Category Archives: NYC

Share the Path

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I’ve been focusing diligently on being a kinder person, particularly to strangers, as a way to spread goodness in these turbulent times. It’s been going pretty well, I’d say.

So today I was excited to go running in the park, first time in at least a month. One of my most favorite things to do. It was nice to get out and be with other runners even in the chilly morning air.

I was about 2/3 through my run and I was having an impressive internal monologue, my mind beginning to clear as I rounded the bottom of the loop.

And then I see them. Three abreast and I can tell there’s no intention of moving over.

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m.runnersworld.com

As much as I love the running community, the running pack mentality drives me crazy. When you see someone running toward you, isn’t it common courtesy to share the path? Maybe move behind one of your pack members?

Well it’s not. I moved over to the outside line, adjacent to the bike lane so the three could stay in their formation. Because I’m practicing kindness and patience, I decided it was not a good idea to slam into the side of her (which I’ve done), but instead just included in my monologue that she doesn’t know any better, that she is unaware of any sort of space considerations to others on the course… sigh…

Of course I didn’t let her lack of regard for another runner ruin my bliss, so I kept on like nobody’s business. I think about these things runners do, not because it interrupted my run or thoughts much, but because I know this is a common practice of hers and many others. A thoughtless practice.

Come on people, move! I’d rather smile at you while you move over than scowl because you didn’t. 🙂

Something Is Wrong With This Picture…

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I was just reviewing my Jibber Jabber page, taking note of my widgets in particular. My running widgets, actually…

I remember a year ago at this time I was starting to feel a little sad about removing the previous year’s race widgets from the sidebar. Removing those memories from my blog… Yes they live on in my mind, my Instagram or Facebook, but I like having those little boxes reminding me of all the races I’ve participated in! There is one little box that will remain, of course. The OMG I DID IT widget box. That stays forever.

So anyway, as I was scanning down the page, I noticed something. There was wrong with this picture… No registered races for January! What?! None?!

I tried to find something to register for while in Singapore, but no luck. Because I am here another week and a half and I will be away the last two weekends in January also, I must look for a run to register for on MLK long weekend! Granted I will be doing my own running, probably mostly on the treadmill, but no races? Glad January is so busy but really! Usually it’s such a blah month I guess with it being pretty booked up so far, I didn’t notice! Oh well, it’s all good stuff! A great way to get 2015 started!

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Year of Change

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As 2014 wraps up, I think about how fast time has gone. Was it really a year ago that I had the crazy busy Christmas break? A trip to Edmonton to see my family, a wedding in North Carolina and then to Phoenix to be with Brett and the kids? Yes, it sure was.

The beginning of 2014 proved to be somewhat mechanical with Brett and I continuing to work in the same jobs we had for a few previous years. But then May came, Brett got an offer for a new job and the changes started rolling!

By June I found out I was accepted into ASCD’s Emerging Leaders program. Brett started a new job AND I was also accepted into the 2014 and 2015 NYC marathons on the same day.

In July I became somewhat of an anxious mess, but eased into my marathon training. Spent some time in San Diego with Alaa and Monica, then went to DC to participate in my first ASCD L2L event.

In August my training increased and I began mentally preparing for Brett to go to Singapore for the month of September. I also started a new job. No more teaching at the same school I had been for the previous eight years. Emotions and anxiety running high!

In September Brett was away and I started my new position. Many new routines and anxiety not improving! Pretty intense marathon training. A lot of newness this month!

In October Brett returned from Singapore but only for what seemed like a hot second because he had to be in Austin for a couple of weeks. Good thing was I was able to go to Austin for the long weekend to hang out with him. Marathon training became somewhat derailed for a week in particular due to two migraines! No bueno. But the good news was, by the end of the month, the anxiety began waning as the training tapered.

