Driveway Jumper Cables :O

I had a little fun today, to use the term loosely.  It's been a while since I had to jump start a car, but the car battery didn't want to cooperate.  That car had sat in the driveway, undriven, for a couple of weeks.  I guess the cold weather took a toll and it refused to start as a result.

But, once you've jumped started one car, you never lose that particular skill - even if it's been years since I last did it :D

A Few Merry Christmas Miles :D

Merry Christmas!

This morning I ran a not too chilly 5 miles.  Despite the frozen lake behind me, it wasn't cold.  The frozen landscape made it appear that way - but the upper 20's (and no wind to speak of) doesn't constitute running in the cold.  Having said that, I nevertheless stuck with tights and skipped digging out the shorts - haha!

Hope everyone has a great Christmas!!

Happy Festivus - 2019!

It's that time of year again - Festivus! 

What better way to kick off the holiday season than with yet another example of why Seinfeld was the highwater mark of sitcoms :D

Happy Winter Solstice - 2019

Happy Winter Solstice - albeit a few hours early!  It formally arrives at 11:19 PM tonight.

I spent the last day of the Fall grading exams.  All that's left is for me to submit the final grades - and then my winter break will officially begin :D

Fall Semester is Done!

Today was my last day of classes.  All that's left of the Fall semester is grading the exams, and then a month+ of winter break.  I can't believe how fast the semester went by.  Even more remarkable is my trip to San Francisco seems like it took place ages ago - and it was in October. 

I don't have any plans for the time off.  Will probably spend a good chunk of at my law office, catching up on non-teaching matters.  But, on the running side of things, I'm looking forward to jumping in a winter race.  Hard to believe I haven't run a race since last Spring :O  Even at the most low-key event, may seem a little strange lining up for one - haha.  I wonder if it's like that old saying about riding a bike....

NYRR Virtual Turkey Trot 5k - 2019

After my Thanksgiving Day post, I decided to sign up for the NYRR Virtual Turkey Trot :D

Even if I missed the pre- and post-race socializing from this year's Thanksgiving races, I could at least log my own virtual 5k mileage over the holiday weekend.

Not the same as going to an actual Turkey Trot, but it does burn off a few holiday calories ;O

Happy Thanksgiving - 2019

 
Happy Thanksgiving everyone! 

I got in a few windy miles this morning (just under 4) before starting on our Turkey day family dinner.  Part one, the potatoes and turkey are officially in the oven.  Now for a little break before returning to kitchen duty.  My brother and his family will get here around 3 or so - then we sit down to Thanksgiving :D

On a related note, while I haven't missed road races, it's times like these that I really miss going to races.  What I really miss around the holidays - like any one of the dozens of Turkey Trots in the area - isn't the actual race, but all the pre and post-race socializing w/my running friends :(

Hopefully the urge to jump back into a race will return by Christmas.  I'm sure there'll by a few Santa runs out there :D

"Understanding Impeachment" Panel Presentation

This afternoon I had some fun as a participant on the "Understanding Impeachment" Panel that was held at Pace University.  Three professors, a moderator, and a lecture hall of students (with some some faculty and guests mixed in) :D

The first speaker covered the Constitutional provision, I covered the prior impeachments in U.S. history, and the final speaker talked about the present impeachment "investigation" taking place in the House.

Not my typical bailiwick (which is generally tax law) - but it was a great change of Pace (intentional pun :O) and it was nice to have one of my current Con Law students in the audience.

 

Running Home - from work?!

This afternoon took an unexpected turn, to put in mildly!  That's me, barely smiling, on the Bronx River Greenway, just at the Harney Road exit.  How I got there was via an easy (10-11 pace) run from Crestwood Station.  I've run this stretch 100's of times - but not in non-running clothes (e.g. those that I go to work in)!

But, when the Metro North Harlem line is shut down thanks to a fallen utility pole - it seemed like the thing to do.  In fact, the train was half-way to the Scarsdale station when it stopped, went into reverse and returned to Crestwood.  The only announcement was that there was a blockage on the tracks and no estimated time of departure.  A little while later, more dire announcement - it was a fallen utility pole and they were waiting for Con Ed to arrive and turn off the power before any removal efforts could get underway....

