Random thoughts as I was sitting on the stoop this morning reading the paper and watching runner after runner head toward the Brooklyn Promenade ...
* The blog is coming back after a self-imposed hiatus. Have some different thoughts on how I want to approach it (beyond actually posting more). More to come ....
* Brooklyn Half is in **three weeks** You excited?
*Congratulations to the 131 people from Brooklyn who finished the Boston Marathon this year. Top finishers from the borough were Ben Leese (2:32:41) among men, Lauren Perkins (3:02:58) among women.
* For those of you looking to capture marathon qualifiers on the NYRR race circuit, note that the Healthy Kidney 10K and Japan Run (4 miles) the weekend of May 10-11 are nearing capacity.
* Website of the day: The Brooklyn Half Pre-Party (three days of fun in Dumbo) in the days leading up to the Half
Showing posts with label Brooklyn Half. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Brooklyn Half. Show all posts
Sunday, April 27, 2014
Saturday, May 12, 2012
Brooklyn Half Course Analysis
A friend of mine ran the first part of the Brooklyn Half course last weekend: Her verdict? "It's a fast course."
I did the same thing this morning and have to agree. It's not the most exciting course in the world (though the alternative was running two loops in Prospect Park, instead of one). But the fact is, you don't have to pay attention to the undulating parts of the park, you get three serious downhills (including two in the first three miles of the race) and only one bout with Zoo hill.
Yeah, it's definitely a PR course if the weather cooperates. (And right now it looks like probably low 60s with very mild wind from the East.)
Let me break the race into three components: Pre-Prospect Park, the Park loop, and Ocean Parkway/Coney Island.
*Pre Prospect Park - about 3.75 miles. Starting on Washington, you get a nice downhill for the first half mile-plus. The turn back up Flatbush is steadily uphill - but it's an easy uphill. Running Union Street to the Park, or running the Brooklyn/Manhattan/Williamsburgh bridges are a lot tougher. And then you get to run it downhill., before it turns into a flat route heading into the park. I gotta say - I was definitely able to zone out on these parts. One part of the course is in the shade pretty much the whole time -- I can actually see folk running this part too fast.
*Prospect Park - about 3.3 miles. You've done the loop before, you'll do it again. Don't kill yourself on Zoo Hill, remember to run the tangents (especially on the hills - both up and down). Use the 1/4 mile marks spread out at various parts in the park to keep your pacing under control - in my run today, the mile that included Zoo Hill was 23 seconds slower than the second mile (which included the downhill) - and I thought my effort for both miles was about the same.
*Ocean Parkway/Coney Island. It's about 5.5 miles to the Coney Island boardwalk, there won't be much shade, and it's boring as heck. And these are the good things I have to say. I hate training on this stretch anyway, but it's a necessary evil. So keep focused on the fact that it's be a good day to take a dip in the water afterward/fixate on your favorite fantasy/start giving yourself Harry Potter quizzes. Oh, and if it's windy, find someone tall to run behind.
The last time I was on the boardwalk (about 6 weeks ago), the boards were in the usual terrible condition. It may have improved, but something to watch out for. At that point, you've got tired legs, but your adrenaline pumping and you can see the finish. Just don't think about Nathan's Hot Dogs at this point.
And then you're done!
I did the same thing this morning and have to agree. It's not the most exciting course in the world (though the alternative was running two loops in Prospect Park, instead of one). But the fact is, you don't have to pay attention to the undulating parts of the park, you get three serious downhills (including two in the first three miles of the race) and only one bout with Zoo hill.
Yeah, it's definitely a PR course if the weather cooperates. (And right now it looks like probably low 60s with very mild wind from the East.)
Let me break the race into three components: Pre-Prospect Park, the Park loop, and Ocean Parkway/Coney Island.
*Pre Prospect Park - about 3.75 miles. Starting on Washington, you get a nice downhill for the first half mile-plus. The turn back up Flatbush is steadily uphill - but it's an easy uphill. Running Union Street to the Park, or running the Brooklyn/Manhattan/Williamsburgh bridges are a lot tougher. And then you get to run it downhill., before it turns into a flat route heading into the park. I gotta say - I was definitely able to zone out on these parts. One part of the course is in the shade pretty much the whole time -- I can actually see folk running this part too fast.
