• Royal Race Report: Mary Gibbons on the Brooklyn Half

    Mary Gibbons on the Brooklyn Half 2019: or, how I defeated impending GI issues with a smile on my face:

    I didn’t sign up for the half marathon this year, only having run in once in 2016 and not enjoying it (that last 6 miles! the plodding feet! the sun!). But when a post on Facebook about a club bib being available went up, I knew I should try. My winter running had gone off the rails due to over commitments at work, and I needed something on the horizon that would keep me plodding along. I didn’t follow a particular training plan, but made sure to get to Bed-Stuy Flyers workouts with Tara as often as I could, and hit my longer runs on the weekend. I didn’t know how my pace would shake out, but I ran a sub 7 min/mil 5K in the beginning of May, so figured 1:45 was a good goal pace for this race. I have some big race plans over the summer and fall, and so was hoping that hitting 1:45 in this race I didn’t enjoy too much would set me up for a good baseline for my summer training.

    Race week was incredibly silly and fun. The most hype I’ve seen for this race in a long time – there were events by different clubs or crews every day of the week (grumble grumble David, Tara, and I went to one for free swag and came away empty handed). Pizza at Bravi Ragazzi on Putnam (shout-out to Mike Bancale!) the night before with some running friends got me jazzed for the race, and showing up for the pre-race photo with the Royals kept me in “this is fun, this is fun, I swear” mode.

    I ran the race alone, without anyone from the club, though of course we all know how crowded that course was. I kept it conservative in the first six miles, and slowly picked up speed on Ocean Parkway. I am still dumb-founded that I passed a woman running with a boot on (like, the cast things y’all) and a woman running with crutches… both in mile 2. -_____- I kept a smile on my face throughout the race, felt like I was going to go to the bathroom for about six miles, and then had gastrointestinal distress for the evening…but yea, I had a lot more fun than 2016! Oh, and I hit my goal pace. What a treat to be done and hang around the stadium with all the beautiful CHRC buds. Really, it was just a perfect running morning.

    BK half, you’re tricky and popular and I’ll probably see you again.

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  • Royal Race Report: Amelie Poojary on the Brooklyn Half

    Did you train for this race? If so, how?

    Yes, I initially wanted to follow a training plan but didn’t have great incentives to do so. I ended up joining as many CHRC speed workouts and long runs as possible.

    Did you have any goals for this race? If so, what were they?

    Yes, I wanted to run it in less than 2 hours because my ultimate goal this year is to run the marathon and mentally, I cannot imagine running for more than 4 hours. I ran the Brooklyn half in 1 hour 59 minutes without too much effort, so I feel more confident about my goals now!

    Did CHRC help you train for/run/celebrate this race? If so, how?

    Yes!! Long runs and speed workouts were super helpful. I had a hard time finding routes and having fun when doing them by myself. The longest run I did with the club was 10 miles and I believe that’s why I felt so good til ~11 miles on race day. And I ran that Prospect Park hill so many times during speed workouts that I didn’t even need to catch my breath after running it during the race. Also, I loved that the club organized a Q&A, a run to the race pre-party, and group pics before the race. I participated in all of these events – they were very well planned, fun and took a lot of pressure off of me!

    What was your favorite thing about the race?

    The cheerers, being completely in control of that loop and hill in the park, and the beach at the end!

    What was the biggest challenge about the race?

    The last 2 miles – they were hard on my legs, but they made me realize that I need to run more often and longer distances.

    Would you run it again?

    Yes!

    What advice/tips would you give to Royals wanting to run this race?

    Train, train, and train. Also go to all of the great events organized by the club before the race (I had friends meeting me after the race so I didn’t attend the post events, but I think those would be great if you are on your own!)

