Attitude is everything

In just 13 short days, Melissa and I will complete the MORE Half Marathon in Central Park! For the last few weeks i’ve been nervous, even to the point of trying to rationalize quitting. Now, i’ve never been a quitter and Bo reminded me of this fact last night. So, instead of focusing on the horribly cold, wet, and blustery winter we’ve had in Philadelphia and NYC this year i’m going to start focusing on the positive. In honor of that, i’ve found five things that excite me about this half marathon! 🙂

1) It’s all women! (over 10,000 WOMEN)

2) Melissa and I have decided to run the first loop together for inspiration. After the first loop (6.1 miles) is complete we’re free to run on our own if we desire but it’ll be so nice to have that motivator and smiling face next to me at the start. This is my actually my first half marathon without my Maid of Honor and best friend Amy (see pic at left from Philly half)!
3) I know five awesome ladies who are running this and I look forward to celebrating with them at the finish.
4) It’s only my 3rd race in Central Park which can be quite intimidating or exciting since that means I wont be bored on the route because I get to look at the skyline, statues, blossoms, etc.

5) The energy at this event is supposed to be amazing. The weekend kicks off with the Expo on Friday and continues through the weekend. I have high hopes for some awesome freebies at the Expo!

In addition, I’ve done some research and I think i’m going to make this my goal running plan for the week:

Monday: elliptical, bike, 20 mins stretching and abs

Tuesday: run 4 miles at 9:30 pace and Physique 57

Wednesday: run 4 miles at 10:00 pace

Thursday: elliptical, bike, 20 mins stretching and abs

Friday: 11 or 12 mile long run (My goal is to make it through this run by dreaming about Saturday’s spa day. But, if anyone has suggestions for making it through please leave a comment)

Saturday: volunteering all day outside with Junior League of Philadelphia (painting, gardening, etc) and then SPA day with my girlfriends (Weekend Escape: Take a mini-vacation with a full day of luxury at Rescue. This indulgent package includes a Classic Rescue Facial, Salt or Sugar Buff, Classic Rescue Massage, and a Perfect 10 Manicure and Pedicure.)
Sunday: run 3 miles and Core Fusion DVD

Total mileage: 22 miles
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Monday morning soreness and contests

This morning started off slowly as I could barely crawl out of bed. The past few days of Phyisque 57 (2x) and the 10K Scotland Run in Central Park definitely caught up with me. But, because I knew I wanted to start this week off on the right foot I headed to NYSC first thing for an easy workout. I did 30 minutes on the bike, 30 minutes on the elliptical, and then 10 minutes of stretching and abs. It wasn’t a record workout (HRM said 425) but it met my needs and got me moving. Today is jam packed with work but I wanted to give you all some great giveaways to enter:

Meloncauliflower’s Awesom Barney Butter Giveaway
Expanding’s Pistachio Giveaway!
Yogini’s Fage Giveaway

Good luck!!

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Southern flavors in southern Manhattan

As any gourmet knows, the only format through which a chef / restaurant can really show their skills is a multi-course tasting menu. However, unless you are related to a duke, you most likely can’t afford to frequent Per Se, Gilt (this is where the bears dined the night they decided to be bears together forever – we’ll tell that story at some point) or Le Bernardin. The solution to this problem simply requires some initiative. Last week, in search of an affordable tasting menu, we inquired about the possibility of creating one even though not included on the standard menu. While we were shot down at a few spots, Duane Park in TriBeCa was happy to oblige us (5 courses for only $58.00 per person plus $27.50 for wine pairings). Although the restaurant was not packed when we arrived at eight (we are still getting used to the fact that New York keeps the same hours as Barcelona (dinner doesn’t begin till ten and lasts till one)) it quickly filled with patrons. After some slight confusion with regard to our previously arranged tasting menu, the service was great and the Southern influenced New American selections greatly pleased our palates. I highly recommend the quail appetizer served over black-eyed peas and the Cajun influenced bouillabaisse. While the food did not quite reach the level of Elizabeth’s on 37th Street (our favorite southern New American in the world located in Savannah, GA) the overall experience was wonderful and we look forward to returning to their weekly late-night jazz and burlesque show on Friday night.

Our review: A Bear

P.S. – This place had to be great as the chef and I share the same name.

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