I love to play outside

By | June 28, 2020

yeah, that about sums up this week. The routine of getting in a run or walk before work has been perfect, leaving evenings free to run, or chase stunning sunsets. Being active makes me feel better, and while there’s so much out of our control in today’s world, I’m really appreciating this opportunity for some balance.

Between intentional tracked walking and running, I covered 26 miles this week. That makes me very happy.

While I’ve been hit or miss on reading non-fiction (hi, summer brain), I’ve really enjoyed a couple of podcasts on racism in running, specifically Running Rogue’s #182 with Alex Williams. It’s long, but so worth it. As women, we think of our safety, but as a white woman I never had to wonder whether I belonged or was seen as part of the running group because of my skin color. Eye opening.

NYC entered Phase II this past week and while I’m still a little mystified on what this all means and am generally being cautious, I had the pleasant surprise of finding some non essential retail are open for shopping. Was doing an order for Old Navy shorts and when I went to pick it up, I found I could have just shopped in person. I’m not sure I’m ready for that, and also think like grocery delivery it saves money in the end in avoiding spontaneous purchases.

shoesies!

Speaking of semi spontaneous purchases. A friend and I were discussing the demise of the New Balance 1080s on twitter and another friend chimed in that she swears by and never needs to break in Brooks, so I decided to bite the bullet. Added benefit, they’re purple! On one massive mail day that included my Freihofer shirt & medal & Keurig order, the shoes came and I couldn’t wait to try them out.

Weekly run down with Deborah and Kim:

Manhattan is not a concrete jungle

and we have castles

  • never miss a Monday morning walk: first of three this week that kicked off at the Great Lawn. This one was, in fact entirely on the Great Lawn as I wanted no lights and a constant surface to get the pace right for Runbet.  It was a beautiful summer morning.
  • Tuesday: I ran, apparently. I have zero recollection of this run and even looking at Strava, zero memory.
  • Wednesday: grateful for cloud cover, I walked south on the East River for a nice three miles before work.
  • Thursday: this loop is always four miles. Today? It was 3.8. Still a great start to the day.
  • Friday: A lovely five mile walk to start the day and end the workweek, and a walk to Central Park after work for that stunning sunset. Spoiled to live where Central Park is part of my daily life.
  • Saturday: new shoeses! This run was one of those where it’s all the mental games. Didn’t want to go, wanted to bail at a mile… and then I warmed up. Four solid miles and while one run is too soon to tell anything, the Brooks felt good.

oldest structure in Central Park

  • sweaty Sunday: wanted to walk, but bored with the usual haunts so we met on the Great Lawn and headed toward the shaded and quieter North Woods. I love the Great Hill and the Block House, which dates to the War of 1812. Some six miles walk/hike before popping home for a needed shower and break from the sun. If the weather holds, there might be some bus lane sushi in my future today. I”m not ready to eat indoors when that’s allowed in the coming weeks, but distanced outdoor dining?

25 thoughts on “I love to play outside

  1. Darlene S Cardillo

    You are spoiled. NYC has everything you can want as far as scenery.

    Love your pics.

    Of course, you have to have purple shoes.

    I am walking much more than running. I am only counting them for my NYS challenge – halfway!!

    Reply
    1. cari Post author

      I’m tracking walks for Deborah’s runbet, but I might keep doing it even when that ends because it’s so nice to know that accomplishment
      Of course I do – nearly sent that pic in the thread when I posted the tee too given our color scheme

      Reply
  2. Kimberly Hatting

    That pic of the clouds and the water…total perfection 😉 When I bought my first pair of Brooks (these were Adrenalines) in August 2015, the store owner told me I probably wouldn’t need to worry about breaking them in, and she was spot-on. They have been great shoes for me. I love all the walking you’e doing; as youi know, I”m a huge advocate for all things walking 😉 (I even got the hubby hooked on that as well LOL)

    Reply
    1. cari Post author

      I’m so glad I rediscovered my love of walking. It’s such a good balance and a great way to disconnect. Way fewer electronics than I “need’ for running
      Thank you! Mother Nature has put on a show a few times in the last weeks. Definitely taking advantage of work from home for neighborhood sunsets that I wouldn’t otherwise get home in time for.

      Hope I’m keying up for a five year Brooks run too!

      Reply
  3. Jessie

    Phase II…most states keep talking about phases! I don’t know what phase Minnesota is it, but we have some really irresponsible bar-goers spreading it around 🙁 I’m considering making a reservation on a patio for my husband’s birthday, but want to make sure its a place that is being responsible!

    Anyways, great job getting out so much and enjoying the summer as best you can! Love all your Central Park pics. Gorgeous!

    Reply
    1. cari Post author

      I really wish there was some sense of universal phasing so we knew what to expect in a given phase. My mom is 20 miles north and she’s in not only a different phase (to be expected given smaller population) but different things are allowed within those phases than are here. I got the sushi out of my system today, I will probably get a pedi when we hit Phase III, but otherwise in no rush. Like you siad, you want to know it’s safe & responsible. Day drinking on the streets here is.. not

      Reply
  4. Coco

    I love those photos of the city!

