As promised, here's the feedback from Audrey aka Koxinell, our runner who went to New York a few weeks ago to participate in the half-marathon!
HOW WAS YOUR TRIP?
That makes the 4th consecutive year that I'm lucky enough to be running the NYC half marathon (apparently the lottery is on my side) 
).
So I flew on the Thursday before the race (on Sunday) to give myself time to acclimatize. March in NYC is always very unpredictable and often It was very cold . A snowstorm had even hit a few days earlier. So we landed in sub-zero temperatures, with an icy wind and impressive mounds of snow. Hat, gloves, and down jackets are essential!
With the 5-hour time difference, the wake-up calls are quite early, but that works out well since the race is at 7:30 am.
HOW DID YOUR RACE GO?
At 6:50 a.m., I dropped off my down jacket at the baggage check. It will wait patiently for me upon arrival.
Passing through security gates and metal detectors (the Americans don't mess around with that!) and crossing Central Park in the company of other bundled-up runners.
For my part, It felt like -4 . I had to get out my thermal underwear.
Arriving in my starting area, I patiently wait for my wave to start… as it starts, I get rid of all my layers (jogging bottoms, poncho, sweatshirt, long-sleeved t-shirt) which I throw into the bins provided for this purpose (for associations for the needy).
7:45 am, things are starting to get moving . I know the course by heart, the small hills in Central Park, the aid stations every 1.5 miles, the magical passage through Times Square, the wind along the Hudson and the finish near the World Trade Center.
WHAT IS THE ATMOSPHERE LIKE AT THIS TYPE OF EVENT?
The atmosphere is still incredible . The Americans are so motivating with their signs, their words of encouragement, their music. Even the cheerleaders were there!
In the middle of the buildings, seeing the finish line arch is always so exhilarating…
A race focused on feeling and without pressure . I enjoyed every moment. I didn't even notice the... 1:58 that I used to complete this half-marathon…
AND NOW IT'S BACK TO NORMAL...?
Brunch and the spa Post-race moments are much appreciated! As they say, "after effort comes reward."
Back in Paris 3 days later … I'm still nostalgic When it's time to go home, because I love the atmosphere of this city, the energy that emanates from it, so why not a 5th time next year?
CONGRATULATIONS AUDREY ON THIS GREAT RACE AND THANK YOU FOR THIS FEEDBACK WHICH MAKES ME WANT TO TRY THE EXPERIENCE ON THE OTHER SIDE OF THE ATLANTIC!
And because we love following Koxinell's adventures, I'll be back with more news about her very soon in new, equally sporty experiences…
