I ran a mile yesterday.
Other than it marked the 16th day in a row I have run (yes, comeback!), it wasn't all that special.
But I know some people who ran just a mile yesterday who *did* do something special! :-) Yes, those hardy few who dared to venture outside of the safe environs of Brooklyn to go run the Fifth Avenue Mile.
Lest anyone think I'm mocking here (and, in rereading this, I'm only mocking myself, so let's be clear), racing a mile is hard, HARD, HARD! The one time I did the Fifth Avenue Mile, I coughed for 20 minutes afterward - yes, my best-age graded performance ever in a NYRR race, but it came at a cost.
Anyway, some highlights from yesterday's race (based on the data on the NYRR Web site that I'm analyzing, so if the data are wrong or I've taken one too many shortcuts, apologies):
Among the men:
*Ciaran O'Donovan, 31, from NBR, took top Brooklyn honors, speeding to a 4:29, good enough for 50th overall by time (this includes I believe all races) and 7th in his category
*Stefan Lingmerth, 38, who hails from Sweden and runs for WBTC, ran a 4:31, tops in his category
*Daniel Gercke, 49, of CPTC, raced a 4:49, taking 5th in his category (NOTE to self, I need to get a lot faster to get onto the awards stand). Gercke also topped men for age-graded performance with an 87.59%
*John Shostrom, 61, of BRRC, grabbed 3rd in his category with a 5:36
Among the women:
*Two people are listed on the top, both with a 5:18. Marie-ange Brumelot, 22, with QDR, and NBR's Sayo Yamagata, 30.
*Hope Sanders, 42, with RNYC, was the top female master from Brooklyn with a 5:25, and had the highest age-graded score at 83.5%
*Local clubs had a presence at the top, with Melissa Burgin, 30, from PPTC at 5:32, Connie Fried, 26, also from NBR at 5:35 and Grace Eginton, 27, from SBRC at 5:43
Congrats all!
Showing posts with label PPTC. Show all posts
Showing posts with label PPTC. Show all posts
Monday, September 14, 2015
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
Random Thoughts on a Tuesday Evening
The Brooklyn Bridge stinks ... literally ... at various points because of the painting. And we're in the midst of the summer tourism-hell season (with bikers who continue to ride over during rush hour). And yet we continue to go up there.
*Actually, the best time, paint smell not withstanding, I've found is the early morning. With the summer solstice upon us, you can actually capture the rising sun as part of your run - one of the prettiest sights here in NYC.
*Interesting article in the NYTimes on the 10% cap rule (i.e. you should only increase your mileage by 10 percent each week). I'm firmly of the belief that a) you train as to how your body lets you and b) rules are made to be broken. I have a colleague who jumps up mileage on one week, and then holds it for 3-4 weeks, breaks it down a week to recover, and then does it again.
*With the summer heat and humidity upon us, it's time to get creative. Rather than pounding out 15 miles, think about a two-a-day (breaking it up 7 in the AM, 8 in the PM) or run in the evening and then in the morning.
Some race updates:
*The NYRR Front Runners 5m on June 25 is now closed. The Achilles Hope & Possibility 5m on June 26 still has slots open.
*NYCRuns has links to both a Bad Ass Bay Ridge 5K and a Bad Ass Bay Ridge Challenge (with an an obstacle course) on June 25
*This is the on week for both the PPTC 5K in Prospect Park (on Wednesday) and the VCTC X-C race on Thursday.
*The Governor's Island 10K, however, is also closed at this point.
Get out there and run. And plan your summer vacations around some great running experiences, whether it be races or simply running in places you wouldn't normally.
*Actually, the best time, paint smell not withstanding, I've found is the early morning. With the summer solstice upon us, you can actually capture the rising sun as part of your run - one of the prettiest sights here in NYC.
*Interesting article in the NYTimes on the 10% cap rule (i.e. you should only increase your mileage by 10 percent each week). I'm firmly of the belief that a) you train as to how your body lets you and b) rules are made to be broken. I have a colleague who jumps up mileage on one week, and then holds it for 3-4 weeks, breaks it down a week to recover, and then does it again.
