It was a beautiful morning (for July) the temperature was about 71, humidity 75 and the race would be held in the gorgeous Central Park in NYC.
It had been a long time since I had done a New York Road Runners race. They manage the New York Marathon every year and boy you can see why, their races are extremely well organized and I even bought a membership for the year because the races they do are phenomenal.
I was really excited about this 4mile race–and usually I am terrified. This is how my running pattern was (before 10k training and the running bug bit)
- Browse active.com
- Find a really cool looking 5k
- Register
- Don’t run until race day
- Wake up race day morning wondering why the eff I did this
- Pray to make it to the finish line
- Make it to the finish line (hurting)
- Go home
- Repeat cycle
Now that I have actually been practicing running, I was geeked to run this race. 4miles is longer than my normal 3.1 but I had no fears, I knew in my bones I could do it.
When I arrived at the race there were literally thousands of people there. Since the race is a scored qualifying race for the 2016 marathon it sold out rather quickly. The race was benefitting Boomer Esiason’s Cystic Fibrosis foundation and the total amount of participants was just over 5000!
Even as the bell chimed and the music began I really didn’t cross the starting line until 20 minutes after the first runners started. I turned on my nikeplus app (since this is the app I train with for every run) and started easy with a jog.
However, I was stunned when I felt like giving up in the first 3 minutes. I didn’t understand why I was so tired so early! I walked for a minute, regrouped, and started running again. After about 5 minutes I started to feel good again, getting into longer run/shorter walk patterns.
I was very happy to be under 12 min per mile after the first mile because there were some hills involved. Second mile I was still under 12 so I knew if I could keep pushing I would have a PR because my usual miles are 12:30ish (on a good day). Mile 3 was harder, I walked a lot of that one but Mile 4 made me want to run to the end!
When it was all said and done Nike Plus said that I averaged 11:58 per mile! I was so excited I almost hugged everyone when I crossed the line. I beat my own expectations and I felt great during the race. I even felt like I could keep going!
There was a lot of post race fun like a great band and vendors but really, all I wanted to do was eat my cinnamon Raisin bagel and bask in what I just did.
It really goes to show that your only limits are the ones you set on yourself. When I said I wanted to run a 10k in January as a part of my fitness bucket list, I didn’t know how it would happen. I figured let me throw it out there and let the universe do what it may. Boy, did it ever.
I know I have a lot of miles to log and training runs to complete. I will be honest here, I feel ready, more than ready for my 10k races this fall. For the first time ever I can see past the 5k and even the 10k. Is there a Brooklyn Half in my future? Who knows! This is no longer an impossible idea and for that I am grateful.
This running bug has me ignoring my scale, reading running books, listening to running podcasts… I am loving it so much and it is giving me a new appreciation for my body. Putting on step in front of the other (no matter how fast or slow) is one of the greatest things you can do.
My next race is a 5mile run in August. Until then, train train train!
I did something a little crazy! Check out my video 🙂
httpv://youtu.be/BE8fsNT26zk
It’s Friday! Don’t forget to check in! How did you do with your fitness and wellness goals this week? What have you done lately that surprised yourself?
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25 Comments
Loved your video announcement and was so trying to figure out what it could be and then when I heard it was smiling. I know if anyone can do it, it would be you. So now totally cheering you from the sidelines and just so excited for you!! 🙂
Thank you so much Janine!! I appreciate your support SO much!! xo
AHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!! I seriously want to make my own video of me jumping up and down and telling my kids what you’re doing (yes, we ALL watched your video!) because I’m so, so excited for you!!!
First of all – YOU ROCKED that race! It’s totally normal to feel winded and overwhelmed in the first few minutes of a race – especially when you’re new to racing. I’m so proud of you for finishing strong and then yelling YOLO and signing up for the half. You know I’m here for you – whatever you need!!! And I can’t tell you how very excited I am to follow your progress and I serious may have to go to Disney to see you cross the finish line 🙂 xoxoxo
LOL what is this CRAZY running underworld you have dragged me into?! I would have loved to see a video of that actually!! I appreciate you being here for me because I am going to need you more than ever!
WooHoo! How exciting! Congratulations on your 4M race! Very impressive indeed 🙂 I ran a 5k on Saturday and it was hard but awesome. I’m a lot slower but I know that gives me something to improve on. I’ve been lurking Run Disney too…maybe in 2016 for me 🙂
Thanks Patty! These runs aren’t easy but crossing that finish line is SO AMAZING!! 🙂
Whoohoo!!! I knew it! Once I saw you had an announcement on a race recap, I thought immediately half marathon (well after I thought pregnancy.lol). You killed that 4 miler…no surprise there. I’m so stoked for you. I was thinking about doing the Princess half. Which one are you doing, I’m might do it too…so inspired. Keep it up Nelly. You totally rock. So proud of you!
LOL everyone thought pregnancy!!! I am doing the one in February!! would love if you could join … :)))
You Rock Nellie!! So, my only question is…. Are we wearing tutu’s and tiaras??
um YES, you already KNOW that is HAPPENING! We shall discuss in detail this week. 🙂 I am so excitedddd!
Awesome job! I think the first mile is the worst, it takes a little to get a groove. I would love to hit your pace! That’s incredible!
What books/podcasts? Pls share.
coming soon to a vlog near YOU! 🙂
Yes you can and will do it! Congrats on a fantastic 4 miler, and I can’t wait to see how great you do at Disney. That and I LOVE how you accept your pace. My husband is a faster runner than me, and I think it kills him that I’m good with having a 12-13 minute mile. Keep up the great work!
girl, I am MORE than fine with my pace 🙂 I am happy just to cross the finish!!
WooHoo – look at you pushing yourself and signing up for a half – love it!! You will do awesome!!!
Sometimes after exercise I just want to eat a bagel and be done with it..
Oooh boy – your video is awesome! It’s so you. It’s a wonderful birthday present for yourself. My birthday is this Friday and guess what? No half marathons for me! Maybe half an ice cream pint, though.
Thanks Tamara 🙂 I love that you said its so me, because you KNOW me!! 😉
Congrats Nellie! You did awesome! I hope that you will want to do more races because it is so much fun!
yes for sure I have lots more coming up Kris 🙂
Congrats on an amazing race! You must have felt so awesome! That is so awesome you are doing the half! You’ll kill it, I’m sure!
Thanks Britt! I’m crazy excited!!
Thanks Kimmy!
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