*Prospect Park - about 3.3 miles. You've done the loop before, you'll do it again. Don't kill yourself on Zoo Hill, remember to run the tangents (especially on the hills - both up and down). Use the 1/4 mile marks spread out at various parts in the park to keep your pacing under control - in my run today, the mile that included Zoo Hill was 23 seconds slower than the second mile (which included the downhill) - and I thought my effort for both miles was about the same.
*Ocean Parkway/Coney Island. It's about 5.5 miles to the Coney Island boardwalk, there won't be much shade, and it's boring as heck. And these are the good things I have to say. I hate training on this stretch anyway, but it's a necessary evil. So keep focused on the fact that it's be a good day to take a dip in the water afterward/fixate on your favorite fantasy/start giving yourself Harry Potter quizzes. Oh, and if it's windy, find someone tall to run behind.
The last time I was on the boardwalk (about 6 weeks ago), the boards were in the usual terrible condition. It may have improved, but something to watch out for. At that point, you've got tired legs, but your adrenaline pumping and you can see the finish. Just don't think about Nathan's Hot Dogs at this point.
And then you're done!
Monday, March 26, 2012
Thursday, March 22, 2012
Initial Thoughts on Brooklyn Half (and the Course)
I'm looking at the course map, posted here (download the .pdf). And I've read the New York Times article. My initial thoughts are - what a cluster (my second thoughts aren't printable):
Running back and forth, in and around the park before the Coney Island route, suggests a whole bunch of things:
*NYRR didn't get permission to start the race in the park because of Googa Mooga, if they even attempted to do so.
*NYRR was trying to do another, more glamorous route (maybe Brooklyn Bridge?), and got turned down.
*NYRR still doesn't have all the permits (note the Community Board meeting next week). This could be an issue given the number of street requested to be closed down.
*This line in the NYT article doesn't quite make sense because it doesn't really matter how many people are running.: "Last year, 5,921 runners finished. Road Runners could not increase the field and include two 3.35-mile loops because the faster runners would lap the slower runners. "
*This 2012 course will never be run again. I can't even imagine running it as a training route.
*The $45 price for NYRR members isn't surprising given all the costs at hand, just disappointing at this late date.
*15,000 runners allowed in *should* help the entry crunch on Monday.
I suspect there were a lot of attempts to get the course set, get permits made, etc. etc.
Here's my main issue (among many): As much as the NYC Marathon and the NYC Half are high profile races, the Brooklyn Half is one of the city's top local races - if not the top local race. Over the years, runners have been jerked around by date changes, course changes, lack of information. People make it a destination race for the spring. There's a reason why the NYRR Facebook page has been overrun with complaints about the lack of registration details.
Because people care.
So, one simple request: Start planning now for 2013, 2014, 2015. Lock the dates in place. Lock the course in place. NOW.
And stop messing with us.
Running back and forth, in and around the park before the Coney Island route, suggests a whole bunch of things:
*NYRR didn't get permission to start the race in the park because of Googa Mooga, if they even attempted to do so.
*NYRR was trying to do another, more glamorous route (maybe Brooklyn Bridge?), and got turned down.
*NYRR still doesn't have all the permits (note the Community Board meeting next week). This could be an issue given the number of street requested to be closed down.
*This line in the NYT article doesn't quite make sense because it doesn't really matter how many people are running.: "Last year, 5,921 runners finished. Road Runners could not increase the field and include two 3.35-mile loops because the faster runners would lap the slower runners. "
*This 2012 course will never be run again. I can't even imagine running it as a training route.
*The $45 price for NYRR members isn't surprising given all the costs at hand, just disappointing at this late date.
*15,000 runners allowed in *should* help the entry crunch on Monday.
I suspect there were a lot of attempts to get the course set, get permits made, etc. etc.
Here's my main issue (among many): As much as the NYC Marathon and the NYC Half are high profile races, the Brooklyn Half is one of the city's top local races - if not the top local race. Over the years, runners have been jerked around by date changes, course changes, lack of information. People make it a destination race for the spring. There's a reason why the NYRR Facebook page has been overrun with complaints about the lack of registration details.
Because people care.
So, one simple request: Start planning now for 2013, 2014, 2015. Lock the dates in place. Lock the course in place. NOW.
And stop messing with us.
