Central Park Run, Thanksgiving

Early in November I told Jess I needed a month off from training, and promised to get back on the bus in December. Stick season passed with afternoon sunsets and gray mornings, and I put very few miles on my running shoes.

Knowing that my hiatus would end soon, I packed running gear for my trip to NYC Thanksgiving weekend. My sister has the good sense to live at the edge of Central Park, and Friday after Thanksgiving I joined legions of repentant over-eaters for a run there.

The general plan was to circle the reservoir a few times, but that was actually more boring than I expected it to be. I headed into the park near the Lennon memorial, did one lap around the reservoir and started a second lap, but peeled off near the Guggenheim and headed south toward the Met, then west into the Ramble -- which is aptly named and an easy place to get disoriented. I found my way back to the West 80s, and headed down Central Park West back home. Along the way I stopped to walk, stretch, look around.

I mapped it afterward – 4.7 miles, a little over an hour. Today being December 1, I’ve got to find a new commitment to getting back into shape. Possible goal: Begin 2010 running 10 miles comfortably (or as comfortable as possible with frozen snot on my face).

Nadine, Beth, Thao, Chad -- great job!

Philadelphia Marathon started at 7:00 a.m. this morning. Have a great race, everyone!

Half-marathon splits (not sure if this net time):

Chad: 1:20
Thao: 1:53
Beth: 2:05
Nadine: 2:23

Final times - congratulations!!

Chad: 2:39
Thao: 3:43
Beth: 3:59:33 PR!!!
Nadine: 4:48 PR!!!

Tomorrow's the day

Here's how it's going to be:

I'm going to pack a gym bag tomorrow -- running tights, long sleeves, reflective wrist bands. At 5 p.m., I'm going to head out the door from work and hit the road. Three miles is enough, it doesn't need to be much. I just have to get going again.

Update:

Ok, maybe tomorrow....