New Jersey Long Branch Half Marathon-May 5, 2013

 
 

The New Jersey Marathon had about 11,000 runners with both full and half (Long Branch Half) options with a 2 man half relay option. The half and relay started about 2hours ahead of the full. It was an A to B course that started at Monmouth Race Track and ended ocean side at Pier Village in Long Branch. From what I gather, the course had changed slightly due to boardwalks still being damaged from Super Storm Sandy six months ago. The mottos for this race were ‘Run, Restore, Rebuild’ and ‘Up and Running’, which took on an even greater meaning with the Boston Marathon attack happening less than a month before race day! It was a mix of emotions for everyone, but there was a definite pride, passion, and strength in just about every one of the runners, as well as spectators!

My weekend started with flying in the day before the race. As we came in for a landing at Newark, I caught a glimpse of not only the cool NYC skyline, but the Statue of Liberty in the distance. What perfect symbolism for the weekend!

I headed straight to the Expo which was held at the same location of start, Monmouth Race Track. With it being Kentucky Derby weekend, the place was packed inside and out. Mint juleps, hot dogs, big hats, bet placing, tv watching… it was a whirlwind inside and out and nothing nor no one was guiding the runners to the right area. After finally stumbling upon the Expo, I found myself even more overwhelmed. It was too crammed packed to even get in the right mindset to shop. Maybe it was the early morning flight and getting lost on the way that soured my attitude, but all I really wanted to do was grab my packet, shirt, and GU and get out.

With making a last minute hotel change from only 2miles from start to now 30 minutes away (all the hotels near start were ridiculously overpriced for what and where they were …ie LaQuinta and Holiday Inn Express wanted over $200 even for a travel agent rate!) and running late after getting lost, I decided to head straight to Pier Village and have a very early dinner because I had a feeling once I got to the hotel, all I would want to do is pass out! A Lobster BLT is what I decided on at Mcloones outdoor patio. I then took a stroll on the boardwalk and came across the finish line and medals. It was interesting to see all the chain link fences put up around the last quarter mile of the race. Even condos were being fenced out. They had a security eagles nest set up as well. Oh, how things are changing for the racing industry!

I finally made it to my hotel by about 630p, laid out my running gear, and was in bed by 7, planning for eyes shut at 8….but that didn’t come until after 9. Race start was set for 640 (sun rise 550a) yet, several warnings about traffic advised to get there between 430 and 5. A bit ridiculous for a non morning person! But I was hoping to be up by 430, out by 5, arrive by 530 latest. I made good time and was in the parking spot by quarter after 5. No problems with traffic. I think the majority of the problems (what I gather from all the bickering) is from the early marathoners who have to come in mixed with the late comers of the half. There were still several half marathoners that were running from the parking lot to get to the start, after the gun went off. I hear there are several entrances to Monmouth, but I36 is the most popular. I also hear that street parking is legal (and free…as the race charged $5 to park). Future runners should do some research on that.

The parking lot was huge and there were several porta potties in the lots, as well as in the starting area. No worry for long lines there. They also had the race track clubhouse open so the majority of the people were crammed inside trying to stay warm. They did announce there would be food/coffee/water, yet I never found it and the people I asked had no idea either. ??

I sat in my car for a good while staying warm with my car rentals heated seats! YES! I stood outside for a bit and realized I was under dressed. I decided to add pants and gloves…good thing I brought them! By the time I got to the gear check (btw, they only allowed clear bags), I decided I didn’t want to forgo my jacket I was wearing and was also to wear as my dry clothes at the finish.  I really didn’t think I was going to sweat with the wind! It was a bit brutal. Little did I know I would be taking it off at M4. I didn’t want to part with it (hey, this traveling runner is one broke runner too!), so I tied it around my waist. The gloves stayed on until about M6. The jacket was put back on at M12 at the boardwalk!

The corrals and start of the race were pretty organized. In fact everything about the race is very well organized and well communicated! Probably the best I have had yet. There are several updates on Facebook. Questions are all answered. And Race Director weekly emails are sent out as well as posted on the website. They also did an excellent job of handling and communicating all new security features after the Boston Marathon attack.

The race ran a little late, about 5-10 minutes…no explanation, but that’s Ok. There were bomb sniffing dogs, lots of checking of bib numbers, lots of officers, and lots of checking to make sure you did not have a bag except the clear one provided. There’s still some things that were a little off….as in a police officer told a man he could not bring in a fanny pack, so the man said he would just leave it in the bushes and the cop said that was fine, but he was not responsible. Really?!

There was also lots of Blue and Yellow, lots of Boston Strong, lots of Jersey Strong, and even to my surprise lots of Pink in the neighborhoods! I found out later May 1-31 is Paint the Town Pink Month for breast cancer awareness in Jersey. I even ran with a man wearing a lot of pink for the majority of the race.  There also were gorgeous Cherry blossom trees everywhere you looked! The neighborhoods were in full bloom for Spring!

