Random Acts of Running 1

We’re trying to make the blog update every week so that we can get into a habit of checking this site! 

Summer is here and that means Summer Speed Work is here.  Be sure to check out our class schedule for details.

Berries on the Run:  Unless you’re Xena, summer is hard to run.  Which is really odd, since Xena is from northern Japan, equivalent of being from VT or ME!  But during summer runs, there are some sweet treats in Central Park to help you stay focused.  Raspberries, Blackberries and Mulberries.  And it  looks like the Village Voice is about to spill my fun.  There are Mulberries all over Central Park and lots and lots of Raspberries and Blackberries in the Rambles.  There’s a rather nice Raspberry bush up by Cleopatra’s Needle (much needed fuel after Cat Hill).  Unrelated, but there are even Raspberries on the East River running course, on the way to “Track with Terry”.

“Sometimes, it’s just not worth it”:  Two years ago, I took a running form & technique class from Coach Mike Gavin.  It went from June to August, and boy, was it awfully hot.  At one point, he had to change our workout due to the heat.  And he gave me the most valuable advice.  “When it’s too hot and humid, it’s not worth it to go out do ‘the workout’.  There are 365 days in a year to run”.  Sometimes, it’s better to not do the run/race rather than to push through it…because it’s not worth risking your health.  …an advice I knowingly set aside during Boston 2012 – and I almost paid for it.  By the way, this advice works for those who don't like extreme cold as well!  Just change hot & humid to cold & icy.

Thoughts on the Harlem Pool:  My project this summer is to find proper gear to go from running to swimming, then back to running.  I’m thinking of ways to keep on going on my long runs, even if it’s a bit “not worth it”!  Unfortunately, in Triathlon, people transit from Swim to Bike, not Swim to Run…so there really isn’t appropriate gear.  Perhaps a super wicking sports bra and a pair of shorts will do?! 

Team Activities/Trip:  Would anyone be interested in going on a Agony Trip to something other than running?  Like maybe TUBING?  Perhaps we can get some driver volunteers and we can all share a van!  We can do it post long run (since all long runs in the summer starts at 7AM) or a race!  Let me know if this interests you.  We're still looking for a good team relay to do too!  No one liked my ultramarathon relay idea...

Final Words:  June means JPM Corporate Challenge.  This year, it will be on June 13 & June 14.  Stay away from Central Park if you can!  Massive crowds are expected!