Love A Yi

Running in Brooklyn

by Love A Yi on May 17, 2012

For three years I called Brooklyn home. Brooklyn Heights, specifically. This neighborhood is known for its picturesque streets and home to great restaurants and bars (if you ever need recommendations, hit me up!). It was hard to leave, and I definitely see myself finding my way back sooner rather than later.

While living there, I’d often run from my apartment and venture through the streets of Boerum Hill and Park Slope before reaching Prospect Park. It was my stomping ground.

On Saturday morning, bright and early, I’ll be heading back for a run. NYRR 5 borough Half-Marathon series is leading me and some 17,000 other runners to take on the streets of Brooklyn. The race commences outside of Prospect Park, entering the park on the southwest corner for a loop before heading down Ocean Parkway to the finish line on Coney Island’s boardwalk.

I am definitely excited for this race.

Plus, it looks like I’ll be heading to Brooklyn more frequently this summer as I am registered for the Al Goldstein Summer Speed Series presented by Jack Rabbit (thanks for the heads up, Leticia). This series of 5K races are every other Wednesday starting May 23, June 6, June 20, July 11, July 25, August 8, August 22 (skipping Wednesday July 4^th). At only $25, this is a bargain!

So Brooklyn, I’ll be seeing more of you!

{ 0 comments }

Hartford, Here I Come

by Love A Yi on May 15, 2012

Hartford Marathon.

Initially, I had no desire to run Hartford this fall. After an amazing experience running NYC in 2011, I really wanted to participate again. But, I didn’t qualify or win the lottery, nor did I participate in NYRR 9+1 program for guaranteed entry. Last year I ran for charity, which was a fabulous experience, but I decided not to commit to fundraising this year.

Once NYC was off the books, I decided on Hartford. And, now I am actually really excited to be participating. Here’s why:

Cost: The race is so affordable at just $95 for entry.

Home: I went to junior high and high school in Connecticut, about an hour from Hartford. My parents still live in that area, which means I can sleep at their house and drive up early the morning of the race. Though I am not too familiar with Hartford, it will be nice to run in my ‘home state.’

Course: NYC was my first and only marathon. It’s a tough course with the numerous bridges and a gradual incline down Fifth Avenue at the end of the race. If it wasn’t for the amazing spectators I really don’t think I would have achieved my time of 3:54:56. I walked away feeling proud of my accomplishment and for achieving my goal of a sub-4 hour marathon. Hartford is not as challenging a course as NYC. It’s flatter, which means faster. I’m excited to see what I am capable of under different conditions.

PMP: After registering, I soon discovered that a large contingent of friends from high school will be running in the marathon and half marathon. They are running in support of PMP Research Foundation. Pseudomyxoma Peritonei (PMP) is a condition characterized by mucin and mucin-producing tumors in the abdominal cavity. The most common origin of PMP is appendix cancer. PMP is extremely rare and is a condition a high school friend knows all too well. I plan to run Hartford in support of him and anyone else who has been affected.

In a few short weeks, I’ll start training for my fall race. And, I am actually really excited that race is Hartford.

{ 0 comments }

Mystic for Mother’s Day

by Love A Yi on May 14, 2012

Late Saturday afternoon I arrived in Mystic, Connecticut. It’s a quaint village which was founded in 1654 and quickly rose as a prominent shipbuilding area. Now, it’s largely known for its gorgeous seaport and phenomenal aquarium. Ever since my family moved to southern Connecticut in 1991, we have made regular ventures along the coastline, and in the last few years have made Mystic a ‘second home’ (where my parents dock their sailboat). Arriving in town is relaxing and nothing less than picturesque.

{Historic House}

{Along the dock}

For a small town, there are a handful of fantastic restaurants. On Friday night we ate at Oyster Club. We started with a variety of on-site chucked oysters, including Ninegret, Fisher’s Island, and Matunuck. I had the NY strip for my entrée, which was amazing. And, for dessert we shared an almond brown butter cake with rhubarb compote and whipped cream, chocolate-caramel tart, and brown sugar date ice cream sandwich with oatmeal raison cookies (OMG!… so good!).

{With mum – heading to dinner}

Sunday was a gorgeous day, so my mum and I went out for a run/walk while my dad worked on the boat. I started in a long sleeve and quickly had to strip down to my sports bra as it was so warm!

{Along the Mystic River}

Nearly 3 hours later, we arrived back on the boat, showered, changed, and drove the dingy to town. We lunched, walked and shopped. It was fabulous.

It was such a treat to spend Mother’s Day with my parents and celebrate all my mum deserves. Hope you all enjoyed your weekends!