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  • Royal Race Report: Guillermo on Cheering at the NYC Half

    CHRC Royals don’t just love to run, we love to cheer on our teammates because we’ve all had that experience of struggling through a race and being lifted up and recharged by friends who’ve come out to cheer for us. Here’s Guillermo Jimenez’s ecstatic report on the “cheerer’s high” he got from cheering at the NYC Half Marathon:

    It was a beautiful early spring morning. At 38 degrees, it would have been perfect for racing, but it was a bit cold to be standing around. I figured I would do my recovery run and get warmed up by running from my apartment to Dekalb Ave. As I left my apartment at 6:55am, I saw lots of runners making their way to the start. I felt a bit envious. As I ran past Grand Army Plaza, a police officer nicely informed me that the start was the other way. I gently smiled and replied that I was not racing but was instead heading to help set up a cheer spot. I was the second person to arrive. Amanda had already set up the table. All we needed was the banner. As we set up, we saw some November Project folks. I joined their tribe workouts once and they are awesome people. Unlike me, lots CHRCers are November Project regulars, so they knew about us. We offered to join forces. As both CHRC and NP members started to arrive and runners made their way to Manhattan, the party started. I would normally be too cold standing around, but the energy from both runners and spectators was so warm and contagious that I did not feel the cold.

    I saw lots of familiar faces from previous races, Strava friends, and teammates. I tried and failed miserably to take some pictures. It is hard to cheer and take pictures at the same time. My plan was to cheer until 8:15am at the first cheer spot and then take the Q train to mile 12 in Manhattan. I have raced the half marathon more than any other distance, and for me the hardest mile is always mile 11. At that stage, you are hungry, tired, and your legs hurt. In my case, people start to pass me. Miles 11-13 feel like never-ending miles. When I see someone at mile 11 or 12, it always gives me that extra push to finish with a smile and I wanted to give that to my friends.

    As I reached my planned location, I saw the 1:25 pace group. This made me smile because on 2018, I ran past them on the Manhattan Bridge. (Of course I had started too fast and killed my legs early in that race, but that’s another story). I put on my banana suit and began cheering non- stop. Gideon joined me shortly afterwards and the Banana Cheer Squad was in action. This brought back memories from the 2017 NYC Marathon, where Gideon and I ran side by side wearing banana regalia for the first 13 miles. Groups came and went. People came to cheer on their loved ones and left. We often asked for their runner friends’ names and chanted the names along with them. Some groups stayed longer than others as they had multiple runners on the course. One lady asked me, “Which runners are yours?” My immediate response was Crown Heights, but right away, I corrected myself and said, “Well, not really. I’m not only here for Crown Heights. I’M HERE FOR ALL RUNNERS, so basically ALL OF THEM ARE OURS!” She had been really quiet and kept to herself before that, but after my response, she began to cheer on all runners just like Gideon and me. As the race was in its final stages, we saw Zoe and we screamed our hearts out. She came running over to us, eager to high-five us. We wrapped it up a few minutes afterwards, filled with something I would describe as a runner’s high. We didn’t race, but nonetheless we were happy to witness people push through barriers and give them a smile, even if just for a few seconds. I would say it was a cheerer’s high. If you have yet to come out and cheer for the duration of a whole race, please do so. You’ll definitely love it. I know I did. You may get a sore throat, but the cheerer’s high is worth it!

    Awesome runner Zoe passes the cheer station!

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  • Jaimie Lee on Joining the Royal Council

    Did you know that CHRC is run by a wonderful group of members who make up the Royal Council? I joined the club two years ago and at the time, never thought I would end up on the Council…

    A year in to my transition to Crown Heights, my friend Liz Chen very persistently insisted that I check out a CHRC run. I was a new   runner and felt uncertain about joining a running club. Am I fast enough? Why would I want to talk to someone while out-of-breath running? Can I get over my social anxiety? My first CHRC run was a now-retired Thursday Run & Some (the some being cats and wall planks), led by the one and only Kristen Kainer-Turner, where I immediately felt welcomed. Since then, I’ve met the best people who inspired and supported me to accomplish things I never thought I could (run two marathons!) and have helped make Crown Heights feel like home. After all, what better way to get to know someone then to run alongside them–being challenged, suffering, but ultimately, celebrating!