*With the summer heat and humidity upon us, it's time to get creative. Rather than pounding out 15 miles, think about a two-a-day (breaking it up 7 in the AM, 8 in the PM) or run in the evening and then in the morning.
Some race updates:
*The NYRR Front Runners 5m on June 25 is now closed. The Achilles Hope & Possibility 5m on June 26 still has slots open.
*NYCRuns has links to both a Bad Ass Bay Ridge 5K and a Bad Ass Bay Ridge Challenge (with an an obstacle course) on June 25
*This is the on week for both the PPTC 5K in Prospect Park (on Wednesday) and the VCTC X-C race on Thursday.
*The Governor's Island 10K, however, is also closed at this point.
Get out there and run. And plan your summer vacations around some great running experiences, whether it be races or simply running in places you wouldn't normally.
Saturday, June 11, 2011
Summer Race Series Results
Saturday, May 21, 2011
Brooklyn Half: Quick Reax and Random Thoughts
Some highly subjective comments about today's race - as always, feel free to agree/disagree/comment away:
*The volunteers at this race rock. Seriously. Mary Wittenberg said they were on hand at 1 a.m., and the effort showed. From the directions and the organization to the water stops (more on these in a sec) - they did a great job.
*The weather was ... well, as predicted, those who love heat and humidity had a great day. Took me a mile before I was dripping (and that was even before I started dumping cups of water on me). Thankfully, Ocean Parkway was mostly in the shade as I was running down (I'm wondering if the sun had gotten higher though as the race progressed?)
*The past several days of rain had a minimal impact in Prospect Park, though I wouldn't be surprised to hear of some slips and falls - in a few cases, parts of the inside lane really weren't suitable for running, and the puddle at the southern end of the park, while smaller than usual, was very present and made for interesting navigation during the first loop
*I'd be interested to hear people's thoughts on the second loop of the course, when the faster runners and slower intermingled. During the long downhill on mile 6, when people separated, I think it was fine. But mile 5, from GAP to 15th Street? A bit messy.
*No way to back this up, but was mile 6 a tad long? (and I would think that mile 5 possibly a tad short as a result). Until losing it in the final mile of the race, it was my slowest mile by a good 10 seconds (and yes, I realize that part of the run was on Zoo Hill).
*Water stops at every mile (almost) on Ocean Parkway were incredibly helpful. The one quibble I'd have is the very first water stop (at mile 1), which may have been set up there because of the park construction, was a little too soon for most runners (of course it was welcome at mile 4).
*I think I've expressed some doubt about the change to the course a few years back, but I think I'm now a total convert - it's a hassle to finish in Coney Island and get back, but I like getting the hills out of the way early and being able to pound it out (or in today's case hang on) during the flat part for the second half of the race. (For the first time in three years, I wasn't fixated on the alphabet streets, which certainly helped.)
*One wonders whether the MTA and NYRR talked about the date before the race. I completely understand that work has to be done on the tracks, but having the F out of commission (shuttle buses aside) isn't a very smart move. (And, this probably could have been avoided by the people who got burnt by this, but the Brooklyn Bridge was also closed to Brooklyn bound traffic early in the day, which didn't help some folk.) It's never a good thing to see a couple of hundred people sprinting to the start during the national anthem (very beautiful today, btw).
*Part of that may also have to do with the bathrooms. The lines looked really long today. Longer race commute means more bathroom needs, me thinks.
*Is there a way to avoid closing baggage claim at 6:30? I'm sure there are reasons, but it gets messy, especially when folk are getting to the race late.
*Set the Brooklyn Half date now. Saturday, May 19, 2012. Get the speculation out of the way. Just do it.
*The water at Coney Island: a bit chilly, but was definitely worth walking into the surf to soothe some sore muscles.
*Runners are good people. After suffering brain freeze when I checked my bag with my Gu (so much for my perfect pre-race preparation), a friend's friend gave me a strawberry-banana Powergel as I was getting a bit desperate. Without that, my final mile almost-collapse would have happened a) a lot earlier and b) would have been a collapse. So thanks.
