Before Sunday’s half marathon, I spent Saturday evening focusing on getting everything prepared and organized for the race. I put post-race gear such as comfortable shoes, sweatpants and a hoodie in the clear bag provided for bag check, I checked the weather no less than 20 times and consulted other running buddies to figure out the next morning’s layering tactics, I ate a simple pasta dinner, laid out all my gear and relaxed on the couch before going to sleep around 9 pm. Regardless of Sunday’s results, there is nothing I’d change with my Saturday night ritual.
At 5:30 I woke up to quickly have a cup of coffee, make a pre-race breakfast of two pieces of toast with almond butter, honey and banana before heading to the subway. While it typically only takes 25 minutes to get from our apartment to Central Park, I didn’t want to risk missing the 6:45 bag check closure ahead of my corral’s 7:45 AM start time. Due to the cold temperatures, I decided to start the race wearing a cold weather running jacket that has rarely been worn due to it’s large size. But, on Saturday morning, I decided the fleece lining and warmth was more important than bulky fit and appearance.
I wasn’t the only one who had this idea as my subway car was packed with fellow runners and the area around 57th street was packed with runners, supporters and volunteers. I dropped my gear off at bag check and then headed to Starbucks where I hoped to use the bathroom and stay warm since it was a brisk and windy 34 degrees. Unfortunately, Starbucks decided to shut down their restroom so after getting warm for a few minutes, I decided to head through security and head towards the porta-potties.
The security line moved far faster than I expected, even though I was surrounded by both Wave 1 and Wave 2 runners due to my early arrival. The police, staff and volunteers were all very friendly and did their best to expedite the security lines while also answering questions. I followed the other runners in through the park enjoying the beautiful sunrise. The porta-potty line I thought I’d have to wait in was non-existent as there was a line of at least thirty lined up for runners.
Suddenly I found myself ready to run even though it was only 7 AM. I heard a woman near me mention that the bathrooms near the Bathesda Terrace were open and heated. Within minutes, I joined a crowd of over 50 women who were laughing, encouraging and supporting each other. Experienced runners were answering questions of first time runners, strategies were shared, we commiserated over cold weather and laughed at the fact that we were choosing to hang out in a bathroom.
At 7:35 I exited the bathroom and joined the corral for some last minute dynamic stretching before the race. I was a bundle of nerves but excited and thankful for the cool weather since my body tends to perform better in cool weather versus the Summer heat. At 7:47, just two minutes after Wave 2 started, I crossed the starting line.
The first two miles were a complete blur. I felt strong, was running by feel and was telling myself what a great day it would be. The first hill of the course, Cat Hill, felt like a breeze and I smiled as I watched spectators cheer from atop the cat and greeting people at the top. I sipped water at the end of the second mile and saw that we were about to exit the park, a change in the course since I ran it back in 2013. The exit took us down a half mile out and back during which time I saw both Gia and Meggie, who looked strong and happy. As we turned back towards the park, passing the 5k marker (28:21/9:08 pace) I mentally prepared myself for Harlem Hill. I told myself to just put one foot in front of the other, focus on breathing and remember all the hills I’d run over the past few months.
I zoned out so much during these miles that I didn’t even see the four or five mile marker. As I was cruising past the theater, I decided it was time to lose the jacket. Trying not to lose any time, I quickly unzipped it and flung it out towards the grass. Unfortunately, I forgot that my iPhone armband was on my OUTER layer so as I flung the jacket I saw my iPhone fling through the air. As I pivoted back I collided with another runner and over into the grass. Startled and embarrassed, it took me a few minutes to find my iPhone which had conveniently shattered as the iPhone case was one fit for an iPhone 4. Once I put it back on I realized that Spotify and my phone refused to cooperate. I spent four minutes trying to get my iPhone, getting it to restart and then after it restarted, trying to get Spotify to cooperate. As I look back on this I have no idea what I was thinking. Why didn’t I just put it away and run? I’m not perfect and we all make mistakes. But as soon as I saw the four minutes, I knew I had to sprint if I was going to still hit a PR. I decided to sprint towards the park exit knowing that I’d soon reach the flat stretch of Times Square and the West Side Highway. Between the lack of music, my mile sprint to make up time and some muscle soreness, I just couldn’t find my groove. I crossed the 10k marker in 58:24/9:24 pace, a time that I knew was off target from the 9:09 average pace need to PR.
