What was your race experience like?
Hot! “Hot” is the immediate response. Up until this race, the temperature hadn’t been too hot and I was a little thrown by the scorching sun on race day.
Did you train for this race? If so, how?
I didn’t follow any specific training plan for this race. However, I made sure to get in speedwork each week (thanks, BedStuy Flyers), and I usually participated in the club’s weekly long run to ensure that I kept my mileage up.
Did you have any goals for this race? If so, what were they?
My number one goal is always to have fun! Brooklyn was my first half ever and it’s the race that I have my current PR in, so naturally I was aiming for another PR. Spoiler alert, this was not the day unfortunately.
Did CHRC help you train for/run/celebrate this race?
If so, how? They sure did! To keep my mileage up, I usually participated in the club’s long run each week. I certainly celebrated with the club as well! Spumoni Gardens was a delicious reward meal after the race and it was so great to share that with fellow CHRC runners and our cheer squad.
What was your favorite thing about the race?
I love how CHRC showed up for this race. I believe the club had over 75 runners! It’s really exciting when we show up like that. Also, I was able to run part of this race with Meb! I passed him and NYRR President Michael Capiraso at the end of Prospect Park. Saying hello to them during the race was definitely my biggest highlight.
What was the biggest challenge about the race?
The heat! I was not ready for it and Ocean Parkway was definitely more sunny that I would have wanted it. Also, I always start out too fast! This is definitely something I am trying to work on.
Would you run it again?
Absolutely! I’m currently in the process of doing NYRR’s 5 borough series in order to obtain guaranteed entry for next year’s race.
What advice/tips would you give to Royals wanting to run this race?
Enjoy this race. It’s on our home turf so you know the course pretty well. Enjoy that run to the boardwalk and think about pizza!