Post by MarkD on Jul 28, 2009 10:01:56 GMT -5
Like any big popular race (Chicago, Wildflower, etc.) that I’ve done before, the event was well organized. The racecourse was “smart” (i.e. they didn’t disrupt too much of the city, believe it or not, to put this on). The swim entrance & exit and transition is in a public park on the banks of the Hudson, the bike course goes long route 9A – the western artery of Manhattan island connecting it to the Bronx. They shut down the northbound lane from until late morning – again, very little disruption. Only one mile of the run is on a City street that they have to shut down – the rest is in Central Park.
Tim Edwards did this a couple of years ago and told me that the logistics were difficult. I raced with some friends from Philly and NYC who did it last year. Luckily – the logistics mistakes they made last year, I didn’t have to make this year (mainly lodging and timing issues). If anyone ever does this race in the future, let me know – there are some invaluable pointers you need to know about !!
Besides being in NYC – the city that never sleeps – the attraction to this race is that its the fastest Olympic swim in the sport. I normally finish my OLY swims in 20-24 minutes. I was out of the water in 16 flat. The draw back to this swim is that the Hudson is gross. I couldn’t see my hand in front of my face and I hit a lot of debris as I was going down river. I would not want this to be my first race ever – the swim could turn you off to the sport, if so.
Unfortunately, we had a big storm pass through at 4:30 am and it was a very humid day, so, the roads were soaked. I tend to turn into quite a pansy on wet roads, so, I rode VERY conservatively – especially on the downhills. This course was surprisingly all hills. There were no flat areas at all. Some long and steady. Some a bit more challenging – none that required you to get out of your saddle if you didn’t want to. I easily left a few minutes out there because of the wet roads. But – I did feel fresh for the run which was a bonus.
The run was also a surprise challenge. After mile 1 it was all hills – every last yard of it. This is where the locals have a big advantage if they live in the city and train here. I was extremely happy with my run, but, in hindsight, I would have done a few less track workouts and a few more hill workouts if I knew that this course was so dam* hilly.
I was pre-qualified to race elite due to my time in Chicago a few years ago, so, I opted for this to go in the wave right after the pros. I’m really glad I did (although I did give up a podium finish in my age group). Having the opportunity to mingle with Greg Bennett, Matt Reed, Becky Lavelle, and Andy Potts was very cool. They are incredibly nice and humble people. Definitely worth the experience. The other neat thing about going early in a big race – no crowds to fight through on the run and bike course. On the run, I only saw (no kidding) 4 other runners - 3 that I passed and one that passed me. Other than that – no one but the hundreds of non-participant runners in Central Park and thousands of fans cheerin’ ya on.
At the end of the day, my goal was a PR. Didn’t get it, but I was mighty pleased with the results. I finished mid-pack among the elites. Overall, my 2:10:50 was good enough for 44th out of 3,375 among all the amateurs.
Finally, this was the Para-Triathlon National Championship Race. Very inspiring to see so many challenged athletes doing amazing things – some were incredibly FAST.
Oh... one more thing - I had my first full-body massage in Brooklyn that evening. Not sure about this massage stuff...
Tim Edwards did this a couple of years ago and told me that the logistics were difficult. I raced with some friends from Philly and NYC who did it last year. Luckily – the logistics mistakes they made last year, I didn’t have to make this year (mainly lodging and timing issues). If anyone ever does this race in the future, let me know – there are some invaluable pointers you need to know about !!
Besides being in NYC – the city that never sleeps – the attraction to this race is that its the fastest Olympic swim in the sport. I normally finish my OLY swims in 20-24 minutes. I was out of the water in 16 flat. The draw back to this swim is that the Hudson is gross. I couldn’t see my hand in front of my face and I hit a lot of debris as I was going down river. I would not want this to be my first race ever – the swim could turn you off to the sport, if so.
Unfortunately, we had a big storm pass through at 4:30 am and it was a very humid day, so, the roads were soaked. I tend to turn into quite a pansy on wet roads, so, I rode VERY conservatively – especially on the downhills. This course was surprisingly all hills. There were no flat areas at all. Some long and steady. Some a bit more challenging – none that required you to get out of your saddle if you didn’t want to. I easily left a few minutes out there because of the wet roads. But – I did feel fresh for the run which was a bonus.
The run was also a surprise challenge. After mile 1 it was all hills – every last yard of it. This is where the locals have a big advantage if they live in the city and train here. I was extremely happy with my run, but, in hindsight, I would have done a few less track workouts and a few more hill workouts if I knew that this course was so dam* hilly.
I was pre-qualified to race elite due to my time in Chicago a few years ago, so, I opted for this to go in the wave right after the pros. I’m really glad I did (although I did give up a podium finish in my age group). Having the opportunity to mingle with Greg Bennett, Matt Reed, Becky Lavelle, and Andy Potts was very cool. They are incredibly nice and humble people. Definitely worth the experience. The other neat thing about going early in a big race – no crowds to fight through on the run and bike course. On the run, I only saw (no kidding) 4 other runners - 3 that I passed and one that passed me. Other than that – no one but the hundreds of non-participant runners in Central Park and thousands of fans cheerin’ ya on.
At the end of the day, my goal was a PR. Didn’t get it, but I was mighty pleased with the results. I finished mid-pack among the elites. Overall, my 2:10:50 was good enough for 44th out of 3,375 among all the amateurs.
Finally, this was the Para-Triathlon National Championship Race. Very inspiring to see so many challenged athletes doing amazing things – some were incredibly FAST.
Oh... one more thing - I had my first full-body massage in Brooklyn that evening. Not sure about this massage stuff...
.... If, by long course you mean Half distance - O.K. If you mean the full enchilada (i.e. 140.6) - HELL NO !!