{ 0 comments }

Celebrating Moms and Volunteers

by Love A Yi on May 12, 2012

Yesterday, I ducked out of work and met my mum at Grand Central Station. From there, we ventured to my niece’s school for a “Mother’s Day Celebration.” I may not be a mother yet, but I certainly jump at any reason to celebrate and also love my niece to the moon and back.

{It’s hard not to love this sweet face}

It’s also such a treat to have my mum in town, always.

{My niece and mum}

After school I was talking with my niece who informed me (with pride) that she was getting freckles across her nose and cheeks. She also told me all about butterflies and chrysalis’. Generally, this is how the conversation flows around her.

I was sure to get into bed at a decent hour last night as I was to rise early for volunteer duties at NYRR Healthy Kidney 10K. Although I wasn’t running this race, I was excited cheer along fellow athletes. In particular, watching a few of the 2012 Olympians take on Central Park was quite inspiring.

I signed up to volunteer as part of my 2013 NYC Marathon guaranteed entry and really enjoyed my morning in Central Park. I left Central Park with a very different perspective than I’ve had as a racer. My lead volunteer, Belinda, has been doing this for 20 years and will be arriving in Prospect Park at 3:30 AM next Saturday to prepare for my race, the Brooklyn Half Marathon. That is dedication and proof of how many it takes to put something races like these together.

So, for today and forever in the future, I would like to thank everyone who dedicates time to make road races possible.

{ 0 comments }

Together

by Love A Yi on May 8, 2012

This weekend was one for visitors. I happily welcomed my adorable cousin and her boyfriend from Toronto.

We spent a lovely Friday night catching up over dinner with my sister and my brother-in-law.

We enjoyed the Greenwich Village Food Tour. You really can’t go wrong with Murray’s Cheese Shop.

We relaxed at Vol de Nuit, one of my favorites.

We ventured to the High Line.

Where we came across a pop-up art show.

And, we finished our weekend with brunch at Bubby’s in Brooklyn.

Followed by a ride on Jane’s Carousel in Brooklyn Bridge Park.

It was a beautiful day. A beautiful weekend. Family together, the way it should be.

{ 0 comments }

A Full Day in Central Park

by Love A Yi on April 29, 2012

I ran today. A lot.

My morning started early. 6 AM rise for coffee, stretching and anything else to get me out the door for a few pre-race miles. I was scheduled for NYRR’s Run as One – a 4 Mile race in support of the Thomas G. Labrecque Foundation. This foundation is dedicated to preventing lung cancer through research and education. And, as I discovered in the pre-race announcements, 60% of those diagnosed with lung cancer have either never smoked or have quit smoking. Early detection is so important.

I managed to get in 2 slow-paced warm-up miles before the start gun. The race was the exact same route as last weekend’s 4-mile race, and I ran it just 4 or 5 seconds quicker. I guess I’m consistent. After the race, I ran 5 more miles for a total of 11 today.

With plans to meet my sister and her family for lunch, I showered and walked a few miles to Serafina. We ate well. We laughed. And, we practiced drawing hearts.

After lunch, we decided to visit the Central Park Zoo. Hand-in-hand, my niece and I ran along the streets and through the park. I am still amazed at the speed of her little legs and her seemingly endless endurance.

At the zoo, my niece was a big fan of the turtles in the pond. But, in all honesty, dogs will always win her heart. In fact, heading home, she gave her Dalmatian a shoulder ride for a few blocks. I am just thankful I didn’t have to run along with her, again. This A Yi was tired.

Hope you all had a beautiful weekend full of happiness!

Run-As-One Race Stats

Conditions: 48 Degrees, 33% humidity, 5mph, Fair

Distance: 4M

Time: 28:54

Pace: 7:14 min/mile

{ 4 comments }

That sneaky PR…

by Love A Yi on April 22, 2012

This morning I ran NYRR’s City Parks Foundation Run for the Parks. I had no intention on racing this 4 mile course and was just going to use it as 9+1 for NYC Marathon 2013 entry. When I woke up this morning, my body was tight and my routine required an extra cup of coffee. I left my apartment and ran to Central Park. I continued around the lower loop to complete a sluggish 2 mile warmup. By no means did I feel the energy to push myself in this race.

At 8:00 AM I crossed the start line and paced myself with the crowd around me. I barely looked at my watch and ran comfortably for the first few miles. Shortly into the 3rd mile, the course took on an incline. At this point I noted my pace and was tied between pushing myself or running comfortably. In the end, I maintained my pace and crossed the finish line in 28:59, with an average pace of 7:15 min/mile.

4 miles after I crossed the start line, I had a PR by just under a minute! It snuck up on me. But, I’ll take it!

