March 29, 2008
Good Luck to everyone of the 30,000+ runners in tomorrow’s race. A little rain is no deterrent for a city full of runners anxious for another summer. I figure if we gather enough people together we could raise the ambient temperature of the air around Millennium Park by at least 5 degrees!
My wife is hosting a post-race brunch for us tomorrow. I realized today however, that of the 15-20 people who will be coming - only about 5 of us are running. What’s wrong with this picture???
Cheers!
March 26, 2008
Tonight’s run was especially momentous. It was my wife’s first outdoor running since her ACL surgery back in November. No doubt, it’s been a treacherous journey for her - 4 months of physical therapy, not to mention the surgery itself.
Congratulations, baby! You’re a champion.
March 25, 2008
Apologies for my recent absence. I’ve been studying for the Architect’s Registration Exam and have been quite busy. Got out for a run this evening and it was sooooo relaxing. The north pond is officially thawed-out and it really felt like Spring this evening. The Shamrock Shuffle Expo is this weekend! Try to avoid going on Saturday - it’s a mad house the day before. The best time to go is lunch on Friday. T-shirts run on the small side in my experience with this one so you might want to step-up a size.
Congratulations to my sister-in-law, Samantha, for running the Cary Half-Marathon March 16! She has proven that Rainbow Cone is the perfect pre-race meal.
March 5, 2008
Add this one to your Netflix que… Looks Funny.
March 4, 2008
I remember reading this article last month in Runner’s World Magazine. I love chocolate and was delighted to read that Chocolate (in small quantities and the right kind) is actually GOOD for you?!?!
If you find yourself in a supermarket and forget your transfat and flavanols, remember these are the good ones and keep the serving size to 1.5 oz:
Dove Rich Dark, $1.99 Strong chocolate flavor with a pleasingly creamy consistency
Scharffen Berger, $3.99 Strong, complex taste with hints of licorice
Cadbury Royal Dark, $1.59 Pleasant, nutty notes and a smooth texture
March 3, 2008
Came across this today. It’s the earliest known photograph of the Boston Marathon taken in 1904.
The man at the center of the photograph (in white) is Sammy Mellor. Leading the race at mile 22, he fell out shortly after this photograph was taken.
March 2, 2008
I’m so ready for spring. It’s beautiful outside and I have the Flu. Tomorrow it’s going to be 30 degrees again. March drives me nuts!
March 1, 2008
The only city in the US I love as much as Chicago is New York. Running in Cental Park is one of the greatest experiences for a runner. The scenery is amazing and the trails are really well designed. Runners generally follow either the Upper or Lower Loop which are separated by the Reservoir. If you have the time, running the entire path is only about 6 miles and it will take you through most of the highlights. The Reservoir track can be entered at 90th Street on the Upper East and West Sides and is only 1.6mi. It is the least visually interesting but not a bad choice if you’re limited on time.
The last time I was there in the Fall (just before the NYC Marathon), I bought a detailed map of the Park (2000 Central Park Running Map) and planned my route. It’s the most detailed pocket-map I’ve seen of Central Park. Streetwise also makes a smaller, laminated version (Streetwise Central Park Map) which is perfect for running. It folds down to 1.5″ x 2″. I have a thing for maps (if you haven’t guessed).

If you’re like me and get to Columbus Circle and discover you’ve under dressed, there’s a very nice running store in Time Warner Center. It’s called, The New York Running Company.
February 29, 2008
I usually purchase all of my running goodies at the Pipers Alley Fleet Fleet in Old Town mostly because my sister-in-law works there but also because they’re really a top-notch operation (especially when it comes to shoe fitting). God knows I spend waaaaay too much money there. I did come across a store in Bucktown, though, that might be worth checking out. Although I’ve never been there personally, their new location is apparently bigger than ever. It seems there’s a trend here…
Running Away Multisport is located at 1634 West North Avenue. They’re also one of the sponsors for the Bucktown 5k in October.
February 28, 2008
Photo of last years early race leaders on Sheridan Road in Lakeview at mile 6.5.