By the time I hit mile 7 in Times Square, where I saw Beth, Leticia and the rest of the amazing cheer squad, I was in tears. There was no way that today was going to be my day for a sub-2 hour race. If we’re going to be honest, which I always am on this blog, I yelled at myself internally for a good few minutes.
Why did you share your PR attempt on the blog or social media?
Why didn’t you invest in a running arm band for an iPhone 6?
Why didn’t you put the armband inside the jacket instead of outside the jacket?
Why’d you try to make up the time in one mile versus slowly across all the miles?
By the time I hit mile 8 I knew that there was no way I could survive beating myself up for five more miles. I saw a Team Achilles runner near me and realized that I needed to focus on the important aspects of the day. I needed to freaking RUN HAPPY. Here I was, lucky enough to have a bib for the NYC Half marathon and run through my city with 20,000 other runners. The weather was perfect, the spectators were amazing and the excitement was contagious. As soon as I made this mental change, the next five miles improved drastically. My pace didn’t improve but I enjoyed the miles. I gave just about child spectating a high five, I hugged friends who I saw along the course, I shared my fuel with runners who needed it more and even let a woman who was crying on the sidelines use my phone.
After running through the downtown tunnel and up the small incline, I finally crossed the finish line in 2:11:23. This time is a far cry from my half marathon PR and recent races. My legs are stronger but yesterday proved that I still have a lot to learn when it comes to racing. In hindsight, the only two things I’d change are having a few long training runs beyond the 10 mile distance to build stamina and invest either an iPod shuffle or use a waistband or armband intended for an iPhone 6.
Yesterday reminded me that running is something I love. Ten years ago when I started running, I did it solely for weight loss and now I’ve come to realize that it is so much more than that. I am not a professional runner nor am I an accomplished runner. I am someone who runs for the camaraderie and friendships it has allowed me to developed over the years. I run for my health and for the sanity those solo runs bring on the worst of days. Any day that my body is able to run 13.1 miles is a good day.
There are people out there that will say this was just another failed sub-2 hour attempt by me and you know what, they are right. But guess what? I’ll never stop trying and I’ll never stop learning. The haters are going to hate but yesterday, the supporters far outweighed the haters. If my failed attempts can help inspire or teach just one person a lesson, then I’ve succeeded. Thank you to each and every person who commented, supported, tracked and messaged me yesterday! Your vibes mean the world and inspire me to keep going and keep sharing!
Huge congratulations to EVERYONE who ran whether you completed your first half marathon, set a PR or ran for fun. Keep on moving and hopefully you guys will stick around for the running adventures because they aren’t going to stop anytime soon. But, what I can promise you, is that running will remain fun for me. It isn’t my career and therefore I can’t put too much pressure on myself. I have four races in the next few months – Cherry Blossom 10 Miler, Flying Pig Half Marathon, Japan Run 4 Miler and Brooklyn Half Marathon. While I will train for each of those, my primary goal is to run happy and run strong. What happens along the way will be up to my body and mind.
Your turn: Why do you keep running?
I love your attitude Ashley. I had a disaster of a race last summer but I continue to run because of how good it is for me. Not everyday is our day and if we don’t learn from those, we might as well hang up our sneakers. Best wishes in your upcoming races!
Thanks for your sweet words Chrissy and I’m glad you continue to love it!
Good for you sweet friend! This is what sums it all up: ” Any day that my body is able to run 13.1 miles is a good day.” YES!! That is so true and I have to remind myself that any day I can run anything pushing a jogging stroller, with three kids, fill-in-the-blank, and it’s a good run! I stopped posting about my runs on social media because the pressure was just not.worth.it. I am so grateful to be able to run now and truly do it for myself and no one else. Cheers to you friend!
Thanks Tracy! Sometimes I’m tempted to stop posting all together but today isn’t that day.
Hi Ashley, i am so disappointed for you as i know you worked so hard for this but there will be other races. Ever race and run comes with lessons- this one was no different! You will get there and achieve the sub 2- unfortunately you have a little longer to wait but it will make it all the better when it eventually happens. Keep going 🙂
Thank you Catherine!
