Wow, I am lame. Brooklyn Half in eight days, tons of races both behind us and ahead of us. Not even an injury to excuse me (OK, yes I tweaked my knee the other day, though that's part for the course.). Lot of stuff to cover, lot of things to talk about.
Let's go.
Showing posts with label Miscellany. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Miscellany. Show all posts
Friday, May 13, 2011
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
Lessons Learned
One would think that, having run in Brooklyn for umpteen years, I'd have learned a few lessons. Obviously, I had forgotten the following:
*One does not run on the Brooklyn Bridge on a gorgeous weekday evening on a holiday week. Never. ever.
*When one runs past someone with a dog, always keep the owner in between you and the not-always-so-friendly-likely-to-bark/lunge-at you-canine.
Cardinal rules. Violated both tonight. I'll remember this. On the plus side, got in an ~8 mile run at a respectable pace (except for the Brooklyn Bridge). So life isn't too bad.
*One does not run on the Brooklyn Bridge on a gorgeous weekday evening on a holiday week. Never. ever.
*When one runs past someone with a dog, always keep the owner in between you and the not-always-so-friendly-likely-to-bark/lunge-at you-canine.
Cardinal rules. Violated both tonight. I'll remember this. On the plus side, got in an ~8 mile run at a respectable pace (except for the Brooklyn Bridge). So life isn't too bad.
Friday, October 1, 2010
Welcome to October
One of the great things about running this month (my favorite month) is that you know never know what the conditions will be when you walk out the door the following morning - could be 90, could be 30 degrees. So it was this morning when I woke up, watched a little Ryder Cup and planned for a nice morning run. The rain had held off so far -- what was the worst that could happen?
Hah. Sheets of pouring, windswept water, giant shoe-sucking puddles mixed in with a precious, solitary experience of sopping footsteps chugging down the Brooklyn Heights Promenade - not a soul on it except for me. (Which probably was because it was POURING.)
That's why I run. Happy October.
P.S. Five weeks to the New York Marathon (and a week to go if you're running Hartford). Excited?!!!
Hah. Sheets of pouring, windswept water, giant shoe-sucking puddles mixed in with a precious, solitary experience of sopping footsteps chugging down the Brooklyn Heights Promenade - not a soul on it except for me. (Which probably was because it was POURING.)
That's why I run. Happy October.
P.S. Five weeks to the New York Marathon (and a week to go if you're running Hartford). Excited?!!!
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
Atlantic Antic *and* Dumbo Arts Festival This Weekend
Plan your running routes accordingly - whether it's to make sure you can finish your Sunday run with a beer at the Atlantic Antic in downtown Brooklyn, or check out some stellar exhibits in Dumbo. Do note that with the throngs of people around, Atlantic Ave., particularly Sunday afternoon, will be very crowded.
Sunday, July 18, 2010
RIP James Buckley
Sad news about one of the top supporters of Brooklyn runners - pasta dinner for NYC marathoners, Buckley's-Kennedy race among other accomplishments ...
Details here, courtesy of the Daily News:
BUCKLEY — James J. On July 16, 2010. Proprietor of Buckley's restaurant & Caterers of Brooklyn and Kennedy's Restaurant of Breezy Point. Devoted son of the late Martin & Kathleen (nee Leonard). Beloved husband of Kathleen (nee Casey). Loving father of Christine Strehle (John), James (Margaret) and Kathy Ann Murray (Martin). Dear brother of Mary Williams, Kathleen Greenlay, Elizabeth Black, Margaret Baldinger, Martin, Helen Smith, Anne and Joanie. Cherished grandfather of 16. Funeral Tuesday, 9 A.M. from the MARINE PARK FUNERAL HOME, 3024 Quentin Road, Bklyn. Funeral Mass 10 A.M. at Good Shepherd R.C. Church. Interment St. Charles Cemetery. Visiting Sun. & Mon., 2-5 & 7-9 P.M. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to: Heartshare Human Services, 12 Metrotech Center, Brooklyn, NY 11201.
