I did it!
After the past few months of training, I ran the RBC Brooklyn Half for the second time (my first time back in 2022) and this time it felt much better than the first time around back in 2022. I don’t know what it was but I remember not feeling it that day. This time around, I was in a better headspace and mindset. I locked in, focused, and ran most of it straight through, with the exception of 2 water stops. I didn’t stop to take pictures of anything this time around, opting instead to snap a quick pic as I continuously ran through each mile marker.
I felt strong, I felt properly hydrated and I was able to pick it up when I felt like I needed to push through. I was pretty consistent with my pace for the most part and I even beat my goal of 2:45 and was able to complete the run in 2:41:40 as my official time.
I looked at the paces from my watch and I’m pretty proud of how consistent I was able to pace myself. I started out strong which I’m really happy with because I remember from the first time I did this race, the first 6 miles through the park were what killed me because of the hills and it ended up breaking me for the remainder of the run as I felt like I was pushing through with some difficulty. This time I felt good all throughout the run. I was able to start out strong and keep the momentum going for the first 6 miles this time as I pushed through the inclines.
I’m really proud of this performance after taking the past year off from races. The past few months training felt good and intentional as I tried to fit my runs in with my life events. I had 2 vacations and I did my best to not let it hinder my training, purposely making time for runs during one trip, and making sure I got my training in before my other trip and getting straight back into it once I got back home. I made sure I took the time to properly stretch before each run, as well as properly fueling. I wore my suncreen and everything.
I went back and re-read the blog I wrote back in 2022 when I first ran this and it’s crazy to see how far I’ve come. I’m glad I didn’t quit after that race because it made me feel so discouraged because it was so difficult. I wrote that I would never do it again but somehow here I am, having run it a second time now! And I also went on to complete my qualifiers for the NYC Marathon and then the NYC Marathon itself. I’m really proud actually of that part of myself. I’m realistic about my abilities and self aware that I am not exactly a fast runner, but what I lack in speed, I make up for in endurance, perseverance and the dedication to see it through once I set my goals down. I hold myself accountable once I promise to do something and my stubbornness be damned but honestly it’s a good trait to have in the end. Which leads me to the next part…
Originally I was set on completing the Brooklyn Half only because I wanted to qualify for the United Half for next year. WELP. A few weeks before the race, I was in the waiting room queue ready to register for the fall races I need to finish qualifying and as (bad) luck would have it, the races I need sold out. Looks like the United Half and NYRR races have become insanely popular you can’t even register for them on opening day. It’s become just as bad as runDisney. I don’t remember it being this difficult back in 2022 when I started runnign NYRR for the NYC Marathon qualifiers. Now it’s insane. So unforunately now I only have 2 out of the 4 qualifiers I need, and I’m locked out of the other 2 races I need to qualify for the United Half. My only chance now is trying the lottery in the fall when it opens up. Sadly the last 2 times I tried, I didn’t get it. But interestingly, both times I got into the Brooklyn Half by wining their lottery. Odd. So fingers crossed, maybe this year will be my year when the lottery opens up. But fret not! Remember my stubbornness? Even if I don’t get in, this goal is far from over. I’m still going to do it. I’ll be back next year to try again for next year’s qualifiers and the next year’s and the next year’s til I finally make it in and get to run the United Half.
One thing about me, once I put my mind to something, even if it takes a while, I’ll get it done. If anything, it’ll give me more time to work on my speed to one day get to 2:30 half time. And then one day maybe, a 2 hour marathon. It’s definitely a stretch goal but I have the rest of my life to work on it. I’m skeptical that I’ll ever reach that one but here’s to trying! In the meantime, since I don’t have a race on the horizon to train for, I’m going to cool it on the long miles to not overexert myself and risk injury. I’ll still run but it won’t be my focus for the summer. I’m going to work on resistance training and lifting in the gym for the next few months to enjoy a hot girl summer. I’m excited for summer of beach picnics and to hopefully show off my hard work. I feel a little bloated from all the fueling, carbing and hydrating for race this past season so I’m excited to tighten everything back up and tone for summer. Let’s get it!
