Race: RBC Brooklyn Half
Runner: Kristen Hodsdon
Race Date: 05/20/2023
Location: Brooklyn, New York
Results: 2:02:56
3 Bests – What aspects of the race did you like the most?
I loved every moment. A lot of it was just personal mindset, but…
- Running through Prospect Park was gorgeous.
- Ending on the Boardwalk
- The enthusiasm
Not so much – Aspects of the race that didn’t do it for you
Basically the rain.
Highlights of your race – What did you do well and enjoy about your race in particular?
OK, I loved this race. I’m afraid to run it again because this was such a good experience. I went in with the mindset that I would just live it up. Ham for every camera, talk to people, be a big nerd, but still try to run my best. And I did! I was faster than I’ve been in YEARS. I had a good pace going into the big hill midway through (thank you to Matt for alerting me to this), and then coasted afterward. I saw my great friend, Brad, who waved to me on course (and told me later I was going so fast!), and I refueled even when I didn’t want to, around mile 8, if memory serves. And I did really ham for every camera but got the most epic pic of my life!
Lessons for others – Share your pro-tips on the race to help the next runner
The big hill comes early, but take it in stride and know that afterward it’s pretty much downhill or flat. And the crowds cheering toward the end are going to thrill you.
Lessons you learned that will help you next time around
To fuel! I can’t tell you how much better I felt after I had a gel at mile 8 ish. I didn’t want it, because my blood sugar was still on the higher end (I have Type 1 diabetes), but I ended up having one and it kept me consistent through the rest of the race. I ended around 102 bloodsugar wise, which is practically perfect.
Most important course specific knowledge to know about the race
The hill in Prospect Park around mile 5 or 6 is killer, but take it slow and embrace it.
Aesthetics – Is it a pretty course?
YES!
Difficulty – Is it a tough course?
I’d say the first half was harder than the second.
Organized and well run – Did it feel like a well-oiled machine or were they flying by the seat of their pants?
It was a well-oiled machine.
Competition – Is there a strong field?
It’s New York, so yes.
Logistics – Does it require a special handshake, registration a year in advance, hotels all booked? Give us the low down on the nuts and bolts of making the race happen.
Register as soon as you can.
Aid Stations – Standard fare or anything special to know about the aid stations in terms of what’s available or when?
Standard.
Weather and typical race conditions
Well it was rainy as all get out from mile 8 or 9 on. It was unpleasant, but wasn’t the worst rain I’ve run through.
Gear – Did you need anything special or is there anything you’d recommend for the next runner?
Nope!
Spectators – Is this a friendly course for your friends?
YES!
How’s the Swag?
Pretty good! Much better than some of the races I’ve run in other places.
The Overall Score – How many stars do you give this race and do you recommend that others run it?
A 9/10? I mean I loved it.