That was my cue to get going - and thankfully I had my sneakers on :D

For someone who should temporarily rename this "writedangerously" given the long stretch of weekends at the office - the 2 mile run was actually a lot of fun.

2019 NYC Marathon Expo

Just back from the NYC Marathon Expo.  I went to the Javits Center after my morning class to pick up the bib, shirt and athlete village bag.  Given the rain and overall dreary weather, it wasn't a fun commute.  But, hopefully, better weather tomorrow afternoon and the trip to Central Park to the 15+ and streakers get together :D

I did manage to find my name on the wall!

A few Fall miles - Duck Pond

I had great fun on that quick trip to San Francisco.  The only downside was no time get in any running miles.  I did get to check out the Embarcadero district on Friday night, including a few drinks and a lot of Sushi at a private club - the Modernist!

Now, safely back in New York -- a few weekend miles this crisp Fall morning.  Duck Pound is one of the many local water spots (hardly given names) that populate the neighborhood.

A better view - sans the selfie:

Greetings from San Francisco!!

Greetings from San Francisco! 

This will be a very quick visit (to use the term loosely) - I just arrived at the hotel, will be part of a panel presentation tomorrow at the ABA Tax Section Meeting, and then I fly home on Saturday.

I haven't been to San Francisco in more than 20 years!  But I've flown over it a dozen+ times on the trips to Southeast Asia.  Even though this one is only 3 days, I'll make the most of it!

Last Day of Summer -2019

Been a while since I've posted a running related selfie!  It's from the lake just north of Fisher Lane.  This morning I ran north along the Bronx River Greenway and returned via the Bronx River Parkway (2nd to last weekend of Bicycle Sundays on the BRP).  The entire run up and back was just over 13 miles.

Today is the last day of summer - how did it go so quickly?!  While I haven't run a race in months (in that semi-retired state of mind), have been keeping up my regular (non-race) running.

Here is a much nicer (haha) view of the lake - w/out me :D

Never Forget -2019

It's hard to believe this happened 18 years ago.  But even if it was 28 years ago - NEVER FORGET!

My office is still a block away from the site of the Twin Towers (and now Memorial).  A lot has changed in this neighborhood over those 18 years.  But evil still lurks out there among us - NEVER FORGET!

Happy National Radio Day - 2019!

How ironic is it that my last post, from April, was about radio!  That post was to celebrate World Amateur Radio Day - which is primarily about broadcasting (the ham radio variety).  Today is about the receiving king - listening to programming broadcast over the airwaves!

To quote from last year's post:

National Radio Day is a time for communities across the country to celebrate radio. The goal is to strengthen the radio ecosystem, highlighting all kinds of radio, but especially stations that focus on local service. We want to ensure that amazing noncommercial stations are included in the national conversation.

Given that physical radios - as well as old school over the air broadcasts - are starting to fade away (the scary trend in Europe is to abolish the FM service) it's all the more important to support your local radio station!
_______________________________________

So celebrate by tuning in!  My plan is to fire up the shortwave radio (old school) :D

World Amateur Radio Day - 2019!

Get on the air today and celebrate!

2019 VCTC Urban Environmental Challenge 10K

Great morning to run - and great conditions (dry) at Van Cortlandt Park for the Urban Environmental Challenge 10k!  This year the VCTC added a 6k race (and one for the kids as well).

Ran into a couple of old (non-VCTC) friends as well!

As for the running, the second loop was tough.  I wound up walking up the hills on the second go around.  But I was more than pleased with my 55:50 (unofficial), 9:00 pace.  It was almost 3 minutes slower than I ran last year, but have a lot fewer training miles run so far this year :O

I'll add a link to the results once they've been posted.

Happy Spring Equinox - 2019!

This afternoon (at 5:58 -- minutes before this evening - ha) we can finally bid goodbye to winter!  It hasn't be a terrible one, but I'm just so over cold weather - and running in cold weather.  Time to warm up :D

2019 Taconic RR Freezer 5 Miler: Race Photos & Results

Normally I'd begin a race post with the race itself - but today, a small rant is in order.  This was third weekend in a row my IPhone died right after a race/run (going back to the 20K in Fairfield, 2 miler in Van Cortlant Park, Trail Run in Rockies, and - of course - this morning's 5 miler in FDR park!).  Some of those were pretty cold; but today, for example, the temperature never dipped below freezing (despite the name of the race - haha).  I am not a happy Apple camper :(

Okay, rant over - back to running.  This was a rare back to back race weekend - with the Stratford 3 Miler yesterday.  My legs lacked anything approaching a second gear for this one.  I only ran another six+ miles to bring my mileage up to 10 yesterday - and those were easy miles.  But I did manage to come in under 40 minutes (my soft target).

My 38:33 finish (7:42 pace) was good enough for 4th in my AG (3rd in the 5 year AG).  It was a tough course, and I wound up walking a bit of "the" hill on the second loop.  Had I skipped the extra mileage yesterday I may have squeezed in under 38 minutes - but more than happy with both days!  In fact, the best part was the lack of any meaningful rain!  It was raining when I left the house - drizzling at FDR, pre-race - and relatively perfect for the 5 miles!

Post-race we had plenty of food.  And awesome fire going in the fireplace to dry off/warm up.  But the key to rehydration was the Captain Lawrence IPA that Gary brought :D

I managed to bring my IPhone back to life after charging it in the car to get these couple of shots!

Here are the official results from Taconice RR.

I'll add a link to the Taconic photos once they're up.

2019 Last Chance for Romance: Race Photos & Results

If it's February, then a trip up to Stratford for the Last Chance for Romance 3 Miler (formerly 4 Miles) is definitely in the cards.  Similar to last year, all the award were edible (as in Valentine's day candy).  That was in addition to all the great post-race food (tacos, chili, soup, bagels, muffins, and donuts - plus all that candy)!  It is indeed a greater challenge (than the race itself) to limit "calories in" to those consumed over the 3 miles - haha :D

As for the race itself - and its one (huge) hill in the last mile - acquitted myself with a 22:14, 7:25 pace (which, amazingly, included a bit of walking up that one hill).  It was actually 4 seconds faster than last year's performance.  That time was good enough for 2nd AG (a move up from last year's 3d AG).

As for the team races - we took first overall (a major improvement from 1st AG last year)!


Here are the official results from RunSignUp.

World Radio Day - 2019

Today is World Radio Day!

For a brief background, I'll repost last year's description (from the official website):

______________________________________

The date of 13 February, the day the United Nations radio was established in 1946, was proposed by the Director-General of UNESCO. The objectives of the Day will be to raise greater awareness among the public and the media of the importance of radio; to encourage decision makers to establish and provide access to information through radio; as well as to enhance networking and international cooperation among broadcasters.

The consulted stakeholders also proposed ideas for the programme of celebration: extensive use of social media, annual themes, a dedicated website enabling virtual participation, special radio programmes, radio programmes exchange, a festival involving key partners, and so forth.

On 14 January 2013, the United Nations General Assembly formally endorsed UNESCO’s proclamation of  World Radio Day. During its 67th Session, the UN General Assembly endorsed the resolution adopted during the 36th session of the UNESCO General Conference, proclaiming 13 February, the day United Nations Radio was established in 1946, as World Radio Day.
__________________________________________

So today it's an opportunity to listen old school - radio broadcasts via an actual radio.  I'll put my SDR on the backburner for a few hours and see what I can hear over a physical shortwave radio receiver!

Happy listening!

2019 Boston Buildup 20K: Race Photos & Results

It may have been a small miracle, but I somehow managed to run the Boston Buildup 20K this morning.  Given that I had no voice to speak of when I woke up (from all the coughing I had done through the night), I was inclined to skip it.  But since I hadn't run either of the first 2 races in the series during January - and, more importantly, I would probably have gone running later in the day - just got in the car and drove to Fairfield.

I was glad I did!  Despite the cold (I wore my jacket over my running clothes), finished in a sliver under 1:42 (1:42:59 - to be precise), an 8:12 pace.  Then my Iphone immediately died after I turned off Strava - so no pictures (the starting line photo is thanks to Tony!).