Details here, courtesy of the Daily News:
BUCKLEY — James J. On July 16, 2010. Proprietor of Buckley's restaurant & Caterers of Brooklyn and Kennedy's Restaurant of Breezy Point. Devoted son of the late Martin & Kathleen (nee Leonard). Beloved husband of Kathleen (nee Casey). Loving father of Christine Strehle (John), James (Margaret) and Kathy Ann Murray (Martin). Dear brother of Mary Williams, Kathleen Greenlay, Elizabeth Black, Margaret Baldinger, Martin, Helen Smith, Anne and Joanie. Cherished grandfather of 16. Funeral Tuesday, 9 A.M. from the MARINE PARK FUNERAL HOME, 3024 Quentin Road, Bklyn. Funeral Mass 10 A.M. at Good Shepherd R.C. Church. Interment St. Charles Cemetery. Visiting Sun. & Mon., 2-5 & 7-9 P.M. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to: Heartshare Human Services, 12 Metrotech Center, Brooklyn, NY 11201.
Wednesday, July 7, 2010
Reminder: We Live in a City
Admittedly, this could happen anywhere, but an attack of a runner July 5 in Riverside Park in the early morning hours is a reminder that we all need to wary out there.
Sunday, June 20, 2010
Running and Pianos
I'm seeing a running route in this (or multiple trips) ... with the installation of the "Play Me, I'm Yours" piano exhibit, there are 10 pianos in Brooklyn (and 60 throughout the city) just waiting to have your sweat-dripping fingers making some beautiful music. (Does Vanessa Carlton run?)
I passed the one in City Hall Park this morning - very colorful under its plastic wrap. The exhibit starts tomorrow and runs for two weeks. Grand Army Plaza, Coney Island, McCarren Park, Brooklyn Bridge Park all have one, and there are more ...
I passed the one in City Hall Park this morning - very colorful under its plastic wrap. The exhibit starts tomorrow and runs for two weeks. Grand Army Plaza, Coney Island, McCarren Park, Brooklyn Bridge Park all have one, and there are more ...
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
Why I Run: In Honor of Craig Virgin
Check this out. 30 years ago today, Craig Virgin won the World X/C Championships.
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Songs in Your Head
Have to confess, with young children, I'm more apt to be hearing Laurie Berkner or Barnie in my head as I go out for a long run.
But recently, my Central Park runs have been stuck with this. ... I'm sure there could be worse (and it is kind of catchy). So much for the need for an iPod. :-)
But recently, my Central Park runs have been stuck with this. ... I'm sure there could be worse (and it is kind of catchy). So much for the need for an iPod. :-)
Saturday, September 5, 2009
Odds and Ends
Some random stuff, as I shake off the summer cobwebs and get back into serious X/C training (and maybe even a marathon this fall, depending on the state of my right leg.)
-- The Prospect Park Track Club starts up its next 10-week speed training series on Tuesday, Sept. 15, run by Tony Watson. Cost is $50 for PPTC members, or $100 for non-PPTC members (if you're thinking about doing it, might want to join the club for the $25 annual fee.)
-- 56 days until the New York Marathon, and the Web site has been updated with all sorts of goodies. A lot more will be seen on this blog in the coming weeks about the race, with hints and tips and stuff.
-- Registration for the Boston Marathon, the holy grail, begins on Sept. 9. I'll admit I'm biased, because it's on my life list of things to qualify for and complete, but as I meet runners from all *pun* walks of life -- qualifying for Boston is almost always a goal, especially as we age.
-- If you didn't see earlier, the New York Times offers its spin on the barefoot running/wearing shoes debate in a recent article. A nicely written piece, I thought, with fair balance. Did the Nike shoe revolution ultimately hurt running? Keep in mind, almost all of you reading this blog likely still need the traditional shoes and their support. For those of you able to break away, I applaud you.
-- Need some long-run ideas? I realize I've spent pretty much no time setting up the organization of this blog, but here's a link to some long routes if you need.
