held in each of the five boroughs of New York; Bronx, Brooklyn, Queens, Staten Island and Manhattan.

Most running events bring with them an assortment of colorful characters and neither the 30 degree chill nor the prospect of 13.1 miles was enough to deter Larry the Lighthouse. Although neither Wendy the Windmill nor Suzie the Sailboat were anywhere to be seen. I guess if I have one goal, I should have a better time than the guy running with a giant lighthouse on his head. I passed Larry as I begun my second lap so, I'm confident in reaching that goal for today. Although definite props to Larry for running with a lighthouse on his head. A friend saw him this year at the NYC Marathon and I don't think I could have completed a marathon dressed as a lighthouse.

Overall I felt good during the course of the run and while I ran the first half at a slow pace, I decided to pick up the pace during the second half and came in at about 2 hours and 20 minutes which averages out to a 10:41 mile pace. I still was running strong at the end of the race andfelt good afterwards, although the bagels were all gone. I knew I should have grabbed one as I started my second lap! A little soreness around the knees later in the day, but my leg muscles were not sore at all.

The best of the race is the chance to run with and see the various friends that I have made with team in training over these two seasons. It's great to have such a supportive group and really makes a difference both on race day and just doing the training. Keep your eyes peeled for some more posts about who the various people in TNT are.