05.19.12 ~ The Brooklyn 1/2 Marathon ...

I just finished the ranked "most popular 1/2 marathon in the United States." The Brooklyn 1/2 Marathon! It was 13.1 miles and 2 hours & 13 minutes of pure ... enjoyment. Almost. I got really tired around miles 10 and 11, but other than that, it was a blast. It was perfect weather, I didn't have any "body issues," and I never stopped to walk. I am proud of myself, proud of where I've come in the last 8 weeks of training, and I hope to keep losing weight to live a long and healthy life. That's what it is really all about for me anyway. I've lost 30 lbs. since starting my "weight loss venture" last November of 2011, and I hope I can lose 30 more in the next upcoming months. Now I've just got to figure out what new goals to set now that the race is over.

Connor and Nate came out on the train to "pick me up" after the race. It is almost a two-hour subway ride from where we live, so it was very thoughtful that they came down and supported me. We decided to do a little sight-seeing and make a day of it, since we don't know when we will be in the bottom portion of Brooklyn again ...

Connor and myself after the race - I finished on the boardwalk right by Coney Island. It was a beautiful day to chill on the boardwalk and look out at the ocean. And even though I tried to protect Connor as best I could from the sun, including sunscreen, he still got a "heat rash" on his cheeks the day afterwards ...

Connor on the "firetruck ride" at Coney Island. He could have spent the whole day on this ride if we had let him. He absolutely loved it ... pure bliss ... 

Picture of part of Coney Island - so colorful and happy ... 

We had to stop at the Famous Nathan's - where they hold a famous hotdog-eating contest. I don't get to eat hotdogs very often, so I jumped on the chance to eat one with Nate ... or should I say ... Nathan. :) 

Connor conned us in to getting this little gift for him at one of the markets by Coney Island. It was very cheap, and the toys are totally cheap, copy-cats of the "real deal." But does Connor know the difference? No way - he loves them just the same ... gotta love kids ... He was so excited to open them and play with them on the subway going home that afternoon ...

We had to go see the NY Aquarium, since we had a membership to go there for free! It is located right by Coney Island and the exit comes out onto the boardwalk, so it fit perfectly into our day. Connor especially loved looking at the sharks ... I loved seeing the penguins ... sea life is so awesome to see ... 

Connor loved running around, dancing around, and jumping around on the boardwalk ... he was full of energy today ...

I was so tired by the end of this day - I ended up sleeping from 7pm to 8am the next morning. It was all worth it though - running, enjoying beautiful scenery and non-humid weather, and most of all - spending quality time with the family!!!