Race Report: FRNY Lesbian and Gay Pride- 5 mile- NYC

Race Report: FRNY Lesbian and Gay Pride- 5 mile- NYC
June 23, 2012

Vitals:
Location: Central Park, NYC
Distance: 5 miles
The competition: over 10,000 runners
Time: 35:00
Pace 7:00 minute/mile

the low down:
This was a race that Desiree found while we would be up in NYC. So what the hell, a gay pride race. In Florida, themed races has participants going all out dressing the part. I acquired some formal wear to dress the part for this race- a tuxedo speedo. So we get to the race about 30 minutes early for baggage drop off. I'm standing there dressed, and the next thing I know, I'm stripping down into my formalwear and walking around. The problem is, nobody else really dressed the part. As we made our way towards the start/finish line, I forced Desiree to hold my hand as she was too embarrassed to be Sean with me. And I can only imagine what other people thought, me in my speedo and Desiree with short hair, lol.
I lined up with the 6:45 minute pace group and the split up with Desiree. As we took off, I found myself staying with the crowd around me and looked down at my garmin indicating a current pace of 6:25 and we haven't even completed the first mile. I made myself slow down to better pace myself. Mile 4 was a tough one for me as I dropped to about a 7:20 pace but found a little left in the tank to finish with an average pace of 7:00 minute mile. I met my goal and was happy!
Desiree finished in about 42 minuted with an average pace of around 8:15 minute mile.
It was a great race and a great way to finish our time in NY as we would have to head to the airport a few ours later to return home.
Wen asked what made me think of doing the race in a speedo, my mentality was:
When else can I ever say that I ran through Central Park in a speedo?
:)

the Big Apple

From ithica the next leg of our journey was to head to New York City. This would have a slight detour to visit a friend from college and her family in bridge water, NJ-the Nordstroms. I got to play tennis with the doc before dinner.
The next morning we headed out to make our way to Hoboken for carlo's bakery. It's was Desiree's request and what an awesome experience. You pick whatever pastry you want and you pretty much pay by the weight as we got a chocolate dipped canoli, lobster tail, and a macaroon. All totaling < $5.
We then made our way onto the island of manhattan via the Lincoln tunnel.
We checked into our hotel- the Washington Jefferson which was located a couple block from Times Square on 51st st between 7th and 8th ave. I then dropped off the rental and walked back to the hotel.

Highlight of our trip:
Running through Central Park- we did this twice and then 1 last time which was our 5mile Pride race. This is pretty much where the city is able to run and train as running through the city itself is inefficient because you pretty much have to stop at every block.
Dinner with Karen- I found out that one of my friends that graduated a year after me at Emory is a PT in manhattan. We hooked up with Karen to have dinner and she gave us some excellent suggestions on excellent eateries!
Desserts/sweets/and cupcakes- Max Brennar- this was a recommendation from Karen for a chocolate lover's paradise. We ended having chocolate pizza with roasted marshmallows and nutella with crushed hazelnut. Cupcakes are a staple in NYC- we stopped at a kiosk for 1 bite cupcakes and went to at least 2 other bakeries. One of Desiree's bakery highlights was Lavine's bakery where they have been rated the #1 chocolate chip cookie- a 4 ounce chocolate chip walnut cookie that was served to us fresh out of the oven and when bit into, still having the chocolate ooze.
Shopping- there seems to be no comparison to anywhere else as you can go to any district and find the same shops. High class, elegant, whatever your style is. I introduced Desiree to Century21 and she loved it. We hit up 3 different ones. I ended up finding a store that is a mix between GAP, express, and Lacoste called (insert). We did stop at the famous Macy's. what a mad house that was. We found out after our trip that it still houses the only working wooden escalator. Too bad we didn't know before hand or else we would have found it.
Dining- NYC has some of the best dining. We enjoyed restaurants such as Jay-Z's 40/40 club, Italian restaurant in little Italy, dim sum in Chinatown, sushi, Gotham's bistro. Another restaurant that Karen suggested was a breakfast eatery on the upper east side called Sarah Beth's. Desiree had exquisite fluffy French toast, and I ordered an omelette. The preserves were made in house and was some of the best strawberry jam that I have ever tasted. This ended up being our most expensive meal in all of New York ~$45.
Breakfast off the street- finding a food stand is the way to go for a quick coffee and bagel. Delicious and cheap.
Top of the rock- we were able to make it up to the top of Rockefeller centre just before sunset and got the experience the transition of the city from natural to city light. As the sun slowly crept down below the horizon, you would se another building light up. What a different way to see the city.
Statin Island Ferry- this is a great and free way to get a great view of the Statue of Liberty. We boarded just before sunset and the lighting was perfect to see the port and the Statue. It took about 40mins to get to the other side before just turning around to catch the ferry back to the city.
Highline/ Chelsea Market- Desiree found out a really cool pedestrian walkway that was once an old suspended railroad track that is now paved over and converted into a park. It's located in the lower west side just west of 9th ave and begins at 13th street to 32nd street. A about 17th street, we got off the highline and found Chelsea market. What a cool place which includes shops and restaurants. Amy's bakery is also located here. They make really good breads and are found in many local restaurants and grocery stores.
Getting around/hopstop app- having a car in NYC is very inefficient and expensive as daily parking can cost up to $45. A taxi also gets very expensive. So our weapon of choice as purchasing a weeklong metro card. This allows us access to subways and buses unlimited for the week. We would not have be able to navigate the city if it wasn't for the iPhone app- HopStop. This was a recommendation for Kate Nordstroms's dad and it saved us. We didn't look at a single subway map as the app tells you where you need to pick up the subway or bus, which stop to get off at, and how far to walk before reaching your destination. I also provides alternative routes and give accurate travel times. What a life saver. Even utilizing public transport, we probably walked an average of about 6-7 miles daily. That's probably why you do not see a lot of over weight people except tourists.

