Moonwalk NYC

Moonwalk NYC was a nighttime half and full marathon in which participants powerwalked in decorated bras to benefit the Harlem Breast Center and provide mammograms and breast cancer treatment to uninsured women.  Walking a half marathon was very interested.  It was a great event.  We definitely caused  traffic slow downs. 

Distance Milestone!

The Marine Corps Marathon is about 15 weeks away.  Training is getting real.  I have be doing my long runs using the Galloway method and running with the group when I can.  Yesterday I tackled my longest distance ever 14.3 miles.  I may sound like a broken record but it was of course another hot and humid day in New York City.  We met up at Columbus Circle at 6:30 am for a 6:45 start.  We ran down 59st to the Ed Koch Bridge into Long Island City, across the Pulaski Street Bridge into Greenpoint and Williamsburgh and back.  Three boroughs and 2 bridges (times 2).  I had my camelbak for certain as I knew I would need plenty of fluids.  We had an aid stop set up just for us in Long Island City.  At 4 miles I took in some gatorade, pretzels and 2 oreos.  On the way back I refilled my camelbak with water and nunn, had two cups of gatorade, and more pretzels.  I had some gel and cliff shot blocks for energy as well.  I tried out my first gel which was the Body Surge that I got in my July Stride box (which I never posted about, lol).   It sat while in my stomach and I would try it again but definitely another flavor ( I was given double espresso).   My cooling towel made a big difference as I probably would have had to drop back to catch the 45/45 group.  I felt pretty group for the majority of the run and was able to stay near the front of the group.  The return on the Ed Koch Bridge (which is apparently  notorious for affecting runners during the Marathon) really took a lot out of me.  The sun was overhead and beaming.  I slowed during to the middle of the pack and stayed there until we returned to Columbus circle.  My shirt and sportsbra were extremely soaked and I knew I would have to pick up something dry to change into for the train ride home.   My feet also started to swell.  I waited until TJ Maxx opened and purchased a shirt, Danskin sports bra, and flip flops which made my ride back home bearable.   I was sore but not completely done so I very happy to complete my longest run ever.   The next longest distance with be 17.5 in a couple of weeks. 

Color Run 5K

I participated in my first big fun run event (if you can call it a run) the Color Run 5K at Aviator Field on July 6.   The event has become the largest 5k in the U.S but is not a timed event.  Participants run and walk their way along a 5K course that has different color stations where the runners are doused in colored cornstarch powder.  It was yet another blazing day in Brooklyn and I was looking to get covered in color.   I met up with a few of my BGR! ladies and we completed the event together.  We walked, skipped, did very little running, posed for pictures and got doused in color.  It was fun and I would definitely do it again.  It was a nice way to shake things up.

Achilles Hope and Possibility 5 Miler

June 30 was my second annual running of the Achilles Hope and Possibility 5 Miler.   After my first run last year I vowed that as long as I was living in NYC I would also participate in the race.  It is so inspirational to see all the runners of various capabilities participating.   One of my running sole sister's from BGR! ran the race with her nephew who has Down Syndrome.  Many of the ladies joined in as his running crew.  I lost them in the beginning but I was there to cheer them in.  He had such a look of pure joy as he came to the finish line.   There were visually impaired runners, blade runners,  hand cyclists, and wheel chair participants.   I always get reminded how fortunate I am to be able to participate full-bodied.  It was a very tough run. First of all it was a long training run day.  I did 5.5 miles before the race with another one of my sole sisters at 1:1 intervals.  It was already hot and humid when we started at 7am.  It only got worst.  By 9 am it was baking.  I did 2:1 intervals for the run but with no plans of racing.  I walked it I felt I needed more of break.  I stopped at every water station and poured water on myself.  I had my camelbak and went through 50 oz in the first portion of the run and another 35 oz during the second portion.   I am trying to get acclimated to the heat and humidity but I have no problem slowing down and listening to my body.