If for no other reason than to re-prove that I can consistently post, I am posting again. What a sad reason but of course all the social media webinars and everything else (inars) tell you that consistency is the key. So if you're reading this two days in a row, WOW!!! this is working
Anyway, from the running perspective, I'm a little proud of myself. After my running streak, I had definitely gotten to the point of not believing in the value of rest or cross training days. So now, it's a big deal if I actually DON'T run. So today (and Sunday too) I didn't run. Sunday, I rode in the stationary bike. I have to say that has to be one of the dullest things you can find to do for 45 minutes. Even with music. Even watching Seinfeld re-runs for the xxxthe time. Boring. But I did it. And today, I actually went to the gym that I belong to but have rarely use. I almost did this strength training class but got there 10 minutes late so the fitness gurus said it wouldn't be a good idea so next time.. Instead, I went on the stairmaster for an hour. I think it's a tie with the bike on which is dulller. But I did it and sweated off 655 calories according to the thing that counts the calories. Clearly I need to mix it up.
After that, I did "that which I am the worst at" - I swam. OK, let's call it what it is; I was in water doing stuff for 10 minutes. Maybe at points it looked like swimming but I'm really not sure. All I know is that I really have to learn to like it as I'm starting to feel triathalon in the bloodstream. And my feeling is that if I can extend the time that I stay busy doing something in the pool that's up and back for longer periods of time, well then, I've got to be on my way. Along the way, I asked the lifeguard for the most embarrassing tip. I said, "so, when you're pulling your head out of the water, are you supposed to be blowing out or sucking in?". SO now that I understand that I'm supposed to blowing out - or blowing bubbles into the water - and then sucking in air when I come up, maybe it will be easier. Or maybe it won't. Stay tuned for Thursdays return to the pool to find out!! Same bat time, same bat channel.
Speaking of swimming, in one of the later season Seinfeld episodes, a pool boy from the health club Jerry belongs to latches on to him and clearly wants to extend the friendship. What is the pool boy's name? Where does he first encounter Jerry outside of the health club? WHat is the end result of this short-lived friendship?
Finally, and beware of the shameless plug, but again the social media gurus have told me I'm supposed to consistently be campaigning....So, we're in the midst of our Teens Run Yonkers Summer training and really trying to set out kids up for success. If you want to consider making a donation - and are actually still reading this, then click here to learn more https://www.causes.com/causes/213858-teens-run-yonkers-try/actions/1670578?utm_campaign=home . Thanks!!
Tuesday, July 31, 2012
Monday, July 30, 2012
OK I'm back...Just one of those days - Summertime - Why Fraternities matter
So I'm having one of those days where it just seems impossible to get in a groove. The day started off wonderfully with me getting two - not just one - but two parking tickets for parking in front of my home. This actually makes the trifecta when you include the one I got while doing the responsible thing and returning a library book. Yes, I put money in the meter for a 15 minute stint at the library, returned my book, realized I needed to take care of a minor personal matter and the guy must have been waiting for my meter to turn red. I couldn't have been in there any longer than 16.4 minutes. But there it was $45 ticket. I won't post how much today's gems were. Suffice to say that since I'm now parking in front of my house instead of my driveway, and that's why I was ticketed - since it's rarely an issue, forgot that there's opposite side Monday - it added a nice little chunk to the overall renovation cost. I keep trying to look at the bright side of these? Some help please? OK, yes, no points...I'm still healthy? Sure. Why not? For my Seinfeld crazed friends of course this brings up two wonderful episodes.....
The Library Cop. Truly a favorite. Easy one here Dave (Krell if you're reading this) - what's the name of the Library Cop? What does Kramer make the analogy to (that's like a guy who sells ice cream with the name ___________?
And of course there's several episodes involving parked (and parking cars) What famous actor/director decides his days of filming in New York due to the aggravation George causes due to his inability to park cars? And who is substituting for? That gentleman notes that parking cars is as easy as what? It has to do with dressing...
Anyway, it's been a fun and pleasantly exhausting summer. We have a great group of teens that are running both in the AM and PM as well as Saturdays. So I've been getting plenty of running by hanging with both groups; so that's seven runs a week there plus my own training. Last week, was able to hit 55 miles. I've come to realize that I have to use the off days as cross train days or I may be unable to walk by the end of this summer. And that would just be no fun.
On an unrelated note, had a wonderful time this past Thursday. While not something that comes up a ton, I spent two fun filled (perhaps too fun filled) years at University of Maryland as a member of Tau Epsilon Phi Fraternity. While I ended up transferring (that's worthy of a blog itself) to Temple University in my hometown (Philly) I always loved that school and that time of my life. Through the joy of facebook I ended up reconnecting with a whole bunch of my old friends/brothers at a steak dinner they had been having for a few years. Since then, have reconnected with several and now are in touch.
While that dinner has been in MD, one of the brothers here in the tri-state thought it would be fun to have one that was a bit more for the locals. What a great idea..While I fit a bit old having to say that I went there in 83 and 84 (think Reagan, Pink Shirts, or just everything from Rock of Ages), it was great to see some folks I had been to school with and a whole host of brothers I had never met. Yet, I realized that despite the fact that we were there, we seemed to have shared lots of similar experiences. Very cool.
What I also realized looking back is how much that time shaped me. No soapbox or over sophistication intended here. Several brothers mentioned the fact that the fraternity had a lot to do with "the men they became" and I'm guessing - intentionally or not - same here. Thinking of my work in the nonprofit world - and not to pat my own back - our fraternity's motto was about chivalry and service to others. While I my comments after today's tickets probably weren't too high on the chivalry scale, I do hope that we do at Teens Run Yonkers is providing a valuable service to the community. I also realize how strongly that sense of service was demonstrated by several members in the house who did important volunteer work.
One of the other things that really stood out was the value in respecting and honoring others differences. It was funny looking back on how many of us came from different backgrounds as well as likes and even dislikes. Yet, somehow we were able to come together around common ideals. With a daughter in her senior year in college and spending lots of time with high school teens due to my work, I fear that this thought process isn't demonstrated. Too often I'm told of prejudices around the simplest differences and the rifts that result. It's sad. We were in school at a time when we didn't worry about that stuff - if you were in the same house as me, that was good enough. We're friends. That simple...Nowadays, not always
Anyway, too often fraternities (and I imagine sororities) get this bad rap for not promoting any good - or at the worst end of the spectrum being a paid friendship network. Hey, I still would have done this if we had facebook and linkedin back then. To tell you how long ago I pledged, the payphone in the hallway was one of the primary means of communication! But seriously, there are lots of good things to be learned by being a member of the greek system. And sometimes you don't even figure that out until 25 years later!
The Library Cop. Truly a favorite. Easy one here Dave (Krell if you're reading this) - what's the name of the Library Cop? What does Kramer make the analogy to (that's like a guy who sells ice cream with the name ___________?
And of course there's several episodes involving parked (and parking cars) What famous actor/director decides his days of filming in New York due to the aggravation George causes due to his inability to park cars? And who is substituting for? That gentleman notes that parking cars is as easy as what? It has to do with dressing...
Anyway, it's been a fun and pleasantly exhausting summer. We have a great group of teens that are running both in the AM and PM as well as Saturdays. So I've been getting plenty of running by hanging with both groups; so that's seven runs a week there plus my own training. Last week, was able to hit 55 miles. I've come to realize that I have to use the off days as cross train days or I may be unable to walk by the end of this summer. And that would just be no fun.
On an unrelated note, had a wonderful time this past Thursday. While not something that comes up a ton, I spent two fun filled (perhaps too fun filled) years at University of Maryland as a member of Tau Epsilon Phi Fraternity. While I ended up transferring (that's worthy of a blog itself) to Temple University in my hometown (Philly) I always loved that school and that time of my life. Through the joy of facebook I ended up reconnecting with a whole bunch of my old friends/brothers at a steak dinner they had been having for a few years. Since then, have reconnected with several and now are in touch.
While that dinner has been in MD, one of the brothers here in the tri-state thought it would be fun to have one that was a bit more for the locals. What a great idea..While I fit a bit old having to say that I went there in 83 and 84 (think Reagan, Pink Shirts, or just everything from Rock of Ages), it was great to see some folks I had been to school with and a whole host of brothers I had never met. Yet, I realized that despite the fact that we were there, we seemed to have shared lots of similar experiences. Very cool.
What I also realized looking back is how much that time shaped me. No soapbox or over sophistication intended here. Several brothers mentioned the fact that the fraternity had a lot to do with "the men they became" and I'm guessing - intentionally or not - same here. Thinking of my work in the nonprofit world - and not to pat my own back - our fraternity's motto was about chivalry and service to others. While I my comments after today's tickets probably weren't too high on the chivalry scale, I do hope that we do at Teens Run Yonkers is providing a valuable service to the community. I also realize how strongly that sense of service was demonstrated by several members in the house who did important volunteer work.
