RunAMuck-NY

So I heard about this very cool mud race the other day while I was in Super Runners Shop (my second home at this point in time) and then I started to see it advertised everywhere. It looks like a lot of fun!

The RunAMuck race takes place outside of New York City, in Harriman State Park, but they do provide bus service for those New Yorkers who do not have their own transportation.

Frankly, I am strongly considering doing the race. Some of the best times I can remember from childhood were playing in the swamp at camp. Combining my love for mud and a trail race, with good music and beer and wine to follow, what could be better? I hope some of you will consider joining me!

Brooklyn Bridge Park will be Completed!!!! :)

According to the New York Times, New York State has agreed to allow the completion of Brooklyn Bridge Park in DUMBO. Only a few small portions of the park are completed at this time, and each year more areas are expected to open.

This picture, courtesy of The Brooklyn Bridge Park Conservancy, is of part of the park that is currently open. Having worked in DUMBO I can promise that this area is a wonderful place to go for a walk or to eat your lunch. If you are looking for gorgeous views and a little hint of nature I highly recommend going to the area called The Cove,which is right between the Brooklyn and Manhattan Bridges.

This spring the Park is expected to make13 new acres available to the public with the openings on Piers 1 and 6. The New York Times also notes that Pier 2 is expected to open, which would be designed for sports, though I was unable to find any information on Pier 2 on the Park's website. Please note, that the Empire-Fulton Ferry location is currently closed for renovations, and plans to reopen in spring 2011.

If you do plan on taking a stroll through the Park, I highly recommend stopping by the Ice Cream Factory, located at 1 Water Street, it is absolutely delicious!

March Showers Bring April Flowers?

Hmm... not quite right, but maybe all this rain will make spring come early this year.

And because it is never too early to start planning for spring and Cherry Blossom season is right around the corner.... Start planning your visit to the Brooklyn Botanic Garden now. Its a great place to go for a walk, explore and learn about some pretty cool plants.

For now, I hope you are all enjoying your puddle jumping adventures!

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!