Crime and Punishment

Fourth classic off the list! Yes, I will continue exclaiming each one as I finish it. I have 6 to go. Man, I gotta find some shorter classics. In the time since I read the last classic, I had actually decided to re-read the Harry Potter series in preparation for the last movie. It took me about the same length of time to read all 7 HP books and this particular classic. Once I completed the HP series (and yes, I went through withdrawal again), I started Crime and Punishment by Fyodor Dostoevsky. Now I’ve never read this before (obviously that’s why it’s on the list) and had no idea what it was about. I downloaded it onto my Kindle and decided to give it a go. 15% into it (yes, the Kindle is very accurate), I was in for a shock. Note: spoiler alert. The main character goes and murders a woman (with her sister as collateral damage) with an axe. Yeah, I wasn’t expecting that at all.

The remainder of the book takes you through the character’s Napoleonic beliefs and his torment over the murders. There are a few more surprises later on and an ending that was somewhat expected. All I know is those Russian authors like to have extra long names for their characters. And they go by their full names. This is why these books are so damn long.

Overall it was good. I probably glossed over portions of the book again like with the other classics, I had to make sure I had the characters straight. They have 3 names apiece and they go by a different in each part of the book. Not confusing at all.

Time to choose my next book…

Boston Qualify

I have run 4 marathons so far. My first in Alaska 4 years ago where I vowed I'd never do another, the following year was Marine Corps where I accepted my medal from a cute Marine, and for the last 2 years I ran through the 5 boroughs of my home city–NYC. For the last couple of them, I had decided that to qualify for Boston could be achievable, but it has eluded me. I do blame the awesome spectators in Brooklyn that got me to run slightly faster than I should have because I was so excited, and that damn beloved Queensboro Bridge. So for my 30th, I'm going to attempt yet again. But make it slightly (hopefully) easier to accomplish than crossing over 5 bridges.

Which marathon do I run?? Decisions, decisions, decisions. I, of course, looked for a flat marathon. Especially now that the BAA has taken the liberty to make this a bit more difficult for me. Instead of trying to break 3:40:59, I now have to break 3:35:00. Thanks Boston.

I considered Chicago, Berlin, Amsterdam, Philly and a number of other flatter, slightly easier courses to attempt, including the Wineglass Marathon in Corning, not far from where I grew up. Since I will be living in London for a good portion of my training, I figured an international race is the way to go. I've already been to Berlin a couple of times, so I decided on Amsterdam! It’s cheaper (only 55 euros!), I’ve never visited the city, and I’m sure I could find some ways to celebrate when I finish.

I signed up about 1 ½ months ago and it’s official. I will be running the Amsterdam Marathon on October 16^th to attempt to cross off #3!

Now let’s take a look at the time that I need to qualify quickly. I like numbers, so I’m going to ramble on about paces, times, ect. Due to the new qualifying standards for Boston, as a 29-year old, I need a get 3:35:00 to qualify for Boston. This means that I have to run an average of an 8:12 minute mile for 26.2 miles! They have also gotten rid of the 59 second leeway they have given in the past. So essentially I need to break 3:35:00. I don’t trust myself to get exactly 3:35.00, so I need to aim for a slightly faster time. So maybe 8:11 per mile?

I went onto the Runner’s World training calculator to see what my chances are based on previous race times. First, I plugged in my fastest (and only recently timed) mile from last September, which was 6:20. I’m sure this won’t be my fastest ever mile time, but it would work for this exercise. And we are in luck! My predicted marathon time would be 3:21:51. Totally BQ'ing.

EXCEPT, is this really a realistic approach? When I put this mile time in, it says my best ½ marathon time should be 1:36:49. Which I have gotten nowhere near. And I have run a lot more ½ marathons than any other race. My best ½ marathon time is 1:43:20. So I put this time into the calculator and it predicts a 3:35:27 marathon. 27 seconds too slow! Argh.

I feel somewhat (only a bit) confident I can at least realistically attempt to qualify, but it will be hard work. I have to get my butt in gear and train properly over the next few months. I will appreciate any words of encouragement that comes my way. I will need it. That and a personal trainer.

