Runfessing about NYC Running...What should I do?

If you want Winter to go by fast, sign up for a Spring race that you are either very nervous about or completely unprepared for.  That's a sure fire way to make sure those weeks go by at lightening speed.

As you may know, I am officially registered for two Spring races. One I am super excited about and one I am extremely nervous about.

I'm Runfessing today about the one I'm nervous about,.......The NYC Half



1. You may ask, Why in the world am I nervous about running a half marathon when I've already ran two FULL marathons?  Truth is, I'm not sure. 13.1 miles is 13.1 miles no matter where it is, right?  I think I'm nervous about the hills in central park, the crowds, and all the commotions (which also makes NO sense because I've run crowded Disney races and ran through the commotion that was Rock n Roll Las Vegas), So yea, none of the concerns are really valid, except that's how I feel.

2. I'm also worried about how to dress. The weather seems to be consistently changing on that day. It went from 49 and sunny to 55 and chance of rain. I'm sure it will change a few more times until then too. What do I wear?  Do I wear a windbreaker?

3. Speaking of dressing, do I wear sunglasses? I've never worn sunglasses during a long distance race because they start so early in the morning while it's still dark. I usually wear a visor. I know I don't want to wear a visor for this race because I don't want a chance of it blowing off while running over the bridge. Also, it might be nice to have the glasses covering my eyes if it is that windy.

4. Should I carry a water bottle?  I don't drink a lot of water on a long run anyway but the thought of not having it when and if I need it worries me. I have a small bottle I can wear in my belt, that might work.

5. I runfess that I was really worried about this training cycle. Training for a March race could have been a disaster weather wise but to tell you the truth, I've had near perfect running weather. With mild temps in January and temps in the 60's and 70's in February, I couldn't have asked for a better year to train for NYC!

Have you run this race before? If so, what advice do you have for me? -M




54 comments:

  1. Okay, I'm not sure this is the best advice, but here it goes!

    1. I bet you are nervous because you're doing something brand new. You have run Disney races before but I don't think you have ever run one in NYC. New things scare me too! Just try to remember that it will be a really cool experience and you most likely will not regret it.

    2. Buy some cheap throwaway clothes at a thrift store so if you overdress and have to ditch stuff, it's no big deal.

    3. Get some cheapo sunglasses too! Or could you take your visor off on the bridge so it doesn't fly away?

    4. What have you done for other halves? Did you carry?

    5. I agree, the weather has been AWESOME! I'm about to go running right now. It's not even 6am and it's supposed to be 54. I have on shorts and a long sleeve but I'm wondering if I'll be too warm!

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    1. That's a good idea about the cheap sun glasses!
      For long distances races my sister usually carries my water for me/us!

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  2. My thought was definitely the same as Meg--this is newer territory--and in a big way, on a big stage, with a lot of people. You will be great!

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  3. Just have fun! That's always my plan and if nothing else, I've got that!

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  4. I have no doubt that you'll do great and run a great race. I'm always scared that I'll want water during a race but that the water stops won't be frequent enough, so I often carry my own water on me. Since I carry it with me during my long runs, I obviously don't want to do anything differently on race day.

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    1. I worry about the water too but then I rarely even stop at water stations along the course.

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  5. I've not run the NYC Half but I've done the full. Probably in the windiest year ever. I've run in CP many times too. I love the suggestions Meg made. NYC is awesome cuz there's always something to look at. Trust this hill pansy, the hills in CP are NOT BAD. If you have a Headsweats visor with the elastic, go with that. Sunglasses will definitely help with the wind. Have fun with it!

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    1. That makes me feel better about the hills. I worry about that part!

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  6. I have not done the NYC half.

    I would do what you've trained with. So if you haven't trained with sunglasses, I probably wouldn't do it (I almost always run with sunglasses -- mainly just to protect my eyes, my vision is already bad enough!).

    I agree with Marcia -- Central Park isn't the beast it's made out to be. There are some killer hills there, actually, but I'm pretty sure not where you'll be running.

