From Lauren Carter of the Women’s Open:

“Behold the Ides of March” the saying goes.  We checked and checked and checked again all week to make sure it would be spring(ish) temperatures and winds would be at our backs. On race morning, however, it seems the odds were not so in our favor.  Temperatures did not reflect the one day we all got to wear shorts that week, but rather a brutal reminder of winter pains we had endured for weeks.

Cat Beck

The Women’s Open Team showed mother nature, no matter how cold she intends for it to stay we will train and we will race.  And race we did.  Led by Cat Beck’s finish of 1:20:01, the Open team finished second overall.  Surprising many on the ides, Andrea Bradshaw made her half marathon debut.  Hoping just to run a good time, Andrea posted an excellent debut time of 1:20:39.

Andrea Bradshaw

Hot on her heels for most of the race the team’s third scorer, Lauren Carter an for a 43s PR, completing the course in 1:21:48. Lauren was closely followed by Jacy Kruzel who finished the race in 1:21:50, a 10s PR.  Rounding out the scoring with a 13s PR with her time of 1:22:10 was Veronica Jackson.  Sentiments around the finish for these ladies seemed to be the struggle with a head wind instead of the support of a tail wind this year…mother nature how could you?!

Lauren Carter

Photo: NYRR

The first 5 were not the only ladies setting personal records that day.  Lauren Gregory set a 2 minute PR with her time of 1:22:56.  Anisa Arnault also debuted on the day, posting a time of 1:24:56.  Alysia Dusseau accompanied Grace White for over 7 miles helping Grace post almost a minute PR running the race in a time of 1:25:15.  Conroy Twins Erin and Tara both ran their 2nd fastest half marathons despite low mileage and lots of cross training.  Erin completed the race in 1:27:19 and Tara did it 1:28:59…sounds like double trouble!  Sari finally broke through several races of running the same time.  She cross the finish in a time of 1:30:25 setting a personal best of 1:18s.  On to the under 1:30 club!  And speaking of the under 1:30 club…welcome Meredith Kennedy, who had a 38s PR for a time of 1:29:39!  Meredith credits running the first half of the race with Ambreleah Dusseau for her success when it came time to tackle the West Side Highway.  While we’re busy welcoming Meredith to the under 1:30 club, welcome back to the roads Lindsay!  Glad that you are healthy.

Lindsay Kos