-- The Prospect Park Track Club starts up its next 10-week speed training series on Tuesday, Sept. 15, run by Tony Watson. Cost is $50 for PPTC members, or $100 for non-PPTC members (if you're thinking about doing it, might want to join the club for the $25 annual fee.)
-- 56 days until the New York Marathon, and the Web site has been updated with all sorts of goodies. A lot more will be seen on this blog in the coming weeks about the race, with hints and tips and stuff.
-- Registration for the Boston Marathon, the holy grail, begins on Sept. 9. I'll admit I'm biased, because it's on my life list of things to qualify for and complete, but as I meet runners from all *pun* walks of life -- qualifying for Boston is almost always a goal, especially as we age.
-- If you didn't see earlier, the New York Times offers its spin on the barefoot running/wearing shoes debate in a recent article. A nicely written piece, I thought, with fair balance. Did the Nike shoe revolution ultimately hurt running? Keep in mind, almost all of you reading this blog likely still need the traditional shoes and their support. For those of you able to break away, I applaud you.
-- Need some long-run ideas? I realize I've spent pretty much no time setting up the organization of this blog, but here's a link to some long routes if you need.
Friday, August 7, 2009
Quick NYRR Hits
- Tomorrow's race in Central Park is the club championships (I'm linking to a race preview to show why you should care), and you must be a member of a local running club (among other restrictions) to participate).
- The NYRR race in Brooklyn on Dec. 12 is a 5K. One e-mailer told me the course would follow the same route as the Al Gordon 5K in February, which is definitely possible.
- Race registration is open for the remaining 2009 races - it's a good opportunity to take stock of the number of qualifying races that you've done for next year's New York Marathon, and figure out which ones you need to do (and need to volunteer for).
- Nice profile piece of the Prospect Park Track Club in the latest New York Runner magazine. And a nice cover shot of a runner on the Brooklyn Bridge. (I might add, it's somewhat unrealistic to see the bridge *that empty* during summer daylight hours, but perhaps the tourist horde is just around the bend.)
- The NYRR race in Brooklyn on Dec. 12 is a 5K. One e-mailer told me the course would follow the same route as the Al Gordon 5K in February, which is definitely possible.
- Race registration is open for the remaining 2009 races - it's a good opportunity to take stock of the number of qualifying races that you've done for next year's New York Marathon, and figure out which ones you need to do (and need to volunteer for).
- Nice profile piece of the Prospect Park Track Club in the latest New York Runner magazine. And a nice cover shot of a runner on the Brooklyn Bridge. (I might add, it's somewhat unrealistic to see the bridge *that empty* during summer daylight hours, but perhaps the tourist horde is just around the bend.)
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
Happy National Running Day
If I'd gotten around to posting this earlier, maybe you'd make the 6:30 run in Prospect Park tonight. But never fear -- every day is a perfect day for running.
Take this morning, for example. After dragging myself out of bed at 4:30 a.m. for a bevy of tasks, I managed to squeeze in a 2 1/2 mile jaunt that took me to the top of the Brooklyn Bridge (and even missed the rain to boot). With only a couple of other people up at that hour, the solitude was blissful.
Admittedly, perhaps I could have gone for a run this evening with Deena Kastor, or headed up to Boston for a workout with Bill Rogers, but so be it.
Take this morning, for example. After dragging myself out of bed at 4:30 a.m. for a bevy of tasks, I managed to squeeze in a 2 1/2 mile jaunt that took me to the top of the Brooklyn Bridge (and even missed the rain to boot). With only a couple of other people up at that hour, the solitude was blissful.
Admittedly, perhaps I could have gone for a run this evening with Deena Kastor, or headed up to Boston for a workout with Bill Rogers, but so be it.
Friday, May 1, 2009
Quick Links
* The 2010 London Marathon is already sold out
* The NYRR Mother's Day 4 mile race is also reached a cap
* If you're downtown tomorrow, cheer on the participants in the Revlon Run/Walk 5K
* And on Sunday (hopefully the rain stays away), the 5 Boro Bike Tour
* RIP Al Gordon, who passed away at 107
* The NYRR Mother's Day 4 mile race is also reached a cap
* If you're downtown tomorrow, cheer on the participants in the Revlon Run/Walk 5K
* And on Sunday (hopefully the rain stays away), the 5 Boro Bike Tour
* RIP Al Gordon, who passed away at 107
Friday, March 27, 2009
Spring Has Sprung
Phew. Spring has finally sprung. And the forecast is grand - in the 50s for the next 10 days. It's only going to get better from here.
