This was the best race that I have ever participated in and I wish I could do this every year! I had just come back from an injury and knew that I didn't want to PR this race. I simply wanted to enjoy it and take it all in. That was exactly what I did.

This was my first race outside of Kansas but I knew the weather would be similar to what I was training in. It was cold and windy start. I worn 2 extra layers of sweats, had hand warmers, and an emergency camping blanket. Before the start there were bins to throw my extra clothes in that were donated to The Goodwill.

I ran with a Pace group since I didn't want to PR but I still wanted to run a decent pace and keep motivated. This was one of the best decisions I could have made! She kept us on pace, was constantly talking, and keeping us motivated the entire race. I distinctly remember hearing her voice screaming at us at the end to give it our all and to go for our PR's.

Obviously one of the greatest parts of this race was the course sites. Running over the Manhattan bridge just made my heart sore. So much so, that I hardly notice the uphill climb. Running on the FDR was a great place to just run and settle into my pace. Then Time Square hit and the energy just took over me and I left the pace group. Once again, the excitement was so intense that I didn't notice the slight incline. The end a central park, was definitely the toughest part. The were several times where I wanted to give in and walk. Not having ran these hills before was probably the toughest on me because I didn't know what were the "3 sisters." While this was the most difficult part the excitement of the crowds was amazing!

After the finish, there is about a mile walk in order to leave the race. While I thought I would hate this, I was actually grateful for this. I needed to walk to let me legs cool down. Plus it was an amazing opportunity to get my photo taken by the photographer.

I would recommend that everyone do this race if ever given the chance. I would do it again in a heartbeat.