They didn’t let anyone line up until about 10 minutes before start. The bag drop was literally right next to the corrals. Helicopters were flying over head (was this the usual news/photographers, or was this security?) Spectators were not allowed at start….but instead were allowed right outside the Race Track…literally yards away…I find this strange too. Same went for the finish line….spectators not allowed at the line, but just a short distance over they were permitted. Spectators were not allowed bags in either location.

A moment of silence for 26 seconds was done for Boston followed by the sing a long of Sweet Caroline. The National Anthem was sang, and we were off.

I placed myself ahead of the 2:20 pace group. Going into the race, my goal was to take it easy, as Ive had a behind the left knee pain the past month and half, which meant there was very little running since the last race.  It was a lot colder than anticipated, about 45, windy, and cloudy. Even completely dressed, I was too cold for a start. I didn’t do a warm up besides walk nor did I stretch other than the little bouncing around in the corral. I knew my muscles were tight from the cold.

 I did try to start out slow but still early on got a pain from my butt, knee, to calf…I believe this is a sciatic nerve issue which I haven’t felt in several months now. Thankfully it quickly went away in the next couple miles. I never felt a real ‘pain’ behind the left knee. I thank my brace and my strength to hold back on training for that. I did however get a pain in the front of the right knee about M6 or so. But looking back at my times, M6 was my fastest mile, so that could be a reason.

That mile I found myself completely in a zone I have never felt before. There were lots of people loudly cheering us on. I had my IPOD pumped up (this is the first time I have ran with music in several months). I was staring straight ahead, yet staring at nothing. As I checked people off one by one (passing) I couldn’t even feel my feet hitting the ground. I felt nothing. I thought nothing. It felt good. When I realized I was doing it, it stopped. I tried to get mad, as emotion helps with speed work...and I wanted that zone back!

I got mad at the Boston Marathon attackers who, whether we admit it or not, have officially changed racing forever. Its not fair! I got mad for the dementia my mom is currently battling at such a young age and whether I admit it or not, things will never be the same. Its not fair! I got mad that although early detection, better drugs, and gene testing has all helped to increase survivorhood for breast cancer victims, we still do not have a cure! It is not fair!  

It felt good to run and to run fast. It had been too long. It didn’t last long, as I mentioned above my right knee started acting up. So much so, I rounded a corner and my body just stopped. As I walked a couple steps, weirdly the pain completely subsided. Other than that I made it 8 miles without walking. My endurance just wasn’t there with all the time off, but I was still amazed  at what my body was able to accomplish!

I took in 2 GUs for the race…about M8 and 11….the race did not provide any, except for the full marathon. The hydration stations were properly stocked though. Plenty of volunteers, and they had the Gatorade before the Water…and in different cups. BIG Kudoos! They even had someone on a loud speaker as you approached each station to announce what was ahead. There was also good signage for the separation of the marathon as well as the relay.

There were a lot of spectators/supporters cheering us on the entire race, which is always nice, but this time it had even more meaning as they too were not going to be stopped from continuing life and supporting the running community! Someone even made about 10 signs with awesome quotes on both sides of the road.

My biggest crash was about M11 in which I struggled for the last couple miles. The last mile was on the boardwalk, which was nice and scenic but VERY windy. You could see a little of the destruction from Sandy, but not much. For some reason the boardwalk was barricaded to only access half of it, which made it very difficult to pass anyone, and/or walk. It probably kept me running a little bit more than usual however. As we approached Pier Village, they had a band, and even more State Troopers lined up. There were still a ton of spectators.  

The finish line and after party were good, but has much potential. They did serve soft pretzels which I have never had a race, but is probably the BEST thing I have eaten at a finish line! I don’t know what it was, even being cold, the salt and bread combination was Great! They gave a bag with a banana, granola bar, and a couple pieces of salt water taffy. There was real food, but for sale only unfortunately. There also wasnt any beer or recovery drinks. They did have a changing tent which was great to get out of the wet clothes.

The shuttles were delayed due to street closures of the full marathon. We all were warned of this, so I just made my way to a restaurant next door for food and beer! Beware with the shuttle system, there is quite a hike to get to the bus and then get back to your car.

The super early arrival, race, and then timing for the shuttles made for an extremely long day for a half marathon. I was so beat when I got to my hotel, I soaked in the hot tub and then napped til dinner.

My total distance on the Garmin was 13.23. At 13.1, I had a PR of 2:23…yet crossing the finish line meets my best at 2:24.  :/

All in all, I would recommend this race because of its flat, scenic course, excellent communication and organization skills, and community support. Also, keep your eye out of extremely cheap early bird rates!