    I had just started co-co-co-co leading #FridayFive runs (fellow leaders Amanda, John, and Sebastian), when Nick Collins planted the idea of joining the Royal Council. I didn’t know much about the roles and responsibilities, but knew that I wanted to get more involved. The Council meets quarterly to coordinate events/activities/runs and discuss decisions that align with and carry out our mission as a club. I decided to join the council as a Membership Coordinator, along with Guillermo. It felt natural to help coordinate Membership with hopes to make others feel welcomed to the club the way that I had. It was the perfect platform to get a better feel for how things operated while also getting more plugged-in.

    This year, I’m taking on a new role as Community Engagement Coordinator, with the goal to develop a stronger presence in the neighborhood through service and partnership. I’m excited to foster something I feel passionate about and our team (Amanda, Jessie, and Megann) have started to brainstorm and organize service opportunities, so be on the lookout for upcoming events!Also, we would love to hear your thoughts and ideas–please share them!

    What I love most about the Council is that it provides a space for members to join together with their individual interests and skills. Do you feel strongly about a particular area of the club? Do you want to get more involved or have thoughts on ways to build our group? We always welcome feedback and If you’re active with the Club and are interested in helping out in one or multiple areas (social media, events, races, etc.), we would love to discuss ways for you to join in!

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  • Royal Race Report: Tara Mardigan on the NYC Half-Marathon

    What was your race experience like?

    Whoa, this race was equal parts tough and exhilarating. The course was familiar to me in spurts from both running and biking NYC but stringing it all together was brand new. What a way to see NYC! I was trying to distract myself in the later miles by pretending I was a tourist and being in sheer awe of the best city in the world. It helped a bit.

    Did you train for this race? If so, how?

    Yes! I won’t race a half marathon unless I’m trained. I hired Coach Nick Wical of @runforyourunwithus in early January to design an interactive online training plan. It was very helpful and Coach Nick was flexible given some fatigue and unexpected foot issues that crept in during my training. He uses Vdot, the coaching platform to upload all of my workouts and comment back and forth. I’m already signed up with Coach Nick for the Brooklyn Half with my sights set on a PR. www.roadandtrailrunners.com

    Did you have any goals for this race? If so, what were they?

    I had 2 goals:

    • run sub 2 comfortably (last 3 miles were not so comfortable but I did 1:55:13)
    • PR (missed by 22 seconds from Staten Island Half 2018)

     

    Did CHRC help you train for/run/celebrate this race? If so, how?

    Of course! The cheer station was the best. Nothing beats seeing a bunch of bananas emerge into viewpoint. It carries you.

    What was your favorite thing about the race?

    Running alongside fellow CHRC teammate, Jaimie. She is the smoothest runner I know. It really helped to have her next to me even though we were running our own races. I just need to try to stay with her the entire time from now on!

      
    What was the biggest challenge about the race?

    The later parts of FDR Drive were my biggest challenge. Surprisingly hilly without crowd support made it extra difficult. I sometimes like a quiet stretch of a race (Queensboro Bridge during the NYC Marathon) but for some reason, I was overthinking how much more of the race was left while on FDR. I suppose mental strength training will help me with this for future races.

    Would you run it again?

    Absolutely! I prefer cold weather running so this time of year suits me and the course is anything but boring.

    What advice/tips would you give to Royals wanting to run this race?

    As always, go out relaxed the first few miles. I might have gone too fast in the start even though I felt great at the time. It’s a hilly course throughout.

    Also, if it lines up with St. Patrick’s Day again, account for extra time getting to the actual start/bag check. I called for a Lyft from BedStuy and usually have a 3-5 minute wait to get a car (or less). It was an unexpected 23 minute wait so I had a stressful time getting there. The Lyft driver told me it was because of St. Patrick’s Day and higher demand. Everything worked out but just barely. I felt like the adrenaline wasted getting there would have come in handy during the race.

