Ready, Set, Go!

Today was one of those days in New York City that just felt good in the city. The sun was out, the humidity was way down (finally), people were smiling and the trash on the sidewalk just didn’t smell as bad as usual (okay, that might be a lie but it’s really neither here nor there).

It also just so happened to be the day that I signed up for my final New York Road Runners 9+1-qualifying race for next year’s NYC marathon. Coincidence, I think not!

I’ve thought a lot about what running a marathon is going to be like over the past year. In some ways I’m not exactly sure what to expect (does gu really work? And, is it really necessary to wear a water bottle belt?!), but in others I feel ready (yep, watch on hand. Ready. To. Go.). 

I’m excited for what finishing that last qualifying race means and even more excited for what the next chapter in running will bring. Here we go!

An Ode to Central Park (the first)

As a brand spanking new 25 year old (wow, 25, oye) and with a quarter of my life behind me, I decided it was time to make some new goals for myself. First up, a half marathon in the Bronx! (yes, that’s my “I’m excited and ready for anything” outside voice, but inside my head I’m thinking… “ugh…a half marathon”).

It’s true I’ve been the one in the family with the less-than-stellar workout routines throughout the years. I much prefer chocolate chip cookies and M&Ms, but it’s past time to try some new things – just for the record, that’s adding running, not getting rid of the sweets.

I do enjoy running and its I’m becoming more and more addicting to as I start to really train, but I’m beginning to realize that training in this city in particular makes it so much more fun. There’s something seriously awesome about running through Central Park and having it be my neighborhood park.

I love Saturday mornings before the heat, humidity and hordes of people have hit when it feels empty (okay, maybe just “less crowded” because let’s face it, nothing in New York is ever empty), and the city seems like it’s all mine. Or there are days like today when I set out and five minutes into my run a torrential downpour hits and for some reason running in the puddles of the park sounds like a fun idea. And, as I’m scaling through the rushing water, trying to keep my contacts in my eyes and makeup from running all over my face, I look around and realize that I’m not the only one who is enjoying this.

New York, you’re going to be a fun training ground.