NYC Half Marathon

I woke at 5 AM to lightning and thunder. I managed to get myself out the door and over to Central Park at 97th and 5th Avenue while it was still raining. It was really something to run out of Central Park, past Carnegie Hall, through Times Square and onto 42nd Street.

Though I was far less prepared, I somehow was able to run and finish better than I did last November. Actually, I probably wouldn't have done it at all without the great coaching and support from my husband, colleagues and friends--and thank God for them and how everything went yesterday!

can

Yesterday I met a kindred spirit and we got to talking about favorite children's books and life in New York and the charms of the English countryside and writing and running.

We talked about how in writing, just like in running, so much of the challenge is in your head. New York Road Runners lists the right kind of dialogue to have with yourself on Half Marathon race day.

For us, ignoring the voices that tell you you CAN'T DO IT, that you're too slow, or not talented enough or not as well trained as that guy (pushing the baby carriage, as he passes you, UP the killer hill) is as much of a workout requiring discipline, focus and a community of supporters and cheerleaders as the actual athletic or artistic endeavor itself.

Talk about ignoring the voices that tell you--YOU CAN'T. D and I first heard about The Hoyts a few years ago and it still manages to get us every time.

just a typical night in nyc

Tonight in New York, Bon Jovi is playing at Madison Square Garden, The New York Philharmonic is playing Sibelius in Central Park (with fireworks!) and the All-Star Game just started in the old Yankee Stadium. What a place to be!

It's been a busy season: Hosting out-of-town guests, dinner guests, event-planning-palooza, travel planning, racking up the miles to get ready for the 1/2 marathon two Sundays from now, work and study and trying to stay connected to friends and family no matter where they are.

At some point, I'll try to write something more substantial!

and the bride wore red

We were in Toronto for A and A's wedding this weekend. If you were downtown on Saturday, say by the ROM Crystal, OCAD or Eaton Centre, and you saw
14 people wandering around in wedding attire being chased by two men wielding cameras--that was us.

For the last photo we were attempting the zoned-out-commuter look. Not quite but you get the idea.

Thanks to my husband for carrying my terribly uncomfortable red high heels all over the city for me!