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  • Rebekah Tonthat on Leading Trail Runs

    How did you become a trail run leader and what has your experience been like?

    I started running with CHRC around December or November. I met a CHRC member at the Staten Island Half, and I thought it would be a good idea to check out runs with different groups. CHRC had one of the most “friendly” schedules for me (7:45 Tuesday stamina night, 11 am Sunday trail run) that felt like I could still have a life and not be rushing to or from work.

    I started doing the trail runs, led by Josh, Kay, James, and Joey. Everyone was super welcoming. And of course, Joey’s Wild Bill impression is an unforgettable experience.

    I had absolutely no intention of becoming a trail leader. I remember in my early days that there was no set trail leader one Sunday and I showed up at the same time as a couple of brand new people, who all looked at me expectantly. I immediately regretted disclosing any prior knowledge of the run or of CHRC, as they took it for granted that if I knew the course (I didn’t) and would lead the way. I ran off, quite literally, and felt sort of bad… but not as bad as I would have had I led a pack of runners in circles in the woods.

    Over time, I became more comfortable with the paths off the main loop. One day I was talking to Liz Marvin about trail running and I offered to put my name down, as I noticed there were a couple of trail runs that had no leaders. I figured that I would be running on Sundays solo anyways–why not with company? I’m not the fastest runner, which worried me, but I figured at the very least, that some people would stick together and some would split up. Without Facebook, it was my way of saying, ‘I’ll be here, if anyone wants to show up’.

    A real eye-opener was how much time, work, and dedication goes into organizing these runs on a consistent schedule (which is something I really appreciate!). The CHRC group has made it as easy as possible to be a leader, from checking in about whether I’m still willing to lead after a day of inclement weather, to posting on Facebook for me. As someone who is social media free, I appreciate their tolerance for my quirks.

    What’s different about the trail runs?

    The Lookout Hill stair repeats. I love running the trails, with or without people. But there’s something special about a light rain or fresh dew, when it’s misty out and the trees are green and you’re leaping up these broken stone stairs that feel endless, that always makes me feel like “Eye of the Tiger” is playing.

    It’s also good to mix it up, and I like that this strength training aspect (which you can opt into or out of!) is a part of the trail runs. On a recent trail run, a very nice, if bemused, family gave us a spontaneous ovation on our second round of stairs.

    Why should I go trail running?

    Because being out in nature is amazing! There’s a small family of (friendly-ish) black squirrels that live by Bartel Pritchards, which are always an exciting sighting.

    I personally find trail running to be a little easier on some minor injuries and it’s always an interesting physical puzzle to navigate around obstacles. Mentally, it’s more stimulating and relaxing for me to get into the rhythm of things and really feel in touch with the park. It’s always been a great, welcoming and friendly group of people.

    What if I trip and fall?

    Fear on technical paths is a real thing, especially in certain races or on new terrain. I still pause when scaling or moving down steep slopes. I have a better sense now of how the ground is going to react, but that bit of hesitation can really hold you back! James Bennett once told me that it was easier to do it quickly and let your body make the decisions for you while I was clinging to some rocks on a hillside– great advice in the moment that I’m *still* completely unable to follow.

    Anything you’d like to share with potential trail runners?

    Let me know what you’d like to do. I’m always open to new routes, more stairs, or even an extended trail run.

    Please know: my greatest fear is losing you. All paces welcome–I’m happy to take it at any speed (except really, really fast. Josh, just go ahead.)

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  • Royal Race Report: John Bedard on the Cherry Tree Relay

    What was your race experience like?

    When I first heard about the race, I was pretty intimidated based upon the terrible weather experienced previously, especially since even Akil refused to run it and that guy runs thousands and thousands of miles! However, this year’s weather was great and I was excited not to have to run the whole 10 miles! Aside from the bib pickup, the overall race felt well organized and was on time. The relay handoffs went pretty smoothly for our team and I had the best running teammates.