Thousands of Brooklyn runners are taking to the streets and the park, enjoying the warmer weather. And, as noted by a poster earlier this week, and reaffirmed here, you can again get water in Prospect Park! (I have to say, a running friend of mine saw the picture and immediately congratulated the photographer on finally figuring out how to use the fountains :-))
Me, I'm spending my days in the gym and in physical therapy, trying to erase a nagging injury (so apologies if the running routes are a little sparse -- I may live vicariously through some other runners -- and by all means, if you have a great route you did, send it my way!)
Thousands of Brooklyn runners are taking to the streets and the park, enjoying the warmer weather. And, as noted by a poster earlier this week, and reaffirmed here, you can again get water in Prospect Park! (I have to say, a running friend of mine saw the picture and immediately congratulated the photographer on finally figuring out how to use the fountains :-))
Me, I'm spending my days in the gym and in physical therapy, trying to erase a nagging injury (so apologies if the running routes are a little sparse -- I may live vicariously through some other runners -- and by all means, if you have a great route you did, send it my way!)
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
When Will They Turn on the Fountains?
Ahh, it's the popular question this time of year ... and every spring it seems to be different.
An e-mail into the parks department has gone unanswered so far. And a query to a colleague I have generated a shrug, and the answer that there's one guy who covers the district, and he determines when they get turned on.
The warmer weather hints that it should be soon ... but when? And where? Should you note one of your favorite watering holes being brought back from its winter slumber, please message in ...
(For those in despair, remember that there are still sinks in the park bathrooms that are open, and there is a working fountain at Pierrepont Park off the Brooklyn Heights Promenade).
An e-mail into the parks department has gone unanswered so far. And a query to a colleague I have generated a shrug, and the answer that there's one guy who covers the district, and he determines when they get turned on.
The warmer weather hints that it should be soon ... but when? And where? Should you note one of your favorite watering holes being brought back from its winter slumber, please message in ...
(For those in despair, remember that there are still sinks in the park bathrooms that are open, and there is a working fountain at Pierrepont Park off the Brooklyn Heights Promenade).
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
Brooklyn Bridge Rehab/Armory Hearing
Two developments of note, according to the local media:
The Brooklyn Bridge rehab begins this summer, according to Brownstoner. Not entirely clear what that means for pedestrian traffic (i.e. us runners), but suspect there will be some disruptions on top of the usual tourist dodgeball.
There's a hearing next Monday for the YMCA to operate the Park Slope Armory, according to this article in the Brooklyn Eagle. According to an article I saw in the Brooklyn Paper, it's possible it might the indoor track might be open in May, just in time for the first 70 degree day of the year :-). All kidding aside, can't wait for this thing to get finalized.
The Brooklyn Bridge rehab begins this summer, according to Brownstoner. Not entirely clear what that means for pedestrian traffic (i.e. us runners), but suspect there will be some disruptions on top of the usual tourist dodgeball.
There's a hearing next Monday for the YMCA to operate the Park Slope Armory, according to this article in the Brooklyn Eagle. According to an article I saw in the Brooklyn Paper, it's possible it might the indoor track might be open in May, just in time for the first 70 degree day of the year :-). All kidding aside, can't wait for this thing to get finalized.
Thursday, February 12, 2009
Please Wave
Hey, if you see this guy in Prospect Park, especially during a weekday afternoon, please wave ...
(The next comments will make sense if you click through the link, which is to a story in February's Runner's World.)
I'm not a waver, actually. I'm one of those eye-contact people. If I'm approaching someone (and not off in some kind of zone), I'll look at the person to see if I know him or her. If we make eye contact, I'll smile or nod -- then spend the next several minutes trying to figure out if I actually know that person. Waving ... not my style.