*I've got ties with/friends on both clubs, but I'd love to see a North Brooklyn Runners (95 finishers)/Prospect Park Club (89 finishers) showdown (and throw in Brooklyn Road Runners (17 finishers) to boot).
*The volunteers at this race rock. Seriously. Mary Wittenberg said they were on hand at 1 a.m., and the effort showed. From the directions and the organization to the water stops (more on these in a sec) - they did a great job.
*The weather was ... well, as predicted, those who love heat and humidity had a great day. Took me a mile before I was dripping (and that was even before I started dumping cups of water on me). Thankfully, Ocean Parkway was mostly in the shade as I was running down (I'm wondering if the sun had gotten higher though as the race progressed?)
*The past several days of rain had a minimal impact in Prospect Park, though I wouldn't be surprised to hear of some slips and falls - in a few cases, parts of the inside lane really weren't suitable for running, and the puddle at the southern end of the park, while smaller than usual, was very present and made for interesting navigation during the first loop
*I'd be interested to hear people's thoughts on the second loop of the course, when the faster runners and slower intermingled. During the long downhill on mile 6, when people separated, I think it was fine. But mile 5, from GAP to 15th Street? A bit messy.
*No way to back this up, but was mile 6 a tad long? (and I would think that mile 5 possibly a tad short as a result). Until losing it in the final mile of the race, it was my slowest mile by a good 10 seconds (and yes, I realize that part of the run was on Zoo Hill).
*Water stops at every mile (almost) on Ocean Parkway were incredibly helpful. The one quibble I'd have is the very first water stop (at mile 1), which may have been set up there because of the park construction, was a little too soon for most runners (of course it was welcome at mile 4).
*I think I've expressed some doubt about the change to the course a few years back, but I think I'm now a total convert - it's a hassle to finish in Coney Island and get back, but I like getting the hills out of the way early and being able to pound it out (or in today's case hang on) during the flat part for the second half of the race. (For the first time in three years, I wasn't fixated on the alphabet streets, which certainly helped.)
*One wonders whether the MTA and NYRR talked about the date before the race. I completely understand that work has to be done on the tracks, but having the F out of commission (shuttle buses aside) isn't a very smart move. (And, this probably could have been avoided by the people who got burnt by this, but the Brooklyn Bridge was also closed to Brooklyn bound traffic early in the day, which didn't help some folk.) It's never a good thing to see a couple of hundred people sprinting to the start during the national anthem (very beautiful today, btw).
*Part of that may also have to do with the bathrooms. The lines looked really long today. Longer race commute means more bathroom needs, me thinks.
*Is there a way to avoid closing baggage claim at 6:30? I'm sure there are reasons, but it gets messy, especially when folk are getting to the race late.
*Set the Brooklyn Half date now. Saturday, May 19, 2012. Get the speculation out of the way. Just do it.
*The water at Coney Island: a bit chilly, but was definitely worth walking into the surf to soothe some sore muscles.
*Runners are good people. After suffering brain freeze when I checked my bag with my Gu (so much for my perfect pre-race preparation), a friend's friend gave me a strawberry-banana Powergel as I was getting a bit desperate. Without that, my final mile almost-collapse would have happened a) a lot earlier and b) would have been a collapse. So thanks.
*I've got ties with/friends on both clubs, but I'd love to see a North Brooklyn Runners (95 finishers)/Prospect Park Club (89 finishers) showdown (and throw in Brooklyn Road Runners (17 finishers) to boot).
Friday, May 13, 2011
PPTC 5K Race Series
What's not to like about this annual race series?
*5Ks every other Wednesday in the park.
*Low-key, yet intense competition.
*Great opportunity to get medals in your age group.
*Wonderful chance to work in some tempo runs into your long-distance training.
Here are the dates:
May 25
June 8
June 22
July 6
July 20
Aug. 3
Aug. 17 ****(site says Aug. 18, but because it's supposedly on a Wednesday ...)
