The Mermaid Parade 2012

 

Saturday was already fun filled enough with the Pride Run, but we decided to add even more by going to the Mermaid Parade in Coney Island.

I had always wanted to go, but never got around to it until this year (which also happened to fall the same weekend as Pride. Not cool, but oh well). So, after a shower and a sparkle skirt change (inspired by Ariel; green with a purple top) we stopped at Shake Shack on the way to the other end of the world, Coney Island (well, it is when you're coming from the UWS!).

Once we got there, it was packed. The few times I have been to Coney Island, there had never been this many people, ever. It felt like the entire city was jammed into the 4 block radius that is the "island" (which it's not btw).

We hung out for a while, then decided it would be fun to go to the Boardwalk (It was B's 1st time). Trying to cross the street provided to be an extremely frustrating process along with the hundreds of other people who wanted to also. For a city that puts on parade every other weekend, it still baffles me that they can't get their crowd control shit together. Pushing, Shoving, Insane mob-mentality with a bunch of native Brooklynites was enough for us to say "We were here" and bolt back to civilization.

A few days to contemplate and my suggestion is yes, if you get a chance, you should go. But if you don't want to be miserable the entire time here are some tips:

- The parade might start at 2:30, but it lasts for.ev.er, so the later you get there, the better. You won't miss anything, I promise. The 1st part is just the gazillion people walking it (as long as you're dressed up, you can walk in the parade, too!) and with the crowds 10 people deep, you won't be able to see anything anyway.And it's soooo crowded. At least when the parade is over (or close to) the crowd spaces itself out throughout the area.

- Eat before you go. It already took you at least an hour to get there, now it's going to take you another to cross the street to get to Nathan's, and then god knows how long to order. Trust me. Get the signature hotdog as a snack.

- Sunscreen. Sunscreen. Sunscreen. I reapplied every hour.

- Bring an umbrella. Did I mention it's sunny with no shade?! It really helps with keeping the sun off of you. I saw a lot of people with this smart idea, too. We brought one, but it was a huge golf sized umbrella (in case it rained) so I didn't want to bust that out with the crowd but when we did sit, I totally rocked it and it was amazing.

- Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate! Especially if you'll be drinking. I brought my Sigg bottle (when don't I have some sort of bottle with me though?) but we still bought Gatorade.

- Take lots of pictures! It's a riot, but nothing you wouldn't see at Mardi Gras.

Going, Going, Gone! Taken in order throughout our visit.
We were so ready to be back to civilization.

When Customer Service sparkles!

Companies of the world take note:

(because goodness knows enough of you have pissed me off in the past)

This weekend, as I went to wear my green Sparkle skirt, I noticed it was losing an unusual amount of sparkles. I noticed it the first time I wore it, too, but I thought it was normal. Then I got more sparkle skirts (yes, I own more than one) and that didn't happened with them. I had only worn it once for my Bday race and hand washed it like I was supposed to. So, I emailed Sparkle skirts to see if this was normal or if I could do anything about it; no big deal. I still wore it and left sparkles all over Manhattan and Coney Island (more on that later. . . )

I had a response from Team Sparkle in less than 12 hours (on a Saturday!), AND a new skirt in the mail that day. 

 Look what got here today!!

Now that's customer service. And we all know the kind of luck I have with companies and their lack of customer service. So, of course I'm going to give a HUGE shout out to a good one.  If you haven't checked them out, you totally should. They rock :-)

Are they paying me for this? Nope. I'm paying them because they have an amazing product!

What do you think about a Purple one next?

NYRR Pride Run 5M 2012

I had been looking forward to running this race since last year. Granted, I was in Seattle setting my PR, but it still would've been nice. Last year's race had a bit more of a celebration- it happened the day after New York State made it legal for everyone to get married- but this year it was still really fun. Being that pride is very near and dear to my heart, how could it not be? ;-)

I liked that the race started at 102. That meant I didn't have to take a train. I walked to the start and didn't check a bag for the 1st time. I miscalculated how long it would take me and I was there super early, but it was ok. I stretched a lot. My right quad had been giving me trouble (who knew you should be stretching even when you're not running a ton otherwise you freak your muscle out when you start running again? My better half, that's who! And I don't think I'll ever live it down
:-) 

I have never seen so many Front Runners at a race before. It was pretty awesome. I didn't realize how big they were either. One day I'm going to get off my ass and join. How they run in Navy jerseys in the summer, I don't know. I was wearing a Navy shirt, too, and that was a bad bad plan.

It was hot. Granted, the rain on Friday had cooled it off a bit, it was still hot. I remembered very quickly to take 2 waters- 1 for drinking and 1 to pour on my head- at all water stops. I was drenched by the end of the 5 miles, but that's ok. There was a rainbow colored Popsicle waiting for me at the end and it was the best idea ever.

 Best. Idea. Ever.

And who's idea was it to put Harlem Hill during the 1st mile? That was painful. But I got through it. My Gymboss, however, did not.

RIP Gymboss.