I'm that I am leaving out some other details and highlights, but checking back for future adventures as we continue to explore the world.

We can't wait until the next time we get to visit NYC again- whenever that may be.

Ithaca and wedding!!

Our vacation began flying to NYC and then a connecting to Syracuse. We then rented a car and took a scenic drive along lake Cayuga- the longest of the finger lakes. Stopped in Auburn, NY for lunch. Along the route to Ithaca, we stopped at a few wineries and soaked in the beautiful nature scene. We made it to our hotel in time to get cleaned up before heading to Anna's parents house for the rehearsal dinner. Yummy food from ithaca bakery. Anna's parents house was apparently built in the 1700s but has been remodeled and additions built. Wat a beautiful house though. We got to meet friends and family members and spend time with the bride and groom for a relaxing evening on the eve of the wedding.
The next morning, Desiree wakes me up and asks, "do you know what time it is?". Based on how sunny it was, I guessed around 07:30. However I was corrected with 05:30. The combination of the sun rising earlier and our room didn't have any blackout drapes. We decided to roam the local scenery and hopped in the car and drive around Ithaca and Cornell University to embrace the beauty of this area of the country. We stopped and walked around campus and took lots of pictures as Desiree has been intrigued with the "Christmas trees" all around as palm trees grow in florida. While walking around campus, we found chalked arrows and realized it was for the morning wedding day 10K fun run. The route was beautiful and took us from the parent's house around campus following familiar arrows placed strategically through campus and looping back to the house where we were greeted with breakfast. Everybody regrouped before leaving to relax before the wedding. We followed another couple to the local farmer's market. This was very well organized with produce, crafts, plants, and good eats.
We made our way back to the hotel to become beautified for the wedding on the beautiful historic campus of Cornell University.  The ceremony was held at the 1st president's house: A.D. White House in the amazing scenery of the back garden/lawn.  The ceremony was eclectic with readings, passages, and songs performed by family members before we headed to Williard Straight Hall for the reception.
What a banging party.  The outside patio of W.S. Hall overlooked a beautiful view of downtown Ithica and a distance Lake Cayuga.  The whole evening was lovely with meeting new friends, eating amazing food, drink, dessert, and dancing.  What more could you ask for!  And, how amazing to say that you were at a wedding at Cornell University.
Sunday, we went to church that we ran past during out 10k wedding run and joined Chris, Anna and company for bunch at the Siliciano residence.  Our day culminated handing out with the newly weds, and Chris's sister at a lake house on the opposite side of Lake Cayuga from Cornell.
The next morning would be waking up to the early rising sun and going for a run from the hotel around an accidentally stumbled upon trail before continuing to the next short leg of our vacation to Bridgewater, NJ to visit and stay a night with a friend from college and her family.
We left Ithica and drove through scenic NY before heading into Pennsylvania and ending up in NJ.  We stopped in Stroudsburg for lunch and a little sight seeing and arrived at the Nordstrom's residence in the afternoon.  I introduced Desiree to the family and before I knew it, I was putting tennis shoes on and playing some tennis with Dr Nordstrom.  He definitely schooled me as it has been over 3 years since I've picked up a racquet much less shuffle my feet.  I felt that I held my own as I struggled to hit a basic forehand ground stroke.  It was nice to have no pressure playing against a 50+ y/o guy who plays a couple times a week with collegiate players.
We fortunately had very hospitable accomidations before heading to New York and making a stop in Hoboken for some Carlo's Bakery goods and then into the city.

it's alive: EPS + 11 = italian beauty

The rap sheet:
Frame/Fork: Colnago EPS MTBK
Groupset: Campagnolo EPS
Handlebars: Zipp Carbon SL2
Stem: Shimano Pro carbon
Wheels: Powertap SL+ Mavic Open Pro
Water Cages: Tacx Tao Carbon
Data recording: Garmin 310XT

I have decided with on how my italian steed will be complimented.  I decided to go with Campagnolo Super Record 11.  I had the opportunity to go for a really good training ride yesterday riding the new group.  I finished the build Friday night.  The groupset is over 1 lbs. lighter then Shimano Dura Ace 7900 and the shifters feel more ergonomic in my hands.  The shifting is crips and precise.  Just as you would expect for the italians.

