Cowboy Hazel

Back when NYRR first posted the info on the NYC Half, I decided that I'd be skipping it. I just couldn't justify spending $80 or whatever it was to run a half marathon here in Manhattan. My stinginess worked out well... Today ended up being a great day to be on the sidelines cheering. Helen ran a personal best of 1:28:48 and I was very happy to be out there to witness it.

After a quick jog down to the starting line with Helen, I started running north and got in a couple trips up the Harlem Hill before heading to the Mile 4 marker. I arrived there just a few minutes before the elites did. It's always amazing to see them go by, looking so graceful and smooth. Next up was Baker, Joe, and Antonio in quick succession. I tried to get photos, but failed. Helen and her teammate Sarah came running by a couple minutes looking strong. After shouting out a Go Helen! and Run fast babe!, I packed up the camera and started running west.

Because of the layout of the course, I knew I'd have time to make it to the finish before the racers did, but only if I hurried. I started out doing 7:30s, which was really tough after yesterday's intense long run. But after passing 42nd Street, the race was suddenly next to me and folks were running by doing 6:30s and faster. I couldn't help but internalize the energy and speed up myself. As a result, I got to mile 12.5 with a few minutes to spare, so I ran out to the end of the pier behind me and then came back.

Baker was flying. I thought I had plenty of time, but barely got to my cheering spot before he zoomed by. Joe and Antonio were close on his heels. I didn't have a clock near me and wasn't sure the exact time the race had started so I started to worry that Helen was behind pace. She wasn't. I saw her running down the middle of the road and shouted as loud as I could (which she later told me wasn't as loud as her friend) snapped a photo and then took off running full speed along the sidewalk trying to get to the finish line before she did so I could get another photo.

After navigating the chute and buying some snacks for me, we met up with various friends and teammates and exchanged stories from the race. It was a great finish to another great morning of running. I ended up with 11.6 miles myself, which was significant because it put me at 86.8 for the week, my most ever (yet). I'm really excited to finally be approaching some serious mileage numbers.