Each race starts/finishes by the Oriental Pavilion (on the zoo side of the park) around 7 p.m. (a bit later usually because PPTC waits for the cars to clear the park.)
*5Ks every other Wednesday in the park.
*Low-key, yet intense competition.
*Great opportunity to get medals in your age group.
*Wonderful chance to work in some tempo runs into your long-distance training.
Here are the dates:
May 25
June 8
June 22
July 6
July 20
Aug. 3
Aug. 17 ****(site says Aug. 18, but because it's supposedly on a Wednesday ...)
Each race starts/finishes by the Oriental Pavilion (on the zoo side of the park) around 7 p.m. (a bit later usually because PPTC waits for the cars to clear the park.)
Sunday, February 27, 2011
Al Gordon Photos
Here's a nice pensive shot of PPTC's Mike Koenig (in the background) plotting his race strategy. Koenig blazed to a 23:59 in Prospect Park yesterday. This from the NYRR Web site. Other photos here.
Sunday, February 20, 2011
Quick Thoughts From Cherry Tree
Wouldn't it have been nice to run this morning's race in 60 degree temperatures?
Ahh, last week's flirtation with spring was dashed as a new cold front moved in, complete with a frigid, slashing wind that seemed to blow in random directions (usually as you moved up Zoo Hill). Still, around 1300 people were out in Prospect Park - maybe 1000 doing the 10-mile race and the others doing the relay. (Numbers approximate until the results are posted).
People generally seemed in good spirits, and there was plenty of cheering as the relays went off and circled back to the starting point. Will follow with more details, links to other coverage and results as they become available.
Hats off (or should I say, headwarmers off - that was the goody) to the PPTC and the volunteers who braved the cold for their usual fine jobs!
Ahh, last week's flirtation with spring was dashed as a new cold front moved in, complete with a frigid, slashing wind that seemed to blow in random directions (usually as you moved up Zoo Hill). Still, around 1300 people were out in Prospect Park - maybe 1000 doing the 10-mile race and the others doing the relay. (Numbers approximate until the results are posted).
People generally seemed in good spirits, and there was plenty of cheering as the relays went off and circled back to the starting point. Will follow with more details, links to other coverage and results as they become available.
Hats off (or should I say, headwarmers off - that was the goody) to the PPTC and the volunteers who braved the cold for their usual fine jobs!
Monday, February 14, 2011
Cherry Tree Update/Yesterday's 5K
The Cherry Tree has more than 1,000 applicants so far, with a race cap of 1,400, so it's not beyond the realm of possibility that the race will sell out this week. Online applications are still viable thru Feb. 16, as well as more details here.
One highlight: the race is sponsoring a used clothing drive, with T-shirts and shoes going to the youth in Belize, so bring your stuff (and get rid of all those NYRR cotton T-shirts you never wear!)
I haven't seen results from Sunday's 5K in the park - if anyone has a link to results, please forward and I'll post.
One highlight: the race is sponsoring a used clothing drive, with T-shirts and shoes going to the youth in Belize, so bring your stuff (and get rid of all those NYRR cotton T-shirts you never wear!)
I haven't seen results from Sunday's 5K in the park - if anyone has a link to results, please forward and I'll post.
Thursday, January 20, 2011
Cherry Tree Race Feb. 20
The annual Cherry Tree 10-miler and 3-person relay race takes place on Feb. 20. Run one loop of Prospect Park (and hand off to a friend or two), or do it three times - either way, it's a fun way to spend a weekend morning.
Details are here. This year's swag is a Trailheads Winter headband.
And if that doesn't inspire you ... "After the race everyone can relax with hot refreshments at Bishop Ford High School and runners can treat themselves to a massage courtesy of the Swedish Institute massage therapist interns. "
Details are here. This year's swag is a Trailheads Winter headband.
And if that doesn't inspire you ... "After the race everyone can relax with hot refreshments at Bishop Ford High School and runners can treat themselves to a massage courtesy of the Swedish Institute massage therapist interns. "
Monday, November 8, 2010
Now What?
