Race Report: One City Half Marathon (Newport News, Va)

DATE: March 05, 2022; 7:00 AM

DISTANCE: 13.1 MI

PLACE: NewPort news, VA

WEATHER: 45F, SUnny

OFFICIAL TIME / PACE: 2:26:05

SWAG: Long-sleeve Tech shirt, Medal, 2 Beers, Food voucher, coupon book for local businesses

My first half marathon of 2023!!!! I think all went well, but I will say that I was slightly disappointed with my results. I finished my last half marathon, the Norfolk Harbor Half, in November with a 2:27 time. However, I finished this one with a time of 2:26. Ok, so I had a slight improvement. ;)

Expo:

The expo was no frills with a ‘grab your sh*t and go’ vibe, which was fine with me. There was quite a bit of traffic driving from Norfolk to Newport News, and I was kind of over the expo before I arrived. Then, there was a sh*t ton of traffic going back to Va. Beach because of the rain.

What a cool coincidence, I ran a half marathon (13.1 miles), AND my bib number was 1311!

before the half:

I mentioned in previous posts that making it to this half marathon would take a lot of dedication because Newport News is about 40 minutes away by car. Not a big deal, but I would have to arrive at the race around 5:30 am to take a shuttle to the starting line. Also, since my early morning poop schedule is really unpredictable, I wanted to give myself plenty of time to clear my system. All in all, I had to wake up around 3 am so I could leave the house by 4:50 am (at the latest). I was a good boy and didn’t get into ANY shenanigans the night before my half, so I did not have too much of a problem waking up.

Not sure if this is snow or snot.

Going into the half marathon, I pretty much was planning on doing the very bare minimum. I had this attitude for a few reasons: 1. I still had a bit of a back injury from NYC Marathon. 2. Honestly, running just has not been doing it for me later (more on that later). 3. I was dealing with a little GI issue. 4. I was not really prepared physically for this race.

Like always, as soon as I put on my running gear, I had to poop again. Maybe this is like a Pavlovian effect. Since I always poop right after putting on my running clothes, my body is now conditioned to doing this. I wonder if I can trick my body out of this. Maybe I should put on my running clothes as soon as I wake up so I can get my poops out of the way 60 – 90 minutes before leaving the house instead of having one last poop 5 minutes before leaving.

Ok, enough about poop!

Overall, I will say that the One City Marathon's organizers were pretty on point with the shuttle schedule, race logistics, and (of course) the after-party. One thing I have enjoyed about racing in Virginia: the local race organizers are all about the post-race parties - especially with beers at 9 am. Hey, it's 5 pm somewhere in the world.

Since the starting lines for both the half and full marathons were at two local high schools, I thought it was really awesome that we were allowed to congregate in the schools’ gyms before the race. Extra points because no one wants to use a porta-potty unless you absolutely have to.

Hell, New York Road Runners would have had our assess waiting outside in 20F temps until the official starting time

Miles 1 – 5:

Going into this race, my plan was to run and walk 0.15-0.25 miles after each mile – similar to what I did for the Norfolk Harbor Half in November. Actually, for that half, I walked 0.25 miles after each mile. Overall, the first five miles went well. Unfortunately, I did have a little lower back pain for the first 2-3 miles, which has been happening a lot in races. Going forward, I think that it might benefit me to run 0.5 miles before the race starts. I guess my reasoning for not doing this is why warm up by running 0.5 miles if I’m going to run 13.1 miles.

I’ll say that running NYC races has really spoiled me because I’m used to running on 100% closed roads for those races. Here, you gotta share the roads with cars. Since I do not trust other drivers, I’m always a little apprehensive about sharing the road during these races. What if someone loses control? What if someone doesn’t realize there is a race going on? What if someone at an intersection gets frustrated with the closed road, and decides to run over the runners?

Miles 6 – 9:

I was really getting into my groove. Since I wasn’t feeling too much like a struggle, I decided to walk 0.1 miles (or was it 0.15 miles), instead of 0.25 miles, after each mile. I really enjoyed this portion of the run because of the scenery – in particular running through Christopher Newport University and running along the James River and portions of one of the Civil War Trails.

Miles 10 – 13.1:

This is when I got my second wind (it’s about time) and started running without taking my 0.1-mile walk breaks. In addition to eliminating my walk breaks, I started fartleks and picking up the pace in 0.25 mil increments. I was kind of excited because I started catching up to folks and passing them. Also, I managed to do a full-on sprint for the last 0.25 miles. Well . . . as much of a sprint that I could do after running 12 miles. 😉

I forgot where I saw this, but I thought the Quitters Chair (with refreshments) was the funniest thing I’ve ever seen during a race.