Brooklyn Half Opens Monday (3/26) at Noon
Race fee is $45 if you're a NYRR member and sign up by April 9, though it will be closed by then.
Of course, it hasn't yet been approved, but here's the course posted on the NYRR site:
You’ll start on Washington Avenue, just south of Eastern Parkway, and head south to Empire Boulevard, where you’ll turn right. You’ll take another right onto Flatbush Avenue, run to Grand Army Plaza, and do a complete counter-clockwise lap of the plaza’s outer circle. You’ll turn right onto Flatbush Avenue again and take that to Ocean Avenue, then turn right onto Parkside Avenue and enter Prospect Park at Prospect Park Circle, just past the 3.5-mile point. You’ll run one full counter-clockwise loop of Prospect Park (3.35 miles) and leave the park (just past the race’s halfway point) via the main exit near Prospect Park Circle. Continue straight through to Park Circle, run around the north quarter of the circle, and turn right onto the Ocean Parkway/Fort Hamilton Parkway entrance ramp. Bear left onto the Ocean Parkway entrance ramp and merge onto Ocean Parkway, on which you’ll run five very straight, flat, and fast miles to Surf Avenue. You’ll bear right and run in Surf Avenue’s eastbound traffic lanes (keep the traffic median on your right), then turn left (south) onto West 10th Street and continue to the end of the street, where you’ll be directed up ramps onto the Boardwalk. You’ll turn right and head to the finish, which is on the Boardwalk near Henderson Walk/Stillwell Avenue.
Of course, it hasn't yet been approved, but here's the course posted on the NYRR site:
You’ll start on Washington Avenue, just south of Eastern Parkway, and head south to Empire Boulevard, where you’ll turn right. You’ll take another right onto Flatbush Avenue, run to Grand Army Plaza, and do a complete counter-clockwise lap of the plaza’s outer circle. You’ll turn right onto Flatbush Avenue again and take that to Ocean Avenue, then turn right onto Parkside Avenue and enter Prospect Park at Prospect Park Circle, just past the 3.5-mile point. You’ll run one full counter-clockwise loop of Prospect Park (3.35 miles) and leave the park (just past the race’s halfway point) via the main exit near Prospect Park Circle. Continue straight through to Park Circle, run around the north quarter of the circle, and turn right onto the Ocean Parkway/Fort Hamilton Parkway entrance ramp. Bear left onto the Ocean Parkway entrance ramp and merge onto Ocean Parkway, on which you’ll run five very straight, flat, and fast miles to Surf Avenue. You’ll bear right and run in Surf Avenue’s eastbound traffic lanes (keep the traffic median on your right), then turn left (south) onto West 10th Street and continue to the end of the street, where you’ll be directed up ramps onto the Boardwalk. You’ll turn right and head to the finish, which is on the Boardwalk near Henderson Walk/Stillwell Avenue.
Wednesday, March 21, 2012
NYRR and Brooklyn Half at Community Board 9
New York Road Runners is appearing before Community Board 9 in Brooklyn on March 27. Here's the description of the agenda item:
1. Representatives for the New York Road Runners Club will inform of their plans to expand the Brooklyn Half Marathon from within the confines of Prospect Park to neighborhood streets. The event is scheduled for Saturday, May 19th 2012. Proposed street closings include: Eastern Parkway; Washington Avenue; Empire Blvd; Flatbush Avenue; Grand Army Plaza; Ocean Avenue; Parkside Avenue. The route also includes Prospect Park; Ocean Parkway to Surf Avenue to Coney Island Boardwalk. Also invited to address any related questions that may arise are representatives from the Dept. of Transportation and the Police Department.
Wow, so exactly what *has* been approved? NYRR has said the race is on May 19. Now the question is: Where?
Well, we'll find out March 27.
1. Representatives for the New York Road Runners Club will inform of their plans to expand the Brooklyn Half Marathon from within the confines of Prospect Park to neighborhood streets. The event is scheduled for Saturday, May 19th 2012. Proposed street closings include: Eastern Parkway; Washington Avenue; Empire Blvd; Flatbush Avenue; Grand Army Plaza; Ocean Avenue; Parkside Avenue. The route also includes Prospect Park; Ocean Parkway to Surf Avenue to Coney Island Boardwalk. Also invited to address any related questions that may arise are representatives from the Dept. of Transportation and the Police Department.
