it's called sarcasm. it's queen's main export.

3 down, 2 to go.  so last saturday was the 3rd of the grand prix half-marathon series: the queens half-marathon.  it was quite possibly the hottest day of the year but there i was, clad in running shorts and my marathon tfk singlet, new sneaks, white visor, trying desperately to hide my nerves from my parents and the other TFKers out early that morning.

i was really worried about this run as all my runs the past few weeks have been well, awful.  the heat this summer has been absolutely unbearable and runners all over this city are suffering, myself 100% included.

luckily for me i ran into (literally) two TFKers and one TFK alumni who run at my pace at the start line and stayed with them throughout the entire 13.1 miles.  if it weren't for them, i doubt that i would have felt good at all during that run.  

the course was difficult and it was extremely hot and humid.  nyrr did a great job of having sprinklers at every mile and by the end of the race, i was completely soaked from the sprinklers and having had poured water over myself at every hydration stop. 

one great thing about running in the heat is the majority of (hot) guys that run without a shirt.  men, if you are fat and/or gorilla-esque hairy, i know it's hot, but you can keep your shirt on.  there should be a law requiring you to, in fact.  however, if you are young, tan, and in great shape, keep doing what you're doing because you - are - fantastic.  at one point during the race, one such guy runs past us and one of the ladies screams, "if i catch you, can i keep you?"  it was great.  on days like that when it's a struggle just to be outside, let alone run 13.1 miles, we need all the inspiration we can get haha.

so because the run was in queens, i figured it was easiest to go out to long island and stay with the 'rents on friday night. i was able to sleep in a bit and get a nice ride to and from the race, along with my own little cheer (and bark?) team on the sidelines.  my parents and mr. big were at the start line, around mile 6, and again at the finish line.

i love having people at the finish line, it makes such a huge difference. even though i sprint towards the finish regardless, i always give it just a little more if i have someone there.  it was also a great push at mile 12 when we saw coach vinny cheering for all the TFKers.  it's so great to be part of a team that is so unbelievably supportive (especially of the slowpokes like myself).

thank you, queens, for trying to kick my butt... and failing.

bronx, where you at?!