To be honest, that little guy was a trooper. The clip has long broken off (due to too many runs in the rain) and I have been putting it in the shoulder of my bra. I guess it was too many sweaty runs. He still works, but the screen is dead. This little baby has gotten me through my entire running career. Never once had to change the batteries either.  I feel like I should bronze it like I want to with Inga (my 1st pair of running shoes).

A few of the tour cast of Avenue Q was at the finish line, too!

I wish I could've gone to the after-party at Boxers, but alas, my Saturday was fun filled with my other half who took the day off so we could go to the Mermaid Parade! Hope everyone had a good time and I can't wait for next year!

I might be channeling the 80s

or I might've just forgot a headband to go to the gym (I also forgot socks but randomly had an extra pair at work. Weird? Prepared? Random? You decide).

I had no idea they still made these things in seriousness until my director got extras for her zog sports swag. She knows I run so she offered. I laughed until I realized 1. It's summer and anything that could help beat the heat is worth it and 2. as cliche as they are, they might just be genius.

Fast forward to tonight. I always have to either have a headband or hat to keep the sweat off my forehead (which freaks me out for some reason) and from running into my ears and making my earbuds fall out. So I decided it would be a good plan to bring the sweatband with me.

Honestly, I couldn't bring myself to wear it and it was a little gross. I think it would be awesome for outdoor running, though. If you kept it wet it would cool you off, kind of instead of pouring water on your wrists?

Have you ever worn a sweatband for another reason other than going to an 80s party? Would u make fun of me if I ran passed you with one on?

PS- that snickers bar is making a fabulous dinner bc I'm lazy.

Bad run to start the weekend.

This morning's run was not fun. I was not feeling it even though mentally I really needed it. Physically, I was not there. My evil grandma knees have come back to haunt me with a vengeance. I only had about .7 of good solid running and the other 5.3 sucked. But I'm ok with it. All runs can't be awesome, especially when I haven't been training. And to be honest, that .7 make it all worth it (luckily). Instead of dwelling on it, I leave you with my week in Instagrams:

(one more shameless plug: Have you voted for my design yet? It's the last day!)

 Northeast hidden corner of Central Park.

 A visit to the lions.

 Bryant Park Headquarters.

Awesome type. So awesome, I'd even consider seeing a documentary about rap.

10 points to whoever wants to play Where in NYC is this ;)

CP and that non-runner race.

New York City,  never gets old and you never know what you're going to get.

via my twitter. It was much worse in person, I promise.

Tonight's run included a massive amount of non-runners trying to be runners who run each other over with no running etiquette at all and just mess up the flow of Central Park (yes, I know, I ran it last year and even designed my old company's tshirt, but I bitched about it then too!) Generally I know what races in CP and try my best to avoid going if I'm not registered, but for some reason, I didn't remember this one; even if a few friends posted stuff to facebook. Oh well.

While I was waiting for them to pass because I didn't want to get run over (I had to run with them to get to where I was going and that was way too much race anxiety for me and I wasn't even in it!), I had a chit chat with the people putting on the Twelfth Night (free! and in multiple parks all summer!). I was accidentally in their "backstage area". I also saw a ton of volunteers throwing water on runners without their consent, in which a ton of runners started screaming explicits. Shit show, I tell you, complete shit show.

Literally cut off the flow of CP. NYRR races don't even do that.

So, seeing as the main 4 mile loop was going to be clogged for the majority of the evening, the only place that everyone could go was to the Hill:

Well, hello there, Harlem!!

I ran up and down it both ways. Not really what I wanted for my easy 3 miles run, but at least it beat trying to fight with the Corporate Challenge peeps. It was actually a nice run besides all the other stuff. It was hot but there was a nice breeze. I was very excited not to be stuck on a treadmill.

Super plus: Water fountains are on!

Welcome to summer in NYC. I'm thinking about training without a water belt. We shall see.

Would you rather a crowded road or a treadmill?

Tink and it's a small world. #disney

Yesterday, The Tinkerbell Half Marathon registration opened, and this contest. In case you missed it yours truly has a design in it and would greatly appreciate your vote (and/ or a comment if you'd like to tell me what you think!). Just click on the link, then "5" then register like it asks you to. Thank you to all who have already and to those about to!

Anyone registered for Tink yet? I'm really disliking that they changed the date. Doesn't runDisney understand runners sometimes have to have jobs in order to pay for these things? And sometimes it's frowned upon to take so much time off so close together, especially right after a really big holiday? Yes, I get that there are only certain times a year that the weather is optimal to run in FL and CA, but back to back weekends right after the new year? Damn you for making your events so addicting!

I'm still not sure what the plans are, but I don't really see it selling out soon, so I'm not stressing out about it. I feel more people are going to opt for the special WDW marathon weekend if they had to choose. Which one would you chose?

Super excited to run in CP tomorrow after work, but now I must rest! I'm just now trying to get used to how tired I'm going to be for the next few months.

In need of a favor, please :-)

Hey you! Wanna do me a favor?

Please go here and vote for this design:

Then, if you're super rad, spread the word. If it wins, I promise to do a giveaway :) and also decorate my cube like It's a small world (how much fun would that be?!)

Threadless is a pretty awesome site for you to check out if you're a fan of well designed graphic tees. 

