I had a difficult time breathing because of the humidity and the 10,500 or so runners packed into Central Park. The realistic goal in my mind was finish below 2:20. There was no way I could do a PR of about 2:09 in these conditions.
Mile 1: 10:28 – My wave did not get to start until about 7:17 am. I was running beside 6 German runners all dressed in orange shirts. I was wearing a white Adidas shirt and black shorts … the German national soccer team colors. Some guy was trying to talk to the Germans in English but they apparently could not understand him or were just ignoring him.
Mile 2: 21:30 – This part of the course started the uphill ascent through Central Park. The race was still so crowded that it was difficult trying to overtake people. Hundreds of runners were weaving in and out to get to a good spot. There were lots of people being hit by other runners’ stray elbows and feet. However, everyone seemed to be in a great mood.
Mile 3.1: 32:59 5K split
Mile 4: 43:25 – More uphill. We are now headed back to the Upper East Side (at least that’s what I recall). At this point, I am totally drenched. It’s a good thing I got a very short haircut on Saturday.
Mile 5: 53:55 – I’ve actually caught up with the 2:30 pace team that started earlier than I did. Despite the humidity, the pace leader does not seem to be sweating. Unbelievable.
Mile 6.2: 1:05:23 for 10K - It looks like my second 5K was run in 32:34, 25 seconds faster than the first 5K. I think I can accelerate more but given the humidity, I am cautious and keep the same pace.
Mile 7: 1:13:35 – I have now passed the starting line and I am heading out of Central Park. No pain. This feels like an easy weekend jog. Should I go faster? I decide not to go faster and continue the weekend jog while checking out the Manhattan sites.
Mile 8: No signs so I have no idea what my pace is now. We are running down Broadway with thousands of people cheering. I was planning to see a Broadway show later that afternoon. But I’m having second thoughts now. I’m thinking that I’d rather sleep.
Mile 9.3: 1:37:30 for 15K – The last 5K was 32:07. I’m actually going faster than the first two 5Ks. We turned right on one of these streets but I can’t remember the street number as we go towards the Hudson River. Could I have a negative split? We’ll see.
Mile 10: 1:45:20 – We are now going down the West End Highway. I still feel good but the sun is starting to shine very brightly.. no fatigue yet although I am slowing down slighlty and getting water from the fluid station.
Mile 11: 1:56:00 – This is probably the most boring stretch of the course. More West End Highway. I can feel myself slow down a bit.
Mile 12: 2:07:05 – Should I drink or not? I decide not to. I feel no pain. It still feels like an early morning jog. Why then can I not command my body to run faster in the final mile?
Mile 12.4: 2:11:42 for 20K – I am definitely feeling the end of the race is close by. I am slowing down although I still feel great. I ran this last 5K in 34:12.
Mile 13: 2:17:25 - Battery Park is close by. I can see the nice high rise condos looming.
Mile 13.1: 2:18:58 including a 10 second stop at mile 13.05 so that my parents can take my picture before crossing the finish line. I don’t think I had a negative split because I slowed down around mile 11. My estimate was the first half was at 1:09:00 while the second half was at 1:09:58.
Jamba Juice is awesome. I receive three cups of Jamba Juice at the post-race party in Battery Park. They are even giving away Jamba Juice to the spectators. What a great company!
Then it starts raining. I walk/jog an extra mile from Battery Park to the car. I feel great. No pain.
I’ll be back next year. I think that 2:15 will be a realistic target next year.