She told me after Mile 11 not to let the ‘fake’ finish fool me. After Mile 11.5, which was near the start, there was a lot of commotion and cheers, BUT you still have to run some more and make another loop to the finish line. The commotion was not for the finishers approaching Town Point Park, but it was from people at the post-race party. I’m so glad I listened to her because I was have been really frustrated and annoyed from Miles 11 to 13.1. Yes, we all have GPS devices, but this was my first time running this race . . . and to be perfectly honest, I did not really study the course. All I knew was the race started and ended at Town Point Park, BUT I didn’t know that you had to run past Town Point Park two times for the finish.

Post-Race Thoughts:

-While I am happy that I finished the race with a decent time. Well . . . decent time for me. I am a bit annoyed that I did not perform as well as I did for this one (2:26) compared to the one in November (2:27). A couple of reasons why I was slightly annoyed:

• I was more dedicated to training for this half marathon training, especially after I changed my registration from the full to the half marathon.

• I did not walk as much during this half marathon as I did for the one in November. Hell, I didn’t take a food break (walking about 0.5 miles while eating a Cliff bar) for this one like I did in November.

-After finishing writing this, I realized that the Norfolk Harbor Half in November was a couple of weeks after NYC Marathon. Maybe I was in a better physical state back then compared to this weekend. I gotta think this through because something is a bit off.

-Perhaps, not setting a goal is what contributed to my minor improvement of one minute. In fact, I had to look up my finishing time for the November half marathon. I think if I had an actual finishing goal, I probably would have pushed myself starting at Mile 8.

-Man there were a LOT of churches along the course. I actually lost count, but I think we passed at least 8 of them in 13.1 miles.

-Beer . . . easy post-race carbs. Actually, I think this is my 1st rectangular medal. Most of my half-marathon medals have been circles or ovals.

-Jesus, look how big my post-race pizza was.

Playlist:

Race Report: Chartway Norfolk Harbor Half Marathon

DATE: NOVEMBER 20, 2022; 7:30 AM

DISTANCE: 13.1 MI

PLACE: NORFOLK, VA

WEATHER: 37F, WINDY AF

OFFICIAL TIME / PACE: 2:27:12 / 11:15 MIN/MI

SWAG: COZY SWEATSHIRT, MEDAL, 4 BEERS, PIZZA & TOTE BAG

While I can be a bit of a hater, I will say that I thought J&A Racing did an AMAZING job organizing and running this race. Honestly, I cannot say a single thing that I had a problem with for this half marathon.

Expo:

I’ll admit that I have been someone affected (not sure if this is a good or bad thing) by running races in NYC that have been organized by large entities. I enjoyed the low-key vibe of the expo because bib pick-up was a complete breeze (ie there were not 80 thousand people crammed in one space). I think that I was in and out in about 5 minutes. Normally, I do not buy extras at expos because the prices typically are sky-high, but the prices at this expo were very reasonable. So reasonable that I even picked up a pair of running gloves that were only $10. Thinking back, I’m glad that I purchased those gloves because it was quite chilly on race day.

Since registration for the half marathon included FOUR Blue Moon beers or White Claw Hard Seltzer (yuck), we issued wristbands during bib pickup. Note, I picked up my bib on Friday for a Sunday race. Do you mean to tell me that I have to wear a wristband that implies that I’ve been out clubbing or raving for the entire weekend?

Case in point: On Saturday morning, I grabbed breakfast at a local diner, and the waitress mentioned that I must have had a ‘fun’ night as she gestured to my bright blue wristband. Hey, at least this race’s wristbands were for REAL beer as opposed to nonalcoholic beer that was provided for Rock n Roll Va Beach’s Half Marathon. Not that there is anything wrong with nonalcoholic beer, but it was kind of funny receiving a wristband to indicate that I was older than 21 for “beer” that probably contains less alcohol than vinegar or apple juice.

Let’s get into the half marathon:

Do you know what’s funny? I was complaining about the cold 37F temperature, but I had to check myself. Why? While living in NYC, I have run races in temperatures WELL below freezing. I think living in suburbia has made me a bit ‘weaker’ when it comes to cold temperatures. Actually, I take that back. I think the issue is when I drive the temperature inside my car has to be drastically opposite to the temperatures outside.

-In the summer, my car’s interior temperature has to be the same as the North Pole.

-In the winter, the car’s interior temperature will be about 5 degrees above HELL.

By the time arrived in downtown Norfolk from Va Beach (about a 20 min drive), I was nice and cozy. Whereas in my NYC days, I would have to leave the cozy apt and brave the elements by walking to the subway, taking the subway, and walking to the location of the race.

Not sure if this is snow or snot.

Going into the half marathon, I pretty much was planning on doing the very bare minimum. I had this attitude for a few reasons: 1. I still had a bit of a back injury from NYC Marathon. 2. Honestly, running just has not been doing it for me later (more on that later). 3. I was dealing with a little GI issue. 4. I was not really prepared physically for this race.