As you're sitting somewhere inside, hopefully warm, thinking about:
*How glad you are the marathon was run *yesterday* instead of *today* (it just stayed raw, didn't it? And the sleet in the AM probably wouldn't have been appreciated to those of you who ran in shorts and a singlet)
*Rethinking your past desires to live in a third-floor Brownstone walkup (at least not too many people will see you walking backward when you go downstairs)
The next big question is: What Now? (Deep tissue massage for both your legs.).
Happily, I have some other thoughts. (Beer. Well, beyond that.)
*Thinking about next year's race? Well, NYRR has helpfully provided an application already: It will only cost $167 next year (if you're a NYRR member), and $207 if you're not. That includes a non-refundable $11 processing fee, though you won't get charged the full amount until you're accepted. I need to go through the fine print to see what changes have been made. You can apply until April 30.
*Didn't have a great race, but don't want all the distance training to go to waste? Now's the time to check out Marathon Guide and see what other marathons and halfs are in the near future (create a short vacation! Somewhere warm!)
*Do the paperwork - if you need more Q races, or have to volunteer (you can fork over $1,000 to get rid of that last issue), make sure you take advantage of the remaining Q races. Walk 'em if you have to
*Stay close to home, and hone in on a couple of key races: For Brooklynites, obviously the Turkey Trot on Thanksgiving Day is a tasty option (how can I get me a pie?). But check out a couple of the NYRR races in December, and some PRs may be in the offing. Me, I'm looking at the Joe Kleinerman 10K on Dec. 5
*Start thinking indoor track, and go from one extreme to another. I know, I know - the last time to ran an indoor mile was high school - now's the time. NYRR doesn't have the races posted yet for January, though the Armory has a list of races in January and February, and maybe you can figure out a way to sneak into the Park Slope Y and train there (though I have some good treadmill workouts).
*Chill out for a few days, relax, consider this an effort well done. Anyway, most of you can barely walk down the stairs without little yelps (it'll get worse tomorrow, trust me. Oh, and the walking backward isn't a joke - do it; you'll be happier).
*How glad you are the marathon was run *yesterday* instead of *today* (it just stayed raw, didn't it? And the sleet in the AM probably wouldn't have been appreciated to those of you who ran in shorts and a singlet)
*Rethinking your past desires to live in a third-floor Brownstone walkup (at least not too many people will see you walking backward when you go downstairs)
The next big question is: What Now? (Deep tissue massage for both your legs.).
Happily, I have some other thoughts. (Beer. Well, beyond that.)
*Thinking about next year's race? Well, NYRR has helpfully provided an application already: It will only cost $167 next year (if you're a NYRR member), and $207 if you're not. That includes a non-refundable $11 processing fee, though you won't get charged the full amount until you're accepted. I need to go through the fine print to see what changes have been made. You can apply until April 30.
*Didn't have a great race, but don't want all the distance training to go to waste? Now's the time to check out Marathon Guide and see what other marathons and halfs are in the near future (create a short vacation! Somewhere warm!)
*Do the paperwork - if you need more Q races, or have to volunteer (you can fork over $1,000 to get rid of that last issue), make sure you take advantage of the remaining Q races. Walk 'em if you have to
*Stay close to home, and hone in on a couple of key races: For Brooklynites, obviously the Turkey Trot on Thanksgiving Day is a tasty option (how can I get me a pie?). But check out a couple of the NYRR races in December, and some PRs may be in the offing. Me, I'm looking at the Joe Kleinerman 10K on Dec. 5
*Start thinking indoor track, and go from one extreme to another. I know, I know - the last time to ran an indoor mile was high school - now's the time. NYRR doesn't have the races posted yet for January, though the Armory has a list of races in January and February, and maybe you can figure out a way to sneak into the Park Slope Y and train there (though I have some good treadmill workouts).
*Chill out for a few days, relax, consider this an effort well done. Anyway, most of you can barely walk down the stairs without little yelps (it'll get worse tomorrow, trust me. Oh, and the walking backward isn't a joke - do it; you'll be happier).
Sunday, October 10, 2010
Most Competitive Brooklyn Club?
