Race Report: Japan Run (4M)

So yeah, this is a bit overdue. The past week has been a bit hectic and draining. I did not run the Brooklyn Half Marathon today like thousands of New Yorkers, but I want to say a big congratulations to those who did, like Grace & April!!

Last Sunday I ran the Japan Run, an annual four mile New York Road Runners race in Central Park that I’ve run several times but not in the last few years. I’ve been picking my races carefully this year, and this was my second race of the year – the first being this very cold one. I woke up to rain, so I put a few extra items in my bag and headed up to Central Park. The start line of this race has moved down to near East 68th Street from 102nd when I last ran it, which I much prefer since we were able to tackle Cat Hill very early on.

Since Boston, NYRR has instituted several new procedures – runners can only check clear plastic bags that are provided by NYRR, security checks at the porta-potties – and expected that it would take a bit more time to get through it all, but it actually wasn’t bad. Plus, I found out that if I fold it up and put it in the clear plastic bag, that I can still use my incredibly awesome Oiselle spike bag.

I found shelter from the light rain for a bit under a bridge with a ton of other runners then headed to the corral about 15 minutes before the race starts. I never quite understand why they close the corrals 10 minutes before the start (although usually you can find a place to sneak in). As we were getting the race instructions, the clouds started to part and the sun came out in full force. I had been a little worried about my wardrobe choice when it was damp and chilly but then thankful that I went with just my Oiselle singlet and distance shorts by the time I hit the top of Cat Hill!

I started a bit conservatively this time but each time I knocked off another hill my confidence rose a little and my speed crept up just a tad. While there were thousands of people running, for some reason it didn’t seem as crowded and hectic at the start and throughout as it usually does. While I don’t run in the park as often as I used to, I still know it very well which is always helpful when running a race. It’s good to know what’s ahead so you can adjust your speed or plan depending on how you’re feeling and how the race is going.

There were a ton of people out for this race – many of whom had run the UAE 10K the day before and many who were planning to run the Brooklyn Half today. It turned out to be a really beautiful mother’s day and a great race! While not my fastest time, I’m still happy with how I did and ready to tackle my next two races that are coming up quickly!

Apparently I had some trouble getting my number on straight that morning!

There was a pretty big post-race festival along the Mall but I decided to head out and walk down to Times Square to pick up the subway since it was a beautiful day and still pretty early. Usually I’d rather be just about anywhere except Times Square, but I’ve been finding myself there more often lately for one reason or another. This time, for some reason, I felt the need to stop and get a picture.

Next race up is May 30th – AHA Wall Street Run (in my ‘hood!) – then the NYRR Oakley Mini 10K on June 8th!

Are you racing this weekend or have one coming up?