    Did you train for this race? If so, how?

    Nope. 3.4 miles is a pretty short distance for me and the course is super familiar since we run around it at least once a week!

    Did you have any goals for this race? If so, what were they?

    My goals were in our team name, CHRC banana splits! I wanted negatives splits on my lap, which I and my team achieved. In the end, Sunny, who ran the 2nd lap, had a faster pace than me, and in turn Nick had a faster pace than Sunny! Very happy with the results 🙂

    Did CHRC help you train for/run/celebrate this race? If so, how?

    Yes! Running with my teammates and getting to know each other’s paces and abilities was very helpful.

    What was your favorite thing about the race?

    I really enjoyed the relay aspect and working together with teammates to achieve our best results.

    What was the biggest challenge about the race?

    Potentially, it was the weather, but in the end the weather was great. So, I guess it was the handoff of the snap bracelet, but otherwise, no big challenges.

    Would you run it again?

    Yes!

    What advice/tips would you give to Royals wanting to run this race?

    It’s worth braving the weather to run this race. If you are looking for a PR for a 10 mile race, this one is definitely a good choice because the course is so familiar!

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  • Royal Race Report from the 2018 NYC Marathon – Kelly’s race

    What was your race experience like?

    South Brooklyn, sunshine, adventure. Making a Great British Bake-off joke to some British lady with “Mel” on the back of her shirt. The guy with the shirt saying if he finished the race he’d propose to his girlfriend! (DID HE?!) Tripping hard while high-fiving a kid! Losing Brooke. Finding Brooke. Tearing up at all the familiar songs. Looking for friends & family in the crowds but mostly missing each other — but then, unexpected friends in the crowd! Big silly grin the whole time.

    Miles 8-12, uh-oh, this is getting kind of hard. But this is my home territory. That’s where I cheered last year! Now I’m near my school, do I see any kids? (Nope, although some saw me.) The CHRC cheering station, thank you so much. Slowing down a lot. Scarfing down gummies. These gummies are revolting. What made me think I actually liked them?! Eat more. Drink more.

    Miles 13-15, holy heck, who knew the front of the ankle could cramp like this? There are even muscles there?! Biology. Goddamn. This is all because of my school’s freakin’ 10:40 am lunchtime!!! Also, I appreciate that you Greenpointers came out but make a little noise, people! I have a friend who will be near the Pulaski Bridge. Maybe I will see her and she will save me. Keep running. I lost Brooke!? I’m all alone? What do I do? Keep running. These gummies are revolting. Eat more. Drink more.

    Queens. I only remember about 30 seconds of Queens but they aren’t bad memories. Just get to the bridge. The bridge is all right. I practiced this. It’s not the thing that will take me down. It’s quiet. Take a moment to look out at the river. This hill will be rewarded. The bridge is all right.

    1st Ave. Wow, you really can see that long straight river of runners stretched out for blocks that you will also have to run…. Inspiring. Horrifying.

    Bathroom stop. Yes! Got out ahead of some digestion issues, took a tiny break, feeling better. I know all the steps I have to take to get to the end. I’m. going. to. fucking. take. them. all. There’s my friends’ chorus that’s going to sing when I pass. Yay! Wait, why aren’t they singing?!! (The tracker app was about 2 min. wrong is why.) But they’re here for me! Be grateful!

    The Bronx. All the leg cramps are back — and brought friends! BUT. I have a little love for this neglected borough because I started my career teaching here, and people are out playing music, and it’s not true that no one cheers here. Oh crap! I didn’t practice the course right, I went straight but they’re making us go around this block before the bridge, that’s soooo annoying! Maybe I should try some of this BioFreeze stuff. Doesn’t work through socks. Oh well. I’m going to walk for a minute and try to loosen up some of these aching muscles. Is that a race photographer? Really?!? I walk for 1 minute of this whole race and that’s when you take my picture?! Keep running.

    This is Harlem but I am in my head. I hear some music. That little park zig-zag. Maybe I’ll walk again. People around me are struggling, too, it’s okay for this to be hard. Go deeper into yourself. Around the corner onto 5th again, a familiar voice, it’s my friend Jay! No way I’m going to walk now! I owe him so much.

    The stupidly long uphill along the park but the end is coming, I can taste it, I only have to run for, like, 45 more minutes… sigh. More friends, a whole cheering section that I didn’t know would be there! Everyone shouts my name. Just let each cheer carry you. You’re almost there. Oh fuuuuuck, that’s the MET?! I thought we were almost to 59th Street! Keep running.

    Central Park South! Keep running! Back into the park! Keep running! Don’t use up that last strength yet, they always hide the finish a little farther away than it seems. Push push push. 200 m. Just keep running. That’s the finish. That’s the finish. Raise your arms up! That’s the finish.

    Now what?

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  • Royal Race Report from the 2018 NYC Marathon – Gideon’s race

    What was your race experience like?

    Joyful, as always with the NYC Marathon. Could’ve used more clouds!

    Did you train for this race? If so, how?

    Yes and no. I had an ambitious start, dealt with some early injuries, but couldn’t get into a rhythm for the bulk of it. Career transition jumbled it!

    Did you have any goals for this race? If so, what were they?

    Finish 3:45, or at least better

    Did CHRC help you train for/run/celebrate this race? If so, how?

    Yes! Leading the handful of Long Runs that I did kept me honest. Feeling a duty to those around me got me to step up. Guillermo and Walt rode in with me the morning of from Sterling St, and we kept each other cheerful and encouraged throughout the morning. And then Dave G and Mary G ran with me for the first 20 miles!

    What was your favorite thing about the race?

    New York putting on its best face.

    What was the biggest challenge about the race?

    20 miles in. Whew!

    Would you run it again?

    Absolutely.

    What advice/tips would you give to Royals wanting to run this race?

    Lean on this club. It will give you so much back.

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  • Royal Race Report from the 2018 NYC Marathon – Heather’s race

    What was your race experience like?

    Incredible. Difficult. And so much fun. I knew it would be hard but nothing has ever pushed me this hard before. I was pushing myself to run past extreme pain, knowing that the finish line was waiting for me. I had an index card in my pocket with a list of where my spectator friends would be waiting, and between keeping an eye out for them, the energy from the crowd, and all the texts that came through from my friends, I had no problem pushing through. And the last mile and a half was the biggest runner’s high I’ve ever felt – I knew I was going to make it and I was able to finish strong. I had no pain in that last mile or so, just complete euphoria. (The pain came back just over the finish line, though. Of course.)

    Did CHRC help you train for/run/celebrate this race? If so, how?

    Yes! I did the majority of my runs alone, but CHRC supported me the whole time with Stava kudos, words of advice and encouragement, and of course high fives along the course and afterwards at our post-race party. I also never would have run this race without their inspiration and motivation to begin with.

    Would you run it again?

    At mile 16, my answer was, “Absolutely!” At mile 23, it was, “Absolutely not, no way, never again.” With a few days distance, I’m already looking up training plans to figure out how I can be better prepared for next time…

    What was your race experience like?

    Incredible. Difficult. And so much fun. I knew it would be hard but nothing has ever pushed me this hard before. I was pushing myself to run past extreme pain, knowing that the finish line was waiting for me. I had an index card in my pocket with a list of where my spectator friends would be waiting, and between keeping an eye out for them, the energy from the crowd, and all the texts that came through from my friends, I had no problem pushing through. And the last mile and a half was the biggest runner’s high I’ve ever felt – I knew I was going to make it and I was able to finish strong. I had no pain in that last mile or so, just complete euphoria. (The pain came back just over the finish line, though. Of course.)

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