Sleepy Hollow 1/2 Marathon

Time 1:44:54
Pace 8:01
Place 135
Total Runners 567

I chose to run the Sleepy Hollow 1/2 Marathon just 6 days after running the NYC 1/2 because my man Frank Trentacoste didn't get into the NYC race. Frank had been training and I enjoy running with Frankie. A former co-worker, Brad Hunt lives in the area and he was training for it as well so I thought it would be fun.

I have run 38 half marathons but never on back-to-back weekends. Frank and I ran 1/2 marathons on the same weekend back in 2007 in Kansas City & Des Moines but we took them both at about 75%.

I took it easy this past week running trying to get some life back in my legs, but I did run 4 days and felt much better towards the end of the week.

My plan for the race was to go at least at an 8:30 pace but really wanted to run with Frank. Frank and I ran the Cherry Tree 10 miler in February at an 8 minute pace over a very hilly course so I knew he wanted to hit that pace. We both knew the course was going to be somewhat hilly so that was the unknown. Brad was planing on sub 10's which is a good pace for him.

My day started by picking up Frank at his apartment in NYC at 7:15 and then off we went to Sleepy Hollow. We arrived at the registration check in at 8:15am. On my way to Frank's, Brad Hunt sent me a text that it was 27 degrees. That did not make me happy since last week's race was also colder that expected as well. The wind was also fairly strong and there were about 4 miles along the Hudson which I figured would be uncomfortable. I don't mind the cold, but it was late March and I wanted temps in the 50's. I was even contemplating wearing long pants, but the sun was out and decided shorts all the way.

The Rivertown Runners, the organizers of the race did a fine job with the communication, registration setup, and volunteers. The had about 575 runners, a very large American flag, and the start and a downhill start.

Frank and I took it slowly the first mile and enjoyed running downhill towards the Hudson although the wind was swirling and my legs were cold. I missed the first mile split, but I think it was about 9 minutes. We ran along the water towards the lighthouse which was very pretty, but also windy. There was one point on the race course where we had to go single file through a gate right in front of the Lighthouse. Frank and I started to get into a groove after mile 4 as we headed into the neighborhood which is where the hills were hiding. It was up and down for the next 3 miles until we got onto route 9 which Frank correctly observed that it was slightly uphill. This part of the course was at least 1.5 miles but we knew had to turnaround and have the benefit of a nice downhill.

Now while on Route 9, I did something that I have never done in my history of 498 races, Frank and I rocked out My Way by Old Blue Eyes while running the downhill. The runners on the other side were certainly taking notice as well as runners we passing. They say if you can hold a conversation while running you are not running your hardest so singing must be have meant we were really slacking. After the duet, we picked up the pace and headed back into town. We started with the hills again as soon as well got off highway. There was one hill that was steep but my legs seem to be responding better than earlier in the race. Frank and I were still running together and he looked strong.

We hit mile 10 and a volunteer said we were done with the hills except for a few small bumps. Most of the time, volunteers just arbitrarily blurt out things like "no more hills" or "you are almost there" when they have no clue. This guy seemed to know the course. That gave me some confidence to pick up the pace a bit faster. Frank was game so off we went, hitting mile 11 at a 7:40 split time.

I looked at my watch and realized I could break 1:45 which was just about 8 minute pace. That was my immediate goal now. Frank was okay with me taking off so I started passing folks and hit mile 12 at 1:37. I had to really motor to break 1:45. The last mile was mostly downhill except for one decent hill. I hit it hard and ran hard towards the finish. I had passed this guy at the hill and when we got to the final straight away to the finish he tried to pass me but I turned it up a notch relying on my speed. He held on for about 50 yards then fell off the pace. It was good that he did that because I hit the tape in 1:45 on the nose. The official time was 1:44:54. Frank was 30 seconds back in 1:45:32. Brad fished up in 2:04:36 which was a 9:30 pace. He had said he would be happy with a 10 minute so I knew he had to be happy with his time.

It was about 11am at this point and it was still really cold. We changed into dry clothes and headed to the Horseman Restaurant right up the street from the start. The pancakes and bacon went down easy. I said bye to Brad and his family and drove Frank back into New York. I was headed into Brooklyn and still had some time to kill, so Frank took me out for a drink at the "Ear" bar on Spring Street. He said it was a landmark that dates back to 1817. The place looked as old but had lots of character. I had an Ear Bar Ale while Frankie had a Boddington which we both did not finish because we were both fading fast. I still had to drive to my mom's while Frank had to walk around the block.

After dropping Frank off, I headed to mom's. She was taking the family grandchildren out for her 84th birthday. The shower at her house revived me and it was good hanging with the family at dinner. My sister Mary picked a place called La Palina which was very good. I had the pork cutlet but really enjoyed the appetizers. After that, back to mom's for cake and coffee.

I headed home at 9pm, walked in the door at 10 and crashed. I was so tired but in a good way.

