Learn all about this fun, music-filled run through the best borough with this Rock’n’Roll Brooklyn Half Marathon Race Recap.
Welcome to another great Wild Workout Wednesday Link Up where Annmarie from The Fit Foodie Mama, Jen from Pretty Little Grub, Michelle at Fruition Fitness and I bring you workout ideas, motivation, inspiration and recipes to try. Join us each week by reading along, linking up and grab the button to proudly display on your blog/in your posts!
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Last weekend, I got to run my very first Rock’n’Roll race, and it did not disappoint! After running a sub-par NYC Half Marathon, having to DNS the Syracuse Half and dealing with a fever throughout the Brooklyn Half, I was kind of looking for redemption with these 13.1 miles. Since this race was going to be part of a marathon training long run, I knew redemption wouldn’t come in the form of a PR. Rather, I was hoping it would redeem my faith in my favorite race distance and remind why I love running and racing.
RACE DAY STRATEGY
I’m in the peak of marathon training, so I had 18 miles on tap. The plan was to run 5 miles at a very easy pace before the race, the first 8 miles of the race easy and the last 5 miles of the race at marathon goal pace. I really wanted to stick to that plan and not go out too fast or try to race the race.
I also wanted to try a new fueling strategy. In the past, I’ve always taken in 4-5 PROBAR Energy Bolt chews (affiliate link) every 45 minutes. I’ve done pretty well with this, but I’ve noticed throughout this training that I get a solid boost about 10 minutes after consuming the chews but then start to fade until I eat more. The night before the race, I met up with Annmarie (more on that below). She said she fuels every 20 minutes, so I figured I’d give that a shot. Instead of 4-5 chews every 45 minutes (or 4.5-5 miles), I’d try 2-3 chews every 2 miles.
THE DAY BEFORE THE RACE
I hit up the expo to pick up my bib. I’m not big on expos, but I figured RNR’s would be fun. I have to say, I was kind of disappointed. That said, I picked up my bib and shirt without a hitch, so while it didn’t turn me into an expo lover, I did appreciate the efficiency.
Later that night, I met up with Annmarie for an early dinner. We both enjoyed delicious collard-green-wrapped burgers and sweet potato fries from Barebuger and vegan ice cream from Van Leeuwen. YUM!
Then it was back to my apartment to get flat Nicole ready…
…and lights were out by 9:30pm.
RACE DAY
My alarm went off at the lovely hour of 4:15am. I made myself some oats with banana and sun butter, did my warm-up routine and was out the door by 5 to get in my 5 pre-race miles.
I was pretty nervous about running alone in the darkness of the morning, so I ran to Prospect Park where I figured people would be setting up the race course.
Before I knew it, my 5 miles were done, and it was time to head to the corrals.
I’d heard from people that ran this race last year that security was a bit of a disaster, resulting in the race starting really late. I wanted to get there early to avoid anything like that happening again.
I entered the corral area at 6am, a good hour before the race was due to start. I was one of the first people there, which didn’t bother me, as I had my choice of porta potties!
I also got to enjoy this gorgeous sunrise over the starting line.
I found Ashley and Zoe right before the starting gun, which went off right on time. Seems like the fixed all of the security issues from last year. Way to go, RNR!
Before we knew it, we were off!
Since Ashley and Zoe were looking to just enjoy the race, and I was looking to run the first 8 miles easy, we decided to keep each other company as long as possible.
We ran, we chatted, we danced to all the music stands along the course, and the first 8 miles of the race flew by. Right after the 8-mile mark, Ashley and Zoe decided to drop back while I picked it up to my goal marathon pace for the final 5 miles.
I was feeling amazing and had so much energy, which I attribute to both taking it easy and my new fueling strategy. There was a big hill right before mile 10 and I powered up it, no problemo. I was feeling so good that I had to actively try to slow down to my goal pace. I entered Prospect Park and knew I was in the home stretch. There was one more big hill just before mile 12. I know that hill like the back of my hand since I’ve run it so many times in training, so getting up it was NBD, even after so many miles.
Then it was time for the last mile! I couldn’t believe how much energy I had 17 miles into the day. My feet weren’t tired. My legs felt strong. I was mentally in the game. On top of all that, my TomTom Spark watch was spot on with the course distance, which NEVER happens (usually it’s off by ¼ of a mile or so by the end of the race).
