Want to Run with These Guys?

I don't know about you.... but I do! They look like a fun bunch!

New York Road Runners Club is sponsoring Scotland Week which starts on April 3, 2010 with the Scotland Run! The race is a 10K in Central Park and is a qualifier for the Marathon in 2011.

NYRR also mentions that there will opportunities to win some pretty cool prizes such as "trips to Scotland and luxury gifts."  They also promise that "the post-race festival promises tasty Scottish fare and live entertainment." --- I really hope this means bagpipes!!!!

One of my Favorite Stores

Way to go New York Magazine for giving one of my favorite stores an awesome review!

In New York Magazines Best of 2010 issue they reviewed Eastern Mountain Sports (EMS) as a great place to buy camping gear:

"EMS almost tripled its floor space when it opened this sprawling new store last spring, meaning there’s now ample room to display the kayaks, ice picks, tents, and backpacks that promise outdoor adventure. But it’s certainly not the only outfitter in town—Paragon has breadth of gear, while Patagonia has high-tech clothes. What distinguishes EMS is the passion and expertise of its staff, all avid outdoorspeople. You need a water filter for a camping trip? They’ll ask about the details of the trip, then walk you through the merits of each one and never try to up-sell you. Chances are they’ve already hiked/biked/camped wherever you’re going, so you might want to get some tips before you check out."

I couldn't agree more with New York Magazine's review found here. Every time I go into an EMS, whether it be in upstate New York, Vermont, Massachusetts, Connecticut or here in town, I am struck by how much their employees care about outfitting you with the best gear and at the most reasonable price possible (and yes, EMS is much cheaper than REI, Paragon or Patagonia). Their staff members also genuinely participate in outdoor activities and they always have great suggestions when I ask for new and exciting ideas.

So I'll leave you to explore EMS's website, read more of New York Magazine's Best of 2010 and check out EMS's Soho location at 530 Broadway which is near Spring Street. Happy shopping!

Call to Action- Don't Let Our State Parks Close!

As a child I went away to camp in the Adirondacks every summer. While there, I developed a strong appreciation for our national and state parks, they are one of this country's and this state's greatest resources.

Lately, some troubling news has come out of Albany, the State plans to close 41 state parks along with 14 historic sites. Now, any outdoor enthusiast would be troubled by this news, but for me, with so many wonderful memories tied to these plots of precious preserved land, the news is particularly upsetting.

I will be contacting my state representative to urge her to fight to keep the parks open and I encourage you to do the same! To learn how to contact your state representative or to find out who your state representative is you may do so at the NY State Assembly website.

If you would like to read more about the issue, you may do so here:
The New York Times
Business Week
Times Union -lists the parks expected to close

For now, I will leave you with a picture of Adirondack State Park... a type of beauty and unassuming majesty that cannot be found anywhere else in the world.

Blog Botox

You may have noticed I have given my blog a bit of a mini face lift. I've decided that since we've had a bit of spring-like weather lately the blog should reflect it. This is a picture I took a few years ago in early April, just the buds were starting to form on the trees.

Enjoy the early spring we are getting this year!

Cool Tool- Map My Run

Hey Everyone!

Sorry I've been MIA for a few days... a nasty stomach bug took me out.

Before I got my Garmin one of the hardest things for me to do was track the distance of my runs accurately. That is until I stumbled upon this fun tool, Map My Run. It was one of the easiest tools to learn to use. Although it can be slow to load and a little finicky at times, I found those drawbacks to be well worth it as it is FREE and works everywhere that Google Maps works (read: even on trails in Upstate NY or CT).

 Image of a saved run in through Van Courtland Park on Map My Run

It also lists favorite routes of people in your neighborhood and in the city (for an example, see the above image). This is also great if you are a cyclist and looking to measure your distance.

So if you don't have a Garmin, Polar, or iPhone try this tool out and I hope it helps you in your workouts.

Walk the High Line

 

Image courtesy of islandwoo.com 

March has begun and the weather is getting warmer... spring seems to be arriving. This weekend's highs are predicted to be in the upper 40's, so take the opportunity to get outside and enjoy the sunshine.

Now, I assume most of you have heard about the High Line which runs from Gansevoort Street to 20th Street between 10th and 11th. There are even entry points to the park if you can't manage the stairs. This is a great flat walk with fantastic views of the City, the River and New Jersey.

Sadly they don't allow dogs. There are also no bikes, skateboards or skates allowed.... however, this also makes for a very calm and relaxing promenade. 

For more information check out The High Line's Website.

Round and Round and Round in the Circle Game

Last year New York Magazine did an excellent write up of ten New York City skating rinks, and I wanted to get this post up while the rinks had a chance of maintaining some ice.

The article lists prices for admission and skate rentals as well as reviews each rink. Check out the Joy of Going in Circles.

Personally, my favorites are: Wollman Rink (Central Park) and Lasker Rink... though I am dying to try the fake ice at the Museum of Natural History.

Which rinks have you tried and enjoyed the most? What other rinks do you know of that the article doesn't mention?

Happy skating!