Running Races

Just a few years ago, and I mean about four or five, running races here in NYC was an easy last minute event.  I could peruse the internet, find a race, show up, pay some money, and run.  Races in Central Park with the New York Roadrunners Club were always crowded, which does make racing worthwhile and give a feeling of being part of something.  There was usually an eclectic group of people including slim elite athletes running like a group of gazelles in the front and a big cadre of rounded individuals getting themselves back into some kind of shape.  People generally wore the basic running shoes, jogging shorts and some cotton t-shirt from the bottom of their workout drawer.  Being Manhattan, there definitely was a group that had the newest running thing.

It's changed.  I can't run in races anymore.  For one, I would have to know the race schedule and my schedule more than a few days in advance.  Secondly, I would have to regularly check on the website for the registration openings, wait the week or two from when I noted the schedule, remember, and sign-up within the few hours that the race remains open.  They fill up quickly.  I don't want my weekends scheduled too far in advance.  What if some unforeseen road trip, family visit, swell, random visiting friend arrives, or an Bear Mountain bike ride comes up?  Last winter we booked a place in Puerto Rico the day before we left.  This is not Danielle's ideal scenario, but she relinquishes her much better sense of scheduling while traveling.  That is when I am on my game.  Plus, when I do schedule a race, seemingly everyone just bought a new running outfit at Jack Rabbit Sports.