This is the second time I won the lottery to run this race but it's the first time I was able to run in it! My lower back was in a bad condition 4 years ago when I first tried to run in it. And this time my left ankle was still recovering from a bad sprain that happened 6 months ago. I wasn't sure if my ankle was health enough for me to run 13.1 miles so I was giving my spot to my friend, Wilson. Due to fate, Wilson decided not to run it and I didn't want the spot to go to waste so I decided to go for a try.
Following the recovery of my ankle, I've only been picking up running again slowly. The longest distance I've done post-injury was ~6 miles with around 10min/mile pace but I finished relatively comfortable. I decided that I will run only at a comfortable or slightly slower than comfortable pace and that's what I did.
On race day, it was felt pretty crazy. I think it was some 20,000 runners signed up for the race. All flooded into central park where the starting line was. They had a full airport TSA grade security check point but the number of runners was probably overwhelming that they had to abandon the security check for people to start the race on time.We started off running a loop of central park which is 6 miles and went down 7 avenue passing Time Square. Running thru Time Square was the most amazing stretch of the race. We ran down the traffic free streets with all the spectators cheering on the side, the bright lights on the buildings beaming, energetic bands blasting music. It's just a very different Time Square from the traffic jammed and tourist packed block.
I kept a pretty stable 10min/mile pace thru out mile 11. Then my energy level must started to plummet. The last 2 miles was the toughest 2 miles I've ever ran in my life. However, after coming out of the Battery Park underpass with the sunlight hitting your face and the cheering crowd roaring. I was able to sustain myself for 3 more minutes to pass the finish line!!
This is one of the best experiences in New York and I highly recommend everyone in New York to do it at least once. Overall experience: 10/10
Another thing worth mentioning is that the app for the race was pretty amazing! N was able to track my progress in the comfort of home on her iPad :)
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