My esteemed colleague, training partner and fleet ne’er-do-well Jeff Eckhaus has already turned in a beaut of a report on this past weekend’s Brooklyn Half, so I’ll not dwell on what he covered. Suffice it to say, I did not have nearly so fine a day as he. Cruel irony indeed that this half, on my own home turf, on the very streets where I train day in and out, would wind up being my most painful to date.

First 6 miles were largely without incident. I was running a pretty strong 7:05-7:10 pace though I felt a little fluttery. My left foot started to get pins and needles numb, which is rarely a good sign. It’s previously only happened in full marathons, but for some reason my left foot starts to go numb whenever I’m creeping on my limits. Never the right, only the left….go figure.

Anyway, about the time old lefty was checking out I pulled up on Jeff. I drafted behind him for about a quarter of a mile watching his stride. As has been noted many times, Jeff and I train together regularly and I was noticing how his mechanics seemed to have improved of late. You know a runner is coming into form when you can see the energy tensed in their muscles release seemingly without effort. Sort of like a large cat when it looks like it takes more exertion for them not to pounce and un-spring the stored energy than it does for them to bound along. Anyway, Jeff had that stride going where he was sort of floating effortlessly above the pavement and I was deep in considering how very different I was beginning to feel when he finally caught on to my lurking.

We cruised along for a bit together, but I was finding it increasingly difficult to maintain pace and sent him ahead just before we reached Prospect Park. Not more than a quarter mile into the park I had to pull my ship over on account of grinding stomach cramps. Somewhat mystified, I walked along for 20 or 30 yards and was every bit as surprised as the poor woman next to me when I projectile yakked. Mind you, I run this very loop 2-3 times a week, so it was an odd sort of thing to be feeling so utterly lousy on ground that I normally sail over. Another boot about 50 yards later I managed to pull my shit together and get a shuffling head of steam before heading up the last looming hill before Grand Army Plaza. I don’t normally mind this one, as I’m a hill lover, but I can assure you this was one of the hardest climbs I’ve ever stuck with. Had to resort to all sorts of mental cheats…..the older lady in front of me will never know it, but she actually towed me up that thing and I owe her a psychic debt of thanks.

Anyway - managed to gut it out and finish with a 1:37:15. Not the worst, not the best, but definitely the toughest half marathon I’ve run. I really don’t know what the issue was. The indicators could be read to point to dehydration, but I was well hydrated. And I was equally well rested etc. Certainly all the pints of Guinness in Ireland a month back didn’t help; I was under-trained, but that’s hardly a first. Guess I’ll just chock it up to the borough of Brooklyn reminding me who’s boss.

All that said - congrats Jeff on running an excellent race and establishing a new PR. Tremendous shouts out to the other three Dukes who turned in awesome performances as well. Eve with her first half completed and she, Jen & Fayth all turned in sub 2:00–righteous!!

This is the first time we’ve had 5 Dukes for one of the NYRR half’s and it’s sweet to be officially in the hunt for club standing this year. Nice work all and remember, there are few better feelings than looking at a Los Compadre in your rearview!