Wow, so exactly what *has* been approved? NYRR has said the race is on May 19. Now the question is: Where?
Well, we'll find out March 27.
Monday, March 19, 2012
GoogaMooga: Uh Oh
No firm details on the Brooklyn Half yet, but check out the Brooklyn Paper article on the GoogaMooga festival that weekend.
I originally thought there wouldn't be a problem (hey, the Brooklyn Half starts at 7am), but 40,000! people estimated in Prospect Park? (It's a broad number, but even half that causes issues)
A quote from the article:
"The food, drink, and tunes fest is expected to bring 40,000 people to the park’s Neathermead field May 19-20, and even though the event is gratis, wannabe concert-goers must register beforehand due to capacity restrictions. "
Oh yeah ...
P.S. Keep in mind, this is pure speculation at this point. The delay in the Brooklyn Half registration could be something else.
P.P.S. At least we're not Queens ... this year
I originally thought there wouldn't be a problem (hey, the Brooklyn Half starts at 7am), but 40,000! people estimated in Prospect Park? (It's a broad number, but even half that causes issues)
A quote from the article:
"The food, drink, and tunes fest is expected to bring 40,000 people to the park’s Neathermead field May 19-20, and even though the event is gratis, wannabe concert-goers must register beforehand due to capacity restrictions. "
Oh yeah ...
P.S. Keep in mind, this is pure speculation at this point. The delay in the Brooklyn Half registration could be something else.
P.P.S. At least we're not Queens ... this year
Thursday, March 15, 2012
Brooklyn Half Update: Or Not
Latest from NYRR on Facebook:
Brooklyn Half Update: The date is confirmed May 19. The distance is confirmed, 13.1 Miles. The registration is first come, first served. Registration is not open yet, and we know everyone is anxious and waiting. We will give at least 48 hours notice before we open and we are working frantically to make that happen soon.
Brooklyn Half Update: The date is confirmed May 19. The distance is confirmed, 13.1 Miles. The registration is first come, first served. Registration is not open yet, and we know everyone is anxious and waiting. We will give at least 48 hours notice before we open and we are working frantically to make that happen soon.
Tuesday, March 6, 2012
Brooklyn Half: When Will It Open?
Lots ... and I mean lots ... of speculation racing around about when the Brooklyn Half registration will open. Are the permits in place? Will the course change? Will the (and dare I ask this question) date change?
The latest questions center around "Googa Mooga" - a two day food/band festival taking place the same weekend. Could that interfere? (One wouldn't think so ...)
The latest from NYRR (in response to the daily queries on its Facebook page):
"We still have no update on Brooklyn Half registration. We know you are all anxious to apply, so please be patient."
Hey, maybe it'll become a 10K like Queens ...
The latest questions center around "Googa Mooga" - a two day food/band festival taking place the same weekend. Could that interfere? (One wouldn't think so ...)
The latest from NYRR (in response to the daily queries on its Facebook page):
"We still have no update on Brooklyn Half registration. We know you are all anxious to apply, so please be patient."
Hey, maybe it'll become a 10K like Queens ...
Saturday, February 11, 2012
Brooklyn Half Registration *Not* on Monday
While most other NYRR races for April - June will open on Monday, the Brooklyn Half will not, according to a Facebook post from NYRR. And in fact the calendar (once you find it on the newly redesigned site) says that Brooklyn Half registration is "TBD"
Obviously things could change -- one plausible reason is that NYRR doesn't want to flood the site on that day (since most of us will be going just for that race.) The May 19 half is also a club points race, which means it's possible that members of clubs may get preference to enter? (That's just a guess though). Either way, stay vigilant.
Saturday, December 31, 2011
2012 Brooklyn Half: Qualifier for NYC Marathon
Passing along a reference in the fine print to this year's qualifying standards (note they change in 2013):
"You must have met the appropriate qualifying time between January 1, 2011 and January 31, 2012 (2012 NYC Half, Boston Marathon, and NYRR Brooklyn Half-Marathon times will also be accepted). Include the race name and date with your application."
Something to keep in mind if you don't get in via lottery.
"You must have met the appropriate qualifying time between January 1, 2011 and January 31, 2012 (2012 NYC Half, Boston Marathon, and NYRR Brooklyn Half-Marathon times will also be accepted). Include the race name and date with your application."