Hi Ashley-
I am a long time reader but don’t usually comment. However, at this point, I feel like you could use some advice to help you achieve your sub 2 goal. Running a sub 2 hour half marathon should NOT be hard for someone of your age and weight who works out 6 days a week. Something is going drastically wrong in order for you not to be able to do this after years of trying. I reckon your problem is either one of the following (or, most likely, a bit of both):
1. Lack of effort in races and training, i.e. not running races and key workouts hard enough. To see if this applies, all you need to do is get a heart rate monitor, figure out your maximum heart rate and then run your hard workouts and races at the correct percentage of your maximum (very roughly speaking, should be around 80% for long races, 85% for a tempo run, 90-95% for mile repeats etc).
2. Lack of fitness. If you find that your heart rate is consistently high during long workouts and races but your pace is slow, then you are unfit rather than lazy! More specifically, this means that you lack endurance, as opposed to speed. You don’t need speed to run a sub 2 half marathon- 9 minute miles aren’t fast, plus you have said many times that you are able to hold 7 or 8 minute mile pace for shorter distances. In order to improve your endurance, you simply need to run more miles per week. Personally, I think that your training plan of 3 runs per week plus various classes on other days is all wrong. If you look at what decent runners are doing, they are all running at least 5 days a week, with 2 or 3 of those being hard workouts and the others being easy miles which serve to build running efficiency and endurance. For advice along these lines from someone more qualified than myself, I would recommend watching Sage Canaday’s youtube vlogs (his channel is VO2Max Productions and he is a professional marathoner and trail runner). In summary, the number one thing that you can do to improve as a runner is to increase your mileage.
Hope this helps and good luck!
Thank you for your perspective! I do agree that if I am going to do 3 runs per week, which while you have your own opinion, many people do, I need to ensure that they are longer distances to keep the mileage up. I’ll look into a heart rate monitor as I know others have done this and I haven’t tried that yet. Also, I think that you need to keep in mind that speed is a very personal thing. For some people, 9 minute miles isn’t fast but for others it’s very fast.
I have to agree with you Ashley not everyone is built for speed. There are very fit people that can’t run 13.1 miles at a faster than 9:00 pace. And who really cares if never break the 2:00 half you’re still an amazing human being:) However, you have that goal and I know you’ll reach it. Keep your chin up. There will be other races and chances.
I agree with most of this to a certain extent…based on what you’ve shared of your training, Ashley, you aren’t logging enough miles, and the answer isn’t upping the mileage over fewer days. If a long-distance race is your goal, you should be devoting most of your workout days to running, ideally ~5 days/week. I also think it’s important to include a weekday run of at least an hour at easy pace to build endurance, and make sure you’re keeping your easy days easy and be able to push yourself to do your hard days hard. How easy is easy? I personally do all my easy runs at least a minute slower than goal race pace, meaning back when I ran my first sub-2 half, all my easy runs were at ~10-min pace. This is more than doable for you, as you posted many runs in your training that were far faster than this.
I think everything Anonymous says above is spot on, Ashley. I know that many people do run 3 times per week but how many of them are faster runners who manage to hit their race goals and consistently improve? It’s difficult, I agree, if you want to fit in both running and all the workout classes you do. Ultimately though you’re going to have to prioritise running if you want to start improving and achieving your goals. Also, Anonymous is quite right that most days should be easy runs, with 2 or (at most) 3 hard runs per week.
Jennifer- I’m going to respectfully disagree that you can’t improve your pace by “only” running three times per week. It truly depends on the person. I run 3 days per week, but they are quality runs (e.g. one day of speed work, one day of hills, and one long run day) and have rest days in between with occasional cross training (cycling). I’m not an expert by any means, but I honestly think that the rest days are pretty important, especially if you’re really pushing yourself on the days you work out. I am always floored when I read Hal Hingdon’s training plans, as I can’t imagine putting that strain on my body by running so many consecutive days without rest! I am a sub-2 half marathoner (1:53), and am pleased to see my paces dropping as I continue to train this way.
I find that doing too many other activities while I’m training for a goal race (e.g. Pilates SPX, Barre, etc.) make me so sore that I’m not pushing myself hard enough on my runs. I would cut down on many of the classes and focus on quality runs.