Here is the link to the official results at Athlinks.  One very cool thing I hadn't realized was that a finisher's certificate was available.  So there is mine - haha :D

2019 VCTC Tough Love 2x2 Relay

It may not have been the proper training plan to line up for Van Cortlandt Track Club's Tough Love Relay this morning - with the prospect of the Boston Buildup 20K in Fairfield tomorrow morning!  The wintery blast of cold weather was simply the icing on the cake (could not resist that chill pun)! 

But I love VCTC events - and I love running at Van Cortlandt Park - so this was a no brainer.  Plus, the prospect of winning a carrot cake muffin sealed the deal.  And, despite the frigid cold (the wind chill alone had to take the real feel temperature down to low single digits - but when the wind stopped blowing, the conditions were excellent)!

Don't know how we managed it, but Emmy and I teamed up and finished 3rd (behind Susan's team and Benny's team) in our AG.  So in addition to the race gloves - took home carrot cake muffins!

As always, VCTC put on an excellent event (and Carolyn, as RD, did an excellent job as well).  Hiroshi and I did a deja vu photo - a reprise of last week's photo from the TRRC Freezer 5K up at FDR park :D

I'll add link to the results once they've been posted.

2019 Taconic RR Freezer 5K: Race Photos & Results

It was actually balmy at FDR Park this morning!  And with the temperature at 33 degrees for the start, it was practically a heat wave give the sub-zero wind chills of last week!  The Freezer 5K was my first race since December - plenty of running, just haven't gotten myself over to a start line for a race (of any distance) until today.


I was pleasantly surprised w/my 22:30 (22:32 official), 7:15 pace.  Amazingly, for little if no speed work this season, it was about 6 seconds faster than my 2018 Freezer 5K!  Last year that was good enough for 2nd AG - but this year I dropped 3 places to 5th in my AG - so much for shaving off those few seconds - ha!


Anyway, regardless of time - it was great to be out there running (dare I say... fast) for a change!

Hiroshi and I hamming it up after we finished :D


I'll add a link to the official results once they've been posted.

Happy Groundhog Day - 2019

Happy Groundhog Day!  And the good news from Punxsutawney this morning, no shadow - Spring arrives 6 weeks earlier!  But given Phil's recent batting average (right just 40% of the time), flipping a coin would actually increase the prediction odds - haha.

Anyway, whether you have faith in Phil's prognostication skills, or not - today is the day to watch Bill Murray in "Groundhog Day" (what better way to celebrate?)...

 

Done!  I "ran" the NYRR 2019 Virtual Resolution Run 5K last night.  This was my 4th NYRR Virtual Race (and the second New Year's Resolution Run).   Never the same as actually participating in a race, but good enough excuse to run faster than training pace :D

 

Missing from this run was the virtual bib, which I did like from last year's race.  Regardless, this Resolution Run, at 26:32,8:33 pace, it was a solid 2 minutes faster than the 2018 edition!  The 8:33 pace was a solid minute plus faster than my average training run pace over the last couple of months.  So while it's not a race substitute, it's great training.

It was 20 Years Ago Today... The Sopranos Debuted on HBO

Twenty years is a long time - back to the last millennium, actually.  On January 10, 1999 the first episode of The Sopranos was aired on HBO (during what would be the year of Y2K fears).  Who would have imagined it would become one of the greatest TV series of all-time (seriously)!

I must admit, I didn't become a fan until the season 5!  In what was something of an tradition back then, I would buy the complete (previous year) season box CD set for my brother as Christmas presents.  When I finally watched the show it was pretty funny asking him for those previous season boxed sets so I could binge watch them to catch up!  Long before the days of streaming - haha.

Anyway, as a lead-up to the anniversary, HBO has been airing a complete season, day by day, since the weekend.  They are up to season 6, part 2 (or, season 7, if you will) - the final year.

I'm decidedly in the camp that hates the fade to black finale.  But it doesn't detract from my overall love of the show. 

So celebrate the anniversary by watching a few episode today :D