The Brooklyn Half Marathon: PR City

I started training for the Brooklyn Half the week after my very less than stellar performance at the DC Half Marathon in March in which I finished in a blazing speed (just under 2:15). Someone remind me to never run a 'fun' half with no serious training. That was very stupid in my opinion. I trained hard and smart the past 8 weeks and knew that I had put in the work to run a PR. That was my biggest goal going into yesterday. 

My good friend, Liz, came in from Chicago to run the half and I was excited to have a friend to travel with to the start and chat with in the corral before we got started. We took the subway as it was an easy option since I live a block away from the 2, 3. We arrived to the start right around 7am. Before we knew it, it was 7:35 and time for Wave 2 to get started. Liz is faster then me so right before we crossed the start we said our goodbyes and knew we'd see each other again after 13.1! 

I crossed the start line to listening to Rihanna's "Diamonds", one of my favorite songs. I was smiling, and was so ready to run this race. The first half mile is a complete downhill... that helped my smile. When I got to the bottom of the street and made the turn to make a slight climb up Flatbush I could feel that my mouth was already dry. CRAP. We left my apt at 6:20 and it was now 7:40ish and I hadn't had any water in over an hour. Stupid, stupid mistake. Right past mile 1 there was a water stop. I contemplated stopping or not but I knew that stopping for 10 seconds would be better than not stopping and risking something worse happening later. My first mile was 9:24, a little fast but basically on pace. We ran around Grand Army, and then back down Flatbush. The downhills in the race are kinda awesome. Mile 3 clocked in at 8:57... too fast for me. I told myself to tone it down a bit or I'd pay for this later in the race. We entered Prospect Park, and a familiar route was upon me. I've run several races in this Park and I knew what was ahead of me. There is one long climb, but asides from that hill, P.P. isn't too hard. 

That hill is in between miles 5-6. When I reached the top of that hill I just felt 'off'. I was on the verge of throwing up (TMI). I contemplated pulling over, but instead I tried to push through it. I didn't feel great. Had I gone out too fast? Was I dehydrated? What if I don't finish? Instead of letting those feelings defeat me, I knew that the toughest mile of the course was over and decided there was nothing that would keep me from Coney Island and my medal. Mile 6 clocked in at 9:47, my slowest mile of the day. I knew that since I wasn't feeling 100% I'd just take water as I needed it and tried to keep my goal pace. I exited Prospect Park, and the song, "Feel Again" by One Republic came on and it just made me realize that running makes me actually feel so alive. (Yes, I'm cheesy, sorry!) I got on Ocean Parkway and I knew I was just going to give it everything I had those last 5 miles. I literally said to myself, "Leticia, you don't get up every morning, run paces that are uncomfortable in training to not PR today. YOU GOT THIS! Let's go." Michele (my amazing running coach) has taught me to be a good mental runner. I can do anything as long as I believe it's possible. 

Miles 8-13 are honestly pretty boring. It's a straight shot down Ocean Parkway all the way to Coney Island. I would check my watch from time to time. I stopped a couple of times for water. Every time I glanced down at my watch, my pace was on track. I knew that a PR was definitely in reach, I wasn't sure by how much but I knew if I held on it was mine. At mile 10, I looked at my watch and knew that as long as nothing bad happened in the final 5K I was pretty much a shoe in for a PR. The final three miles flew by. Before I knew it I saw the 800M to go sign. Two more 'laps' if you will. I turned the final corner, heading to the boardwalk, up the ramp, and could see the finish. I didn't even look at my watch. I just gave it all I had. I crossed the finish line. Hit stop on my Garmin and read the time: 2:05:10 (unofficial). BAM. I had done it. I was so, so, happy!

Mary Wittenberg, the CEO of NYRR was right at the finish after I got my medal and she gave me a big handshake and said congratulations! That was a cool moment for me! When I finished I was so exhausted but I looked right ahead and saw a familiar face! It was Jen! She had also PR'ed and we walked down the boardwalk together, grabbing some water and snacks. It was so nice to celebrate a PR immediately with a dear runner friend! 

My PR before this was a year old, as it was from last years Brooklyn Half. I needed this race. I needed a confidence booster going into marathon training later this summer. Every part of yesterday was fantastic. Even when I didn't feel great, I tested my mental ability to not give up and push through when it's really really hard. Yesterday, was half marathon #7. It was Lucky #7 for me. I'm still smiling! :) Thanks for all your texts, tweets, and well wishes! This runner community is one of the greatest things to happen to my life. I am forever thankful, encouraged, and motivated by ALL of you. 