There are other approaches, obviously. I'm reminded of a friend of mine in high school who, while on a run, playfully punched a fellow runner (also a friend), as we ran by. That resulted in a fractured finger. Don't recommend that.
(The next comments will make sense if you click through the link, which is to a story in February's Runner's World.)
I'm not a waver, actually. I'm one of those eye-contact people. If I'm approaching someone (and not off in some kind of zone), I'll look at the person to see if I know him or her. If we make eye contact, I'll smile or nod -- then spend the next several minutes trying to figure out if I actually know that person. Waving ... not my style.
There are other approaches, obviously. I'm reminded of a friend of mine in high school who, while on a run, playfully punched a fellow runner (also a friend), as we ran by. That resulted in a fractured finger. Don't recommend that.
Why I Run
Every so often, something happens that simply just shows why I love this sport.
Tonight was one of those nights. I'm running home from Manhattan, along the East Side. The conditions are blustery, but not too bad (I lose my hat only once). I expect it'll be pretty bad on the Brooklyn Bridge, but am pleasantly surprised that it's fine.
I hit the Promenade. And the wind hits me back. Hard. So much so that at a couple of points, I'm literally running in place even though I'm trying to drive forward as hard as I can. I've probably been in worse while running (and I certainly have been hiking), but it's been a while.
And you know? It's fun. Pure ecstasy. (Wonder how you replicate this on the treadmill).
And can I mention, for those of you who had a chance to be outside around 5:30 - 6 p.m. and had a view of the West .... what a beautiful sunset, especially with the band of non-clouds.
This weather has been great, especially as it has coaxed everyone outside from the indoors to finally hit the streets - I can't tell you how wonderful it's been to see everyone out on the streets, in the parks etc.
Tonight was one of those nights. I'm running home from Manhattan, along the East Side. The conditions are blustery, but not too bad (I lose my hat only once). I expect it'll be pretty bad on the Brooklyn Bridge, but am pleasantly surprised that it's fine.
I hit the Promenade. And the wind hits me back. Hard. So much so that at a couple of points, I'm literally running in place even though I'm trying to drive forward as hard as I can. I've probably been in worse while running (and I certainly have been hiking), but it's been a while.
And you know? It's fun. Pure ecstasy. (Wonder how you replicate this on the treadmill).
And can I mention, for those of you who had a chance to be outside around 5:30 - 6 p.m. and had a view of the West .... what a beautiful sunset, especially with the band of non-clouds.
This weather has been great, especially as it has coaxed everyone outside from the indoors to finally hit the streets - I can't tell you how wonderful it's been to see everyone out on the streets, in the parks etc.
Thursday, December 25, 2008
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
Why I Run ...
Tonight was a perfect example.
After setting up arrangements to meet some friends at Grand Army Plaza, I was stymied by the sluggish MTA service this evening, so arrived 15 minutes late.
Figuring I'd meet up with anyone who did make it, I started a clockwise route of Prospect Park, only to quickly find another runner, who'd also missed her group start.
Our 10 minute conversation was pleasant (she found her group, I didn't), but so was the winter wonderland as the snow kept falling, creating the magical scene that occurs every December during the first or second snowfall.
I got hammered with snow in the eyes on the top half of the park (memo to self: wear baseball hat over Under Armour beanie), but the run home was simply beautiful. Holiday lights, early snowfall - what's not to like?
After setting up arrangements to meet some friends at Grand Army Plaza, I was stymied by the sluggish MTA service this evening, so arrived 15 minutes late.
Figuring I'd meet up with anyone who did make it, I started a clockwise route of Prospect Park, only to quickly find another runner, who'd also missed her group start.
Our 10 minute conversation was pleasant (she found her group, I didn't), but so was the winter wonderland as the snow kept falling, creating the magical scene that occurs every December during the first or second snowfall.
I got hammered with snow in the eyes on the top half of the park (memo to self: wear baseball hat over Under Armour beanie), but the run home was simply beautiful. Holiday lights, early snowfall - what's not to like?
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