Something to keep in mind if you don't get in via lottery.
Saturday, May 21, 2011
Brooklyn Half: Quick Reax and Random Thoughts
Some highly subjective comments about today's race - as always, feel free to agree/disagree/comment away:
*The volunteers at this race rock. Seriously. Mary Wittenberg said they were on hand at 1 a.m., and the effort showed. From the directions and the organization to the water stops (more on these in a sec) - they did a great job.
*The weather was ... well, as predicted, those who love heat and humidity had a great day. Took me a mile before I was dripping (and that was even before I started dumping cups of water on me). Thankfully, Ocean Parkway was mostly in the shade as I was running down (I'm wondering if the sun had gotten higher though as the race progressed?)
*The past several days of rain had a minimal impact in Prospect Park, though I wouldn't be surprised to hear of some slips and falls - in a few cases, parts of the inside lane really weren't suitable for running, and the puddle at the southern end of the park, while smaller than usual, was very present and made for interesting navigation during the first loop
*I'd be interested to hear people's thoughts on the second loop of the course, when the faster runners and slower intermingled. During the long downhill on mile 6, when people separated, I think it was fine. But mile 5, from GAP to 15th Street? A bit messy.
*No way to back this up, but was mile 6 a tad long? (and I would think that mile 5 possibly a tad short as a result). Until losing it in the final mile of the race, it was my slowest mile by a good 10 seconds (and yes, I realize that part of the run was on Zoo Hill).
*Water stops at every mile (almost) on Ocean Parkway were incredibly helpful. The one quibble I'd have is the very first water stop (at mile 1), which may have been set up there because of the park construction, was a little too soon for most runners (of course it was welcome at mile 4).
*I think I've expressed some doubt about the change to the course a few years back, but I think I'm now a total convert - it's a hassle to finish in Coney Island and get back, but I like getting the hills out of the way early and being able to pound it out (or in today's case hang on) during the flat part for the second half of the race. (For the first time in three years, I wasn't fixated on the alphabet streets, which certainly helped.)
*One wonders whether the MTA and NYRR talked about the date before the race. I completely understand that work has to be done on the tracks, but having the F out of commission (shuttle buses aside) isn't a very smart move. (And, this probably could have been avoided by the people who got burnt by this, but the Brooklyn Bridge was also closed to Brooklyn bound traffic early in the day, which didn't help some folk.) It's never a good thing to see a couple of hundred people sprinting to the start during the national anthem (very beautiful today, btw).
*Part of that may also have to do with the bathrooms. The lines looked really long today. Longer race commute means more bathroom needs, me thinks.
*Is there a way to avoid closing baggage claim at 6:30? I'm sure there are reasons, but it gets messy, especially when folk are getting to the race late.
*Set the Brooklyn Half date now. Saturday, May 19, 2012. Get the speculation out of the way. Just do it.
*The water at Coney Island: a bit chilly, but was definitely worth walking into the surf to soothe some sore muscles.
*Runners are good people. After suffering brain freeze when I checked my bag with my Gu (so much for my perfect pre-race preparation), a friend's friend gave me a strawberry-banana Powergel as I was getting a bit desperate. Without that, my final mile almost-collapse would have happened a) a lot earlier and b) would have been a collapse. So thanks.
*I've got ties with/friends on both clubs, but I'd love to see a North Brooklyn Runners (95 finishers)/Prospect Park Club (89 finishers) showdown (and throw in Brooklyn Road Runners (17 finishers) to boot).
*The volunteers at this race rock. Seriously. Mary Wittenberg said they were on hand at 1 a.m., and the effort showed. From the directions and the organization to the water stops (more on these in a sec) - they did a great job.
*The weather was ... well, as predicted, those who love heat and humidity had a great day. Took me a mile before I was dripping (and that was even before I started dumping cups of water on me). Thankfully, Ocean Parkway was mostly in the shade as I was running down (I'm wondering if the sun had gotten higher though as the race progressed?)
*The past several days of rain had a minimal impact in Prospect Park, though I wouldn't be surprised to hear of some slips and falls - in a few cases, parts of the inside lane really weren't suitable for running, and the puddle at the southern end of the park, while smaller than usual, was very present and made for interesting navigation during the first loop
*I'd be interested to hear people's thoughts on the second loop of the course, when the faster runners and slower intermingled. During the long downhill on mile 6, when people separated, I think it was fine. But mile 5, from GAP to 15th Street? A bit messy.