I didn't have any campagnolo wheels.  However, I don't ride with normal wheels.  I train and race with power, so I didn't need a campy wheelset.  I just bought a campy powertap freehub and I'm up and recording my metrics.

I have to say that this is the best bike I have ever ridden and am becoming a Campagnolo convert. 

Pictures Here. Enjoy.

Product Review: Colnago EPS matte black

I finally received my new bike about 2 weeks ago as I wanted a true italian steed- Made in Italia. The bike came with Campagnolo Record 10 speed group with sub 1300g carbon tubulars. I didn't have a full chance to appriciate the group, however the bike has since been outfitted with Dura Ace 7900. After openning the box, the bike was sub 14 lbs with the wheels. Wow this bike is light. It looks amazing too with the nude matte black raw carbon with subtle decals. Now with it set to a more familiar shifting componentry, I can actually learn the bike and get a feel for it. AMAZing is exactly how I can describe it.
At first glance, the bike looks like a stardard round carbon tubed joined together with carbon lugs.  Then you glance closer to notice the carbon weave pattern of the matte black exposed carbon.  What a beauty.  Reading reviews of the frame, it is ribbed inside the tubes and the layup of the carbon is in a particular manner that provides its characteristic Colnago personality.
I've been on the bike for about 2 weeks now and I can now understand that the shape of the frame and tubes, although traditional, has so much modern engineering that makes this steed one of the best bikes I have ever ridden.  If you remember back in February, I was riding a Cervelo S3 for a few months.  I love my old Cervelo R3 and my current P3C.  However, I was expecting to be blown away by the S3, but riding it, my expectations left me feeling a little empty. 
The EPS is everything that I expect in a top-tiered bike.  The bike is tips the scale similar to that of an anorexic 19 y/o college girl (no offense).  This makes it ideal for climbing. Weight isn't the only determination of a great climbing bike, but the fact that the Colnago propels you forward with every pedal stroke up a climb with all the power thru the pedals going straight to the wheels.  What goes up must come down and this bike does this even better then the way it climbs.  On the twisty decents, all you have to do is think of the next curve, and the bike seems to automatically have telepathy and make the thought a reality.  It is very swift and accurate making any type of decent confident.
On the flats, you can mash the power and it will be impossible for you to feel any flex.  As light as it is, the bike is stiff yet supple as the harsh road conditions are absorbed very well and little vibration it felt thru the handlebars. 
What can I say, I love this bike.  Every aspect of it- looks, feel, climbing, decending...
The final thing to do is to decide what groupset will grace this beauty-
1. Dura Ace 7900 mechanical
2. Dura Ace Di2 electric
or compliment Italian with Italian
3. Campagnolo Super Record 11
Help me decide.
More pictures click

Product Review: TYR Special Ops goggles

I received a pair of these prototype goggles from a special source.  Swimming at a competitive level is new to me, however I have been fortunate to have been given some high end gear from Jarrod and Alicia: Nikes, Saber, and other brand.  So when I received these, I was defenitely excited to see how well these would work out. 
It's been about 3months now that's I've had the opportunity to use these and I have to say that these are amazing goggles.  What I like most about them are how comfortable they are.  The rubber contact are even pressure around your orbitals.  Next up is the fact that they do not leak.  This also means that they do not fog up. 
When I used them at my 1st half about a month ago, the swim took a little over a month.  During the whole of the swim, I didn't have to stop once to adjust my goggles for any reason.
These are by far my favorite goggles and I look forward to using them more and aquiring a few more pairs.

Race Report: The Intimidator- Florida Challenge Half-Ironman

Vitals:

total distance: 70.3 miles

total time: 5:38:55

swim: 1.2 miles; 33:21 mins

t1: 3:21 mins

bike: 56 miles; time: 2:49; avgs- pace 19.9mph, 182 watts, HR 155bpm

t2: 1:42 mins

run: 13.1 miles; time 2:11; avgs: 10:02 min/mile; HR 145 bpm

The low down:
Race morning- up at 05:15 to get things ready and pack the car. We got down to the lakefront around 06:25 and I got inked with race number and race age. I got into the transition area to set up my spot, then to the potty to change and loose some weight. I got out and my support crew had grown by 200% as my brother and Darcey came early to hang out.  Shortly after, Josh and Jenny appeared.  I got into my wetsuit and headed down to the beach front to get into the zone.  Desiree took this opportunity to take glamour shots. 

