My first race

Below is my first race that I ran as part of the New York Road Runners club. I didn't run fast, not at all, but I finished! It's a mini-victory of sorts, because it means that I'm back to physical activity after nearly destroying my knee in a ski accident.

I couldn't have done it without my buddy, SLG aka Kermit, as we started training together by going on weekend runs. Thanks, SLG! You're awesome!

I really felt good that day, and was pretty excited about it. The crowds were huge, and five miles seems pretty long. But there were volunteers to cheer us on and water stations along the way. I even managed to grab the water cup, splash my head with the water, and still keep on running. I think it was all in slow motion too. The hills in Central Park don't seem like a big thing, but after running for a bit, they might as well be Mount Everest. Strangely, I had a lot of energy and managed to take on the hills without any problems. Toward the end of the race, I even managed to finish with a full-on sprint. Woot!

The feeling after finishing the race was an exhilarating feeling. It was only five miles, but it was five miles! I felt great, and if I can bottle that feeling of accomplishment, adrenaline, and pure joy, then I'd be a rich man. SLG and I took pictures of us after the race, and maybe I'll get around to posting them.

Of course, afterwards, we went and got H&H bagels on the UWS. Awesomeness!

Wish me luck for my next race... This thing can be addicting.

Achilles Hope & Possibility 5M

Distance: 5.0 Miles, 8.0 Kilometers
Date/Time: June 28, 2009, 8:30 am
Location: Central Park, NYC
Weather: 71 degrees, 71% humidity.



Bib 4405

Overall Place 1420

Gender Place 786

Age Place 140

Finish Time 51:43

Pace/Mile 10:20

AG Time 51:07

AG Gender Place 823

AG % 41.7 %

A runner's blog

I am running!

A little background. Over a year ago, I had a major knee operation that required getting bolts in my knee. I have been neglecting the rehabilitation of my knee, and recently my doctor has been encouraging me to exercise and eat right due to my heart condition. So, to make a long story short, I started running.

It's only been a few weeks, but baby steps, baby, baby steps. This blog will help me keep track of my progress of my running escapades, and maybe share some other highs (and lows) in the fabulous life of moi.

I also started running with a running buddy and that's been awesome. It encourages both of us to get up early and run, run, run. And today, another buddy joined, and we happened to run into another buddy while running. We had a great fearsome foursome of runners. Starting at Rector Street on the west side, near the bottom of Manhattain, we ran to 23rd street, and then turned around to 13th. And to top it off, we walked to Murray's bagels on 13th and 6th for a well deserved treat. Whole wheat everything bagel, yum!

Last week my friend and I ran from Rector Street in Battery Park to about 46th Street on the west side. To top off that long run, we enjoyed H&H bagels. Nice to have a goal, a bagel goal.

The next running topic: is chocolate milk the best after drink after a long run? So says my friend, but I am skeptical. Let the truth (or chocolate milk) flow. Stay tuned.

To reward myself, I also announce that I'm kind of a big deal. Kinda.