Thanks BGR! All Access - Airbnb Brooklyn Half Marathon

By: Margo Murphy, Esq., BGR! All Access Member

The Airbnb Brooklyn Half Marathon was my first official half marathon. When I found out I had won a free entry from Black Girls Run’s All Access, I was thrilled. But then panic set in. Would I be ready in time? 

I happened to be training for the Niagara Half Marathon when I received the entry, so I was physically prepared for the race.  I decided early on that my goal would be to finish, and I would worry about my speed in future races. 

Race day was gorgeous. The weather was in the 50s and there wasn’t a drop of rain in sight, despite the 100% chance of rain forecast throughout the week leading up to the race. I started my journey with Katina, who had also won an entry through BGR All Access. We eventually settled into our respective paces and separated ways. 

Those 13.1 miles were a journey of emotions. Some miles were easy and very enjoyable. Others, like the hill that spanned the length of mile 5, made me doubt my ability to even finish. I had to stop and walk a few times, but I remembered one of the mottos that the BGR ladies taught me: “My race, my pace”. As long as I finished, I would be satisfied. 

I met a number of ladies from BGR along the course, and more past the finish line. They kept me going with cheers and words of encouragement. They made a tremendous difference at those points where I was starting to falter. BGR has become a second family to me, and has provided me with some amazing opportunities. I can’t wait to see what comes next.

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