*No way to back this up, but was mile 6 a tad long? (and I would think that mile 5 possibly a tad short as a result). Until losing it in the final mile of the race, it was my slowest mile by a good 10 seconds (and yes, I realize that part of the run was on Zoo Hill).
*Water stops at every mile (almost) on Ocean Parkway were incredibly helpful. The one quibble I'd have is the very first water stop (at mile 1), which may have been set up there because of the park construction, was a little too soon for most runners (of course it was welcome at mile 4).
*I think I've expressed some doubt about the change to the course a few years back, but I think I'm now a total convert - it's a hassle to finish in Coney Island and get back, but I like getting the hills out of the way early and being able to pound it out (or in today's case hang on) during the flat part for the second half of the race. (For the first time in three years, I wasn't fixated on the alphabet streets, which certainly helped.)
*One wonders whether the MTA and NYRR talked about the date before the race. I completely understand that work has to be done on the tracks, but having the F out of commission (shuttle buses aside) isn't a very smart move. (And, this probably could have been avoided by the people who got burnt by this, but the Brooklyn Bridge was also closed to Brooklyn bound traffic early in the day, which didn't help some folk.) It's never a good thing to see a couple of hundred people sprinting to the start during the national anthem (very beautiful today, btw).
*Part of that may also have to do with the bathrooms. The lines looked really long today. Longer race commute means more bathroom needs, me thinks.
*Is there a way to avoid closing baggage claim at 6:30? I'm sure there are reasons, but it gets messy, especially when folk are getting to the race late.
*Set the Brooklyn Half date now. Saturday, May 19, 2012. Get the speculation out of the way. Just do it.
*The water at Coney Island: a bit chilly, but was definitely worth walking into the surf to soothe some sore muscles.
*Runners are good people. After suffering brain freeze when I checked my bag with my Gu (so much for my perfect pre-race preparation), a friend's friend gave me a strawberry-banana Powergel as I was getting a bit desperate. Without that, my final mile almost-collapse would have happened a) a lot earlier and b) would have been a collapse. So thanks.
*I've got ties with/friends on both clubs, but I'd love to see a North Brooklyn Runners (95 finishers)/Prospect Park Club (89 finishers) showdown (and throw in Brooklyn Road Runners (17 finishers) to boot).
Brooklyn Half Results Posted
Details are here
Surprising fact - only 5,909 finishers, down from 7,015 in 2010 and 9,641 in 2009.
More to come ...
Surprising fact - only 5,909 finishers, down from 7,015 in 2010 and 9,641 in 2009.
More to come ...
Friday, May 20, 2011
Last Minute Thoughts for Tomorrow's Brooklyn Half
*So the weather isn't really going to cooperate. If anything a little rain might be nice. We're talking 61 degrees and humid at the start - and it'll be 66 by the time you finish. So make sure you're properly hydrated, hit the water stops at the race - even consider carrying a water bottle.
*The F-train - well, it's a bit fff-d up if you get my drift. No F-train between Jay Street and Church Street, which means you might need to rely on the shuttle bus the MTA will have running. It's also going to make it a bit of a hassle to get out to Coney Island (or back), especially for spectators, if that's the line you're relying on. Details are here. Obviously other ways to get to the park; Grand Army Plaza is about 1 mile from the start, however.
*Remember you need to use the clear plastic bag for your baggage.
*Do not wear your ugly orange Brooklyn Half shirt during the race. You haven't earned it yet :-)
*Do, however, soak your legs/body in the surf.
*Above all, have fun. No, it's not likely that you'll convince many people to join you in Coney Island at 9 a.m. So kick back, have a Gatorade/beer or two, and get them out there for later in the day.
Good luck everyone.
*The F-train - well, it's a bit fff-d up if you get my drift. No F-train between Jay Street and Church Street, which means you might need to rely on the shuttle bus the MTA will have running. It's also going to make it a bit of a hassle to get out to Coney Island (or back), especially for spectators, if that's the line you're relying on. Details are here. Obviously other ways to get to the park; Grand Army Plaza is about 1 mile from the start, however.