One of the other things that really stood out was the value in respecting and honoring others differences. It was funny looking back on how many of us came from different backgrounds as well as likes and even dislikes. Yet, somehow we were able to come together around common ideals. With a daughter in her senior year in college and spending lots of time with high school teens due to my work, I fear that this thought process isn't demonstrated. Too often I'm told of prejudices around the simplest differences and the rifts that result. It's sad. We were in school at a time when we didn't worry about that stuff - if you were in the same house as me, that was good enough. We're friends. That simple...Nowadays, not always
Anyway, too often fraternities (and I imagine sororities) get this bad rap for not promoting any good - or at the worst end of the spectrum being a paid friendship network. Hey, I still would have done this if we had facebook and linkedin back then. To tell you how long ago I pledged, the payphone in the hallway was one of the primary means of communication! But seriously, there are lots of good things to be learned by being a member of the greek system. And sometimes you don't even figure that out until 25 years later!
Tuesday, July 10, 2012
Catching up - MY 220 Day Running Streak - Hawaii - NHL Free Agency - Seinfeld and the Mets
Well, it's been a long while since I posted. Why? Not really sure - just feeling perhaps too relaxed and not terribly prolific. But lots going on.
First off, yesterday, I reached my milestone 220th -is that the way you say it - 220th? - day of running. Or simply put, I ran every day for the past 220 days. Today actually made 221. Definitely something I am proud of. If you remember way back to older blogs, my original goal had been to run for 110 days straight which had been a 10% improvement over the previous year's record for me. So, I had hit that mark 111 days ago and sort of just kept going. Somewhere in there, I re-set the goal to double it to 220 days straight. And honestly, toward the end it got extra fun and challenging....
We (my family and I) were on vacation in Phoenix/Hawaii from June 19th through June 30th. We stopped over in Phoenix just to break up our trip there. So, we ended up landing mid-day and as you may know, it's broiling there in June -probably 110+ degrees and running in that heat at that time just wasn't quite ready to happen and I figured I'd hit the gym - yes the tmill - later in the day. So we went to dinner with family and got back around 9:00. Guess what? Gym closed. It's still hot and now it's dark and my wife is of course calling me crazy for trying to do this. I came up with a relatively creative solution and ran around the garden - which was lit up and there was a formal party being held- around 20 times (or as I clocked it around 2 miles). I was definitely getting some interesting looks from some of the well dressed folks. No one offered me a martini to cool down.
Running in Hawaii was both incredibly challenging but beautiful. It was challenging because we rented a beautiful home that was set on the side of a cliff. The house was part of a community that was elevated (a.k.a. many hills) above Honolulu. So going out was super tough because there were these huge cross winds smacking me in the face for the first two miles or so just to get out of the community. But at least it was downhill. Getting back was easier as there was no wind but it was going back up these same hills. I did three or four different routes but probably my favorite but toughest was one that took me up and down the most incredibly but hilly road that paralleled the beaches - seeing that at the sunrise was definitely one of my best memories. All the runs were great and I was typically doing 5 to 8 miles per day.
On the way back we stopped in Phoenix and had my chance to experience real running in the heat. I got up around 6:00 AM and saw a bunch of women running outside so decided to go out as well. I realized quickly that I was running with Alpha Phi Sorority 5K - if I had taken a right after my first 3 miles I could have gotten a nice t-shirt; but I decided to keep going. Anyway, definitely a good warm-up for the summer experience to be running in 90+ degree weather early AM.
So what next in terms of this streak? Well, I may have to stop here. Since I've been back I've developed some sort of light but annoying flu or something like it. I've been coughing been a bit achy, etc. That sort of thing. I've been running through it but keeping it a bit shorter and lighter. At the same time, I have no doubt that some reasonable rest and relaxation would go a long way towards helping me. I definitely need to be as healthy as possible as we just kicked off Teens Run Yonkers Summer Programs yesterday and I want to be around for all of that. So, we'll see. I had originally intended today to be the first break day but I couldn't sleep past 5:45 and well, just did it (as Nike says) for 4+ miles. Stay tuned
In other news - excited as I just finished collecting petition signatures to be the District Leader for Yonkers City Council District 3. This involvement is new for me and looking forward to seeing if I could make some sort of meaningful contribution in this process. I feel like lots of folks complain about the state of politics and how things are run. But better to see what it's like and see if you can be part of good change as opposed to just moaning and groaning.
Finally, I've had sports on the mind a good bit. First off, and doubt this is of major interest to many but I've been very addicted to following the off season free agency trades for the NHL. I guess this marks a new level of fandom for hockey. I typically take a break from thinking hockey for the summer but now that I've got "The Hockey News" app on my phone, in my free moments, I find myself feverishly checking where such and such player is going. I'm still floored by how the Minnesota Wild can offer two players (Parise and Suter) nearly 200 million over 13 years (?) and still be in business. I have to understand this cap thing better. And don't the rest of these players feel really bad about themselves? If I'm the guy getting $800,000 a season (which I'd take in a heartbeat) how does it feel that someone else is getting like 10x what you are.