Hope you have all enjoyed your long runs or sidewalk strolls or whatever else makes you tick!

Happy Earth Day!

Race Conditions: 50 Degrees, 83% humidity, Wind 6MPH, Fair

{ 1 comment }

City Living and Country Visits

by Love A Yi on April 21, 2012

Life in New York is never quiet. Between sirens, noisy neighbors and barking dogs, there always seems to be something. For the most part, I’m lucky and don’t have problems with my neighbors; I also try to be respectful on my end. So, when I found a nasty note taped to my door on Friday morning, I was shocked.

Who writes such accusatory and aggressive letters built on nothing more than an inclination? Through process of elimination, I determined who typed this letter (with abundance of grammatical errors, might I add) and confronted the tenant. I let my neighbor know that “I don’t smoke! I run marathons!” He had little to say. Not even an apology.

Shortly, I was heading north along the Hudson to visit my dear friend, Lake, who I’ve known Lake since I was 16 years old. I’m lucky to also call her husband a good friend. I’m so thankful to have such down-to-earth, caring, intelligent and funny friends.

I was also looking forward to hanging out with their awesome dog, Django. Since the weather was amazing, we took him to Lake Minnewaska where he showed off his impressive swimming skills.

The views up there are amazing. The air is fresh. It was just what I needed.

Tonight I arrived back in the city and got in 8 miles under setting sun. I hope you are all enjoying a beautiful and happy weekend!

{ 2 comments }

More/Fitness Women’s Half-Marathon Recap

by Love A Yi on April 15, 2012

Each year, the More/Fitness Half Marathon brings a special and unique camaraderie to Central Park. It’s known to be the biggest all women’s half marathon in the country, and this year drew in over 7,000 participants. Quite amazingly, women of all ages come together with one goal: to accomplish the remarkable feat of 13.1 miles.

{Race Statistics demonstrate it’s race for all ages}

I’ve been looking forward to this race for a while. I ran it last year and I loved it. But a few unexpected events in the last 24 hours threw me off and diminished my excitement. In fact, last night I stood outside my apartment, without keys, desperately trying to reach my building super to grant entry. I’m not known to lock myself out and started beating myself up for being negligent, especially the night before a race. Luckily, my super eventually appeared. But, by this point I knew I had to motivate my racing soul by generating positivity.

Race morning’s forecast was early rain, followed by sunshine, warm temperatures and humidity. None of this equates to ideal running weather.

The race was hot and humid. I drank at nearly every water station. The hills were brutal. I wanted to stop. But, what did I do? I pushed through. I used other runners as my motivation. I focused on my stride. I thought about what I want to accomplish, both in this race and in my life. I used that drive to push myself along the course.

{Slightly more than 13.1, likely because of weaving}

My official time was 1:45:04, a Half-Marathon PR! I had the support of my parents out there on the course and was thrilled to see their smiling faces at the finish.

{Overall Stats}

This race was an accomplishment. But, what truly inspired me happened after I finished and after I was draped with my metal. I found a space to cheer other runners along the final stretch of the race. As I stood, a runner became so light-headed, which certainly drew a crowd of concern. She sat for nearly 10 minutes, but really wanted to finish the race. So, arms linked, we maintained a slow jog to cross the finish line. Medic was immediately there to help with rehydration (and let me tell you, that tent was full today because of the unexpected heat and humidity).

This reminded me what racing is all about. Our legs get us through the course, but it’s really the support we find along the way that makes it all worthwhile.

Race Conditions: 60 Degrees, 70% Humidity, Wind 3MPH

{ 6 comments }

Reflecting, a Year Later

by Love A Yi on April 12, 2012

Just over a year ago I ran my first half marathon: the More/Fitness in Central Park. I remember feeling so nervous. Did I eat the right foods? Will I be early enough? Too early? And, the ‘what ifs’ seemed endless. I really didn’t know what to expect.

I was in perfect time. I found my corral. The gun when off. “I am Woman” blasted through the speakers and all 10,000-some women began an adventure. And, 13.1 miles later I was completely amazed at my time: 1:46:30 (8:07 min/mile pace).

My training was before I owned a Garmin. In advance of my long runs, I would estimate my route with Google Pedometer and once home I would have a loose guess of my pace. I lived in Brooklyn and usually ran to Prospect Park or across the Brooklyn Bridge and along Hudson River Park. My runs never took me to Central Park. I really was foreign to the hills and the terrain.

On Sunday I’ll be running this race again. And, I’m excited!

Surprisingly, I feel no pressure to PR. It’s such a fantastic run, bringing women of all ages together. The event as a whole is energizing and fun. That is what I am looking forward to.