*Remember you need to use the clear plastic bag for your baggage.
*Do not wear your ugly orange Brooklyn Half shirt during the race. You haven't earned it yet :-)
*Do, however, soak your legs/body in the surf.
*Above all, have fun. No, it's not likely that you'll convince many people to join you in Coney Island at 9 a.m. So kick back, have a Gatorade/beer or two, and get them out there for later in the day.
Good luck everyone.
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
Brooklyn Half Weather
The sun is out now (I swear, I saw it for a brief moment), a brief respite the misting, spitting, drizzling, pelting, pouring rain we've had over the past couple of days (and more on the way it seems through Friday).
(Of course now it seems all the water fountains are on!)
(Of course now it seems all the water fountains are on!)
I had early hopes of temps in the 50s for the 7 a.m. start of Saturday's Brooklyn Half, only to be dashed by NY1. And a check at weather.com indicates this is the current forecast:
High of 71, low of 59, possible thundershowers.
For the heat-misers among us, rejoice. I'm suspecting it's going to be a sweaty, humid mess (like it was this AM ugh). It may be dry, which is a good thing. And keep in mind, if you know the shoes that you're going to race in, keep them dry - the last thing you want is to head to the starting line with shoes still damp from Thursday's run.
High of 71, low of 59, possible thundershowers.
For the heat-misers among us, rejoice. I'm suspecting it's going to be a sweaty, humid mess (like it was this AM ugh). It may be dry, which is a good thing. And keep in mind, if you know the shoes that you're going to race in, keep them dry - the last thing you want is to head to the starting line with shoes still damp from Thursday's run.
Friday, May 6, 2011
Brooklyn Half Course Map Posted
No real surprises here: the course starts on Wellhouse Drive (the "lower" transverse if you're coming from Grand Army Plaza), does two-plus loops before heading out along Ocean Parkway and finishing up on the boardwalk.
Phew. The comment earlier and the lack of a course map had me a tiny bit worried. (After all, how many race dates has this race had, and different tweaks of the courses?)
Bring on the great weather, btw: 70 degree days will be the norm for a while, which indicates that we're probably on for a slightly warmer day when the race comes around, even with the 7 a.m. start.
Phew. The comment earlier and the lack of a course map had me a tiny bit worried. (After all, how many race dates has this race had, and different tweaks of the courses?)
Bring on the great weather, btw: 70 degree days will be the norm for a while, which indicates that we're probably on for a slightly warmer day when the race comes around, even with the 7 a.m. start.
Sunday, May 1, 2011
Random Thoughts on a Sunday Evening
Having completed a run over the Brooklyn Half Marathon course earlier today, my dislike for the Ocean Parkway segment continues. Blech. But it is what it is, and it's refreshing to know that my ability to read the alphabet is still there (look, there's Avenue M ... Avenue N ...)
*If you did get one of the coveted slots (there's an offer for a number on Craig's List to buy one for $25 - not endorsing, just saying), make sure you're taking the time to go over the two parts of the course. Running Zoo Hill twice isn't a picnic.
*One of the highlights of the run today was being able to do it with two complete strangers (brought together by organized happenstance). The conversation flowed well, and it's always great to meet people who have the potential to be running friends.
*Gotta say, after watching the NYC 5-boro bike tour, I'm plotting how to run on the BQE.
*What's up with the water fountains in Prospect Park? Finally the ones on the Brooklyn Heights Promenade got turned on, but some of the oldies but goodies at PP (including the one in the woods by the GAP pathway) are nowhere in site. Even the ones by the lake are sporadic - some on, some off.
*We're hip-deep into spring racing season, and there's a ton of stuff out there. One race coming up next weekend is a hidden gem - the Newport 10K in Jersey City. Fast, flat course, easy to get to, and it doesn't consist of a loop in Central Park.
*If you did get one of the coveted slots (there's an offer for a number on Craig's List to buy one for $25 - not endorsing, just saying), make sure you're taking the time to go over the two parts of the course. Running Zoo Hill twice isn't a picnic.
*One of the highlights of the run today was being able to do it with two complete strangers (brought together by organized happenstance). The conversation flowed well, and it's always great to meet people who have the potential to be running friends.
*Gotta say, after watching the NYC 5-boro bike tour, I'm plotting how to run on the BQE.
