NYC with MEB: The Pulaski Bridge and the Official Halfway Mark
The Pulaski Bridge — what a great halfway mark for a marathon! First, it’s very fitting: It’s a bridge between Brooklyn and Queens, the second and third boroughs on your marathon journey, so it’s already a transition point. Second, if you look to the left as you cross the bridge, you get a fantastic view of the Manhattan skyline.
The other thing to think about at the halfway point is your split. Watch episode 4 of NYC with MEB to see my thoughts on how to manage that transition as you move into the second half of the race.
The first time I crossed the Pulaski Bridge, when I ran the race in 2002, I made a critical mistake. I saw that my split for the first 13.1 miles was 1:03:45 and I felt great! So, without thinking about all the challenges that lay before me, I pushed myself to pick up the pace. But the second half of the TCS New York City Marathon is very challenging! That lack of patience at the halfway mark cost me and I didn’t have the energy reserves to finish as strong as I would have liked. My split for the second half was 1:09.
So, I learned from my mistake! A marathon is all about patience. When you reach the halfway mark, check in with yourself. If you’re struggling a little physically at this point, don’t worry. That’s normal. You’ve just run 13.1 miles. Now is the time to tap into your mental strength. Congratulate yourself for making it to this point, and dig deeper to keep going at a smart pace that will carry you through to the finish.
Also, remember: You’re doing this for fun. Enjoy the scenery, enjoy the energy of the crowds, and enjoy the camaraderie with your fellow runners.
Next up: the Queensboro Bridge and First Avenue in Manhattan. See you next week, future marathoners!
Check out previous episodes of the NYC with MEB video series:
