Warning: If you watch these videos, you might catch the running BUG!
Video #1: A New York City Marathon classic. I love the Pirates of the Caribbean soundtrack.
Video #2: A runner enters 1st Avenue after crossing the Queensboro bridge, where the crowds go wild.
Video #3: It's about logistics.
MTA Bridges & Tunnels' Verrazano-Narrows Bridge has been the starting point of the New York City Marathon since 1976. Take a look behind the scenes at how the bridge is readied for the race.
Video #4: A runner and father pursues his dreams.
Video #5: A look at the world's largest marathon from a runner's and a spectator's perspective, New York City and beyond.
Tuesday, November 1, 2011
Monday, October 31, 2011
New York City Marathon - 5 Day Countdown! - "A Race Like No Other" review
Continuing with the motivational trend (it's all about getting psyched before Marathon day, right?), I am currently reading the book A Race Like No Other by sportswriter Liz Robbins.
I looooooove it. It's a must-read for anyone running the New York City Marathon.
The author takes you through the 2007 New York City Marathon and captures the spirit of the race mile by mile. The book has 26.2 chapters, each one dedicated to a mile. She examines the five boroughs in depth and tells you about the synagogues, the churches, the bathhouses, and the landmarks along the course.
Did you know that at mile 11 we will run by the Metropolitan Pool in Williamsburg, Brooklyn? It's a famous bathhouse (the precursor of the modern swimming pool) designed by famous architect Henry Bacon in 1922. He also designed the Lincoln Memorial in Washington D.C.
Did you know that at mile 12 we will run through Manhattan Ave, also known as Little Poland? We'll pass the top-rated restaurant Lomzynianka, famous for its authentic Polish borscht and blintzes.
What? Never heard of Polish Blintzes? Let me get you a visual.
Yummy!
The author also tells us the stories of a handful of runners (both elite and non-elite), the volunteers, the fans and the musicians like Stanley Rygor who has been playing the accordion for the runners for the past 26 years.
She does an amazing job at transporting the reader to the marathon. It's truly inspiring. I feel it's going to be easier (not necessarily easy) now that I know what to look for at each mile of the course. I can't wait to run in the concrete jungle and meet some of the characters described in the book.
I looooooove it. It's a must-read for anyone running the New York City Marathon.
The author takes you through the 2007 New York City Marathon and captures the spirit of the race mile by mile. The book has 26.2 chapters, each one dedicated to a mile. She examines the five boroughs in depth and tells you about the synagogues, the churches, the bathhouses, and the landmarks along the course.
Did you know that at mile 11 we will run by the Metropolitan Pool in Williamsburg, Brooklyn? It's a famous bathhouse (the precursor of the modern swimming pool) designed by famous architect Henry Bacon in 1922. He also designed the Lincoln Memorial in Washington D.C.
Did you know that at mile 12 we will run through Manhattan Ave, also known as Little Poland? We'll pass the top-rated restaurant Lomzynianka, famous for its authentic Polish borscht and blintzes.
What? Never heard of Polish Blintzes? Let me get you a visual.
Yummy!
The author also tells us the stories of a handful of runners (both elite and non-elite), the volunteers, the fans and the musicians like Stanley Rygor who has been playing the accordion for the runners for the past 26 years.
She does an amazing job at transporting the reader to the marathon. It's truly inspiring. I feel it's going to be easier (not necessarily easy) now that I know what to look for at each mile of the course. I can't wait to run in the concrete jungle and meet some of the characters described in the book.
Thursday, October 27, 2011
New York City Marathon - 9 Day Countdown!
This is one of my favorite New York Marathon videos. It has inspired and motivated me over the last few months.
Like this runner, I would also love to bring my kids to the race. However, I feel they are too little (3 and 6 years old) and the crowds are too large (over 2 million spectators). I don't know. I am still thinking about it.
Another source of inspiration is the documentary film "Running the Sahara".
I recommend it to all my friends, runners and non-runners. It's the incredible journey of three runners who crossed the Sahara dessert in 111 days. That's 7500 km or 4660 miles, from the coast of Senegal to the Red Sea. Amazing! If they can do this, I can run 26.2 miles, right?
Like this runner, I would also love to bring my kids to the race. However, I feel they are too little (3 and 6 years old) and the crowds are too large (over 2 million spectators). I don't know. I am still thinking about it.