I crossed the finish line of my 8th half marathon in 2:05:47 and felt proud for having stuck to my strategy and ecstatic about how good I felt. I think this race really gave me the confidence I need to run the marathon in a few weeks.
POST-RACE
There was a bit of a runner’s traffic jam right across the finish line as medals were being handed out, but I made my way through and then down the long line of food toward the post-race party. Let me tell you, RNR does not skimp on the food. There were so many snacks and drinks available to runners after the race (pretzels, nuts, bananas, protein bars, Gatorade, chocolate milk, water and more).
I found Annmarie for a quick congrats hug and selfie…
…and then headed to the post-race party with Zoe.
We did a little stretching. Enjoyed some music, and then it was time to head home. The walk home was about a mile and a half. Even though I’d just run 18 miles, I didn’t mind walking a bit so that my legs didn’t stiffen up. I also had the opportunity to take some good pics of the awesome medal.
Once home, I ate, showered, foam rolled and sat with my legs up the wall. The next day, I woke up without a single sore muscle. Major win.
Some overarching pros and cons:
PROS
- Easy packet pick-up
- Well organized race start
- Music entertainment throughout
- Relatively flat, easy course
- Awesome race medal
- Tons of post-race fuel
- Fun post-race party
CONS
- Disappointing expo
- Big hills at the end of the race (I actually like this, but might be a con for some)
- Some music stations seems to be taking a break when I ran by (bummer)
Overall, I really enjoyed my first RNR experience. I liked having a race as part of my long run, so much so that I signed up for a small half to incorporate into my 20-miler this coming weekend. I also really enjoy running with friends. It helps me get out of my own head and truly enjoy the miles. Hopefully I can find a friend to run the NYC Marathon with!
Have you had any wild workouts lately? Share them in the Wild Workout Wednesday Link Up!
Let’s Chat:
Did you race last weekend?
Have you ever run a Rock’n’Roll race?
You know how you like doing races as part of your long run? I like when you do races as part of your long run because then I get the fulllll scoop 😀
Speaking of scoops, dinner and ice cream with Annmarie? JEALOUS
#nailed it 😀
Susie @ SuzLyfe recently posted…What to Do For Marathon Recovery (Coaches Corner)
haha no hiding from Coach Suz! You’ll get the full recap of tomorrow’s 20-miler on Wednesday. Fingers crossed!
SO happy that the fueling strategy worked well for you!! I am sad though that we didn’t get to hang out and chat more after 🙁 I’ll make it up to you by coming to visit though!
So funny tidbit- that hill at the end didn’t seem all at bad to me (I know you like hills too) and maybe I am comparing it to Ragnar but of all the runners I spoke with that was their major complaint about the course, haha. Guess if they haven’t #runthecuse they don’t know what a real hill is 😉
Annmarie recently posted…How to Run, Rock & Fuel in Brooklyn.
I didn’t mind the hill at all, but that could be because I’ve run it so many times. I also knew it was coming, so I could mentally prep!
Congrats! Sounds like a really great training run for you.
Rachel recently posted…Marathon Nutrition: Fat Adapted Running
What a great race and way to conquer it while doing your marathon training. That sunrise alone was worth getting up for. Congrats and thanks for hosting.
Julie @ Running in a Skirt recently posted…4 Things I did to Skyrocket my Pageviews from Pinterest
The sunrise was a nice surprise!
Congrats on a great half!! There were so many races this weekend- it was inspiring to hear everyone’s experiences. Just a few more weeks to NYC!
gahhh I can’t believe it’s so soon!
Sounds awesome! I hate disappointing expos, and it seems like RNR should have a, well, rockin one! I definitely have to try Bareburger…everyone keeps talking about it! Glad you ladies enjoyed yourselves!
Michelle @ Fruition Fitness recently posted…My Honest Paleo Experience + Well Fed Weeknights Giveaway!
It’s amazing! Do you have one near you?
I’m so glad that RnR Brooklyn made some changes and that everything was much better this year! It sounds like you had a great race and it’s great that your new fueling strategy worked well!