Anyway, it all reminds me of the Seinfeld piece where he talks about how fickle we are as fans. It is amazing how one minute we're in love with a player, he ends up getting traded (he's essentially wearing a new shirt) and we hate his guts? It's pretty crazy. I don't remember the rest of this but it really does but me out that the Rangers lost Ruslan Fedotenko and Brandon Prust as I think it'll come but to haunt them. But I digress
If you're still reading this, stop and go enjoy the day, your family or get back to work -
First off, yesterday, I reached my milestone 220th -is that the way you say it - 220th? - day of running. Or simply put, I ran every day for the past 220 days. Today actually made 221. Definitely something I am proud of. If you remember way back to older blogs, my original goal had been to run for 110 days straight which had been a 10% improvement over the previous year's record for me. So, I had hit that mark 111 days ago and sort of just kept going. Somewhere in there, I re-set the goal to double it to 220 days straight. And honestly, toward the end it got extra fun and challenging....
We (my family and I) were on vacation in Phoenix/Hawaii from June 19th through June 30th. We stopped over in Phoenix just to break up our trip there. So, we ended up landing mid-day and as you may know, it's broiling there in June -probably 110+ degrees and running in that heat at that time just wasn't quite ready to happen and I figured I'd hit the gym - yes the tmill - later in the day. So we went to dinner with family and got back around 9:00. Guess what? Gym closed. It's still hot and now it's dark and my wife is of course calling me crazy for trying to do this. I came up with a relatively creative solution and ran around the garden - which was lit up and there was a formal party being held- around 20 times (or as I clocked it around 2 miles). I was definitely getting some interesting looks from some of the well dressed folks. No one offered me a martini to cool down.
Running in Hawaii was both incredibly challenging but beautiful. It was challenging because we rented a beautiful home that was set on the side of a cliff. The house was part of a community that was elevated (a.k.a. many hills) above Honolulu. So going out was super tough because there were these huge cross winds smacking me in the face for the first two miles or so just to get out of the community. But at least it was downhill. Getting back was easier as there was no wind but it was going back up these same hills. I did three or four different routes but probably my favorite but toughest was one that took me up and down the most incredibly but hilly road that paralleled the beaches - seeing that at the sunrise was definitely one of my best memories. All the runs were great and I was typically doing 5 to 8 miles per day.
On the way back we stopped in Phoenix and had my chance to experience real running in the heat. I got up around 6:00 AM and saw a bunch of women running outside so decided to go out as well. I realized quickly that I was running with Alpha Phi Sorority 5K - if I had taken a right after my first 3 miles I could have gotten a nice t-shirt; but I decided to keep going. Anyway, definitely a good warm-up for the summer experience to be running in 90+ degree weather early AM.
So what next in terms of this streak? Well, I may have to stop here. Since I've been back I've developed some sort of light but annoying flu or something like it. I've been coughing been a bit achy, etc. That sort of thing. I've been running through it but keeping it a bit shorter and lighter. At the same time, I have no doubt that some reasonable rest and relaxation would go a long way towards helping me. I definitely need to be as healthy as possible as we just kicked off Teens Run Yonkers Summer Programs yesterday and I want to be around for all of that. So, we'll see. I had originally intended today to be the first break day but I couldn't sleep past 5:45 and well, just did it (as Nike says) for 4+ miles. Stay tuned
In other news - excited as I just finished collecting petition signatures to be the District Leader for Yonkers City Council District 3. This involvement is new for me and looking forward to seeing if I could make some sort of meaningful contribution in this process. I feel like lots of folks complain about the state of politics and how things are run. But better to see what it's like and see if you can be part of good change as opposed to just moaning and groaning.
Finally, I've had sports on the mind a good bit. First off, and doubt this is of major interest to many but I've been very addicted to following the off season free agency trades for the NHL. I guess this marks a new level of fandom for hockey. I typically take a break from thinking hockey for the summer but now that I've got "The Hockey News" app on my phone, in my free moments, I find myself feverishly checking where such and such player is going. I'm still floored by how the Minnesota Wild can offer two players (Parise and Suter) nearly 200 million over 13 years (?) and still be in business. I have to understand this cap thing better. And don't the rest of these players feel really bad about themselves? If I'm the guy getting $800,000 a season (which I'd take in a heartbeat) how does it feel that someone else is getting like 10x what you are.
Anyway, it all reminds me of the Seinfeld piece where he talks about how fickle we are as fans. It is amazing how one minute we're in love with a player, he ends up getting traded (he's essentially wearing a new shirt) and we hate his guts? It's pretty crazy. I don't remember the rest of this but it really does but me out that the Rangers lost Ruslan Fedotenko and Brandon Prust as I think it'll come but to haunt them. But I digress
If you're still reading this, stop and go enjoy the day, your family or get back to work -
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