Yesterday, I ran my third Brooklyn Half-Marathon. And while this one wasn’t my fastest, it was definitely my proudest.

The back-story: I’ve been getting back in to my prime running shape after lagging a bit over the winter. I trained for (sorta) and eeked out a Philly Broad Street Run (10-miler) three weeks ago. (That race recap is long overdue, but coming soon). Since the 10-miler, though, I haven’t run at all. Not so much as even laced up my shoes. Scary, right?

So typically, I would have just bailed on the half. I thought about it too. But, I paid already. AND, more importantly, my friend got me access to the VIP tent before and after the race. I was more than a little excited to check it out.

So I went into the race thinking it would be pretty bad. All I wanted was to run a bit, and not get injured. I was even okay with the idea of not finishing. I carried a metro card and $10 in my pocket in case things got real and I needed to bail. I was pretty sure this would happen and was perfectly okay with the idea.

I got to Prospect Park around 6:15 for the 7:00 start. The VIP tent was right at the starting line, so I dropped off my bag and drank some green tea (from the tent spread) while I waited for my friend. The tent itself was really small (smaller than I expected). The biggest perks, though, were the private porto’s – no lines! – and seeing the pros up close.

At the start, I came up with a game plan: run the 7 miles in Prospect Park as best I can, assess my sitch at mile 7, and either bail on the race, or continue. The first few miles I felt okay and kept a pace of 10:00/mile or less. It was pretty muggy, but my breathing was normal and I felt good.

As I approached mile 5, I started to feel like I could probably do the whole thing. I told myself that if I kept this pace up to mile 7, I’d keep going and take little breaks at each water station (still walking, though) until the end and not think about pace.

This worked great for me. I felt really motivated and there were water stations at pretty much every mile until the end. I hit each station for some water and walked quickly until I finished it. I told myself that even if I started to feel tired, I could push it from one water station to another.

I couldn’t believe how quickly it passed. This was my third time running this race (second time with this exact course lay-out), and usually the second half on Ocean Parkway kills me. It’s straight and flat, but boring and usually has little shade from the sun. This year there was a light breeze, and I think focusing on water stations help divert my attention.

By the time I got close to the boardwalk, I realized that I could make it in under 2:20. I didn’t really change my pace and came in at 2:18:07 (10:32/mile) . This is not my fastest time. Not even my fastest on this course, but I was really happy that I stuck with it. Thrilled in fact. It was such a boost of confidence and I feel that it was my welcome back into running.

I celebrated with a power nap then a bachelorette party last night. I had to turn in early (I was exhauuuuuusted), but I’m feeling great today. Can’t wait to run on Tuesday… and fill my race calendar for the rest of the summer.