Virtual runs have been a thing in 2020, and I've participated in a few. If it gets me outside, if it gets me exercising on a regular basis, it might as well be like hiring a coach for me. I also have a love for New York City and the NYC marathon, and so I signed up for the viritual New York City Marathon.
One thing I've learned: not all virtual races are alike. Some give more support than others, some involve social media more effectively than others, etc. New York Road Runners puts on the New York City Marathon, as well as this virtual version, and they did a great job.
I had a course in mind from the start--a marathon from home. I liked the idea of walking out my door and doing a course that had a bit of symmetry and a lot of scenery to it. My course design, for this last day in October, was near perfect. If I do say. The basic route goes through downtown Mount Vernon, and then south on the Dike Road to Conway, followed by a half loop around Fir Island, over the Skagit to Rexville, and then back to Mount Vernon via farm roads and the river. The course is basically three bridges--the South Skagit, North Skagit, and West Mount Vernon bridge. I hit the 26.2 mile mark a half mile from home. A very flat course too.
Seth joined me for 2/3 of the day, which was perfect. Great to hang out and wander empty country roads together, especially on such a beautiful day. We were innundated in birds--the migratory crowd is definitly back in town. Snow geese in masses, so loud, covering a field, and flying like an army in the sky. Trumpeter swans--their honking is kind of funny, and they are so big, and fly in V formations. Pipers doing their murmerations--I chased some off the telephone lines. Bald eagles and hawks on perches, maybe even a small owl. Great day of bird watching/running.
The weather was downright chilly at my 7 AM start time. Dew was steaming off the fields, and fog was on the river. The moon was near full. This year's Halloween, this same day, provided a blue moon, which I guess is rare. Nice to start under the stars and then watch the sunrise as I'm running the flats.
This was not a race. We took our time, walking and running, covering the distance, as is common with me. Finished in 5:39.
The New York Road Runners built a phone app for the event, which was really cool. At the start of the race, you hit a button, and then they voice out a countdown to the start. The app comes on at various points on the NY course, like when crossing the Queensburough Bridge, or entering the Bronx. The app annouces every time you cross a mile mark, with the mile and pace. Occasionally a coach gives encouragement, tips, and cheer. It also runs two maps--the one you're running in reality, parallel with the NYC course. Pretty fun for what it is.
This was a really good day.