Another source of inspiration is the documentary film "Running the Sahara".
I recommend it to all my friends, runners and non-runners. It's the incredible journey of three runners who crossed the Sahara dessert in 111 days. That's 7500 km or 4660 miles, from the coast of Senegal to the Red Sea. Amazing! If they can do this, I can run 26.2 miles, right?
NYC Marathon Training: Week 16 ( Oct 17th - Oct 23th)
What is in my mind? New York Marathon. New York Marathon. New York Marathon. I think this picture best describes me.
This week, I purchased the airplane tickets for my mom to come to New York. I am so excited. I am happy like this little guy :-)
Also, the New York Roadrunners are sending us great daily motivational tips, including this:
“In just a few weeks, you’ll have the experience of a lifetime on the streets of NYC. Your final weeks of training should fill you with excited anticipation. We’re thrilled to be preparing to welcome you and your loved ones. You’re all IN the ING New York City Marathon 2011. Today’s tip is simple: Feel that inclusiveness, starting now and all the way through the finish line and beyond. You’ll hear from us every weekday from now through Thursday, November 3, with advice on training, nutrition, and hydration; links to special offers; race-day tips and info to pass along to your support crew; and more—all designed to keep you connected, informed, and inspired”
I am already breathing New York. I simply can't wait. And yahooooo for tapering. This means, more Bikram Yoga classes for me.
Weekly Summary
This week, I purchased the airplane tickets for my mom to come to New York. I am so excited. I am happy like this little guy :-)
Also, the New York Roadrunners are sending us great daily motivational tips, including this:
“In just a few weeks, you’ll have the experience of a lifetime on the streets of NYC. Your final weeks of training should fill you with excited anticipation. We’re thrilled to be preparing to welcome you and your loved ones. You’re all IN the ING New York City Marathon 2011. Today’s tip is simple: Feel that inclusiveness, starting now and all the way through the finish line and beyond. You’ll hear from us every weekday from now through Thursday, November 3, with advice on training, nutrition, and hydration; links to special offers; race-day tips and info to pass along to your support crew; and more—all designed to keep you connected, informed, and inspired”
I am already breathing New York. I simply can't wait. And yahooooo for tapering. This means, more Bikram Yoga classes for me.
Weekly Summary
| Mon: | REST |
| Tue: | 5-mile run and 90-min Bikram Yoga at 6:30am |
| Wed: | 5-mile run |
| Thu: | 90-min Bikram Yoga at 6:30pm |
| Fri: | 90-min Bikram Yoga at 6:30pm |
| Sat: | REST (CA Open Taekwondo Championships) |
| Sun: | 8 mile run ( it was supposed to be 12) |
| Total: | 18 miles + three 90-min BY classes |
NYC Marathon Training: Week 15 (Oct 10th - Oct 16th)
On week 15, I ran my longest distance to date, 20 miles. We woke up at 5:00am and drove to Solana Beach. We took the train to Oceanside and headed south, all the way to Del Mar and then back to Solana. It was beautiful. It was cold. It was hard.
My phone ran out of battery at mile 9. No problem. I continued without music. At least my Garmin was operational. Then, I ran out of water at mile 12. I stopped by a pharmacy store and purchased water, Powerade and a power bar. It helped. The last 5 miles were the worse. My knees started to hurt and I was once again thirsty. The distance between Solana to Del Mar and back seemed an eternity. Still, I managed to finish. I kept telling myself "this is your last chance to run a very long distance before New York. You gotta do it. Don't think. Run"
Mission accomplished. I completed the 20 miles in 4:15 min. It's not fast but I am happy. Now, I am heading to the marathon more confident, knowing that I'll be able to cover the distance. Yes, I still need to run 6.2 miles on top of this. However, with the proper hydration and in the right settings (running in the streets of New York, surrounded by my family, friends and beautiful cheering strangers), I'll be able to do it.
