I have to say that it was definitely quite an experience. The first hour flew by. Running through Brooklyn was very interesting. Each neighborhood had it own nationality, and they was a very distinct seperation. That was the fun part. The Pulaski Bridge was the first real challenge, not too bad, but a sign of things to come. The next obstacle was the 59th street bridge. That was quite a bit tougher, and I knew that the next 10 weren't exactly going to be easy. Coming into Manhattan was a bit overwhelming. There were people at least 3 deep on both sides, and they were all screaming and yelling. I've never experienced anything like that before, but it was a lot of fun. I got to the bridge going into the Bronx(not sure of the name), and decided to walk part of the hill. The Wall as they say I guess hits here. For the next 4 miles I started getting cramps in my inner quads and calves, not good. I had taken several Endurolytes up to this point, maybe just not enough fluids. I had only drank water, so I started with some Gatorade. Sorry to say that I had to walk run some during this period because of the cramps, but that's what it was. I was thrilled to enter Central Park, some familiar territory, and some feeling of being finished. I had to walk/run the hills in the park, but from mile 24 1/2 to the finish, I was able to have a continuous run across the finish line. Never so happy to reach a destination in my life.

Definitely stay more hydrated, and not follow a pace group. I hate to complain, but the pace group leader was at least 2 minutes ahead of schedule for the first 10 miles, thats when I backed off some. I should have just did my own pacing, with hopefully some better results.

After the finish we all had to walk to 79th street exit of the park, then South down Central Park West to the baggage pickup. It was a long walk with shoulder to shoulder people. I thought we would have more room when we got up to the baggage pickup, but the family and friends folks were everywhere and it was kind of frustrating. I think it was good to walk for a while, and not sit down, just to warm down.


dehydration/cramps