*What's up with the water fountains in Prospect Park? Finally the ones on the Brooklyn Heights Promenade got turned on, but some of the oldies but goodies at PP (including the one in the woods by the GAP pathway) are nowhere in site. Even the ones by the lake are sporadic - some on, some off.
*We're hip-deep into spring racing season, and there's a ton of stuff out there. One race coming up next weekend is a hidden gem - the Newport 10K in Jersey City. Fast, flat course, easy to get to, and it doesn't consist of a loop in Central Park.
Sunday, March 20, 2011
Brooklyn Half: Two Months To Go
A bit less than nine weeks from now, the Brooklyn Half is on the horizon - getting psyched?
If you didn't get stoked from watching any of today's NYC Half, whether it's from screaming at the front runners or cheering on comrades from your local group runs ... well, check this out and get in the mood.
Some strongly worded suggestions:
*Get those loops of Prospect Park in, and own those hills
*Make sure your training plan is up to date and you're on track: The weather now is delightful, so no more of those "it's cold and wet and wintry outside." C'mon, it was in the 70s on Friday.
*Get signed up for those target races (note the Scotland Run 10K is almost full, so move quickly).
*Address those nagging injuries. If you have to be derailed and take some time off to heal, do it now, not in early May
If you didn't get stoked from watching any of today's NYC Half, whether it's from screaming at the front runners or cheering on comrades from your local group runs ... well, check this out and get in the mood.
Some strongly worded suggestions:
*Get those loops of Prospect Park in, and own those hills
*Make sure your training plan is up to date and you're on track: The weather now is delightful, so no more of those "it's cold and wet and wintry outside." C'mon, it was in the 70s on Friday.
*Get signed up for those target races (note the Scotland Run 10K is almost full, so move quickly).
*Address those nagging injuries. If you have to be derailed and take some time off to heal, do it now, not in early May
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
Apologies
Ahh, rough couple of weeks, between work and battling some injuries (I find I don't post as much when I'm hurt, probably because I'm trying to tune out the fact that I can't run like I want to.)
That said, will get some posts out over the next few days, especially important given that the all-important Brooklyn Half is a bit more than 2 months away.
That said, will get some posts out over the next few days, especially important given that the all-important Brooklyn Half is a bit more than 2 months away.
Sunday, February 6, 2011
If You Get One Thing From This Blog ...
And I'm talking just *one* thing ...
Be ready for the Brooklyn Half signup at noon tomorrow (Monday).
Why will it fill up faster than any other race on the NYRR calendar that's open to first-come, first-serve entries?
*It's been deemed a club points race, and NYRR specifically sent a note out to clubs alerting them to the need to sign up early.
*It's part of the "run 4 of 5 halfs, get an entry to 2012 NYC Half"
*Too many Brooklyn residents got hosed last year because they waited too long; those who remember, won't forget this year
*It's a great half.
I'm assuming the NYRR servers can handle the influx of entries that will hit at noon; if not, expect to see a ton of angry Facebook messages (the messages will most certainly come later after the Brooklyn Half closes out.)
Last year's race had 7015 finishers; expect a cap somewhere around there this year as well (though we won't know until much later).
I don't think it's outside the realm of possibilities for Brooklyn to be filled tomorrow. I'd be shocked if it doesn't close this week.
Sign up *tomorrow* or get a friend to do it for you.
Be ready for the Brooklyn Half signup at noon tomorrow (Monday).
Why will it fill up faster than any other race on the NYRR calendar that's open to first-come, first-serve entries?
*It's been deemed a club points race, and NYRR specifically sent a note out to clubs alerting them to the need to sign up early.
*It's part of the "run 4 of 5 halfs, get an entry to 2012 NYC Half"
*Too many Brooklyn residents got hosed last year because they waited too long; those who remember, won't forget this year
*It's a great half.
I'm assuming the NYRR servers can handle the influx of entries that will hit at noon; if not, expect to see a ton of angry Facebook messages (the messages will most certainly come later after the Brooklyn Half closes out.)
Last year's race had 7015 finishers; expect a cap somewhere around there this year as well (though we won't know until much later).
I don't think it's outside the realm of possibilities for Brooklyn to be filled tomorrow. I'd be shocked if it doesn't close this week.
Sign up *tomorrow* or get a friend to do it for you.
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