Next 1/2 marathon is the Rutgers Unite 1/2 on April 17th which is the day after the Jersey Shore relay marathon which just happens to be my 500th race of my running career. Number 499 will be the Indian Trails 15K on April 9th with Chris Kelly.

It looks like I am signing up for the Hampton's 1/2 in September which will be a week after the Philly 1/2, so another back-to back weekend of 13.1.



Hilly & Chilly - Nice course, great support & I will be back.
Story to follow

New York City 1/2 Marathon and then a vist to the Papaya King

Time - 1:42:39
Pace - 7:52
Place - 2,050
Finishers - 10,190

I went into the city to Friday to pick up my number and check out the expo. It was just average with only about a dozen vendors with nothing really special. I was meeting up with Taugh afterwards for a lunchtime run like the old days, but I still had about an hour to kill. I went looking for a Starbucks for a cup of coffee, but found something better, Bourbon Coffee. They had great coffee, it was spacious, and well designed.

After running 5.5 miles with Taugh up the east side like we did many times before, I headed for a quick NYC street food bite. My choice was Sam's Falafel near Liberty Plaza. The line was 15 deep and the guy next to him had no line, but I figured the line was there for a reason. I ate too many fried chick pea balls, but it was good, although probably not a good choice 2 days before the race.

Sunday morning, up at 4am, out of the house by 5am and parked in a legal spot on 9oth street at 6:15 all to run in the greatest city in the world. It is slightly overrated for me now since I have run plenty of times in Central Park and in NYC. From a logistically standpoint, even UPS can't help me make sense of why I do it.

The original plan was for Frank Trentacoste and I to enter the lottery figuring we both would get in and I would stay at his NY apartment the night before to make life easier. He did not get in and I did, so I was on my own, although Frank did offer up a room in his place.

The race from a financial standpoint is not cheap. The entry fee was $75, the cost to come in the city to pick up the number $30, then the tolls and gas driving to the race $25. Not to mention all the food I ate before and after the race.

I have to admit running through the streets of New York are very electric. I have run the streets of many cities, but only NY offers up enthusiastic crowds, even at 8am.

I parked on 90th so I would be near a NYSC so if I had bathroom issues, I would be able to take care of them. After parking the car, I walked over to the gym only to find out it opens at 7am, WTF. Plan B was the Starbucks across the street, but I just hoping others didn't have the same idea. I was also supposed to meet up with Dave DiCamillio at 6:45. I had plenty of time but it quickly went by as I made 3 bathroom stops. I ran to the corner where I was suppose to meet Dave, but I got there a bit late. He had already headed to the start. This race, because of the numbers and NYRR, they are very strict about getting into your appropriate coral. I waited for Dave near the start, but with so many people, it was difficult.

I was in coral 2 which was nice since I didn't have to wait to long after the gun. I didn't recognize one person at the race which is odd because I always see familiar faces. I think because they took 70% of the runners from outside the New York, most of the faces were literally foreign. It was a cold morning with temps in the low 30's, but I was dressed for 40's, maybe 50's. I brought gloves and a headband but left them in the bag I checked which was a huge miscalculation on my part. I was cold and standing around in the coral for 30 minutes didn't help. I had a 3rd layer on which I planned to chuck after I got warm.

My goal for this race was to run sub 8 minute pace with hopes of maybe hitting a 7:30 pace. Two years ago to the date, I ran the Shamrock 1/2 Marathon in Virginia Beach at a sub 7 minute pace during Bob's 50@50. That was 2 years ago and I was just getting back to running distance races so sub's 8 would okay with me.

The first 8 miles of the race would be in Central Park so that wasn't going to make running a fast race any easier. Mary Wittenberg, CEO of the NYRR thanked a few people then set 11,000- runners off to Battery Park. I didn't feel my legs for the first 3 miles and my hands were cold and I just wanted to get warm. Usually I warm up pretty quick, but I have to admit I never really got warm. With a 7:30 start, the sun was nowhere to be found and the tall buildings didn't help as well.

The course is one loop plus in the park and then out to the streets. The crowds were great near Times Square, but the wind was in our face and it was still very cold. I was happy to be out of the park and couldn't wait to get on the West Side because I knew it would only be about 3 plus miles to go to the finish and very flat.

I kept a sub 8 minute pace throughout the run in the park and started going a bit faster once I got to the streets. I started stopping to take some pictures and my mile 10 split was 8:53 because I was asking spectators to take pictures of me on the course.

Once I got to the West side, I tried to focus and finish strong. My legs were cold and getting tired. My feet also started hurting and also had a few twinges in my hamstrings and achillies. My splits were getting faster and I wanted to keep passing folks although a few passed me. The last mile seemed to take forever, but it was one of my fastest miles (7:34)so I know I gave it my all.