    While I've been training through the winter too, which I really don't like to do, and it's been a mild winter -- it's still been pretty challenging. Snow, ice, wind. still some very, very cold days. I really don't like training through the winter.

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    1. Is Harlem Hill one of those hills? That hill is on the course and I heard it's a big one.

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  7. I agree with the others, just try to have fun and buy a bunch of cheap stuff you don't care about. Good luck!

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  8. I'm a goober and always wear sunglasses because my eyes water like crazy and it helps even when it's cloudy outside!

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    1. I like to wear sunglasses but worry what i will do with them in the early morning when it is still dark.

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  9. NYC makes me nervous in general, so I'd be totally nervous about the race. I always wear a hat and sunglasses for races, but I can't tell you how many times I've run an entire half marathon with my glasses on top of my head LOL.

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    1. I know my glasses would never stay on top of my head. I think I need one of those hats that has the strap on it for the glasses!

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  10. I am always nervous about races so....the weather is so crazy now that you wont' be able to make a final decision on the until the night before. Those are perfect running temps. You are completely trained for this race you got this plus I hear it's lots of fun

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    1. Thanks Deborah! I guess I'll be packing several outfits.

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  11. So many unknowns, I get it. If it's any consolation, the NYC Half is the most beautiful, flat, exciting, vibrant half marathon I've ever run. I had tears streaming down my face at the end. Regardless of all the unknowns, I can almost guarantee an almost magical 13.1 miles. Can't WAIT to hear about it!

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    1. Aww, this makes me feel better. Thank you. I have not heard anyone describe it as flat though.

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  12. Totally normal to be nervous! I ran this race last year so I can give you some advice.
    -Don't worry about the weather, just be happy that it won't be freezing like last year lol
    -If you're used to running with a handheld for water, I would still do tht (I did), but you really don't need it. The course has TONS of water/gatorade stops!
    -Wear sunglasses :)
    -Yes, the hills in CP are no joke, BUT the good thing is that you are done with all those hills in the first half of the race :)
    -Relish the run through Times Square. It's not that long of a stretch but the crowds are AWESOME!!!

    But if you have any questions, just shoot me an email :)

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    1. I do know that the hilliest part is in central park for like the first 6 miles or so. I hope that doesn't zap all my energy out of me...lol

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  13. I haven't run this race.I want to but I never get into the lottery.

    I have friends who have. And yes there's a big hill. But I would relax and walk it and concentrate in the rest of the rest. The park is beautiful and you'll also be running down Times Square.

    i always wear sunglasses because I wear oontacts and the wind dries out my eyes. Sometimes I just wear then on my head. I'd buy a cheap pair and you can toss them.

    I don't like to carry things so I depend on water stops. There are plenty during this race. That's just me.

    I can't wait to read your recap!!!

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    1. I have a flip belt water bottle so I wont have to carry it. I'm still deciding on that one!

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  14. I haven't ran this race, but it sounds like fun. Some great advise here! Mine is to have fun!!

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  15. I wish I had advice because I would LOVEEE to do a race in NYC - the only thing I can think of - HAVE FUN ;)

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    1. As you know, I've been wanting to run in NYC too. I've been debating on running this one or a shorter distance but this one seemed to have the best route of the city (besides the hills).

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  16. I'd wear the visor and just take it off for the bridge - you're used to wearing it, so I think you'd miss it if you started the race without one. Sunglasses? Cheapies, that way you can ditch them if they bug you. Running in the rain isn't fun, but I've found that a windbreaker will seal me in like a sauna suit if the temps are much over 50...better to just get wet (and use lots of Body Glide beforehand to prevent chafing!).

    I still don't know how you manage to run with so little water intake. That does not compute, but then, you don't live in the humid and hot south, I guess.

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    1. I did a run this weekend where I got caught in the rain for a few miles, but I did have my visor on so it didn't bother me too bad. This made me realize that I should wear it on race day as well since there is a possibility that rain will be in the forecast.

