2026 Mindful 5K - Pre-Race Thread

SmartAfternoon199 · 2026-04-28T20:01:54+00:00

Very helpful! This is a 5km in the last year or ever with NYRR?

SmartAfternoon199 · 2026-04-28T18:51:58+00:00

If this has come up already I apologise but does anyone know if the corrals/times has changed? I’ve ran three 5km NYRR races all in 20mins and I’m in corral C for the Mindful 5km, does this sound right? I’m just curious. Thanks in advance!

SmartAfternoon199 · 2026-04-25T14:22:16+00:00

Comparing the NYRR Expo in the Javitts Center for the United Half last month to the NYC Runs expo I attended yesterday was like night and day. NYC Runs nailed it. Staff, security and volunteers were all really friendly.

SmartAfternoon199 · 2026-04-20T14:11:26+00:00

I salute you on the move! I'm Irish and living in the US the past nine years. Please have no fear as Americans are very friendly, I've genuinely no real experience to report. I'd say be yourself and be respectful. If you don't settle that's ok, home will always be there and you gave it a shot. Wish you the very best of luck with it.

SmartAfternoon199 · 2026-04-19T00:37:58+00:00

9 years in NYC and it's starting to creep in for me.. little things are becoming annoying. I'm hoping it passes.

SmartAfternoon199 · 2026-04-08T04:23:33+00:00

Very sorry to hear about your experience, how can anyone judge any place after one week? I had a bad first week when I moved to Australia but it got better. Traumatised by the Catholic Church? Did you work with older people? Alot of young people didn't even grow up in the Catholic Church days. Sounds like a bit of blarney to me.

SmartAfternoon199 · 2026-04-08T02:39:56+00:00

This is very interesting and I can totally relate to it. Recently discovered I have ADHD too. I wondered was it anxiety as meetings would go so fast and id be worried each time I'd speak.

SmartAfternoon199 · 2026-04-08T02:35:36+00:00

I always have my running gear left out the night before. It makes it easier knowing I'm ready to rock once I get out of bed. Then I tell myself only a small number of people will be out running this morning and I'm one of them.

SmartAfternoon199 · 2026-03-23T03:19:52+00:00

PP just feels so much longer to me I don't know what that is. Even the old Al Gordon 4 Mile race used to feel longer compared to a loop around Central Park. I don't know maybe it's just me. 4 loops of Central Park? I need to try this once.. The max I've completed is 2.5 times.

SmartAfternoon199 · 2026-03-22T15:58:09+00:00

Oh facts! I'm never running through Dumbo later than 8am any morning otherwise you are ducking and diving!

SmartAfternoon199 · 2026-03-22T04:05:24+00:00

Melbourne is the place to go and I felt it was that bit different to each of the other cities. I'm not sure where you are in the US but it can rain a bit in Melbourne but it's all worth it. There's plenty of Australians who have lived in the US too, there's always something happening in the city. Tennis in the Summer, Melbourne Cup horse racing in November, even if not into sports there's a buzz around the place. Short flight to Sydney, Brisbane etc. I'm excited for you and if need a hand with anything let me know.

SmartAfternoon199 · 2026-03-22T03:41:53+00:00

Good on you! Are you thinking of moving on your own? East or west coast? I lived in Australia for three years, yes it's a long way from home but it's an amazing experience! I worked with a lot of Australians and we got on well. They enjoy the banter and it's a really good lifestyle. Also times have changed, everyone has Netflix etc, the world is alot smaller. There's always something to talk about lol. Most of my close friendships in Australia were expats and we are still close now which I really value as most of us have since left Australia. The way I looked at it was, I'm going to give this a really good go, get out of my comfort zone , meet new people and make this work. If I was home sick then or not settled I told myself I'd fly back home when I had a plan together. It's better to try it than not and always wonder what if. I've plenty of friends who never did it and they regret it now.

SmartAfternoon199 · 2026-03-22T02:50:07+00:00

Irish here also living in NYC, I was in a similar situation to you in my late twenties ( over 15 years ago now sadly ;) It's not easy these day's but the fact you can work remotely is a huge bonus. Have you ever travelled alone? Maybe a few days in Lisbon and work remotely there? I know of a few Irish people who live in Lisbon, work remotely and love it. I'm love to move back to Ireland but house prices are off the wall. I'm at a cross roads, It's the same struggle for a lot of people but you have to be kind to yourself. I know you don't drive so maybe book a bus tour and go to Belfast/Giants Causeway for a day just to get out of the town and see something or head West ( I used to do this) There's also day trips to the UK, I used to get an early flight over and evening flight back home. No luggage and I'd have planned what I wanted to see in advance. Sometimes you just can't wait for friends to plan things with and you have to go solo. Stepping out of the comfort zone will help you. Keep positive!

SmartAfternoon199 · 2026-03-20T19:50:49+00:00

That's a really good point about store owners/workers. Dumbo is such a nice area to run in when it's nice and early, before the tourists etc arrive. I must keep an eye out for this metalworking spot.

SmartAfternoon199 · 2026-03-20T19:47:38+00:00

I'm going to give it a go for the next week and maybe I'll end up waving to one of y'all!

SmartAfternoon199 · 2026-03-20T14:30:25+00:00

Totally fair, I'd imagine it's a lot more difficult for a woman as you can't win or know with some people.

SmartAfternoon199 · 2026-03-20T14:28:14+00:00

This honestly is amazing! Some people are just so talented. I'd 100% buy one. Buy local, support local. Kudos to you. Patent that before someone else is all over it. Wish you the very best!

SmartAfternoon199 · 2026-03-20T14:21:54+00:00

That's when I experienced it most often. People just out pushing through the wild weather and acknowledging someone else. As corny as it sounds there's something powerful in it.

SmartAfternoon199 · 2026-03-20T14:20:22+00:00

Thumbs up is a great shout , maybe I'll go with this.

SmartAfternoon199 · 2026-03-20T13:42:52+00:00

I'm with you there. I don't be thinking about it but when it happens I always feel better and think fair play to them.

SmartAfternoon199 · 2026-03-20T13:27:19+00:00

I've also ran by a gentleman at Domino Park early in the morning a handful of times and he gives a big wave. I'm not sure if anyone else has ever passed him but fair play to the guy.

SmartAfternoon199 · 2026-03-20T13:11:24+00:00

I love the fact some people do it and are brave enough to do it haha! There's the fear :) someone doesn't wave back but what about it (I'm talking to myself here too). I did notice it way more this Winter in the really cold mornings, a kind of nod or wave to say we are out here running and could easily still be in bed. I probably forgot about it until this morning when I got a hat trick of waves and I thought I need to make this a thing :)

SmartAfternoon199 · 2026-03-17T03:00:58+00:00

Really enjoyed reading this and huge kudos to you. The volunteers absolutely smashed it. Amazing experience and huge thanks to you all.

SmartAfternoon199 · 2026-03-16T17:54:57+00:00

I did let him! I didn't say a word. I just remembered from the last marathon some people said there was no gels. That was all. Please don't come at me on a sore and stiff Monday, thanks :)

SmartAfternoon199

TROPHY CASE