I had to wait a week to write this review because I didn't want my emotions to cloud my review.
the expo was amazing. the lines moved quickly and there was good flow throughout. the gear had a good selection and I found my size in almost everything I wanted.
the Pavilion at Central Park was equally perfect. I loved finding my name on the wall and they had some Finisher gear, a sneak preview if you will, but they didn't have my size in the jacket i wanted before the race.
we were staying near Central Park, so I signed up for the bus at the library. the hubs walked me to the bus, and the line was pretty long and it was a little hectic. I was signed up for the 6:30 bus and was seated and on my way at 6:15.
after a roughly 90 minutes drive we were at the start village. again a long line but it moved quickly and I was inside by 8. now comes the waiting and my only real complaint. I understand that it's necessary for road closings so I'm mostly just whining.
I hit the bathroom, the only real line I stood on, and then found a friend to hang with until we started.
I was in Wave 4, and we started at 11.
the Verrazano was awesome and Brooklyn was very exciting. the fans are really into it and they call you by name of it's written on your shirt. I've never seen anything like it!
so, my race didn't go well. I started feeling nauseous at mile 10 or so, and by Mile 14 I was walking. no wall of sound at mile 16 because they all went home. obviously not the race's fault, but if you are back of the pack, don't hold out for it.
at mile 19, around 5:00, they opened the course. we had to move to the sidewalks and they were breaking down medical tents and water tables.
at two points, there were no police and no race volunteers and we were approached by locals who made us feel very unsafe. I was actually a little scared at one point, but luckily there were a lot of us, so I guess safety in numbers.
at Mile 25.8 or so, the path to the finish was blocked off and a volunteer told us the finish line was closed! it was only 6:30! luckily, a race employee came over and opened the gate and let us in to finish.
the finish line was fabulous, even if the spectators were gone. I finished at 6:30 pm. we were given our medal, placed over our heads. next was the recovery bag and then the mylar blanket which I needed because I was freezing. the girl basically tossed it at me, and it was falling off when I got to the man with the tape for it. he sweetly fixed it for me and taped it closed so I would not have to try and hold it closed.
next was the half mile trudge uphill to the ponchos. also placed gently around my shoulders which was nice. you exit 10 blocks away from where you ended which felt like miles. the hubs tried to get in and a volunteer actually grabbed and shoved him away. no warning either. ugh. everything is closed off so you can't get a can but we did get a pedi cab, which was fun and got us back to our hotel.
I'm glad I did it but I would not do it again.
the Pavilion had tons of finisher gear the next morning and I got everything I wanted, including the jacket.