This is NOT a recap of running the NYC Half Marathon. It’s a recap of seeing it from the other side of the street barricades.

My race weekend began Friday when I volunteered at the race expo.  It was a BLAST! I can’t believe I’ve never volunteered at an expo before, and I can’t wait to do it again. I met some fantastic fellow runners who were also volunteering (9+1!) and had a chance to say hello and encouraging words to the runners picking up there bibs. The international crowd was truly impressive, with people from Canada, Germany, Argentina, and France, and we were really entertained by first time runners asking silly questions to ease their nerves. My favorite was, “Do I have to wear the race shirt during the race?!” So great!! Nailed it again New York Road Runners!

Sunday morning I woke up with so much excitement I almost felt like I was running the race myself! I met my friends around mile 11 and got there in time to see the elite women runners FLY by us, followed by the men and then the rest of the 20,000+ runners. We held our signs, cheered, screamed, high-fived, and jumped up as the runners passed!

A few of my favorite pals. Can you tell how happy I am? (Despite the wind really picking up!)

Look at the runners go! WOOOOO!

The energy and excitement I felt around the race has left me wanting more! I’ve been out there running at least three days a week and I’m trying to decide what half marathons, and how many, I want to run this year. THEY ARE SO FUN! The weather lately (until today) has helped me get out there and I’m feeling great running for fun, sometimes not concerned about time and sometimes trying to pull out a quick paced mile or two. Most importantly I’m continuing to work on my strength training so when time does come to start training as I train for the Cheery Blossom ten-miler (that’s in three short weeks!) I will be strong and avoid injury!

Here’s what I’ve been doing to stay strong: Equinox and Karen Lord Pilates

I joined Equinox and during non peak hours it’s so nice! I have the whole group fitness classroom to myself. I blast Taylor Swift and work on lunges, squats, and abs.

Image from TribecaCitizen.com
Pilates!! I’m LOVING it. I’ve now done reformer, tower, and mat classes. I walk away feeling so strong, tall, and lean, especially in my core.

I ended my race weekend with home made pizza. I burned some serious calories out there cheering for four hours right?!

What half marathons are you doing this year? What are some of your favorites in the Northeast- easy to get to from NYC?