Soon after I finished I was greeted by Mary Wittenberg who was there to congratulate all runners which is really great. I took a picture of her and then she was nice enough to take one of me with the finish line in the background. Many years ago in Central Park, Fred Lebow was there to say hi to me and my kids after finishing a kiddie run.

It was nice to be done and I was happy to go sub 8's, actually 7:52, and I was just looking to get warm again. I quickly got my bag and changed into warm clothes. It was very windy and cold just past the finish line and many runners hovered near the sunnest spots. I looked and waited for Dave but then started heading uptown to go to the Papaya King. I had seen on TV that Papaya King had one of the best Hot Dogs in NYC so I wanted to try. All my years in Manhatan, I never went to Papaya King. I also planned on going to Jackson Hole for some pancakes, but couldn't find it. I ended up at the Barking Dog which was hopping with New Yorkers. I got the blueberry pancakes and then home I went.

It was good day although I wished I ran with Frank and I had at least met up with Dave. I hate running these long races alone. Frank and I are signed up for the Sleepy Hollow 1/2 on Saturday which I will probably take a bit easier since it is only 6 days after this race.

Here are my splits.

Mile 1	9.13
Mile 2	7.42
Mile 3	7.52
Mile 4	8.01
Mile 5	7.34
Mile 6	7.57
Mile 7	7.54
Mile 8	7.58
Mile 9	7.24
Mile 10	8.53
Mile 11	7.47
Mile 12	7.37
Mile 13	7.35
Mile .1	0.45

Ran a 1:42:59 for the New York City 1/2 Marathon. It would have been a bit faster if I didn't stop multiple times to take photos. I also stopped off at the Papaya King for a hot dog. I also had pancakes at the Barking Dog Luncheonette on the upper east side.

Story to follow

Keith McHeffey 3 Mile Run & Spicy shrimp tacos, two ways

Runners - 398
Finish - 6th
Age Group - 1st
Time - 19:47

When it comes to running and food I am easily inspired. I saw a TV ad for spicy shrimp tacos so I knew it would make a good Friday night dinner. My son Mike likes them so I hunted down a few recipes on the Food Network website. I chose two, one breaded and fried and the other sauteed. The fried shrimp tacos were accompanied with a salsa Verde salsa made with tomatillos, avocados and jalapenos. It was just the right amount of spice which the cold avocados helped take the edge off. I tossed the second shrimp taco with oil and chipotle spice then sauteed for 5 minutes. They were finished off in the soft taco shell with cole slaw, olives and tomatoes. The cole slaw helped take the heat off the chipotle on the shrimp. Both these dishes will be made again in the future.

I love running races because just being around other runners inspires me. We all run for different reasons, but I run to be around other runners and to stay fit. The Keith Mcheffey race is one that I have run many times with two former co-workers, Tommy and Taugh. Over the years many of our other friends would join us but not on this day. The race used to be the Donavan's Reef 3 mile run and we would end up at Donavan's for a few beers. It is now the Keith Mcheffey 3 mile run honoring his memory after he perished in the 9/11 disaster. This was the 10th annual and the weather was cooperating on this day. In the past we have run in a cold downpour, snow and cold. The Mad Hatter now holds the post race party and it does a great job. It is always a good time to be drinking with other runners.

I got down early so I could sign up, get my shirt and a good parking spot. Doug Rice and his split second timing crew was in charge of the registration and was doing the race day sign ups via computers. It looks like it will be the wave of the future but on this day, he had some issues. The computers were going down and the runners were starting to back up. He had to switch back to paper apps in order to handle all the runners. We just may not be ready for this technology yet.

Taugh and I were up front and Tommy and his cousin were in the middle of the pack. The race started 10 minutes late due the issues at registration, but no one seemed to mind. After the bagpipers played their song, the gun went off.

My plan today was run with Taugh for the first 1/2 mile then push the pace from there. I haven't run a short race since January 1st so I wasn't sure of my fitness. I have been doing some intervals on the treadmill so I felt I could go 6:50 pace. I noticed that after running with Lynch for 5 minutes we weren't far from the leaders. I think most of the really fast runners were planning to run the Asbury 1/2 marathon on Sunday. I picked up the pace and started passing runners. I got into a nice rhythm and could see the leaders at this point although I knew I couldn't catch them so I just wanted to catch any 50 year olds.

At the turn around I was in 10th place and figured I could catch a few more runners. I passed a few runners right after the turn and concentrating on passing the 2 young kids in front of me. I got one of them at mile 2.2 and the second kid with a 1/4 mile to go. I felt really good but couldn't catch the guy in front of him. I finished in 19:47 which I was pleased with although I think the course was a bit short.

I ended up in 6th place overall and 1st in my age group which was a nice surprise. I have 1/2 marathons in back to back weekends coming up. The NYC and then the Sleepy Hollow 6 days later. This race gave me some confidence that I could go fast again. My hopes are to run NYC in under 8's, hopefully 7:45s.