More/Fitness Half Marathon Recap

At this point I highly doubt you're shocked that this post is over a week late. But better late than never right? Once again, thanks to the Fitness and More Magazine PR team's for having me be a part of this fantastic event. 

On race day I did my usual routine then headed out to the subway which took forever and almost made me late. Since I was doing this race as a fun run I didn't stress it too much. Luckily I got there with about 15 minutes to spare. There were some announcements happening as I arrived but I was too busy getting situated to really pay attention.

As we began crossing the start line, host Hoda Kotb was all smiles as she waved at us. The start corrals were on the West side so we began running South. It was amazing to be surrounded by so many women practically up before the sun to run this race. Olympian Deena Kastor was there running as well! After the first miles I pretty much decided that I didn't want to be running a race anymore. Great time for that huh? 

But I made it to the Harlem Hill and sped my way up it. Right before that at mile 3 I took my first shot block. I usually refuel every 3 miles and use that as a countdown. I felt pretty strong going into mile 6 until I realized I still had to do another loop and a half of Central Park. I made sure to refuel and sip on my hand held as a prepared myself. 

I definitely slowed my pace down to something more comfortable but it was hot and I was cranky and I really felt like I was still pushing myself. The hills were for sure getting the best of me. Going up the Harlem Hill the second time was not nearly as easy as the first. I was struggling. I took my last shot block in the middle of the hill so I had enough fuel to finish. 

There were many runners in medical tents and ambulances the second time down the West Side so in fear of being one of those girls, I slowed my pace down. Once I passed the start corrals I knew it was basically over and it would be smooth sailing. I kept pace going into the finish area and naturally sprinted across the finish line. 

Something I never do is finish my hand held on such long runs but I did well before mile 13 and asked the first medic I saw for water. He was no such help and told me to keep going down the line. Um excuse me I could have been dehydrated sir!!! I got my medal, grabbed 2 cups of Gatorade and 2 cups of water, a bagel and went to go stretch my extremely tired legs out. 

While it was definitely an empowering and fun race, it was also VERY challenging. Luckily the energy on the course from spectators was amazing and kept me going. There were some pretty awesome signs that reminded me I get mimosas when I finished. 

Oh, I'm also very proud to say that my new "slow" pace is not that slow (at least not to me) at all. I ended up running 9:40 average miles which made me a very happy girl. 

A few other highlights:

• Olympian Deena Kastor broke the event record with a 1:11:38.
• Fitness Editor-in-Chief Betty Wong ran the race for the eighth consecutive year, finishing in a time of 2:07:00
• 10,000 women from around the world participated in the race
• Race participants ran to celebrate various initiatives, including 2014 charitable partners CARE and Girls on the Run NYC

Congrats to all finishers! See you again next year!

Xo,

Lynette

The More Magazine/Fitness Magazine Women's Half-Marathon

*Disclaimer: I was reached out to by the Fitness/MORE PR team and was asked to cover and participate in this race. I received a comp'd entry however all opinions are my own. 

I am so excited to be running the More Magazine/Fitness Magazine Women's Half-Marathon next weekend. I still get excited for each race I do but being able to run with so many strong and empowering women is an honor. 

“The More Magazine/Fitness Magazine Women’s Half-Marathon is a celebration of active, inspirational and all-around extraordinary women,” said NYRR president and CEO Mary Wittenberg. “For more than a decade, thousands of women of all ages and abilities have gathered at this powerful event—encouraging each other and motivating others—to run, move, and make a meaningful commitment to their health and well-being.”

One of the organizations the race is partnered with is Girls On The Run, which is something I have been interested in being a part of for awhile. Last year I had to turn down a position due to my fantastic commute but I am hoping now that I've moved I can finally participate. Girls on the Run is a non-profit program for girls in the 3^rd through 8^th grade. It inspires girls to be joyful, healthy and confident using a fun, experience-based curriculum that creatively integrates running and culminates in a 5K race.

Additionally, the Fitness/More team encourages you to donate to CARE, a leading humanitarian organization that empowers women around the world to help end global poverty. Benefits from the More/Fitness Women’s Half-Marathon will serve individuals and families in the poorest communities in the world. More information about CARE is available at care.org.

Before the race even kicks off there will be a 2-day expo at the Metropolitan Pavillion where on Saturday, April 12, Olympian Dara Torres and leading New York cosmetic dermatologist Dr. Doris Day will be leading back-to-back seminars. Both are brand ambassadors for AmLactin Alpha-Hydroxy Skin Care.

And to kick off the event on Sunday, April 13, with More magazine Editor-in-Chief Lesley Jane Seymour and FITNESS magazine Editor-in-Chief Betty Wong is TODAY's Hoda Kotb. She will welcome  thousands of women to the race and will be honoring the winners of the first-ever Women Run the World™ Essay Contest, celebrating five women who shared their stories of triumph and accomplishment in the face of adversity.

Guess what? There are still spaces available if you didn't register! And I highly recommend you do. With all of the energy and empowerment you won't even realized you did 2 and a half loops of Central Park. So sign up now! 

Have you run the More/Fitness Half? What did you think? Are you running this year?

Xo,

Lynette