Rolek runs around Manhattan

As a follow-up to a recent post about Marist Running Alum Mike Rolek’s charity run around Manhattan? He did it! On one of those glorious late fall days (of which we’ve had many!), Rolek covered 32.5 miles (a bit more than 50km) and had a grand time doing it, for a very good cause. But rather than continuing with my description, here’s what Rolek emailed me earlier this week:

Overall, it went great.  Most important number:  We raised more than $10,000 for The Scholarship Fund for Inner-City Children.  Unreal.  All of the money raised will go directly to low-income families to allow children, who otherwise would not get the opportunity, to attend high-quality private and parochial elementary schools, high schools and colleges.  It doesn’t get any better than that. As for the run… it ended up being a little over 32.5 miles (4:11 running time - 7:43 pace and 4:50 total time - 8:55 pace which includes all breaks). Just an epic day. Started on West Side Highway right by Christopher Street Path and ran counter-clockwise. First 9 went very smooth. Probably felt the best through Harlem between 9-18. Hit the Top of Manhattan at 220th Street in high spirits. A lot of hills in Inwood Park (around Columbia athletic fields) around miles 20-22. Started to get tough at 23 by GWB. Rough patch between 27-29. And then charged home. An absolute perfect day weather-wise, 60s and sunny and no wind.  In terms of fueling - Gu right before start and then at 5, 10, 15, 19, 22, 27, 29.5. Water and Gatorade throughout. Flat Coke at 27.  I was lucky to have my high school teammate, and one of my best friends, Brian Trembley, run the first 15 miles with me.  He then hopped on a citibike and biked till mile 23ish (GWB) when the chain came off the bike - he ran the last 10 miles. What a savage. Overall, it was an unbelievable experience.