Ashley, the Sub-2 is out there if you want it! Feel free to come out to San Diego for America’s Finest City Half and I’ll pace you to a sub-2!
http://shop.lululemon.com/products/clothes-accessories/bras-medium-support/Run-Stuff-Your-Bra-II
Lululemon makes these bras every summer and I stock up. I can put my keys and phone and credit card in the pockets and not worry about arm bands, waist bands or holding my phone. It also means that I set my phone at the start of the run and then just go out and get it done without fiddling with my phone. There’s definitely a weird bulge, but I figure that no should be looking THAT closely at my bustline
I was just referring to something in your post and realized that you had moderated my comment. I didn’t mean to be offensive and am sorry that it came off that way – I love my Run Stuff Your Bras so I wanted to make them aware that they are an option to an armband.
I apologize as I didn’t mean to moderate your comment – due to the link I thought it was SPAM! Thanks for the reco. I hope they relaunch the Run STuff Your Bras as they are currently sold out!
Congratulations, and I know that not PR’ing was probably not a great feeling, but you still did well, and you hit the nail on the head – this is our hometown race and we need to remember how lucky we are to be out there running it! I got to jog down to 59th from my apartment on the UES, and while I got stuck in security for longer (I was Wave 2, made it to the corral at 7:40 and crossed the start line at 7:55am) it actually made me not cold while waiting. I also told myself after the park, on the West Side Highway as my legs started to hurt, to just smile and know I was so lucky to be out there, to have fun, to enjoy the experience and also look forward to brunch with my boyfriend and one of my best friends after. I PR’ed in the end (my old PR was this race from 2014, my first half ever) by over 4 minutes but had NO idea, and I’m just thrilled, but your race was just as awesome!
Congrats on finishing another half marathon- which is an accomplishment itself. My half PR is from my first one ever 2.5 years ago and I’ve been a few minutes away ever since then… I think I have gotten lazy about training hard and following a schedule- for that first race I was nervous about being able to do it- now I feel like I can barely train and finish no problem… so maybe it’s a mental block for me- not sure if you feel this way too. Regarding someone’s advice above: I only run 3x a week too because I don’t like to run two days in a row- I think we can both get a PR running 3 days a week, I think those 3 workouts just need to be excellent and consistent- if I’m totally honest mine are not. I am hoping for a PR this spring but my training will need to improve for that to happen- good luck to your future attempts and sorry for the super long comment, haha!
You need speed AND endurance to succeed in your PR attempt, not just a couple of quality workouts over a few days a week; and if you truly enjoy long-distance running, running two days in a row shouldn’t be such a hurdle. How can you expect to improve if you slack off in training cycles and between them and essentially start from scratch every time?
I love your attitude and the way you were able to switch your mindset mid-race. Good for you for finishing and I couldn’t agree more that any day in which your body is able to run 13.1 miles (or any distance for that matter) is a good day! Congratulations on your accomplishment.
Your attitude is inspiring! On the days that I feel off I just tell myself that I’m running for the people that can’t. I’m healthy & a lot of other people aren’t. It sounds so simple but it’s just not something we tend to think about on a daily basis. I’m trying to keep it in the forefront! Awesome job!!!
I don’t usually comment but had to say thanks for sharing! Isn’t it funny what a mind f*ck racing can be sometimes!? I was about 2/3 through a half marathon and doing well but not exactly where I wanted to be, and the wind blew my hat off and I burst into tears haha. at that point I basically gave up and the rest of the race was ruined for me. I look back on it now and think how irrational I was, but there’s something about racing and being in that moment that makes you a bit crazy. After that I resolved to work on my mental toughness!! Good luck – i know you have a sub-2 in you!
Any day that your body can run 13.1 miles is indeed a good day. Keep your chin up, keep those goals and continue to do the work as long as you are enjoying it! Some times getting to the finish during a race that isn’t going as planned when you have big goals is the biggest accomplishment. I ran the Chicago Marathon when my Crohn’s was flaring and I was in the bathroom every.single.mile. I cried a lot. It was the toughest 5:30 hours of my life (a full hour slower than my slowest time) but a major victory to finish when I wanted to stop.