The course:

Overall, the course was pretty easy and flat. The only real difficulty with the course was the random gusts of winds from the harbor . . . especially at the beginning. I know that some folks do not like this, but I love courses that have several twists and turns.

I mean this course took us all through Norfolk, and it seemed like every new twist and turn opened up new scenery. I think switching up the scenery allows me to mentally reset every few miles or so. I LOL’d to myself because this course had me like Tommy Lee Jones’s character from The Fugitive because it seemed like we were running past every gas station, outhouse, henhouse, doghouse, crackhouse, train house, and warehouse.

The only thing I did not like about the course was having to run alongside traffic for certain parts of the course, but it was not too bad. I wanted to take a few pics while running, but the $10 dollar gloves made it a bit difficult. Actually, I guess that’s not a bad thing because I spent my time focusing on running and not taking pictures every 10 minutes.

First 10K:

Perhaps, running in a new location changed my attitude because I felt like an explorer running a new course. Originally, I was planning on alternating between running 0.75 mi and walking 0.25 mi. However, within the 1st mile, I was like why not run 0.9mi then walk 0.1mi for the first three miles at least. Next thing I know, I was still doing this for the entirety of the race . . . and it felt good. I will admit that had some back pain during the first 3 miles, but I think the walking helped me recuperate for a bit.

Second 10 + 1K:

After parting with the 10K runners, boy did the field get really small. I guess most of the runners (as one might expect) signed up for the 10K. While things were quieter, I think this is where I really started to get into my groove. Perhaps, it was an illogical fear of being left behind since I had no clue where the hell I was. I guess it worked because according to my splits, I ran the second half faster than the first, which has not happened in a VERY LONG time. I had to LOL again because the “race” was sending me texts while I was running.

I’m so glad that I listened to the advice of one of the J&A organizers from the expo regarding the finish.

She told me after Mile 11 not to let the ‘fake’ finish fool me. After Mile 11.5, which was near the start, there was a lot of commotion and cheers, BUT you still have to run some more and make another loop to the finish line. The commotion was not for the finishers approaching Town Point Park, but it was from people at the post-race party. I’m so glad I listened to her because I was have been really frustrated and annoyed from Miles 11 to 13.1. Yes, we all have GPS devices, but this was my first time running this race . . . and to be perfectly honest, I did not really study the course. All I knew was the race started and ended at Town Point Park, BUT I didn’t know that you had to run past Town Point Park two times for the finish.

After-Party:

We’re done and now it’s time for fun. I think this event was the longest that I stayed at a race’s after-party. I have a feeling that was because of the four Blue Moon beers (and pizza) that the half-marathon participants received.

Random, I absolutely LOVED our finisher sweatshirt because it is soooo cozy.

Concluding Thoughts:

Going into to this race, I was planning for this one to be my last race until March. Also, I was planning on taking a few weeks off from running as a means to miss it. I don't the great organization of the race, the course, and general camaraderie re-ignited by my passion for running and becoming a better runner. We'll see if this sentiment will disappear over the next couple of days/weeks. ;)

Playlist:

I just went with my random Eurovision playlist because it was too cold to fiddle with Spotify right before starting.

Race Report: 2022 Achilles Hope & Possibility 4M

DATE: June 26, 2022; 8:15 am

DISTANCE: 4 MI

PLACE: Manhattan (Central Park), NY

WEATHER: 78 DEGREES, 64% HUMIDITY, CALM WIND

OFFICIAL TIME / PACE: Who cares? / who cares

FINISHERS: 6,715

SWAG: Tech t-shirt

Quick Stats:

Courtesy of NYRR

Summary:

A little deja vu, huh? Yup, in an effort to get as many 9+1 races out of the way before I leave NYC, I "ran" two races over the weekend.

A little information about this race:

“Celebrate disability inclusion at the 20th annual Achilles Hope & Possibility® 4M Presented by TD Bank on Sunday, June 26. By racing, you help support Achilles International’s mission to break down barriers to the start line for athletes with disabilities and empower athletes to cross the finish line. The race leads into July’s Disability Pride Month and the anniversary of the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act.”

— New York Road Runners (NYRR)

I'm gonna say that finishing this race was a bit bittersweet because this was my last NYRR (or NYC race) until NYC Marathon. That is if I can return to NYC to run the marathon in Nov.

The course for the race pretty much was the same as FRNY Pride Run's course that was held on the previous day, so I guess there were no surprises for Sunday. ;)

After Sunday's race, I think that my Apple Watch is on the fritz because once again it did not log my miles until I reached the E90s. Similar to the Pride Run, I decided to jog/walk from a local park in the W 120s to the start line in the E 60s before starting the race.

Don't you hate it when technology fails?

