The NYC Half Marathon is just a few days away and I have completed my last training run for this race. Today's entry will focus more on the last long training runs.
Since the weather was AMAZING this past weekend, I decided to do my last "long" run in Central Park. I say "long" because this run was a tapering run, so I had to run only 6 miles. Although I have done some hill work by running across bridges in the city (Williamsburg and 59th street bridges), I will be honest to say that I have not done as much prep as should have. The fact that the Half is mostly flat is a saving grace.
The route.
This tapering run was perfect for me, because it simulates the first few miles of the NYC Half, which happens to be the hilliest of the course.
Elevation information.
The course from New York Road Runners (NYRR)
It looks like once I get out of Central Park then it will be smooth sailing through Times Square and the West Side Highway. However, I have heard that there always are medium to strong head winds in Times Square.
The run itself on Saturday was pretty fun and I did a negative split for the run. Hopefully, I will be in "race mode" on Sunday, which would allow me to run a little faster (or find a pacing partner). Although I do not think that I will make my 1:45 (or 8 minutes/mile pace) goal, I do look forward to enjoying this race.
Some shots during the run:
Post run:
For some odd reason, I have been craving a papusas for the past few WEEKS. Papusas, which are kind of like areas filled with meat, cheese, and/or beans, are the national dish of El Salvador. After my run and spending a few hour in the lab, I decided to drag myself to Mi Pequeno Salvador restaurant in Elmhurst, Queens to enjoy some salvadorean food. I did get my papusa but I also tried a "hearty" soup.
Sopa de mariscos
This soup (which had clams, shrimp, a whole crap, and boiled eggs) was soooooo huge that I could barely walk after finishing it. Next time I will either have a hearty soup or papusas - not both.