Congrats to MORE half participants
Word has it that the WoW Power Walkers who went down to New York City last weekend walked at least 2 or 3 full marathons before reaching the start line of the MORE Half on Sunday morning. My guess is that the credit cards got a good workout too!
The MORE Half Marathon is sponsored by a magazine of the same name that "celebrates women over 40". The race was introduced as a way to send a "yes, you can" message of empowerment to its audience. Historically, women in the over-40 demographic find themselves becoming invisible in society. If race registration numbers are any indication, the message is one that resonates. Participants have doubled in just two years to more than 8,000 participants.
Or, women over 40 (and under 40!) are always looking for a reasonable justification for a weekend of girl friend fun.
I heard tales of interesting hydration strategies, air travel misadventures, late night wanderings, shopping and - yes - walking the race!
As far as the race goes, we hope it won't become a victim of its own success. With 8,000 women elbowing their way through the course on Sunday, I heard it was challenging to get a good pace going. But that's just hearsay...if anyone was there, please leave your comments here, so we may all get your perspective.
Labels: Race review
posted by Wow Power Walking Founder @ 7:01 PM
2 Comments
2 Comments:
This was my third time doing this race. First time 4,000;6,000 last year and now 8,000. Yes, a bit tight but we started at the 9 min mile mark as there was too many people behind this mark; it was at the top of a hill; and we did not want to make any runners mad starting higher. Last year I was at 11 min mile start and did not like it. Karen and I immediately moved to the right as announcer said at beginning. We were two abreast and managed to get around the 'strollers'. Wish I could remember how long this lasted (KAREN may) but I really did not feel it was that bad. For awhile, Karen and I were in the middle of the road which was good as there is a bit of a camber in places. Of course, by the time you hit the big hill and the smaller one the race has thinned out and then on the second time around it is perfect. You definitely need hill training for this race if you want to do well or feel good after. There are continuous rolling hills in central park. Start is 65' - Finish is 80' - Highest point is 120' and Lowest point 30'. Central Park is over 800 acres and this roadway runs in the centre around park. Great views; fun time. Yes, you can get caught up in the NEW YORK state of mind before the race and forget why you are there but if you do touring and eating and drinking in moderation before, you will enjoy this race. BUT, yes, success may be a problem. I think 8,000. is enough unless they have staggered starts or open up more of the road. It is only a $25.00 reg. fee and the pasta dinner was very reasonable, and the expo a bit small but we have to remember the reason MORE MAGAZINE came up with the idea 5 years ago.
It was a little like playing bumper cars but there were no negative comments. The race was more like and event than an actual race. There were women with backpacks and women wearing jeans. It took me 13 minutes to cross the start.
One senior lady, more senior than I am anyway, asked me at the start where she should be to start. After questioning her as to pace and finish time we both decided that she should be farther back. As she turned to go I thought to myself what a great event for a first race and what courage to do it alone.
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