    I am a new convert to Brooks too. Did we just get the same shoes? I got purple Adrenalines on Saturday to resolve my the-Ravenna-aren’t-cushy-enough dilemma. (I am planning a test run tomorrow) At the running store I could make an appointment to try them on. For clothing stores, dressing rooms are supposed to be closed — I haven’t tried buying clothes.

    Reply
    1. cari Post author

      I see your new shoes Runfessions in my inbox, but haven’t read it yet. That’s too funny if we did. Our shoe stores are still curbside, but with the Brooks 90 day guarantee I wasn’t too worried if they didn’t work out.
      I was in dire need of new shorts, and didn’t pay to spend $7 shipping on $10 shorts. Luckily I own others in this style and knew size. Curbside was super easy & fast

      Reply
  5. Wendy

    We have done some socially distanced outdoor dining this week while vacationing in northern Wisconsin! I have not been to the grocery store either. We’re doing curbside delivery. And saving money, like you said.

    Love the color of your shoes!

    Reply
  6. Liz Dexter

    Love your photos and activity and glad the shoes seem to be working out. I need to actually put my unknown-quantity Saucony Guides on …

    Reply
  7. Lisa @ Mile by Mile

    Yay for spending so much time outside! Its been hot here, but I’m been enjoying daily runs and walks. I am a huge fan of Brooks. I never feel like I need to break them in!

    Reply
  8. Kim G

    I think the one positive thing that has come from all of this is the opportunity to set up new routines for ourselves. I love that you’re enjoying the early morning walks – such a great way to start the day!

    We’ve been in Phase 2 for a few weeks now. Retail stores are open but I haven’t done any shopping in person yet. Even our Mall is open which I find bizarre but I think it’s been pretty empty for the most part.

    Reply
    1. cari Post author

      Malls were booted out of phase 4 here. Not really a thing that impacts me since we don’t have any in Manhattan, but a shift that makes sense to me given the multiple entrances and inability to count people. We go into Phase 3 on Monday. It means I can get a pedi, but yeah not much is changing.
      The walks are such a good start and something I plan to keep up when we return to the office as a way to avoid the subway. Luckily that should be after peak summer so lack of shower shouldn’t be an issue.

      Reply
  9. Jenn

    Non essential shopping feels weird. I’ve done curbside and in store pick up at Old Navy, and they’ve got a decent system going on.

    I love seeing all the beautiful views from your walks and runs. NYC always makes me smile.

    Reply
    1. cari Post author

      I’m glad you enjoy the photos. I’m having fun exploring all these new to me spots too. Nice upside to a very different year.

      Reply
  10. Renée

    I think we are in phase III. I’m not sure though. Things are really starting to open up here. I’d be surprised if we could start up parkrun before September now. 1 month ago that would have been the case. But now people can travel by public transport (with a mask), I think gyms will open soon, cafes and restaurants can open again. No bars, discos or sex clubs yet though. Darn. (We are staying away from all that anyway). In two weeks we go on a mini-break to Zeeland. I’m nervous and will be bringing my mask with me but I can’t wait to walk on the beach and stare out into the sea for hours.

    hey and I also did some retail shopping here at our little shopping center. It wasn’t busy and the shops were really on top of the rules. I was very happy for that. I haven’t been directly in the center of town though. that’s what makes me nervous. more people and people who don’t give a crap.

    Good mileage this week. I really need to up my game!

    Reply
  11. Michelle D.

    I love your purple shoes! I’m a big Brooks fan – which model did you get?

    I haven’t tried any in-person shopping yet – still ordering everything online. Going to the grocery store still stresses me out.

    Nice mileage this week! I always enjoy your photos of NYC!

    Reply
    1. cari Post author

      Thank you!
      Ghost 12. A friend recommended them, the research was good and they were purple. Wins all around.

      I don’t think I’ll be doing much in person shopping. Seems an unnecessary risk when most easily done online

      Reply
  12. Chocolaterunsjudy

    Like you, I’m more cautious. I shop about once a month in person, and the rest is all Instacart. It can definitely cut down on spontaneous purchases!

    I’ve been mulling over outdoor dining, too. Not sure. We dine outside on our deck, and are lucky to have that option!

    I’ve run in Brooks for many years. Along with my Newtons — I like to rotate between the two brands. Oddly enough, I’d say Brooks are one of the rare brands where I sometimes (not always) have to break them in!

    Reply
  13. Marcia

    Hooray for purple shoes! I hope the Brooks work for you. Have 1080s been discontinued??
    You have gorgeous scenery to enjoy. There’s nothing quite like summer in the city, even if these are weird times.

    Reply
  14. Zenaida Arroyo

    We are in Phase 4 but I am trying not to leave the house too much.

    Brooks shoes are simply the best. Love that purple color! Which ones did you get?

    I laughed about your Tuesday run. No recollection at all? 🙂

    Reply
    1. cari Post author

      Ghost 12s. They are a winner so far.
      No recollection. Only way I knew I’d run was because I run every other day and didn’t have a recollection of skipping it.

      Reply
  15. Shathiso

    Those purple Brooks look lovely!!! We’ve been open for a while now, but the only thing I get out for are my runs and work where I don’t see people. I’m still quite cautious too.

    Reply
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