My year in running

I started my journey really last November, but it was my joining Team in Training for the spring season in January that really changed my life. I was introduced to running using intervals and life took off from there including my first triathlon experience. I know the roads & hills of Central Park as well as the Hudson Greenway. I have run across bridges including GW, Brooklyn & Randalls' Island and run on islands... Manhattan, Randalls Island, Roosevelt Island, in Walt Disney World and lots of other fun places while traveling... San Diego, Denver, Sacramento and more. I have run in a tutu and wings, all bundled up for winter and super early and in a lot less for summer. I ran 5 half marathons, 2-10ks, 1-5k, 1-4 milers and completed one sprint triathlon. Some races were faster and some were slower. Some were in the heat and humidity and some were nice and chilly. All had amazing moments and tough ones.

• Fastest half marathon: Boston BAA 2:50:17
• Most challenging (TIE): Chanukkah Half - "running" into the wind for half a race is killer & Iron Girl - I finished but just barely
• Coolest route: Wine & Dine Half at Disney World - ran through Animal Kingdom, Hollywood Studios with the Christmas lights and Epcot
• Most Historical: New York Mini 10K - all women for more than 40 years

Here is a recap of my major events for the year:

I also want to thank everyone who has helped me on my journey: from my first pace leader Jessica to my amazing coaches Barb, Ellen and Christine plus so many more coaches & training partners: Wendy, Laura, Kit, Sara, Maria, Terri, Rachel, Sarah (sorry to those I did not list) from Team in Training; from all who have cheered me on both in person, Jonathan (who flew to MCO from SAN just to cheer on his sister at her first half marathon), Corie (the best sign maker ever who also got up at long before the crack of dawn to drive me to my first triathlon & came to Disney for fun and cheering) & Mark (who drove up to see me in my first triathlon) to all those who have cheered me on virtually not just for races but also for training runs; also to my amazing online running groups (PP and MRTT) - many ladies whom I have now met in person and who are wonderful people and new friends and who I got to run with in different locals: Andrea, Dorie, Rosie, Amanda, Judi, Nancy, Sarah, Beth and more I am forgetting right now.

Next up... my goals for 2014! What are your goals?

Back in the USA

So I am back in the US for an extended stay. My family and friends are lobbying hard for where I will spend this time. My one brother wants me to stay west coast with him, while the remaineder are lobbying for east coast... preferrably somewhere in the northeast. I love feeling so loved. :) As for me, I am not 100% sure what I want to do with this time yet so while I am still recovering from being ill, I will contemplate the worlds of secondary education, teaching yoga and maybe even being creative for a while and doing some design work with yarn.

In the meantime, Happy Holidays to all my friends wherever in the world they may be. xoxo

Life in transition

My last week in Curacao was a wonderful time.  Yes I had to work, but also found time to hang with friends, have final meals together, listen to music, watch the World Cup and the like.. and suddenly it was time to leave.  I was sent off by 3 friends who came for a coffee at the airport and was met by 2 friends at the airport in the US.  What a great way to transition.


Since I have been back, there have been many events:

• Father's day with my dad for the first time in many years (In my defense, I do live overseas and have not been in the country.)
• Yoga in Central Park which was unfortunately thunderstormed out
• Yoga class in the City with the woman who will be my instructor for my 200 hour intensive training in July
• Lunch with one of my new colleagues in the City
• Some subway and express bus rides which always lets me know I am back in NYC

It has all been wonderful and I am looking forward to an exciting month ahead with my trip to Canada, yoga training and a sublet in Manhattan. :)

THINK

So I got back last Monday evening and have been running ever since.  We have the NHS / NJHS inductions this Friday and all the background work for that.  The IB Art Exhibit was this past Saturday as well as MUN at school.  I also hosted a wonderful couple who will be teachers at ISC next year this weekend.  Now that I have a moment to breath, I wanted to go back and write and reflect on my time in New York City.... I love going to visit there!

I had an awesome time in NYC both with family and friends and meeting my new colleagues for next year!  I even got to check out Om Yoga which I loved and have now decided to apply for the intensive teacher training class this summer.  I also ate at Daisy Mae's BBQ for some really awesome food.

During my time with THINK Global School, I got to meet everyone from the teaching team and the administration as well as the founder.  We got to know each other a bit and hear some amazing guest speakers. There is a lot of work to do before next school year begins, but it is an energizing and exciting kind of work.  I am so excited to be working with this dynamic group of people who I am sure are also amazing educators.  From some of the initial ideas, I could see where we can go with each other and the students.

I am so happy that we were able to meet now and get a sense of who we each are and put names to faces.  It will make it much easier to collaborate from afar while in the planning stages.  From photos to dinner to meetings and discussion it was all great!  I am so looking forward to this adventure.