If Family Feud were to survey 100 runners making their way ’round Central Park tomorrow morning, I’d wager at least 20 percent would not characterize themselves as a “real runner.” One in five in-the-moment runners not self-identifying with the sport? It may seem outlandish, but just try to tell me you haven’t heard a friendContinue reading “The Real Deal”
Tag Archives: Central Park
Running Smarter
There are a lot of things in this life I’m not smart about – petting stranger dogs, wearing an O’s shirt to Friday night’s Yankees game, remaining an Orioles fan after that brutal triple play – but when it comes to racing, I’ve started to learn a thing or two. You know how I know?Continue reading “Running Smarter”
Perspective
A lot has changed in my life since this same month last year. I’ve run a marathon. My brother has adopted a puppy. I’ve traveled to India and Brazil, I’m dating someone new, and heart-throb Seal is back on the market. (Those last two items may or may not be related.) But you know whatContinue reading “Perspective”
A Year in Review
There are probably ten or twelve movies that – if unwittingly stumbled across while channel surfing on my couch – require I watch them through to the credits, despite having seen them dozens of times before. A mismatched mix of sappy rom-coms, 90s blockbusters and Tom Hanks’ entire cinemagraphic repertoire, these films pull me inContinue reading “A Year in Review”
Fatigue is Not a Dirty Word
When somebody asks me what it is that I love about racing, I have a dozen and one answers up my sleeve – as well as the ability to tailor which one I pull out based on who, specifically, is behind the question. Athletic friend: Why do you love racing, champ? Me: My competitive sideContinue reading “Fatigue is Not a Dirty Word”
Back in the Game
As I laced up my racing shoes this past weekend for my first timed trial since the Marine Corps Marathon, all signs were pointing to a terrible performance: My much faster racing partner who was going to pace me to a new PR had to bow out Sunday morning because of a massive hangover to save someContinue reading “Back in the Game”
Practice Makes Perfect
I’ve received a lot of well-meaning advice as my inaugural marathon approaches (“Walk through the water stations!” “Don’t weave during the first half!” “Have a friend join you at mile 22!”) as well as some less-than-constructive suggestions (“Don’t run an f-ing marathon!”) but the tip that’s been most often recited to me by marathoners andContinue reading “Practice Makes Perfect”
You’re as Cold as Ice
Most everything that begins with the word ‘ice’ is A-OK in my book. Ice cream? Yes, please. An ice cold beer? Hook me up. 90s hip hop classic ‘Ice Ice Baby?’ Two times the fun. The newest addition to the list: post-run ice baths. Ice baths get mixed reviews from the distance running community, withContinue reading “You’re as Cold as Ice”
Three’s a Crowd
It’s been said that bad news comes in threes, and when it comes to loops of Central Park, I can personally corroborate that that is, in fact, the case. One 6-mile loop is positively sublime, navigating the park-goer past such noteworthy landmarks as the Loeb Boathouse, the Sheep’s Meadow and the Tavern on the Green.Continue reading “Three’s a Crowd”
Time Flies Like an Arrow (Fruit Flies Like a Banana)
As I made my way to the subway this morning without a line of sweat beading my upper lip for the first time since April (eat your heart out, boys), I was left in utter disbelief at how quickly this summer has passed me by. It seems just yesterday I was trading in my spandexContinue reading “Time Flies Like an Arrow (Fruit Flies Like a Banana)”
Riled Up Runner 