There was a query a little while ago: What's the most competitive Brooklyn club if you want to be racing?
At varying age levels, competitive is all relative. And, frankly, sometimes getting out the door for five days a week can be seen as competitive. So let me define this before answering, and opening the door for any comments:
Competitive, in my mind, is a mission within the club to support runners as they seek to achieve faster and faster and goals, and also achieve certain team goals. Within Manhattan, for example, Central Park Track Club is a competitive team, with an application to join.
I have tons of conflicts in answering this question, so please take with a grain of salt:
*If you're a superfast male (at this point, let's say you have aspirations for a sub-1:25 half or a sub 3 marathon), I'd go with North Brooklyn Runners or Brooklyn Road Runners
*If you're a superfast female, I'd go with Prospect Park Track Club, which has greater depth than the others.
There are plenty of options out there for runners - look at the club Web sites, go for training runs with the teams, get a sense of what's the most comfortable. Geographically, you may not find a fit, so be willing to travel a bit.
Also, go to NYRR and look at the race results: See how the various runners are placing. Just because the runners are placing doesn't mean that you're able to run with them - we all have unique schedules, so top runners may not be reaching group runs.
I'd love it if club representatives would make a case as to why they are the most competitive Brooklyn club - feel free to send an e-mail, or post a response.
At varying age levels, competitive is all relative. And, frankly, sometimes getting out the door for five days a week can be seen as competitive. So let me define this before answering, and opening the door for any comments:
Competitive, in my mind, is a mission within the club to support runners as they seek to achieve faster and faster and goals, and also achieve certain team goals. Within Manhattan, for example, Central Park Track Club is a competitive team, with an application to join.
I have tons of conflicts in answering this question, so please take with a grain of salt:
*If you're a superfast male (at this point, let's say you have aspirations for a sub-1:25 half or a sub 3 marathon), I'd go with North Brooklyn Runners or Brooklyn Road Runners
*If you're a superfast female, I'd go with Prospect Park Track Club, which has greater depth than the others.
There are plenty of options out there for runners - look at the club Web sites, go for training runs with the teams, get a sense of what's the most comfortable. Geographically, you may not find a fit, so be willing to travel a bit.
Also, go to NYRR and look at the race results: See how the various runners are placing. Just because the runners are placing doesn't mean that you're able to run with them - we all have unique schedules, so top runners may not be reaching group runs.
I'd love it if club representatives would make a case as to why they are the most competitive Brooklyn club - feel free to send an e-mail, or post a response.
Sunday, September 26, 2010
PPTC/JackRabbit Marathon Bus
Details are here about the PPTC/JackRabbit Marathon Bus (this year leaving from 151 7th Avenue between Garfield and Carroll) at 6 a.m. sharp. Once nice touch; JackRabbit will be open before the buses so people can get their last minute Gu/Glide and other stuff.
Also note in this link, PPTC sponsors a "last 10 miles" run the weekend before in Manhattan. This is open to the public - you don't need to be a PPTC member - and it's a great chance to see what the last 10 miles of the course are like - crucial if this is your first race.
Also note in this link, PPTC sponsors a "last 10 miles" run the weekend before in Manhattan. This is open to the public - you don't need to be a PPTC member - and it's a great chance to see what the last 10 miles of the course are like - crucial if this is your first race.
Friday, June 4, 2010
Running This Weekend
Going to be another muggy scorcher on Saturday, though possibly decent weather on Sunday for the Kenny Dolan 5K Run (of course, it could pour). Some highlights:
*Saturday has got several New York-area races if you haven't already made plans. The Prospect Park Track Club calendar has them listed, so not going to repeat them all here. The weather ain't going to be great, but I've talked to a number of folk who are starting up their marathon training this weekend for a fall event: go early, plan your route around a lot of water fountains.
A special shoutout for those of you traveling to Albany for the Freihofer's Run for Women (not a race I'm able to run, but one of those races about which are spoken highly).