Now if you remember back to my 1^st triathlon about a month ago, the swim wasn’t really pleasant for me.  So the anxiousness started to build.  They played the National Anthem and then set the 1^st corral to start- women.  10 minutes later, men over 40 and then my corral last- 5 minutes behind the over 40s.  3, 2…1 and we were off.  I ran/walked out as far as I could and then started swimming at my own pace.  The field was relatively spread out, so I didn’t have too much jockeying to do to defend my space.  I got into a rhythm and just concentrated on sighting and good swim form.  Before I knew it, I was turning the 1^st buoy.  I kept comfortable and then found myself rounding the second buoy to swim straight into the swim-out chute.  I looked down at my watch and swim time was only about 33 mins.  That’s awesome considering I budgeted myself about 40-45 mins for the swim.  I ran up the little sandy hill pulling my wetsuit down to my waist and make it to the carpet to drop down onto my back and have assistance pulling my wetsuit off.

I collected myself and headed to my bike and during this time I pulled my wedding ring off my necklace to put it back onto my finger.  A quick transition with a few seconds to just breathe before I pulled my bike off the rack and mounted to start the bike course. 

I anticipated the task at hand of about 2:30-2:40 budgeted for the bike leg.  “Stay comfortable and consistent. Take on nutrition.”  These where the thoughts going thru my head to meet my goal.  The turnaround on Wilson Lake was much sooner then I thought and we were back onto Cherry Lake for the long stretch of 19 before the climbs of Buckhill, Sugarloaf, and the Wall.  I felt comfortable and maintained my target threshold power.  On the way back on 19, we hit headwind and then turned onto Cherry Lake- the headwind seam to follow us no matter the direction we turned.  Towards the middle of Cherry Lake, My stomach started feeling queezy.  So for I had intake of about ½ bottle or fluids/nutrition, 2 gels, ½ powerbar, and some shot blocks.  I was feeling uneasy and was just over sitting on a saddle.  After turning off of Jalarmi and head around the lake, I wasn’t able to push any time of power thru the pedals.  The gas tank felt empty and my stomach was feeling more upset.  I got into transition to unload my bike and prepare for a ½ marathon, but the thought of the next task was daunting given how flat my legs felt and how crappy my stomach was.

Running shoes on, hat on, race belt on, and water bottle in hand- off I went.  Hear the legs felt even more flat as they felt like they weighed 100lbs.  I got thru the 1^st mile, and then second however as stumbled forward, my stomach worsened and I started to walk.  I passed by my support crew and they were cheering me on but could tell that I was not in a pleasant place.  Rose found me on her bike around mile 3 and “rode” far, but close to me and encouraged my, gave me a salt tablet and told me to just slow down and recover.  Miles 4 and 5 were spend mostly walking and by the 1 hour mark, I had only gone just over 5 miles.  I stopped at every water station and cooled myself off internally and externally dumping cups of H2O on myself.  I kept telling myself that the next water station, I would ask for a cellphone and call Desiree to pick me up as I was done.  Oddly, my stomach started feeling better and my legs could get into a rhythm.  My turnover was better and as I passed the lakefront to start my second lap, I was feeling more comfortable.  Team Dinh was out cheering my on and Kara found me and decided to do some jogging at a similar pace as me.  The miles started to diminish and before I knew it I was at mile 10, then 11.  I worked on staying comfortable and keep my legs turned over.  Mile 12- only 1 more to go.  I pass Kevin’s house and one last hose down and I’m rounding the trail for the home stretch.  I see the finishing chute and Team Dinh is there waiting and cheering.  I cross the finish and raise my arms up in relief that if was over and I’ve accomplished what I set out to do.  I was greeted by Team Dinh with praises of great job!

We hung out for just a little bit before rushing home to clean up and get ready for Chris and Maria’s Wedding.

What an experience.  I learned a lot from this race.  My training with runs of the bike have been about 7:30-8:00 min/mile pace.  However, that doesn’t always translate to what you’ll be able to do during the race.  Other factors such as an empty tank and stomach issues can definitely throw a speed bump in your plan.  I wanted to quit but stayed in and completed.  As Desiree said, part of the ironman/half-ironman experience is dealing with your demons and getting past it to do your race.  I remember watching The NBC special Ironman World Championship where a pro female finished in the hundreds where she finished top 5 the previous year.  She states, “why should I quit just because things aren’t going my way just because I’m a pro.”  She walked a lot of the marathon.  I had a similar mentality- “I’m going on for about 5 ½ hours now.  I should be finished soon.  There will still be people out here for another 2-3 hours.  Do what you need to do to finish!”

My goals now are to take a little time off, but continue to train and add in a better nutrition plan that should sustain be and that I would feel better to avoid running on E!

Thanks to all those for the support.