Central Park with Marshall, Todd and Jose
Yesterday's run was something very special. I hooked up with my new friends Todd Jennings, Jose Vargas and Marshall Ulrich for a run in Central Park. I had met these guys last year on election eve when Marshall was completing the last leg of his epic cross country run, where we ran with him for about 5 miles down the west side as he approached the finishing point at city hall. Yesterday was an extraordinary day, weatherwise; an awesome spring day and the magic of Central Park could not have been more evident. Literally, if I could show a picture of runner's heaven, it would have been yesterday in Central Park.

We did about a 4 1/2 mile loop (90th Street and the West side; south and around and back) in the park on the bridle path, which was easy on the legs. There were people (runners, walkers, bikers, skaters ..) everywhere. It was sunny and warm and tree blossoms exploding all over the place. Before I knew the run was over. We headed over to a Starbucks on 88th and Broadway for some coffee and conversation.

We hung out with Todd's kids and Marshall's wife, Heather for about an hour and chatted about all kinds of stuff. Marshall was in town as part of his recent drive cross country to chronicle many details of the run for his book and documentary film. We were asking running and training questions, sharing experiencing and generally doing what runners do after a group run when time permits. It wasn't long before this activity was over and I was on my way home.

Today when I woke up I was feeling aching and sore. As I was walking around the house loosening up, my thoughts drifted to some of the things we talked about yesterday, like the mental aspects of running and how everyday Marshall would get out and run 50-60 miles coming across country. Its hard not to feel inspired and feel a surge of positive energy fill your body, soul and being and lift you up to move on, empowered! ....... I'm heading out and get a run in now ~ See ya Later!