In November Brett made the move to Singapore – on my marathon weekend. Thankfully I had Alaa and Brooke with me over those transition days to soften the blow. Days at the new job were not ideal but at least I didn’t have the same stress of teaching. A break from running was okay for a couple of weeks, but then I ready to get back at it by mid-month.

And somehow December rolled in, becoming the second month of Brett being away. The job improves sightly but it’s still not necessarily what I signed up for… Going to Singapore for three weeks over the holidays was what I had been waiting for – despite the snafus with managers about the days off and the derailed departure because of a passport that would have expired in four months.

Now that I’m here, I feel like I have a clearer picture of what I need to do in the beginning of 2015. The first three months will be extremely busy with travel and fun friend/NY stuff. But it’s another year of change. Good change. Somewhat less dramatic, but also somewhat more.

Stay tuned and thanks for reading this year.

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Remember Sunscreen Lady?

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Well in case you don’t, here is the link to my post about Sunscreen Lady… Read, then read on here.

So I walked by Sunscreen Lady yesterday on my way back from Bed, Bath & Beyond with a heavy bag in my hands – another slow cooker actually. I’m cooking Thanksgiving dinner for Lisa tomorrow and I wanted to have a second one to cook the stuffing.

I’m walking down 1st Ave, past Financier and I see her – Sunscreen Lady. In her puffy down jacket, with her long stringy hanging out the sides of her hood, her cart in front of her. In her minuscule voice she says “can you get me some lunch from here?”.

Say wha? I keep walking, obviously pursing my lips! And if you read the original Sunscreen Lady post, you know why!

Seriously?

She just asked me, and who knows how many more people, to buy her lunch at Financier. First, it’s not cheap, and second – she obviously doesn’t remember the Starbucks turkey sandwich that someone kindly left on her table at Starbucks no less, and then offered it to me because she didn’t want it… and when I said no thank you she then threw it in the garbage?! Seriously?! And who knows how many times she’s done that!

I don’t know her mental status or her home arrangement, but really? She’s asking me to buy her lunch – not just a coffee, bagel or water, nope – lunch! At Financier! I’m one of those people who often buys food for people on the street because no one should be hungry which you know from my street meat post, but she is just one person I can’t do that for. So I guess she didn’t realize that in fact she was asking the wrong person on Thanksgiving weekend, of all weekends, to buy her lunch.

So anyway, let’s just say that today I’m still slightly aggravated but I know that I’m cooking Thanksgiving dinner for a friend, who I know will be thankful!

 

Life Changing Treats

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You heard me.

Life. Changing. Treats.

And by treats, I mean cookies, ice cream, desserts 🙂

Why am I writing about this now, after writing a post yesterday that I signed up for races? Well, because I’ve had some amazingly delicious treats lately. So when you’re out and about in NYC, find these at some point. You can thank me later.

1. The Compost Cookie or Crack Pie – Momofuku Milk Bar (UWS, Midtown West)

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2. Chocolate Walnut cookie – LeVain Bakery (UWS, Harlem, East Hampton)

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3. Maple Bacon Cheesecake – Beauty & Essex (LES) – sorry couldn’t find a pic

4. Salty Pimp – Big Gay Ice Cream Shop (LES, West Village)

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5. Chocolate Salted Caramel doughut – Dough (Brooklyn, Union Square, Smorgasburg)

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6. PB & Jelly cake (and their red velvet is my fave) – Buttercup Bakeshop

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7. Tiramisu mini-cupcake – Baked By Melissa

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I think that’s where I’ll end my list for today. I think I’ve OD’d on sugar just looking at the pictures.

Couldn’t Stand It!

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I couldn’t!

I had to register for a race! I miss them.

I need to run, so I registered for the Ted Corbitt 15k in Central Park mid-Decemeber to make myself feel better. I did the run last year and it was lovely so, you know. But I don’t want to move my marathon widget! I’ll have to figure something out to keep it showcased…

And ok – so I applied for the NYC half in March too! So sue me!