My phone ran out of battery at mile 9. No problem. I continued without music. At least my Garmin was operational. Then, I ran out of water at mile 12. I stopped by a pharmacy store and purchased water, Powerade and a power bar. It helped. The last 5 miles were the worse. My knees started to hurt and I was once again thirsty. The distance between Solana to Del Mar and back seemed an eternity. Still, I managed to finish. I kept telling myself "this is your last chance to run a very long distance before New York. You gotta do it. Don't think. Run"
Mission accomplished. I completed the 20 miles in 4:15 min. It's not fast but I am happy. Now, I am heading to the marathon more confident, knowing that I'll be able to cover the distance. Yes, I still need to run 6.2 miles on top of this. However, with the proper hydration and in the right settings (running in the streets of New York, surrounded by my family, friends and beautiful cheering strangers), I'll be able to do it.
Wednesday, October 26, 2011
New York City Marathon - 10 Day Countdown!
Here are some random race pictures taken throughout the city. New York is getting ready for marathon day.
Time Warner Center at Columbus Circle. Photo Credit: Tokuyuki Komiyama
Beautiful on all levels.
Finishing area construction ( Credit: Tokuyuki Komiyama)
And who is going to be in this picture in 10 days? Mua.
New York City Marathon - Verrazano Bridge
Time Warner Center at Columbus Circle. Photo Credit: Tokuyuki Komiyama
Beautiful on all levels.
Finishing area construction ( Credit: Tokuyuki Komiyama)
And who is going to be in this picture in 10 days? Mua.
New York City Marathon - Verrazano Bridge
Friday, October 14, 2011
Portland's Vegan Mini-mall
I love practicing yoga, running, traveling places and trying vegan food & products wherever I go. No, I am not vegan. I am a pescatarian that has been flirting with "beeganism" (veganism + bee products) for the last months.
My latest discovery is Portland's vegan mini-mall. It's a small but unique strip located in Southeast Stark Street. It consist of a vegan bakery ( Sweetpea Baking Company) , a vegan clothing store (Herbivore), a vegan mini-mart (Food Fight) and a vegan tattoo parlor ( Scapegoat Tattoo).
The first shop on the strip is the Sweetpea Baking Company. It's 100% vegan. They offer soups, sandwiches, bagels and a full range of pastries.
We tried The Ruby's Bird's Nest with unchicken and macaroni salad, as well as the mixed green salad also with unchicken. It was out of this world. For dessert, we ordered their (vegan) cheesecake with blueberries. Delicious!
Next stop, Herbivore clothing. They have nice apparel and accessories, wallets made from recycled plastic bottles, belts made from recycled bike tires. They also carry a great selection of vegan cookbooks, children's books, vegan magazines and home goods.
Next shop, Food Fight. Their staff is very friendly. If I were vegan, I would love to shop in a place like this. Not having to check labels over and over and over, must be nice.
The last shop on the strip is the Scapegoat Tattoo.
It is vegan owned and operated. Honestly, I never heard of vegan tattooing so I did a little bit of research. At this shop, they use vegan ink vs. generic tattoo ink, which usually has glycerin in it which comes from animals. They also use Dr. Bronners soap, razor without lubricating strips and the stencil paper doesn't have any gelatin, which also comes from animals. I learn something new everyday.
My latest discovery is Portland's vegan mini-mall. It's a small but unique strip located in Southeast Stark Street. It consist of a vegan bakery ( Sweetpea Baking Company) , a vegan clothing store (Herbivore), a vegan mini-mart (Food Fight) and a vegan tattoo parlor ( Scapegoat Tattoo).
The first shop on the strip is the Sweetpea Baking Company. It's 100% vegan. They offer soups, sandwiches, bagels and a full range of pastries.
We tried The Ruby's Bird's Nest with unchicken and macaroni salad, as well as the mixed green salad also with unchicken. It was out of this world. For dessert, we ordered their (vegan) cheesecake with blueberries. Delicious!
Next stop, Herbivore clothing. They have nice apparel and accessories, wallets made from recycled plastic bottles, belts made from recycled bike tires. They also carry a great selection of vegan cookbooks, children's books, vegan magazines and home goods.
Next shop, Food Fight. Their staff is very friendly. If I were vegan, I would love to shop in a place like this. Not having to check labels over and over and over, must be nice.
The last shop on the strip is the Scapegoat Tattoo.
It is vegan owned and operated. Honestly, I never heard of vegan tattooing so I did a little bit of research. At this shop, they use vegan ink vs. generic tattoo ink, which usually has glycerin in it which comes from animals. They also use Dr. Bronners soap, razor without lubricating strips and the stencil paper doesn't have any gelatin, which also comes from animals. I learn something new everyday.
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