Brooklyn Half Finishers: (L-R) Jenny, Carla, Allison, Beth, Me, and Liz

Final Stats:

Net Time: 2:05:12

Pace Per Mile: 9:34

Hope you had a great weekend! 

Watching the Boston Marathon from Boylston Street

Before I went to Boston this weekend I thought that today I'd be writing a recap of how amazing of a day Marathon Monday was and how it was so awesome to see all my speedy friends run and finish what most people aspire to do someday. The day was indeed perfect until about 2:50PM. 

Christine, Carla, and I arrived to Boylston Street, just south of the corner of Hereford around 11:30am. The iconic 'Left' on Boylston to head towards the finish line was an amazing place to watch. We saw the elites zoom past (literally) followed by many many others who were approaching mile 26. We screamed, we cheered, we had so much fun watching everyone! We were able to easily spot all of our friends and cheered for them as they were so close to being done! 

Around 2:30, we were around the corner on Newbury having a late lunch. We were sitting at a table and I could actually still see Boylston. I looked over a couple of time before and continued to see a stream of runners go by. I smiled knowing they were all seconds away from crossing the finish line. As we waited for our food I was chatting with Christine, as my phone was nearby charging. We both felt and heard the explosion but in that moment neither of us mentioned it to the other. It was one of those things that we felt but didn't panic. About two minutes later I looked back towards Boyslton and just saw a crowd of people running towards us. In that instant my heart just started beating fast because I knew something was not right. I knew what I had felt a couple of minutes before had to have been something bad. I grabbed my phone and texted my sister to look online at the news and tell me what was going on. At that point she said nothing was online and that it was just news about the winners. I opened my twitter feed to see this:

Josh Cox ‏@JoshCox22h

Do not go near the finish line at the #BostonMararthon -- 2 explosions in buildings pic.twitter.com/KTYtya3CSH

I was pretty much speechless. None of us knew what to do or think. I immediately started getting texts/tweets as many knew I had been near the finish line supporting my friends. In the minutes after I tried to piece together in my head who had finished around that time. I knew all of my friends had been done for 20-30 minutes so no one would have been in the direct vicinity. I didn't know the severity or how many people were impacted. All I knew was that I was in the middle of chaos. It is a day I will not soon forget. Eventually we made it back to Christine's cousins apartment and then back to South Station to head home to NYC yesterday afternoon.

All of my friends are safe, I am safe.

The events that unfolded yesterday are senseless tragedy. They make no sense. It's a reminder that hate and sin is very real in this world. It saddens me, that's for certain. But what does not sadden me is the resilience of runners. This community loves each other. This is a sport where it doesn't matter if you are a 2 hour marathoner, or a 6 hour marathoner, what matters is that we care and take care of one another. I am forever thankful and proud to be a part of this community.

On Saturday afternoon with our favorite Boston Marathoner, Celia, (to my left) at the finish line. I never would have imagined that a finish line that is so meaningful would be wrecked with severe and utter tragedy two days later. 

#PRAYFORBOSTON

It's Spring... kinda.

Yesterday it was in the mid 70's and spring like weather. Today, and the for the next few days the highs are in the 50's. I don't get you NYC weather. I don't get you at all. Regardless, I took full advantage of the nice weather and the fact that I work about a hundred yards from Battery Park and went on an easy 4 mile run after work. I had forgotten what it felt like to run in shorts outside. In case you are wondering, it's awesome.

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This wasn't exactly what the sunset was like, but this is a picture of my favorite spot in all of New York City. When I turn the corner and see Lady Liberty in the far off distance, suddenly all seems right in the world. It happens to me every single time I run down in Battery Park. There's something about the freedom of running in a place that has produced so much good in my life that just overwhelms me with joy for this city and my friends who have become like family here. I'm thankful. 

So here's to warm(er) weather, outside running, and shorts... just a few of my favorite things. 

My second 10K: Scotland... but not in Scotland!

