29 Days...

29 days from today I'll be crossing the start line and making my way across the Verranzano Narrows Bridge as Old Blue Eyes sings "New York, New York"

Just me and my 43,000 closest friends

Perfect NYC Weather

I couldn't have asked for better weather for a Saturday afternoon in October. 77 and sunny, I'll take it! The park was packed and it looks like everyone was having a great time.

How cute is this birthday party! 

I found this spot when I was running on Wednesday night and wanted to swing by again today.

It is so quite here even though just over that hill is the 96th st tennis courts. 

Another shot of my new favorite hill near the tennis courts. 

There is no better place than Central Park.

So many people soaking up the last summer rays. 

Its hard to believe that 50 and even 40 degree temps are just around the corner. 

I had to get one more picture of the birthday party before I left the park. Not only were there balloons everywhere but they had trains the kids were riding and activity tables all over the lawn. So precious! These kids are so lucky. 

I hope you're enjoying your Saturday!

Just Move

My mind wonders quite a bit when I run and today was no different. Generally I think a lot about my day ahead, mentally draft any emails I need to send, think of old friends I should call, plan outfits for dinner/drink dates, etc. The littlest things send my mind on tangents and there isn't a topic I haven't pondered as my feet hit the pavement.

There is one thing that finds a way into my train of though almost every run. Its a moment that leaves a smile on my face the rest of the day but also has me scratching my head. It happens when I see something truly beautiful and reminds of how lucky I am to be here in this moment. I have the privilege of living in the greatest city on earth, I have amazing friends and the world's best family but I don't always take advantage of it. I don't know why but I seem to get in my own way over and over again.

I come up with awesome things to do but never make plans to do them or I let friends get distant instead of making plans to catch up. Take Friday for instance. I had been looking forward to my favorite zumba class all day. I had planed my meals around it so I wouldn't upset my stomach before class. I got dressed and left my place with plenty of time to get there but halfway to the gym I took a right and ended up in a store instead of the gym. I love that class. Why did I get 95% there yet not make it?

Its time to make a change. I am going to challenge myself to be better. I want to spend the rest of October living life I can have. The one that's right in front of me but that I just can't seem to grasp. Wish me luck!

Welcoming the Night from Oct 4th

There is no better place to watch darkness come across the city than from the Central Park Resevoir. If you time it just right you can watch the sunset and the colors splash across the sky over the west side of the city as you run up the straight away along east drive between 88th and 94th st. As you turn to and run across the northern edge of the water you can see the colors reflected in the water as the light of the city turn on and slowly get brighter. The glow of Times Square becomes visible to the south and the buildings on the East side glow the color of the sunset as you make your way south along the West side of the resevoir. If I can't be relaxing on a boat when the sun starts to set than your better believe I want to have my sneakers on my feet and my earbuds in my ears as I take in the city as I realize for all the dirty, smelly, unwelcoming things that happen in nyc, this moment is perfect.

NYC Half - March 20, 2011

I ran the NYC Half today with little expectations for myself but was surprised by how much I enjoyed it! I picked up my bib and braclet yesterday from the expo and was expectinga bit more of an expo. There were small tables for each vender and some charity teams but midmorning there really wasn't anything going on.

I woke up this morning and left a few minutes later than planned to walk down to the start area. Most of my walk was in the dark but the sun looked so nice coming up as I entered central park at west 100th st. The baggage area was really well organized and it only took a few seconds to take off a few layers and check my bag.

One thing nyrr does really well is their signs. I was able to locate my corral and lineup with ease. While waiting for the start we were treated to some juggling by another runner. Random, I know.


I also really enjoyed the music selection throughout the day. At the start the music got us all pumped and there was even some dancing to keep warm in the 37 degree, 12 mph windy weather.

We were off in no time and despite the large field it didn't take us long to get across the starting line. I enjoyed running the central park loop clockwise as I almost always go the other way. Let me just say, this way felt so much easier! We ran down cat hill instead of the torture of up and the harlem hills even seemed less intense. It could also be that I was a bit chilly and it was windy at the top. I got up and over them as fast as possible so I could get out of the wind!

  

Leaving the park wasn't as exciting as I was expecting. There was no "Now you're on 7th ave" or "Times Square here we come" type cheering like you get as you cross into a new borough during the NYC Marathon. None the less, it was all down hill from here.