*Sunday, as I mentioned, the Kenny Dolan 5K Run takes place in PP. Start time is 10 a.m., and you can register until 9:45 a.m. at Bishop Ford. The race starts on the downhill in the park (which means you have to contend with Zoo Hill near the end of mile 2.) Which is faster? Getting the uphill out of the way first? Or not? My current PR is at one of the PPTC Speed Series (uphill first), though I broke 20 for the first time at the Dolan Run some years ago. Of course, if it pours, then it might be a moot point.
The NYRR Japan Run in Central Park has closed out - I'd guess about 5,000 runners will be there. (According the Web site, 289 people like this on Facebook - no idea if that's good or bad, though I note none of my friends have taken the plunge). If you're not racing, that may be the day to get in the long run, given a high of 80 projected.
*Saturday has got several New York-area races if you haven't already made plans. The Prospect Park Track Club calendar has them listed, so not going to repeat them all here. The weather ain't going to be great, but I've talked to a number of folk who are starting up their marathon training this weekend for a fall event: go early, plan your route around a lot of water fountains.
A special shoutout for those of you traveling to Albany for the Freihofer's Run for Women (not a race I'm able to run, but one of those races about which are spoken highly).
*Sunday, as I mentioned, the Kenny Dolan 5K Run takes place in PP. Start time is 10 a.m., and you can register until 9:45 a.m. at Bishop Ford. The race starts on the downhill in the park (which means you have to contend with Zoo Hill near the end of mile 2.) Which is faster? Getting the uphill out of the way first? Or not? My current PR is at one of the PPTC Speed Series (uphill first), though I broke 20 for the first time at the Dolan Run some years ago. Of course, if it pours, then it might be a moot point.
The NYRR Japan Run in Central Park has closed out - I'd guess about 5,000 runners will be there. (According the Web site, 289 people like this on Facebook - no idea if that's good or bad, though I note none of my friends have taken the plunge). If you're not racing, that may be the day to get in the long run, given a high of 80 projected.
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
PPTC Speed Series Starts Wednesday
The first race of the PPTC Al Gordon Speed Series takes place Wednesday (tonight) at about 7 p.m., with registration at the Oriental Pavilion and the start near the zoo.
The 5K races are run every other Wednesday throughout the summer - very low key and a lot of fun.
The 5K races are run every other Wednesday throughout the summer - very low key and a lot of fun.
Sunday, April 11, 2010
Random Thoughts on a Sunday Evening
*The water fountain at Cadman Plaza nearest the Brooklyn Bridge is working. Very few others at some of the local parks are, however.
*The Central Park reservoir will be dedicated to Alberto Arroyo tomorrow evening at 6:30 p.m.
*The main PPTC Web site now has a pretty decent calendar of upcoming races (scroll down a bit from the home page)
*Good tickets are still available for Usain Bolt's visit to New York at the Adidas Grand Prix on June 12
*The Central Park reservoir will be dedicated to Alberto Arroyo tomorrow evening at 6:30 p.m.
*The main PPTC Web site now has a pretty decent calendar of upcoming races (scroll down a bit from the home page)
*Good tickets are still available for Usain Bolt's visit to New York at the Adidas Grand Prix on June 12
Sunday, February 28, 2010
Al Gordon 4-Mile Results
are here, with 3,684 finishers. Turned out to be almost a perfect day to race - Prospect Park, while wet in some spots, seemed fine during a loop I ran later in the morning (love the huge snowman at the Bartel Pritchard Square entrance.)
Nicholas Holowka took Brooklyn's top male honors, finishing ninth overall in 21:47, while Jessica Sebor (25:22) nudged out Prospect Park Track Club's Helen Dole (25:24) for the top female honors among Brooklyn runners. I'll crunch the numbers a little bit in the next few days to highlight some of the other performances - some great stuff, it looks like.
Phew: three Sunday races in Prospect Park over the last three weekends. It gets a little more sporadic over the next month or so, but there are plenty of upcoming races, both there and throughout the borough. Working on a March-April list now (and I've already got a couple from your e-mails) - if you know of a local race that might not hit the overall radar screen, by all means drop me a note.