Kimberly G recently posted…Staten Island Half Marathon Race Recap
Congrats on the great experience and finish! I’m happy to hear you felt so strong! Keep up the great work!
Sounds like the race went really well! This seems like a fun race but I was a bit scared off after the reports from last year about the problems with security.
Chaitali recently posted…Army 10 Miler Review – Part 1
I was nervous, too, but they really turned things around this year 🙂
When I was training for the Disney Marathon last year, (I don’t know why I didn’t reach out to you since you was there) I did a couple half’s as training runs. They were great because 1-I got a medal and 2-I ran my pace and no pushing to beat a certain time!
If I’m ever in the Brooklyn area, I’m for sure looking you up and getting in a run! 🙂
Tricia @MissSippiPiddlin recently posted…Combatting Soreness After a Run
Yes, please do! 🙂
That’s awesome you had such a great race, and even with your pre-race miles! Great job!
Katie @ Peace Love & Oats recently posted…Why I’m Over Long Distance Running
I have a half coming up this weekend, with a similar strategy (also 5 extra miles…for 18 total miles). I’m looking forward to the challenge! You did a great job staying ahead of the game with fueling. I’m still trying to work out some bugs with the gels….they used to be my go-to, but the past 18 months or so, my tummy revolts. #workinprogress
Kimberly Hatting recently posted…Irritable? (not really)
Have you tried chews instead? I’ve never been a big gel fan. Good luck with your long run/race this weekend!
I really, really, really wanted to do this one this year, but the timing just didn’t work out. The medal is exceptional.
RnR Philly had a big (for me) hill at the end, too. What is up with that???
Congratulations on a wonderfully and strategically run race!
Jenn recently posted…weekly wrap: 10.2 – 10.8
Right?! I guess it’s the final challenge lol
I am so glad you had a great race and big kudos to doing 5 miles before!! You are a rockstar!
Lauren recently posted…Are You Experiencing Running Burnout?
Awesome race story! Annmarie, that sunrise and that burger and Ice cream what a perfect combo! Love it!
AutumnPTW recently posted…10 Things You Shouldn’t Do To Your Personal Trainer
I love that you did this race to get in many miles for your long run for marathon training. I have never done that but it sounds like a great idea and good confidence booster. Also, a great time to practice changes in fueling. That sunrise and those leggings . . . both so pretty!
Races as part of long runs are the best! I’m doing the same thing tomorrow for my 20-miler. EEK!
I know this post is mostly about your race but I am drooling over that ice cream you had the night before!
Carmy recently posted…Let’s Go On An Adventure: Hamilton
It was matcha flavored! So amazing!
Nicely done! Dancing and running, sounds like a great time to me. Glad the new fueling worked out for you.
Anna @Piper’s Run recently posted…Valley Harvest Marathon 10k Recap 2016
Thanks, Anna! It really was a blast 🙂
Wow Nicole–sounds like you are so ready for your marathon! Your fueling and racing strategy were right on. Proud of you for holding back and sticking to your plan!
Wendy@Taking the Long Way Home recently posted…When Running Rubs You the Wrong Way
The 20-miler tomorrow will be the true test, but I’m feeling good! I can’t believe it’s so soon!
Congratulations on your race, you did an awesome job, especially since you had to run 5 miles before the race! I’m glad you enjoyed your first RNR experience, they really are a lot of fun! Okay that vegan ice cream looks amazing!
Janelle @ Run With No Regrets recently posted…Throwback Thursday Running Playlist: Pop Princesses
RNR was great! I hope to do another one soon! Perhaps we can get a few running bloggers together for a racecation 🙂
Awesome job! Good luck on the marathon!
Thank you!!
I too love running races as a way to train. It certainly helps make those long runs more interesting, and definitely more rewarding.
Kathryn @ Dancing to Running recently posted…Pushing Myself Outside of My Comfort Zone
Sounds like a great race! I can’t believe you ran 5 miles first- WOW! I need to work on my fueling strategy, I like you approach! I am surprised about the expo- the one I did was great! Nice recap!
Mary Beth Jackson recently posted…Handle with care! Your running gear deserves it!
Which one did you run?
Looks like a great race, I ran the 10k a few years back! Love the medal!
toni recently posted…Fit Foodie 15K Recap #FitFoodieRace