I feel a little better now 🙂

 

Geriatric Yoga

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I really wanted to running today.

I miss the routine of it, the way it clears my mind, the way I feel after. But I knew that I probably shouldn’t go yet since I had a chiropractic adjustment yesterday and my back was a little tender. Plus, I knew it would be smarter to wait at least the two weeks suggested after running a marathon.

So I checked the schedule at the gym and decided that yoga would be the appropriate activity for me today.

Well, note to self – Wednesday 5:30 yoga is not for me. It’s what I’ll call – “Geriatric Yoga”!

It wasn’t as bad as I thought it would be, but it wasn’t exactly what I needed either. First of all, the instructor was 10 minutes late due to hip and knee injuries. She hobbled through the door, letting us know we had to set up her double mat for her, and she would have her friend do the sun salutations for demo.

She was entertaining enough though with her side reversals and crooked body, and the class was enough to get me moving for 50 minutes… yep she shortened the class from 75 minutes. But you know what, good for her, making it to the class anyway. I just know I can’t go back!

My One And Only

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I guess I could try and describe November 2nd, 2014 to you – the day I ran the TCS NYC marathon. My first marathon, and my only.

I could go through the play-by-play of the morning getting to the start and describe the emotions running through me as I ran through this great city. But telling you wouldn’t really do the experience justice. You would have had to have been there, experience it, and bask in the enormity of this life-changing event.

Training for and running this marathon taught me a lot about myself and what I can do, including how to deal with struggles along the way.

I remember telling someone in a little over a year ago that I would never run a marathon. That running a marathon was crazy. But today, I can say I have done it. I know it’s cliche to say – but never say never. You’d be surprised what you can do, and the incredible sense of accomplishment that comes with it, especially when you think you can’t. And taking so many people on the ride with you is another accomplishment in itself.

Take a chance and do something you never thought you would, or could do. You will be amazed at the adventure it takes you on.

Total exhilaration at 26 miles, just 0.2 to go!

Total exhilaration at 26 miles, just 0.2 to go!

Looking back at the finish

Looking back at the finish

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The most precious medal I have earned.

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A sea of blue capes to stay warm at the end.

So Ready

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Ok. I got my bib. #64018. Signed in at my team’s table.

Mentally planning what I need to prepare Saturday night… thank goodness for that extra hour…

Actually I’ll get my things ready tomorrow night while everyone else is out for Halloween festivities.

So excited, but trying to relax into the moments leading up to the big day.

A lot happening this weekend. Mostly good. All packed with emotion. Been running on adrenaline for the last week I’m pretty sure.

Totally prepared to burst into tears at the end of my run. Thank you to everyone has been so supportive, both in words and in donations to Fred’s Team.

At the TCS NYC Marathon Expo at Jacob Davits center.

At the TCS NYC Marathon Expo at Jacob Javits center.

 

 

Running Anxiety

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It exists.

I have it.

I think it developed this month, a crucial training time for the marathon. The closer the marathon became the less I wanted to run… the more I wanted to do nothing… the more anxious I felt… but now after this morning’s run, I’m feeling pumped!

So in one week from this moment, I will be heading to the start line, finding my wave and my corral. I hate to say I just want to get it over with, but I do! Actually, it’s not even the 26.2 mile part of it, it’s the everything that leads up to the start. Once I’m on my way I’ll be fine!

It’s the getting up early enough to eat my oatmeal. It’s the dressing for the chilly morning. Then it’s taking the 1 down to South Ferry. Then taking the 8:00am ferry to Staten Island. Then it’s the walking to the start area. And then re-feeding myself. And then waiting a couple of hours to start in the cold, knowing that thousands have already started.

BUT – once it’s my time to go… that’s it! There’s no turning back, and that’s the part I’m looking forward to! Crossing the start and running through this amazing city, eyes and ears open to the sounds of this monumental event in my life.

And the anxiety will be gone.