Nicholas Holowka took Brooklyn's top male honors, finishing ninth overall in 21:47, while Jessica Sebor (25:22) nudged out Prospect Park Track Club's Helen Dole (25:24) for the top female honors among Brooklyn runners. I'll crunch the numbers a little bit in the next few days to highlight some of the other performances - some great stuff, it looks like.
Phew: three Sunday races in Prospect Park over the last three weekends. It gets a little more sporadic over the next month or so, but there are plenty of upcoming races, both there and throughout the borough. Working on a March-April list now (and I've already got a couple from your e-mails) - if you know of a local race that might not hit the overall radar screen, by all means drop me a note.
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Other Bloggers' Thoughts on the Cherry Tree
I was set to do this, then realized - hey, the PPTC blogger is doing it.
So, click on this and scroll down a little, and you'll see a bunch of commentary about the race.
(Yeah, I could do it, but feeling lazy. Thinking about the fact that the snow that had melted away this week is going to likely be replaced tomorrow. At least it's in the 40s most of next week.)
So, click on this and scroll down a little, and you'll see a bunch of commentary about the race.
(Yeah, I could do it, but feeling lazy. Thinking about the fact that the snow that had melted away this week is going to likely be replaced tomorrow. At least it's in the 40s most of next week.)
Sunday, February 21, 2010
Cherry Tree: Great Race Today
Great conditions for a mid-winter race, and a lot of people seemed to be having a blast. Looked like more than 100 relay teams, and hundreds of runners out for the 10 mile race (I heard a total number of 1,100 starters, but that was third-hand.). No results yet, but they'll be coming, and I'll try to collect, or post links to, other blogs from people talking about the race.
One thought from the trenches: For those of you who have never done a relay race, whether it's a track event (4 x 400), or one of the 24 hour events such as Reach the Beach, or something like this (3 x 3.35m) - it's a lot of fun, and especially great if you're participating in what is a smallish running community where you know a fair number of people (or at least recognize them from loops in the park) and can even participate in a bit of trash talk, even in the team names (Gotta love "Faster Than Dan")
But mostly it's simply cheering everyone on.
Especially if you're not ready to race 10 miles, put this race on your calendar for 2011 and find some friends.
One thought from the trenches: For those of you who have never done a relay race, whether it's a track event (4 x 400), or one of the 24 hour events such as Reach the Beach, or something like this (3 x 3.35m) - it's a lot of fun, and especially great if you're participating in what is a smallish running community where you know a fair number of people (or at least recognize them from loops in the park) and can even participate in a bit of trash talk, even in the team names (Gotta love "Faster Than Dan")
But mostly it's simply cheering everyone on.
Especially if you're not ready to race 10 miles, put this race on your calendar for 2011 and find some friends.
Friday, February 19, 2010
Running and the Subway: Cherry Tree Detour
OK, so I know the MTA has to do work on the tracks. But those running the Cherry Tree this Sunday, take note: the F line will be "f'd" up.
From the MTA site:
"Local shuttle buses make all stops between Jay St and Church Av: Bergen St, Carroll St, Smith-9 Sts, 4 Av-9 St, 7 Av, 15 St-Prospect Park, and Fort Hamilton Pkwy."
That means, the closest subway to the start is now reachable by bus. Ugh.
Options: Other than the R train (which will drop you off along 4th Ave.), the 2/3 to Grand Army Plaza, and then run a mile plus to the start or to Bishop Ford for registration. Busing is an option, just give yourself time.
Ultimately, it gives you a chance to do a warmup, so not too bad.
From the MTA site:
"Local shuttle buses make all stops between Jay St and Church Av: Bergen St, Carroll St, Smith-9 Sts, 4 Av-9 St, 7 Av, 15 St-Prospect Park, and Fort Hamilton Pkwy."
That means, the closest subway to the start is now reachable by bus. Ugh.
Options: Other than the R train (which will drop you off along 4th Ave.), the 2/3 to Grand Army Plaza, and then run a mile plus to the start or to Bishop Ford for registration. Busing is an option, just give yourself time.
Ultimately, it gives you a chance to do a warmup, so not too bad.
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