running zen

Much like when I forget my Garmin, if a run is not recorded or discussed, did it even happen?  A good friend of mine is out of town, which leaves me with no one to rehash my runs with.  Mentioning it here will have to do.

Sunday's run is notable not for my speed (I was slow) or the distance (7 miles - which is currently qualifying as a long run) but because I achieved the elusive zen state were it feels effortless.  This hasn't happened since the Brooklyn Half.  My runs have all been perfectly fine.  I've gone out, run the miles and it's all been very satisfying.  But the good run, when miles are melting away and you look around with awe because you don't even remember getting to that point - that is what Sunday's run was like.

I ran the outer perimeter of Prospect, along the sidewalk.  For all of the hundreds and hundreds of miles I've logged in that park, I have no idea why this didn't occur to my earlier.  It was downright peaceful.  No crowds or distractions.  Just enough people passing by to keep things interesting without anyone actually being in the way.  I need to remind myself to keep trying new routes, it can make a world of difference.

(The humidity finally easing up may also have played a small roll in this...)

arriving in hudson

Playing catch up...  John and Emily's wedding, two weeks ago.

First things first, I had to walk around the grounds.  No bag, no problem.  My shirt can hold the other lens.



We set up camp and I have to hand it to them - they did not disappoint on the amenities provided to their wedding guests.  Just because you're camping doesn't mean to you have rough it completely.

Showers, changing rooms.  Mirrors.  Soap, flowers.  They thought of everything.

Perfect for all of us city slickers in the woods-

the east end

(I think a marriage can be measured by your ability to successfully set up camp at 10PM, after a day of pouring rain, with nothing but a small lantern for light.)

We were feeling confident after camping last weekend in Hudson, so we upped the stakes and headed to Wildwood State Park in Wading River, NY.  I had spontaneously bought stand up paddle boarding lessons on Living Social a few months ago and I saw an opportunity!  We'd drive out Friday afternoon, camp that night, take the SUP lessons Saturday morning and head back to Brooklyn Saturday afternoon.  The perfect summer weekend!  Best laid plans and all that...  Rire had to work late so we didn't hit the road till 8:30, which has it's upside - less LIE traffic.  But still, the downside - setting up camp in the dark isn't any one's idea of a good time.  We took the divide and conquer approach.  He tackled the tent and I got the grill going (note to self, next time bring plates...).  In no time we were sitting back and eating while watching our neighboring campers struggle with their tents.  Ahhh, public campgrounds!  

(He may or may not have snored all night.  Good thing I love him...)

I grew up camping but it's been years (decades?) so my gear has dwindled to pretty much non existent.  I had to borrow my nephews sleeping bag...  Rire however loooves gear and has had the tent for years. Why we haven't been using it all along I don't know.  Better late than never I guess.

Our SUP lesson was in Southampton and we debated leaving the tent and coming back for it later, but our motivation was strong.  The tent came down, breakfast was eaten and we were on the road again to this beautiful spot.  Quick instruction from Hamptons Adventure Watersports and we were ready to go.

I wasn't sure what to expect, but I loved it.  Training and running marathons for the past few years has it's own set of advantages - but I think we've been missing out on spontaneous adventures like this. Long runs dictated our weekends and kept us from exploring other things.  SUP was fantastic.  It was more relaxing than I had expected, I could have gone for hours.

We were on a roll - the dubious late and rainy start on Friday had turned into an actual vacation.  So why head home now?  Our fellow paddle boarders suggested a nearby beach in Sag Harbor.  Which we now think of as a little peace of heaven.  Uncrowded, easy parking, calm water.  Yes please.  We swam, we napped. Swam, nap, swam, nap...

and your little dog too

My morning run.

Oblivious dog walker + 300 foot long leash + exuberant dog = me getting jumped on.  I was...  Displeased.  I swore loudly and steamed about it for a mile or two.  I like dogs, this was not Kujo - it was friendly.  But I can't stand and will never understand why you would ever walk your dog in a way that would allow it to jump on a complete stranger.  Short of scaling the wall, I was as far away from it as the sidewalk would allow.  I'm happy to share the sidewalk, but reel in the leash OK?  It's not the dog park.


(It looks like the dog is doing something inappropriate, but that's just my poor drawing skills.)