It was great to see the sights in Times Square without fighting the crowds! There wasn't anyone suddenly stopping in front of me and pointing at a billboard like is common when walking through the area. I also can't remember the last time I was actually in Times Square. I think it was last summer but I'm not sure.

On to 42nd St we went. Once you pass 8th ave there really isn't anything great to look at. Just some apartment buildings and the sight of the river in the distance.

They were giving out Carb Boom Energy Gels at the fluid station on this stretch. Every gel I've ever tried I have hated. Hated doesn't even cover it. They all make me gag but for some unknown reason I decided to give these a try. It's never a great idea to try something new during a race but I went for it anyway. I loved these! I had the apple cinnamon flavor and it was fantastic!! I must look into these more and find out where I can get them. I will definitely be using these during my upcoming Country Music Marathon.

Coming out onto the Westside Highway we ran up two blocks to 44th for the turn around and got a nice view of the Intrepid.

My legs started to get heavy around 39th street and I was thankful for a quick walking break as I took a Gatorade near 34th st. After that we were on the home stretch. I was ready to be done and luckily just over 2 miles to go.

 



Coming to the finish I realized I would come in about 4 minutes faster than I ran the Manhattan Half in January so I crossed the line with a smile on my face. The finish festival was seriously lacking but I think that was mostly due to the weather. People didn't stick around which actually worked out in my favor. I saw a very short line leading to the massage tent so I decided I deserved a quick massage. I've never done a post race massage and let me tell you, they are worth the wait! My legs have felt great all day. So good that I helped a friend move some furniture and paint her apartment.

 

I am thrilled with the day probably even more so because of my lack of training. The race was so well organized. I can't say enough about nyrr and the dedication of their staff and volunteers. The music was perfect. It carried me through when I needed a little extra push and doing the the YMCA is the only way to run/dance through Times Square. I discovered what is now my favorite gel and I felt really good for most of the race.

We Made It To Friday!

What an amazing day in nyc! The weather was a perfect 75 degrees and the sun was out. I was able to do some work outside this afternoon and squeeze in a quick 3 mile run when I got home. I ran in capris and a tshirt and felt amazing! I can't wait to run in short sleeves everyday. Only a few more week until it really starts to warm up for good in nyc.

My run was definitely long over due! Somehow I managed to take the entire week off and I haven't felt great about it. I got some big news earlier this week and have been spending so much time making plans that I hit the snooze on my alarm every morning. You can't win them all I guess.

While this unplanned week off is probably going to help me refocus when I get back into the gym, it is not making me feel confident about the nyc half this sunday. I have no goal in mind other than simply to finish. I had wanted to pr but just getting to the finish line downtown will be enough.

30 Days to...Blog Regularly

I’ve been saying for years that I’m to loose the weight and do the things that I think will lead me to a happier more fulfilled life. I’ve been saying it but only to myself. I’m ready to take ownership of my goals and say it out loud. I will get my act together and make the changes I want to make. I thrive under pressure and believe that if other people are monitoring my progress I will be more determined to succeed. I started this blog awhile ago but didn’t stick with it. Today that is going to change. My first 30 day challenge is simply to blog regularly. I’m going to aim at posting twice a week but secretly want to post 3 or 4 times. For my first challenge I think setting the bar low will help me get on track.

At this moment I am a twenty something year old girl living in nyc who works with children with autism and is a runner. Well I pretend to be a runner. I am an NYC marathon finisher and have my next marathon in 6 weeks.

I don’t envision this blog as simply a weight loss or running blog. I will write about places and events in nyc, my adventures working with children with autism, and anything else that pops into my mind.

They say it takes 21 days to form a habit but I think it is safer to think of it as 30. I will use 30 days to accomplish each goal and hope that with each 30 day cycle I can form the basics of my healthy, well balanced life.

Side note: My little post makes it seem like I’m unhappy. I am not. I have a job that I adore. I am good at it and have received wonderful professional recognition. I have a great group of girl friends that I’ve know since college and had had some great relationships. I also have already accomplished a 30 lb weight loss and am no longer considered overweight but due to my height I want to loose a bit more. I just think I can do more. I can be a better, healthier person and that’s what I will accomplish through my 30 day mini challenges.