Well without writing an essay, the New York from start to finish was an amazing experience. The organisation was top notch (from the expo, day of the race etc..).The crowd from mile 2 coming off the bridge were amazing (multiply C2S for 10).
From a race perspective, I really just wanted to get through it without wrecking my heal. My plantar was sore from the start and got progressively worse. In saying that, I don't want to whinge in any shape or form. I went out to run comfortably hard and basically see what pace i'd hit. Hit 4m/k pace for 5k, 10k, 15k, 20k, halfway....and to be quite honest felt very comfortable...at mile 16 things started to go haywire...it was a pretty big climb from mile 15 and my plantar didn't respond well and going down the other side of the bridge was even more painful. Suffice to say from then on in it was a case of just getting to the finish without damaging the foot. From then on in, I soaked up the atmosphere and loved high-fiving the crowd! From mile 16 I slowed up significantly from 4m/k to 4.45, I also tried to run on the tarmac...very little of it...as most of the road was concrete. Regardless of plantar issues or not, my view of the NY course is that it's quite hilly and suits a strength runner who has done the mileage which I had failed to do!
I struggled through central park but was amazed to see my Dad at 24 mile. He roared to the crowd 'that's my son'. Well that gave me a huge lift to the finish...got the medal and walked back to the hotel.
I think some of my running mates will think 2.57 is pretty soft, they are probably right but given the circumstances and the course I'm pretty happy the way it panned out. This blog was kicked off after coming back from injury 2007. I ran Tokyo in 2.52 in early 2008 and ended up having a great 2008. I see New York as a similar springboard for 2011....
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7 comments:
Well done Dave and a big congratulations. Sounds like a fantastic atmosphere and a great accomplishment. Lots of hard work bud...
And remember who Liverpool have an affiliation with now. The Reds... and Red Sox... so leave that Yankee hat (and, by extension, that Man United hat) in NY where it belongs.
Safe trip home.
Congrats Dave. Great run with the plantar pain.
Mate, you're always a champ in our eyes. Just not a very fast champ.
very nice, I'm assuming Craig did not overtake you as I would have heard. Had a look at the NY course on the wall street journal, pretty amazing, shows street view for the whole course (including the killer bridge). Good work, Luis
Really good that you enjoyed it.
Must have been special to hear your Dad in that crowd. Magical memory
Big Congrats and well done Dave, glad that you got through it and had a great time. I don't think your soft mate (although I do have you over the 6 Foot!). Brommers.
Hey Kanser, Congrats mate - top effort and you have come a long way since the Homebush 10ks and demolishing a dozen Lamington Cakes on the same morning?
.....and anyone who calls you soft, send them to me, i'm not having that......Jelly, Lightweight yes... but soft??? :)
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