Too many people I know (and many I don't) have had serious bike accidents recently. You may be the best cyclist in the world, but it's never all about you — someone can swerve in front of you on a bike or in a car; you might hit a pothole or some other debris in the road — regardless, a helmet is a simple, inexpensive way to protect your head in the event of an accident. It could save your life.
Category: Sports
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Safety First
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Karma Chameleon
Ah Karma. I firmly believe that what goes around comes around, so I try to send out good karma. When I worked at a nonprofit, I had friends (one in particular) who shared wine with me and often bought me drinks, and now, when I encounter a friend who is unemployed, or perhaps just because, I'll repay the favor.
Yesterday, I ran into a public interest colleague who I hadn't seen in some time. As we were catching up, she told me that she had been diagnosed with lymphoma and had been quite sick, although she has now been in remission for six months. I told her that I am raising money for the Leukemia Lymphoma Society through Team in Training for the New York City Triathlon and she was thrilled and thanked me profusely. She also talked about potentially doing the tri next year as part of a relay team so that she can do her part to help others.
Want some good karma to come your way? Donate to my efforts. And buy someone a drink.
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And I Tri . . .
I've been a bit behind on my NYC Triathlon training and have been kicking it up into high gear since last week. So if I'm looking a bit ragged these days, please be kind — it just means that I've been pushing myself on the training front. The swimming feels great and the biking is going well, but the running — oof. All I can do is continue to put one foot in front of the other, get sleep, eat well and do my best.
While I'm doing all that, there's something you can do, too — DONATE! I'm once again raising money for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's Team in Training, and you can donate here. Plus, I started a triathlon team at work (yes, we are badasses)! If you want to donate to the Debevoise team, you can do that too. You can also come cheer us on and/or celebrate with us on August 7th.
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Feel Free to Call Me a Wimp, But . . .
as the weather gets colder, I'm realizing that the odds of my running that 15k I mentioned are somewhat slim. I've been staying indoors for my runs since the temperature has been hovering in the 30's — not sure I can hack it. I'm trying to amp up the exercise regardless, but mostly at the gym and not in the cold. Also, there are at least two holiday parties on my agenda the night before . . .
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Has Anyone Seen My Mind?
I think I've lost it. I've gone and signed up for a 15k (approximately 9.3 mile) race. In DECEMBER. I know what you're going to say: "but Laren, that shouldn't be hard for you; you do triathlons!" Well guess what, kids, running is the hardest part of the triathlon for me, and I've never run that far in my life, plus the running in the cold thing is going to be, well, interesting to say the least. Thankfully, a few other crazies have joined me in this challenge, so I'll have company. I'm already about two weeks behind in my training, so no more slacking. Let me know if you want to go for a run!
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Swim, Bike, Run, Nap, Celebrate!
I'm happy to report that I successfully finished another NYC Triathlon in my goal of under 3 1/2 hours at 3:29:41! I was thrilled (but not at all surprised) that I cut down the time on my swim — I actually got into a really good groove — but apparently I was futzing around during my transitions and didn't push quite hard enough on the bike! I'm pretty pleased with the run as well, especially given the heat. All in all, though, it was a great race. Here are my times for comparison.
2010: Swim 20:54 T1 11:39 Bike 1:42:43 T2 6:26 Run 1:08:01
2009:
Swim 24:30 T1 10:17 Bike 1:40:57 T2 4:01 Run 1:07:222008: Swim 24:30 T1 10:55 Bike 1:36:47 T2 4:00 Run 1:08:40
My highlights from the race:
Seeing Tiffany, with whom I crossed the finish line last year, at the swim start; noticing, for the first time, the distance markers along the way on the swim course; seeing my Mom and Stephen along the course; biking through the tollbooth and enjoying the view over the Hudson River Bridge; playing cat & mouse on the bike course with a fellow Team in Training team member, who, at age 24, was mostly trying to catch me; dancing around to "Can't Touch This," which was playing over the loudspeaker during my second transition (this might account for the long transition time); having April run with me for a portion of the run; hearing people shout out your name (or some variation of it) along the way (I highly recommend putting your name on your shirt); hearing/seeing Rachel from Bespoke Chocolates cheer me on as I was rounding one of the final curves towards the finish; and digging deep and sprinting those last few yards to the sound of a cheering crowd.
Least favorite? Having to ride my bike home afterward with a backpack full of tri gear.
Thanks to you all, I raised over $3,800 for the Leukemia Lymphoma Society!!! It is a privilege to be a part of raising money for such a good cause, and I can't thank you enough. I also want to thank everyone for their words of support and congratulations along the way and after the race, and it was a pleasure celebrating with so many of you last night (especially @jasonwomack & @jodiwomack from Ojai).
I also wanted to send an extra special congrats to Meg, who also trained with TNT and completed her first NYC Tri, Noelle, who did a tri out on the West Coast yesterday, and Chris B., who completed his first tri yesterday in California. It was fun to have a little training network going on.
I hope I can count on your support for the tri again next year!
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The Final Countdown
In case you're keeping track, the NYC Triathlon is less than 48 hours away!! First, the #drop10beforetri update — didn't quite make it to 10lbs down, but I dropped 7.8, and feel pretty good about that. Here's hoping not to undo it all in NOLA next week. I plan to lose the rest (and undo whatever damage I do) when I return. And now, the TRIATHLON:
1) If you find yourself available to watch the tri, I'll be on the run course around 9-10 on Sunday (give or take a bit). I'll be wearing a purple Team in Training tank, black tri shorts, a yellow number (TBD) and a Jackrabbit white visor. Good places to watch are along 72nd Street from Henry Hudson Parkway to Central Park West, Cherry Hill before we head to the finish on Dead Road in Central Park, and Dead Road in Central Park near the bandshell off the 72nd Street Transverse. Afterward, I'll be hanging out at the bandshell for a bit, so look for me there. Map and more info here.
2) Assuming you're not up that early, come join me at the 8th St. Winecellar anytime after 5pm to celebrate what I hope to be a successful completion of the tri.
3) Regardless, please consider donating to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society in support of my race – it's a great cause and I'm proud to be part of their Team in Training. Every bit helps. (Thanks for your support if you've already donated).
Hope to see you on Sunday and thank you all for your support along the way — I couldn't do this without you all!
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Same Time Next Week
This morning I biked up along the West Side bike path all the way up past the GWB, into Inwood and beyond. At the same time next week, I will be done with my swim in the Hudson and riding a parallel path up the Henry Hudson Parkway. I won't, however, have the luxury of taking the subway home, but instead will head off to Central Park for a 10k run.
I feel ready, but nervous, which seems appropriate. And at this time next week, I'll hopefully be celebrating my successful triathlon with friends and family!
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Ode to the Central Park Hills
Oh mighty hills of Central Park
How well I know your curves.
The downhills I love so much going counterclockwise by bike
I enjoy somewhat less when I travel clockwise running
and vice versa.
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Weekend Agenda
– Volunteer Friday night at Astor Center Summer Cocktails in Film class
– Early morning BRICK (bike/run) in Central Park
– Greenmarket/shopping for dinner party Sat night
– Make punch/ice cream/dinner prep/nap
– Dinner is served!
– Sunday light workout — run, swim or yoga
– Cocktail column research (Painkiller? Cienfuegos? Dutch Kills? Anfora? WD-50?)
Sounds like a great weekend to me!