HE and SHE split up over the weekend to take on some of the fitness world’s best. While SHE was getting all sweaty at Uplift Studios, there will be more on that in a separate write-up, HE decided to go for a little run. One of my main 2013 goals was to run not one but two half marathons this year. But ever since I took down the NYC half marathon back in March, and getting to know more and more of the running community via twitter, I had decided to add a number of half marathons to the 2013 schedule (six to be exact). Originally I was planning on making the drive down to Fredericksburg, VA for the Historic Marine Corps Half Marathon on May 19. But then unfortunately the Boston attack happened. So I decided to change things up a bit and really push myself. So subtracted from the half agenda was Virginia. In its place I would run the Brooklyn Half this past Saturday and The Boston Run to Remember a week later. 

Once again my training for this half marathon would be a bit unorthodox. And as with my past runs, I do admit outright I’m playing with fire not running outside more with a calculated well prepared running schedule. I will get to that in a moment though. I was actually really worried heading in to this run. Due to work and family commitments outside New York, I have not been able to get my desired number of Barry’s Bootcamps on the weekly calendar. I honestly feel the runs on the tread specifically with the added incline, is what enabled me to run at a consistent pace for the NYC half. This time it had been basically indoor cycling (SoulCycle, Flywheel and Revolve) with some pilates here and there. I did run once in Colorado while visiting the family. A 6 mile run at a 9.15 pace. A 9.15 pace staring me in the face a week prior to running 13 miles was not exactly what the Dr ordered. My sister and brother in law insisted the altitude in Colorado was the reasoning for the 9+ pace. Unfortunately for this race I had been out a number of times mid week for some work and play. Hence not exactly the healthiest of weeks either. Basically this run had disaster written all over it prior to. But not being one to shy away from a challenge, regardless of the aftermath, I would go through with the run and see what happens. If anything I would learn what worked for next time and what didn’t if my pace would in fact drop off or I would not make it the full 13.

Race day arrived. I was slotted into Phase two of the run given my late entry so I was fortunate enough to get a 7:30am start vs the 7 am.  I committed to my normal routine of waking up nearly, demolishing a think thin protein bar at 5am with the added Balance Bar at 7am. No coffee, one water with the obligatory Hammer Endurolyte FIZZ packet addition. I also, for the first time, decided to wear Compression socks. I have since refused to take off my compression socks. I sleep in compression socks. I took pilates the next day in compression socks. Why oh why has nobody alerted me to the pure bliss of compression socks! You now all know what to get me for my birthday! The running sneakers for this half would continue to be my New Balance 890 V2s. I just love these sneakers although I am playing around with the idea of witching over to Saucony Kinvara 4s. I run in my 3s from time to time. We shall see. I cabbed my way out to Brooklyn for the start of the race. I thoroughly enjoy arriving to a race. The sea of colors always amazes me! The weather could not have been more perfect. Cloudy and probably in the 50s I believe.

I found my stall with a bib number in the 21,000s. The start of the race was more smooth vs the NYC Half. I felt like I had to baby step the first mile back in march vs. this race where we were able to run right from the start. You would think being born in Brooklyn I would have seen more of it but this was my first time running Prospect Park. What a gorgeous place! I think the weather completely added to the Robin Hood feeling that I felt while dashing through. Just a lot of green forestry surrounding the route. I also thought it was so cool we were running in the opposite direction from the Phase one runners. Everyone was cheering each other on as we were all passing like Porsches on a Highway. Colors everywhere!

One of my favorite moments occurred as we were on the Ocean Parkway at about mile 7. The running joke between HE and SHE is more often than not I am the only male in many of my fitness classes. Whether it be Chaise23, SLT or even The Fhitting Room, I am the only guy ever! So what happens at mile 7? A runner directly in front of me takes her headphones off, turns around and goes “Aren’t you the guy from Kira Stokes Primal class?”. 20,000+ runners and I get picked out of a line up. Guess she was impressed with my expert Bear Crawl performance during Primal. We both agreed Kira is an integral part to our training. Massive props to Kira Stokes! The other funny moment was a neighbor of mine coincidentally standing in front of me in my corral and not knowing until the exact start of the race. Now that was a definite WTF Kodak face moment!

I found the run on this day rather easy. I didn’t stop at a liquid station until halfway and even with that stop half the Gatorade spilled on my shirt so I’m not even sure if that counts. Four liquid station stops in all. As you can see with my time splits I was pretty steady eddy the entire race. My knees felt good. I didn’t feel tired at all. I wasn’t pushing myself as I have another half this coming weekend. But the time splits do have me thinking for the first time about hiring a running coach. I have really taken to running. I love the feeling of accomplishment when you finish. I absolutely have fallen in love with the running community. I have some further thoughts there but I’ll save that for a write-up on another day. I know working out nine times a week between indoor cycling, bootcamps, yoga and pilates is not remotely the safest way to truly train for a 13 mile run, let alone a 10k but I’ve stuck with that for the time being. But it is time to seek guidance from people that know better than I could ever. Especially with at least five more half marathons scheduled for 2013 (Boston, Hamptons, Wineglass, Toronto, Malibu). 

Splits

5K        0:26:54 8:39 Pace/Mile   10K  0:54:01  8:41 Pace/Mile

15K      1:20:44 8:39 Pace/Mile   20K  1:47:44  8:40 Pace/Mile

Finish   1:53:26 (NEW PR)    Pace per Mile    8:40

Post race I had to immediately subway it back to the city to DJ a charity event at Chaise23. I just loved standing on my feet for another hour on the subway with other runners and then another hour on top of that DJing! Yea right. But the cause was great and I would just have to power through. My calves post this race were a bit tighter vs past races. Most likely due to the lack of running outside this time around or on a treadmill at Barry’s Bootcamp. I have since done one pilates class on Sunday at Real Pilates and one indoor cycling class at SoulCycle with Madison, which helped my legs, get the blood flowing, muscle recovery. I’m at about 80% so well on my way to 100% recovery in front of this weekend’s half marathon in Boston. Like I said, I’m addicted now.