Having been running regularly since January and only participating in two races over the last two months, both of them 10k's, I registered for the American Heart Association Start! Wall Street Run, a three-mile race, as I thought it would be easy based on its short distance alone. I work on nearby Maiden Lane for a large law firm, so I had little excuse to not to. And my close friend, Leisha, died suddenly last summer from heart disease at the age of 33, so the American Heart Association gets my special attention.
Greg S and I met at the corner of North End Avenue and Vesey Street, for a quick warm-up and stretch prior to the start. Nervous energy took both of us over as we didn't quite know what to expect. Workers from nearby investment banks poured from buildings that overlooked the starting line and converged onto North End Avenue. It was nice to see non-runners taking part in something this huge. I realized afterward that I was more excited for this race than I was for my first two.
What I discovered, but wasn't quite prepared for, was the enormous crowd of 12,000 people cramming themselves into the Financial District's narrow streets, some too narrow to accommodate most cars. Also not realizing until the start of the race that it was a "Walk and Run", we saw that many walkers placed themselves selfishly, or ignorantly, in front of runners, who would be forced to go around them. Combine this with the fact that co-workers formed groups that massed five-wide, and the condo craze and road construction currently overtaking the area, it makes for a winding and dangerous obstacle course, forcing some runners to run on sidewalks, metal plates, sewer grating, and a general rough surface. I witnessed several runners tripping over cones, plates and even unsuspecting pedestrians trying to make their way home.
Although Greg S and I are both proud of our performance, an 8:18 and a 7:32 pace, respectively, I can say that I will not be registering for this event next year. I get enough obstacles thrown at me in everyday life.
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Considering the conditions you've had to endure, a job well done! You showed perseverance and determination despite the hurdles you had to face. Learn from this race as you WILL be tested again and again in future races; longer races in difficult weather conditions. That said, STOP YOUR BELLY-ACHING and CELEBRATE YOUR ACHIEVEMENT! Now, the real test - SPEED CLASS!
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