2020 NYC Virtual Marathon – Race Recap

I had set a goal to run a marathon in 2020, but the race I wanted to run the Cellcom Marathon was cancelled along with every other race. My idea of running a marathon was still on my mind, when I had read that the NYC Marathon was also cancelled. The NYC Marathon had a virtual option to run for a medal with the possibility of a guaranteed entry into the NYC Marathon in future years.

I did not want give up on pursuing my goal. The idea of a guaranteed entry is a dream for me. I decided that even if I didn’t get the guaranteed entry, I would still sign up for the race. I am so glad I did.

My training started out with choosing the perfect Running Training Plan. During my training, I had many successes and challenges. Check out Training Week 4, to learn how I switched up my route to change my mental game. Check out Training Week 10, to find out how I fit in my long run around the rain, and ran during a suboptimal time of day. Training Week 15 was the peak of training check out how I found the perfect trail to finish my last long run.

Each week of my training helped to push me towards a hard fought PR on race day. For this race, I focused more on my training plan, nutrition and speed work and it paid off. I spent the taper planning my race week nutrition and the race route.

NYC Virtual Marathon Race Route

I decided to run the Fox River State Trail. The trail runs from Green Bay to just north of Hilbert, Wisconsin. It is paved for 10.5 miles and the rest is crushed limestone. The trail is 26.3 miles in length. The Fox River Trail is a rail to trail type trail and is straight and flat. It is only 25 minutes from my home to the trail head.

Originally, I had planned to run two out and backs on the trail. I had wanted to run the majority of the race on the paved section, as I knew that I would run slower on the crushed limestone and I wanted to push my pace. I changed my plan once I knew what the weather had in store for me. Eventually I had decided to run the entire length of the trail from north to south.

Race Prep

Weather

I monitored the weather throughout the week. I had the option of running Saturday or Sunday, and both days had high winds. Sunday worked out better for my family to spectate. So, I opted to run on Sunday. The forecast was a feels like 19 degrees, with 25-30 mph wnw winds and 40 mph wind gusts. My plan was to run south, so that I would have the wind on my back somewhat. To say that these would be tough conditions, is an understatement.

Night Before the Race

The night before a race I like to get everything I will need ready for the next day. Often times, I will make a list. Race day is not the day you want to forget something. I start with getting my race outfit ready and laid out. For this race with a feels like 19 degrees and high winds, I chose long tights, long sleeve top, windbreaker jacket with a hood, headband and gloves. I set my shoes and socks out.

In my race bag, I placed extra gels, packed a banana and a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. I placed my spike roller in my bag along with some Biofreeze. I set out my hydration pack and packed with it with gels.

Morning of the Race

Planning to start my run about 7:00 am, I got up at 5:00am. I drank my coffee and my ate breakfast, as soon as I got up. On race day, I like simple my go to is a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. To keep it easy, I prep everything the night before so all I have to do is grab it when I get up. I wanted to allow enough time to digest everything and have no GI issues later. With the pandemic, I wasn’t 100% sure that any of the bathrooms along the trail would even be open.

Waking up with a headache the morning of the race, was not the way I wanted to start my day. I have chronic migraines, so I am somewhat used to running with a headache. Nothing was going to stop me from running, so I tried to focus on my race plans and by the start I was feeling a little better.

Race

I always set three race goals I can live with for each race and modify based on conditions. Originally my 1st goal time for the race was under 4:30, 2nd goal 4:45 and 3rd goal time under 5 hours. With the wind and my headache I knew I should modify that. Adjusting my goal did not diminish any of my hard work, as part of running a marathon is all about just finishing. So knowing that I would still score a huge PR, and if I could pull off a faster time then all the better. I decided to shoot for 4:45 for my 1st goal, under 5:00 for my 2nd goal and just to finish for my 3rd goal.

Miles 0-12

I started out at the trail head in downtown Green Bay. One thing I struggle with is being on time. Despite my good intentions, I ended up starting at 7:30 am. The beauty of running the NYC Virtual Marathon was there was no set start time. You just need to show up and run. It was windy! The wind was mostly blowing on my right side and back as I headed down the trail. In Green Bay, it wasn’t the worst as some of the wind was blocked from the buildings.

Heading out of Green bay, the trail follows the Fox River with scenic river views. Despite the big reminder sign, there was no issues social distancing. With the high winds, there were very few people on the trail.

From Green Bay trail heads into De Pere, Wisconsin. Running through this section, I met a few other people on the trail. It was nice to see some people, as I hadn’t run into my family yet. Despite the wind, I was running strong and a bit faster than I expected but it felt good. I knew once I hit the gravel, I would slow down.

Once out of De Pere, the trail scenes become more rural. Mostly farm fields lining the trail. I was happy to meet up with my cheer squad. From here they met me at nearly every cross road. In my hydration pack, I had everything I would need water and gels. Not knowing exactly where they would be and the mileage in between, I wanted to make sure I had all the gels I needed.

Miles 10-26.2

As I headed out to the more rural portion of the trail, this wind became more of an issue. From miles 10 to about 14, there was some cover with a few more trees along the trail to block the wind somewhat. But let’s be real with wind gusts to 40 in the country, it was still harsh.

I have to say though no matter how strong the wind gusts, I was never cold. I actually was taking my hood on and off along with my gloves, when I got too warm.

Once I hit the town of Greenleaf, I was over halfway done. I celebrated a bit! Since I was running the NYC Virtual Marathon, I had friends tracking me on the app. It was nice to get the text messages to keep me going down the trail.

Mental Challenges

One thing that I realized was how mentally challenging this race was. Never did I think I would quit, but it was very tough running conditions. Some of the open sections of trail the wind would blow me across the trail. My family said I looked like I was weaving! I actually had developed a small red spot on my left ankle from the wind whipping my right foot into it when I ran.

The hardest part about the wind was keeping any kind of pace. I really threw everything I had into it. I would get to my pace and then the wind would push me back.

Another struggle mentally for me was the straight long trail. At points it seemed like the road to nowhere. One thing about a virtual race is that there are no aid stations. There is no way to tell yourself only 5 miles to go until the next aid station. You just keep running.

Small pieces of gravel kept getting in my shoes. I had to empty my shoes out a few times. I have never had foot cramps running before, but with taking off my shoes to empty them out I started to get some cramping. For about three miles, I had to walk for a bit then run. Just like they started the cramps went away.

I have to say I never really hit a wall. At about mile 13, I felt a little light headed ate a half of a banana and was good to go. The whole race I felt well hydrated and fueled.

Finish

Despite the many mental challenges, I loved the race. When I would feel myself tensing up or letting the weather get to me, I just kept saying my mantra “light and loose” “strong and fierce” and I was good to go. I am blessed to be able to do what I do. There is nothing that would have stopped me from finishing, despite the barriers. Finishing this was Epic! My last Marathon finish time was 5:30:52. The NYC Virtual Marathon was a big PR for me 4:43:59!

Final Thoughts

I shaved a ton of time off my marathon time and learned a lot. Overcoming the mental challenges was a huge confidence boost. I know the next race I will hit whatever goal I set! Making the decision to run a virtual marathon and not let a pandemic control my goals was the best decision. Anyone can run a virtual race. Looking or more reasons to run a virtual race check out my post Top Ten Reasons to Run a Virtual Race. I am already thinking about my next marathon!