You also responded to someones unsolicited advice above with a lot more tact than I would have, as a person who finally got back under 2 hours for the half – those sub 9 miles are work thank you very much, applaud you for that as well 😉
Ashley, thanks for your honesty, running is SUCH a mental thing. I had a terrible race at RNR DC two weeks ago, and then this past weekend I took 40 seconds off my 5k PR. Obviously, I didn’t get fitter in a week! My mental game was the big difference. I think you know that it’s the mental game that has kept you from sub 2–it is what kept me from it for a long time. I know everyone is different, but what helped me finally get my sub 2 was relying less on music and being in my own head during runs/races. Because in the end I needed to be the one telling my body to get it together and do it, rather than relying on music or something else to motivate me. Again, I know everyone is different just wanted to share what helped me 🙂
PS–I’m also a big believer in crosstraining, and run 3 or 4 times a week with a spin class and a strength workout, and I’m a way better runner doing that than running 5 times a week and being always injured!
You have such a great perspective on this! I can only imagine how frustrated you must have been after the jacket/iphone incident, but I’m so glad you were able to enjoy the second half of this race. I didn’t have my fastest race either, but I still love the NYC Half Marathon – it’s such a magical course and I enjoyed running it, regardless of my time. I think what the past few months of running have taught me is just what you learned: I most love running when I’m just running to enjoy it and be with friends and not worrying about my pace. I need to always remember that.
I rarely comment but felt like I had to here. You are so hard on yourself. I think all runners have had races where they fell or lost time for some unforeseen reason. It happens. It makes me sad that you really think this: “There are people out there that will say this was just another failed sub-2 hour attempt by me and you know what, they are right.” I know you put yourself out there on social media- but critics have no room in our heads. You are stronger than that. Congratulations on running another 13.1- that alone is an accomplishment! Be proud and continue to run happy- whatever that means to YOU and no one else. You are the only one that can make you happy.
I have never comment before and I’m not even a runner I read your blog for inspiration but today the combination of your post and the harsh unsolicited advice forced me to speak up.
You didn’t meet your PR and that most be hard but by running and keeping your blog you inspired people like me to start moving, I know that at some point you will meet your goal and that will be awesome but you should keep your chin up and be proud of yourself, you did what many of us cannot do (yet) please don’t pay attention to negativity and don’t be harsh on yourself.
Well done on running 13 miles and thank you for being honest in your blog posts. You may not have met your own challenges on this race but you are still an inspiration for those of us who struggle to get motivated and keep up a regular training programme.
You should be proud! It was so windy out there – I was doing a fun-run, and ran by you all heading north from the ferry’s landing, and it was so windy I could barely run forward. Tell the haters to suck it; I doubt they were there, and who cares if they were and could’ve done it better. 13.1 miles is a ways, and you ran it as best you could.
I love this post because you found the positive in a tough race. Also, it’s a wonderful reminder that recreational running should ultimately be about having fun and supporting others, as well as finding and nurturing your own version of health and strength!
I love this post, your honesty and resilience is so refreshing.
Thank you so much Katie!
I love your post Ashley! I ran NYC half for the first time and loved it. This was my 3rd half marathon ever and I finally got under 2 hours. I followed the Hal Higdon Training plan with 3 runs back to back…3 mil one day, 5 the next and 3 the day after (I usually did Tues, Wed and THur). Tuesdays I also did arm strength training, Wed I did box jumps (no time for weights that day bc of work) and on Thur I did legs and squats and lunges. I also did over 200 ab type exercises 2 days a week….then I rode my bike here and there on the other days and also took a day or two off. I listened to my body (I am over 40 so I had to 🙂 . I also had the one long run each week on the weekend. What I did differently this time was I went up to 12 miles 2 Sundays in a row before the race and also incorporated Box jumps and squats and lunges and more ab workouts. I previously had problems with fuel but FINALLY figured out in my trainings what works for me and when. I use Honey Stingers chocolate gel at miles 4,6,8,10, and 12. I hope this helps and I bet the next race you will PR. You just had some misfortunes happen and it happens to everyone and we just come back out stronger at the next one 🙂 Good luck and lucky you living in NYC and getting to train there!
Thank you so much Kara and glad you loved your first NYC half experience!