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  17. I normally always wear sunglasses, even on cloudy days. I've kept them in my Running Skirts pocket if it's dark when a race starts, but that way I have them when the sun starts coming up.

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  18. You will be great!! it's normal to be worried, I have done the same 5K for 5 years, and I get super nervous right before it every year!!

    Trust your training, you got this!

    For the clothing, I would suggest layers, but take throw away stuff.

    best of luck!

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    1. I still get nervous before our local 5K here every year too!

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  19. I so can relate to all the nervousness! Even after 25 half's I still act like it's the first one. I can't decide what to wear, should I take the water bottle or not? Hat, visor and I haven't even thought about sunglasses...
    It will all work out and NYC sounds so exciting!
    Thanks ladies for the link up and Happy Friday!

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    1. I think I am more nervous for the races i feel unprepared for. I guess All the unknowns are making me feel unprepared!

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  20. I've run the NYC Full but not the Half. The hills in the northernmost part of Central Park are the worst but the whole race is not going to be hilly. I'd wait until the week before to see the weather report before deciding what to wear. I recently got a free sample of one of these visors, and I can tell you that there is no way it would fly off with win on a bridge:
    https://verobrava.com/collections/vero-visors
    Oh, and there are plenty of water stations so you shouldn't have to carry your own. Enjoy the race!

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  21. I always have a tough time deciding on to wear or not wear sunglasses. If my husband is around or family friend, I always end up tossing them along the route. If I'm on my own and I don't want them, they go up on my head for the remainder of the run.

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  22. The logistics of getting to a race (especially a new one!) always get to me. Once I get there, I'm pretty calm. I normally don't run with sunglasses but sometimes will wear them if I feel I'm going to be running directly into the sun. I'm glad they fit comfortably on my head because that's where they normally end up. You'll figure it out. And you'll have a fantastic race! Thanks for the linkup.

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    1. We are suppose to have a shuttle take us from the hotel to the race start, so at least I have that part figured out. If I didn't have transportation already set up that would stress me out too.

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  23. I'm always pro-sunglasses, but that's because my eyes are super sensitive to light and wind. My favourite are Goodr because they're inexpensive and stay put!

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    1. yea, I worry about protecting my eyes from the wind since it can sting pretty bad.

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  24. 49 and 55 seems warm, I'd bring throw away clothes. I ran it 2 years ago and it was cold. But I'm sure you'll do great. Enjoy it and have fun! Loved running in Times Square! The energy there was amazing!

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  25. Super jealous of the NY Half...I'd love to run that one some day! I agree that the changing temperatures before a race freak me out. I found myself totally freaked out before Disney because the weather was something soooooo different than anything I had trained in! Even worse...once I got to Orlando, it was worse than I expected and had to make some more changes to my outfit. As for sunglasses, I bring them often on runs not knowing if I'm going to need them or not. I find when I push them up on my head that I don't even notice that they are there. Totally agree about them protecting your eyes in the wind, it stinks when your eyes are tearing from the wind.

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    1. Which Disney race did you do? Was the weather warmer or cooler than you expected?

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  26. I'm pretty confident there will be enough water stops that I wont need my own, but I still worry that I'll need water in a pinch. IDK, still debating on that one.

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  27. I would love to run this race one day!!! I carried water for the first time on my last half and it improved my experience so much having control over that situation and not having to stop at water stops!

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  28. It totally makes sense that you're a little nervous, but you're going to do great! My biggest piece of advice is to follow what's worked for you before and just have fun! I'm so bummed to have to take a pass this year. Hopefully the spring-like temps will continue for you. Enjoy it!

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  29. Unless they've changed the course, the NYC half doesn't go over a bridge so if that is what you are worried about with the visor, you'll be fine. You do run down the west side highway which can be windy, you should be fine. In all my years of living/running in NYC, I've never had the wind blow my hat off, so hopefully you won't either!

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