In case you were wondering about why/how I came up with what I did-

The Inspiration:

Mary Blair

 It's a small world- Hong Kong Disneyland

 Early concepts:

 The original.

Almost was the final.

An alternative.

Final design:

Thanks again for rocking and taking the time out to vote. I super appreciate it!!

Do you have a favorite tee? Why is it your fav?

NYRR Mini 10K 2012

If you didn't know already, this race originated because the common thought 40 years ago was women could not run long distances. Women weren't even allowed to register for races and the first women who ran the Boston Marathon was almost literally pulled off the course by a race official (What?!). They didn't think women's bodies could handle it and that their uterus would fall out. Seriously. Why, that's so funny to me, I don't know, but it still kills me every time I think someone could believe something like that. It's was clearly a serious belief, but come the F on, Man. Really?! My, how much has changed.

Anywho, I think it's super cute and appropriate that the original sponsor was Leggs. It was originally called Leggs' Mini Marathon. Clearly that isn't the case anymore and I don't even know if Leggs is still in business, so they dropped all that and now it's The Mini 10k. And this year happens to be the 40th anniversary.

So, as I went to write this little recap, I popped over to see what I had said about it from last year. Low and behold, it's pretty much the same thing. I'm sensing a pattern with my NYRR races. Bare with me.

I can say with total positivity, that if this race did not involve a medal, I probably would've skipped. I was on a deadline and I needed to design my ass off. BUT I also needed to run out some stuff going on in my head, so I woke up and went. (I don't know why I continue to kid myself. If it's a race, I'm waking up for it, duh.)

As I was waking up, I realized I should have woken up an hr earlier. I really should give myself more time to wake up and get adjusted, but I'm really not a morning person, at all. It doesn't help that it's about to be summer time training, which means waking up extra early to beat the heat. So, whatev. Off I went.

As I was walking to drop off my bag, I noticed NYRR put the port-o-potties in a manner that a line would cut off traffic through CP. Not a great plan. When I had come back to go to the corrals, the amount of people waiting in line was so thick, you could barely walk through it. Cyclists were super pissed (and rightfully so, what were they thinking?). Opps.

The race started and I was concentrating on finding my groove, super annoyed that it didn't just happen (like that ever happens) but I was in a bad mood from 2 days before hand, so I wasn't surprised. To be honest, I usually feel better after a run no matter what the distance. The race did nothing to elevate my mood, so you know it was serious. (sidenote: all is well.)

After mile 2, I ran into a former TNTer that I used to run with. At first I thought it was going to be a hi! See you later situation, but we ended up running together the rest of the race and it provided to be a fabulous distraction. I was not mentally ready for a 6 miler and I really missed having a running partner at that moment. She will also be training for the full with TNT this season, so we might do long runs together.

I saw lots of running friends on and along the course. It's funny to think over a year ago I had no idea the running world could be so small. I did miss not running/ a race. It was fun to see everyone.

Once the race was over, I went straight home to finish working. Boo.

This was also the race that began the signature pirate eye, so I had to recreate that also.

How do you feel about all women's race?

NRD 2012

In case you live under a rock and only come out to read my blog, Today is National Running Day! Lots of people celebrated by running. I forgot my gym clothes, which means I actually have time to be writing this blog. How exciting!

Instead I:

Created a NYCM training plan! (sort of)

Cool calendar here.

 

I also realized I have a few more weeks to slack off if I want to, but probably shouldn't, but probably will. Now that I have it all written down, including races I want to run/ already registered for, I need to figure out how they will work together.

I also swung by Paragon Sports b/c they're having a "running" sale. . of "up to" 30% off certain running things. Super cool of them, but if you're looking for something in particular whatever it is, they probably don't have (coughPureFlowssz10.5cough)/ your size or it isn't on sale. I bought a new Enell sportabra anyway and I'm hoping this one works out. I hear they're the mother of all sportsbras for large chested women.

 Bib pick-up for this weekend!

 I also decided to sign up for RnR's NYC: 10k again. What? I got $10 off and I'm curious as too how much improvement can happen in a year.

What did you do to celebrate?

Life: Insta'd

Didn't go running this morning because I thought it was going to be raining (I know it's not an excuse, but wanting to sleep in with the love of my life is ;). Looks like it didn't but will tomorrow. Of course. I think I'm going to try and change my long run to Sundays for this training season. We'll see how that works out.

My life according to Instagram:
(which you've seen a version of already if you follow me on twitter)

 23rd St. Art

 NYC from a rooftop bar.

 Photobooking my life. 

My checkbook thanks FruitFly for reintroducing this to me.

 Even those I thought I forgot about.

I started this book 7 years ago and never finished it. When I went to go make the one for EEC, it was still there. So I finished it and got it. All I can say is WoW! 7 years does a lot! 

 Brave and Subway have partnered for some awesome reusable lunch bags. 

Saw the commercial this morning and then went on a hunt for them this afternoon.

Had to go to 3 subways before I found one with them (that's how I roll). 

Seriously, who does your marketing?! 

Amazing burgers with an amazing fountain drink station! 

What does your camera roll say about your life?