Welcome to my exhilarating journey through the bustling streets of New York City! April Pullins here, ready to share every thrilling moment of my recent race escapade. So, grab a cup of your favorite brew and join me as I recount the highs, lows, and everything in between of this unforgettable adventure.

It all started with a simple wish—one that I dared to voice in the Black Runners Connection Facebook group at the dawn of 2024. Fast forward a few months, and God intervened in the form of a message from James, the group’s founder. Without hesitation, I seized the opportunity to turn my NYC race dream into reality.

Lesson learned: never underestimate the power of putting your desires out into the universe!

Now, let’s talk logistics. After a whirlwind journey, I found myself at The Pod a charming micro-hotel nestled in the heart of Brooklyn. With its central location and affordable rates, it was the perfect home base for my NYC adventure. Plus, being surrounded by restaurants, Whole Foods, and food trucks only added to the allure. Highly recommend booking in advance!

As I touched down at LaGuardia Airport, I was greeted by stunning renovations that left me in awe. Gone were the days of rundown gates and dreary terminals—NYC was shining brighter than ever. After a quick hop on the Q bus and a seamless journey to the expo, I was geared up and ready to take on the New York United Half Marathon, sponsored by none other than United Airlines. With my bib, t-shirt, and extra fuel gummies in hand, I was all set to conquer the concrete jungle.

But before hitting the starting line, there was one more important stop to make—lunch with my run cousins. Pancakes and hot chocolate fueled our conversations about goals, running over 40, and how to inspire my husband to be more active. Their simple yet profound advice stuck with me: start small and let habits form naturally. A true testament to the power of community!

As race morning dawned, I found myself navigating the dark streets in search of caffeine to kickstart my day. After a brief rendezvous with Dunkin’ Donuts, I boarded the train en route to the starting line. The subway was packed with fellow runners, all buzzing with excitement and anticipation.

Arriving at the designated race stops, I was met with a sea of bibs, running shoes, and clear expo bags. As the train doors swung open at Broadway, it felt like everyone and their grandma was trying to squeeze out at once. My stop? Franklin. I needed to hop off to drop off my bag. But let me tell you, it was like trying to escape a sardine can in there! Finally, at Franklin, it was like a breath of fresh air—smooth sailing with just a handful of us making our exit. Ah, the joys of navigating the NYC subway scene!

The energy was palpable as we lined up in our corrals, ready to take on the challenge ahead. Despite a twinge of nerves, I reminded myself to approach the race with gratitude and positivity.

And then, we were off! From the vibrant streets of Brooklyn, running over the FDR bridge, into to the iconic landmarks of Times Square, and finishing in Central Park, every step was a testament to the resilience of the human spirit. Yes, there were hills, but the perfect amount. NYC is not a flat town, but if felt more familiar to me than the flat course in Vegas. (See previous blog Vegas Half)

The support of the NYC community was nothing short of incredible, propelling me forward with renewed determination.

Despite some last-minute adjustments to my intervals (2 min run, 30 sec walk- to 4 min run to 45 sec walk), (I don’t recommend trying this on race day- I am a rebel lol) I crossed the finish line with a sense of pride and accomplishment. And while my finishing time of 2 hours and 55minutes wasn’t my personal best, the experience was worth every moment.

As I bid farewell to the city that had embraced me with open arms, I couldn’t help but reflect on the sheer magic of it all. From the exhilaration of the race to the camaraderie of the running community, every aspect of my NYC adventure had left an unforgettable mark on my soul.

So, to anyone considering tackling a race in NYC, I have just one thing to say: do it! Embrace the challenges, savor the victories, and cherish every moment of the journey. Because when you run the NYC streets, you’re not just chasing a finish line—you’re embarking on the adventure of a lifetime. Trust me, you won’t regret it.