Central Park Half

Today was the inaugural Central Park Marathon and Half Marathon. I decided to run the half after running the Brrrrooklyn Hot Chocolate run in February. NYC Runs put on a great run in February and I was convinced that I needed to do another one of their races.

The weather couldn't have been more perfect, for February at least! Around 37 degrees to start and 44 degrees by the end. The sun didn't come up until after the race, but that was OK. It had rained all day Saturday, so I was a little nervous that it was going to continue to pour on Sunday, but it was all good! No rain and no ice! The half was contained to Central Park and included the Harlem Hills (unlike the full, which did not). Along the run, I decided that I had to move Central Park up the list on my Favorite Spots in NYC list. I think it edged out Brooklyn Bridge and Times Square, but I'm not sure if it has surpassed Grand Central Station. L was able to come out and support me at the finish, which was fabulous. The post-race meal (literally) also did not disappoint with the same spread as the Hot Chocolate run. PLUS I finally got one of those tin-foil blanket things (I've always wanted one of those! I've now arrived in the running world :) ) and they gave out sweet hats (which actually cover my ears!) at the end in addition to the fantastic medals. All of this for $60. NYC sure knows how to host a race. Here are some photos:



And this was some inspiration from packet pick-up on Friday: a jersey signed by Meb with "Run to win":



I've been telling myself that after each long training spurt that "this will be my last long race for a while". Well, clearly, I define "a while" as a pretty short period of time, because at the start of each of these "last" races, I get more inspired to do more. I'm hoping to check off at least one more state on my 50 races in 50 states goal. Maybe NJ in a couple weeks?

On Saturday I went to the Transit Museum in Brooklyn Heights. I love the subway. I think it is absolutely fascinating. Maybe growing up without extensive public transportation fuels my interest in the subject, but nonetheless, I cannot learn enough about the subway and public transportation in NY. If you have a similarly strange interest in this subject matter, I highly recommend the museum, which is located at an old subway station, so it is under ground. At times the exhibits were geared more toward kids, but the history of the subway creation and growth and its influence on culture and life in the city was really well done and fascinating.

This is the start of my eighth week of FW. I can't believe how quickly this time has gone, and I am sure my remaining weeks here will fly by. March by the end of this week??! Crazy! I should probably start to look into where I will be living come end of March/early April... :)