NYRR Gridiron 4 Mile Race Recap

Today I completed the NYRR Gridiron 4 Mile Race. This was my second qualifying race for the NYRR 9+1 program, 2 down, 7 more to go!


Even though it was colder today (26 degrees) when compared to the race last week (35 degrees), it was still very fun. I had on 3 layers on top and 2 layers on the bottom.For this race it’s encouraged to wear clothing items to represent your favorite football team. I couldn’t run in my New York Giants hoodie (too bulky), so I decided to wear one of my Giants shirts underneath my jacket.

Representing the Giants even though they didn’t even make the playoffs 🙁

Of course I still wanted to represent for the team I hope wins tonight – the Seattle Seahawks. I decided to do this by wearing my green PRO Compression socks. #keepittight

Have to #keepittight and represent for Seattle. Green for the win.

The course was pretty manageable compared to all the inclines and hills from last weekend’s race. There were still quite a few rolling hills (I think 4 or 5), but I felt strong enough to tackle them without stopping. In the beginning of the race, it was hard to get into a rhythm because I couldn’t feel my feet and I had to weave around people. This lasted for about 2 minutes but after that everything felt much better (I could feel my feet and hands). 


Halfway through the race, runners were able to “vote with their feet” by running under either the Seattle Seahawks or New England Patriots banner. Of course, I picked Seattle. Seems like many runners (57%) agreed with me because Seattle won the competition! 🙂

Seahawks or Patriots? Decisions, Decisions

I ended up finishing the race in 43:10. I’m happy with that time since my ankle is still bothering me from last week’s half marathon. After picking up water and a green bagel (dyed for the Seahawks), I ran into my friend Katie from high school. She completed the 9+1 program last year and will be running the 2016 NYC Marathon. I can’t wait to cheer her on in November!

Katie and friends and me with my bright green socks 🙂

No bling for this race but we did get a nice long sleeve shirt. I was so happy that they actually had size small shirts available at bib picket this morning (they never happens!)

T-shirt and bib. My bib number was 6289 but there less than 6,000 runners so I think a lot of runners opted not to run in the cold weather – I can’t blame them!

After the race I met up with a few people from Runners United NYC for brunch, drinks and conversation. It was nice to talk with fellow runners and make new friends. It’s a relatively newly formed group with approximately 200 members and growing. If you live in the tri-state area, check out the group on Facebook and Instagram.

A few members of Runners United NYC

I have a few weeks until my next race. Next up, NYCRUNS Central Park Half Marathon on February 22.


Enjoy Super Bowl Sunday. Go Seahawks!