One of my dearest friends from Austin, Melanie, came to visit me last weekend. In the weeks prior as we planned the details about the trip I said that on Saturday mornings I usually go for a long run. It just so happened to be that I had also planned to race a 10K in Central Park. I asked her if she would be up for a loop of the park and seeing the sights I get to see on a weekly basis. She agreed and signed up, what a trooper! This was only my second 10K to ever race so I wasn't sure what to expect. I have slowly been building up speed so no PR this time around but I was still pleased with my finish considering the the race was super crowded, did lots of weaving, and Central Park hills are pretty relentless. My 'real' goal of the day was simply to finish under an hour and that I did. 

The Stats: 

Net Time: 59:32

Pace: 9:37

AG: 50.96% 

I ALWAYS fall right at fifty %  in my age group. I am just going to embrace the fact that I'm neither super fast nor super slow. 

Over and out. 

Sunset via Brooklyn. This picture doesn't do justice to how beautiful it was but it will give you a glimpse. Also, I think Spring has finally arrived in New York City. Clap clap!

Living in the moment.

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After living in NYC for two and halfish years it is pretty obvious that I love it here. I have loved the life that I have made here. I've made incredible friendships, endured some of life's greatest adventures, cried a lot, laughed a lot, and been thankful for each day that I've been blessed to call this place "home". There have been amazing days and there have been not-so amazing days. They say if you can make it here, you can make it anywhere and I think I finally understand what that means...

It is no secret that hailing from the great state of Texas I have a ton of Texas pride and love my great State (see what I did there?) Anyway, often times I still feel like I'm living a double-life. While my roots are from Texas, my family, and friends too I often feel a pull that I am missing out on so much by not being there. You see, I struggle with major FOMO (Fear of Missing Out) and it pains me to not be around so many people that I love who are 2000 miles away from here. I've had a major case of the winter blues the past couple of weeks and have toyed a lot with the idea of moving home. You know why? Because it would be easy.

But life isn't always easy. And the choices we make each day don't always make sense. But I know that these two and half years in NY have changed me for the better, changed me for life. The experiences I've had here will forever be a part of a distinct chapter of my life. I am going to try to stop living with so much FOMO of Texas because that's not where I live. I live in New York City and this is where my heart, and its affections have to be planted. I have made memories that I will cherish forever. I have friends who love me, who support me, who have been there for me when I wanted to give up on this place and for that I'm truly thankful. We've come from all over the world to live in a city of millions, and you know what? It's been so so fun.

Last night as I was on my way home from DC, right before entering the Lincoln Tunnel you have an epic view of Manhattan via Jersey (seen above). I looked out the window and I just smiled. I smiled knowing that I was going back to the City. I was back home, even just after 24 hours. I was coming home to my favorite apartment, to my awesome roommates, to my friends who I love so dearly and to a life that is richly blessed beyond belief. I'm not promised tomorrow. I'm not promised the date of when I'll move back to Texas. But I am promised this moment. And for this moment I will cherish New York and all that comes with this crazy place! :)

30 Before 30!

Hey people! Happy 2013. As promised here is my 30 before 30 list of things I hope to conquer before my 30th birthday in December. Here's hoping it's a fun year!

1. Run the NYC marathon! :) 

2. Play mini golf at Pier 25 on the Hudson River

3. Run a mile in 7:15min (I hope I don't die)

4. Visit a winery

5. See Matilda on Broadway

6. Take a cooking class with a friend

7. Visit a beach/go on vacation

8. Read 5 books

9. Visit an amusement park

10. Go kayaking in the East River

11. Find a mentor

12. Run on Roosevelt Island

13. Try Bikram Yoga

14. Go on a cupcake tour in NYC

15. Go to a Knicks or Nets game

16. Host a brunch 

17. Ride bikes in Central Park (yes, like a tourist)

18. See the Rockettes 

19. Go to dinner at the famous, Peter Luger Steakhouse

20. Fly a kite in a park

21. Eat only fruits and vegetables for a week

22. Visit Boston 

23. Walk the Brooklyn Bridge at night

24. Go on a scavenger hunt

25. Go back to my old neighborhood in Queens and eat my favorite bagel

26. Run 1000 miles 

27. Volunteer at a race

28. Memorize a chapter of the book of the Bible

29. Bake an apple pie 

30. Celebrate the last night of my 20's in EPIC form!

I promise to blog about some of these! Feel free to join me on any of these adventures!

Oh and just for fun, here is my favorite pic of 2013 so far:

Runners. Central Park. 1/13/13