For Achilles Hope & Possibility Run, I did yet another type of interval run similar to the previous day's Pride Run. I did hard sprints for 200 m and jogged/walked as recovery for 400 m. This probably was not a great idea since the race tends to have many runners with disabilities and their assistants. Doing fast sprints near the back of the pack meant having to weave in and out of crowds of runners. Do not get me wrong, I'm not saying that I had a problem with disabled runners in this race especially because this race is supposed to celebrate them. I'm just saying that I probably should have done the hard interval runs during the previous day's race instead.

I gotta say that I was quite surprised that we received medals upon completing the race, which was a nice NYRR going-away gift. Also, it was cool to find out that this race has been around for 20 years.

Also, this race gave me an opportunity to check off another category for The Runchat's scavenger hunt. For this one, I checked off Animals (of any kind!). While I used the cougar sculpture on Cat Hill, the category did not say that the animal had to be a living creature ;)

Not sure if this is snow or snot.

It's nice when the virtual and real world collide.

While running the race, or maybe I was doing a recovery jog at that point, I felt some tap my back and shoulder. It turns out that it was one of my Twitter friends - meaning that we only communicated via Twitter (primarily through The Run Chat). After the race, he found me again, and we chatted for a few minutes.

A little post-race fun:

Since I was a bit in recovery mode from my birthday shenanigans, I decided to have a simple post-race breakfast at a local greasy spoon restaurant. Although I took it easy for my birthday this year, I did have quite a few cocktails, glasses of wine, and pints of beer throughout the day. After my post-race breakfast, I gave my feet some much-needed TLC with a nice soak and decrusting.

Playlist:

The same playlist that I used for the previous day's Pride Run.

Race Report: Front Runners New York LGBT Pride Run 4M (Copy)

DATE: June 25, 2022; 8:30 am (my birthday)

DISTANCE: 4 MI

PLACE: Manhattan (Central Park), NY

WEATHER: 71 DEGREES, 76% HUMIDITY, CALM WIND

OFFICIAL TIME / PACE: Who cares? / who cares

FINISHERS: 7,202

SWAG: Tank top, rainbow bagels, rainbow popsicles

Quick Stats:

Courtesy of NYRR

Summary:

Who's got PRIDE? We've got pride. I guess this really is not an actual report, but more of a brief summary.

Another year, another Pride Run 4 mi (it used to be 5 mi) - a race sponsored by NYRR and Front Runners NY (FRNY, one my running groups). This was going to be a simple race just to get back into the flow of things before starting my NYC Marathon training program on Monday.

While the expo was nice and pretty straight to the point, it gave me a chance to check out Industry City, which has been described as a creative workspace where folks can eat, drink, shop, and explore. After I picked up my race stuff, I figured that I would check out all (or most of) what Industry City had to offer.

Overall, I went into the race without any real goals or major accomplishments to achieve since this was my first race since April. My mental state for this race was to run/jog/walk for the sake of having fun. I will say that it did feel nice to kinda-sorta race. In fact, I woke up extra early (y'all know that's rare for me on race days) so I could walk and jog to the start. For the actual race, I cycled between running and walking 0.5 mi.

A couple of things that make you go hmmmmm:

When technology fails

Has this happened to anyone with an Apple watch? For Saturday's race, I decided to do a very easy jog from a local park in my neighborhood to the race's start (about 4 miles). I started my watch at W120 street, but it did not start registering my mileage until E 96th Street. The distance between these two points is about 1.5 miles. I hope that might watch is not on the fritz; I wonder if it means it's time to upgrade to a new Apple Watch. Perhaps, that could be a birthday gift to me.

My LGBT+ running group

Not sure if this is snow or snot.

As part of the FRNY Pride Run tradition, we take a team photo after the race (below).

In addition to the large group photo, the club takes pictures of the smaller subgroups within the club (eg the various subcommittees, gay Asians, gay Latinos, women, non-binary, etc.). So someone asked me if I was going to do the Black gays photo. To which, I was like which Blacks? Is it just going to be me in the photo? I later learned that there were about 8 Black members in the Black team member photo. Before you ask why I was not in that photo, I did not near the president announce our photo because I was on the phone with a couple of folks who were wishing me a happy birthday. Eh next time . . . I guess. While this sounds like a rant, which I do not mean to do. I will say the group has been working on its DEI efforts.

A little post-race fun:

While waiting for the husband to meet me at a local spot for brunch, I treated myself to a refreshing screwmosa (vodka + mimosa).

In terms of birthday celebrations, it was pretty chill . . . just like I wanted it to be. After brunch, we went to a wine bar, watched Jurassic World: Dominion, went to a friend's wedding reception in Brooklyn Park, then had dinner. Oh, we went home and continued my Jaws marathon. Random trivia: Every year around my birthday, I watch Jaws and its sequels. Oh (part II), I was a bit disappointed with Jurassic World, and I hope this is the last one. Also, in this day in age, no action movie needs to be longer than two hours.

Pride Run Playlist: