From the rooftop, shout it out: BABY, I'M READY TO GO...

So maybe it wasn't the best idea to partake in several rounds of hookah last night after an open bar...

Nevertheless, I wanted to kick off the official first week of training today with one of my favorite courses, the southern tip of Manhattan. The route takes me from Houston and FDR on the East Side down past the Staten Island Ferry, Battery Park, and up the West Side Highway back to Houston Street. It's a great seven-mile loop best enjoyed at night (and ideally with a good breeze coming off the East and Hudson Rivers), as the Williamsburg, Manhattan, and Brooklyn Bridges are all lit up. Dumbo, Liberty Island, and Jersey City provide a really beautiful backdrop. As the song goes, "these lights will inspire you." 

Interjection: about two weeks ago I got an email from Mom at 7 a.m. with the subject line "I LOVE THIS SONG." In it, in all lowercase letters, were the lyrics to the chorus of "Empire State of Mind." I concur, Mom; these streets will make you feel brand new. I love New York and I love my Mom. Who was apparently awake at 7 a.m. listening to Jay-Z.

Pre-run, I was feeling pretty good, armed with new gear (see right): a runners' watch Mom got me, a shoe wallet,

and plenty of cold-weather garb from the big sale at EMS last weekend.  As it wasn't nearly cold enough for anything more than a tee-shirt and shorts, those very exciting purchases will remain in the EMS bag on my floor, hopefully not needed until February. Though I felt a little bit of the heel pain that's been bugging me the past couple of weeks around my left arch, I felt good tonight averaging a pretty comfortable 7:35-7:40 mile. As I couldn't figure out how to work what appears to be a very simple Timex, this isn't 100% accurate. Let's hope I can learn how to use this little mutha and not have it start flipping out and flashing neon indigo around the South Street Seaport next time.

I'm really looking forward to the big Team in Training kick-off this week and to the first run with Celeste and my teammates. For now, we shower and eat. See below.

Till next time...