Day Trip

My friend Stephanie moved to England right before I did earlier this year and started up UK Wild Adventures, a company organizing fun activities to the countryside from London. I've been meaning to go on a trip but it’s been a bit hectic. However it finally worked out this past weekend!

I made my way to Euston and met up with Stephanie, Paul and the rest of the group. We got on the train and about 40 mins later, we were in Tring, a small town northwest of London. This is where we started our 9 mile Ashridge hike.

It started out beautiful. The sun was coming through the clouds, I had my DSLR around my neck, and was about to trek through the English countryside. We made our way through forests and fields. We took our lunch break on a massive fallen tree. I was definitely enjoying myself outside of the city. About 6.5 miles later, we came upon one of our stops along the hike—Frithsden Vineyard.

 

Here we tried some delicious English wine; 2 whites (Solaris and Phoenix) and a Rosé. The Rosé was a bit darker than your typical Rosé and was defnitely good. It’s made from the Rando grape. After our tastes, the owner gave us a guided tour of the vineyard and winery. All the while enjoying some more Phoenix. Unfortunately we saw some damage to some of the Phoenix vines from a frost in early May. This of course drove me to purchase a bottle of the Phoenix since they wouldn’t have much next year. During the tour we also got a preview of their soon to be sparkling wine—Frithsden Fizz.

After the tour was complete (and a little drizzle), we continued on our hike to our final destination—The Rising Sun pub in Berkhamsted. After a few more miles hiking, a cider and ploughman's really hit the spot. The cozy armchair also didn’t hurt.

A very successful Sunday if I don’t say so myself.

Casting Call

Six months until I turn 30. Yikes! This year is flying by. And I’ve checked off 13 3/10 things off my list. Pretty good progress if I don’t say so myself. There are a quite a few big ones left, but I should be able to accomplish them all. 

Now there is one in particular that is NOT going well at all. This whole dating thing. Ugh. Well my life has been an upheaval in the last few months. You know the whole moving to a new country thing. I had a few prospects back in January and February. Then I disappeared for a month and worked my butt off in London. I had no time for boys, let alone time to get a pint at a proper pub.

April rolled around and I was back in NYC. Work didn’t let up of course. I was also hanging out with my friends and family as much as possible before I left the country for good. And now it’s May. Almost June. For some reason work keeps interfering with my dating life (or lack thereof). 

So here it goes, a casting call for cute boys. Gotta be similar in age to me—not 40 and not 21. Smart. Funny. Likes to travel. Shaggy hair. Bigger calf muscles than my runner calves.

Most importantly lives in the vicinity of London.

Well you get the picture. Anyone you know? I just need to go on 11 dates. That’s all. Shouldn't be too hard...

A Tale of Two Cities

Third classic off the list! And this definitely went by quicker than the last two. I just finished A Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens. Quite fitting that I was reading it while I moved to London.

My plan is to read 10 classics before my 30^th, which would roughly average about 1/month. Well it’s May—almost June—and I’m a bit behind. After I read Anna Karenina, I started A Tale of Two Cities immediately. The plan is to read a classic, and then some easy book (beach read, crime, ect). But I powered through and immediately went to my 3^rd classic since I’m bit behind.

The book was pretty good. I had been meaning to read it for quite some time now. Somehow I never read it in high school or college. I couldn’t put it down towards the end, and it definitely made me want to read more about the French Revolution. I like historical novels that want me to refresh my history knowledge that’s been fading for the last decade.

I’m not sure what my next classic will be (maybe another “short” one). But I will be re-reading all the Harry Potter books before the big day in July!

Market Weekend

I now live in London. I now live in London. I have to keep reminding myself this. I keep thinking this is a temporary work vacation. Except this could be a couple of years and I no longer have a home in the US. Well… except my dad’s place, but let’s be honest, there are just way too many kids to have a room there.  

I spent my first week working about 15 hours a day. Fun. Exactly the way I wanted to spend my first week in my new city. I had to make up for the fact that I was busy moving the week before. And it’s a crazy time right now. So I didn’t do much last week except being chained to my laptop and blackberry, and sleeping.

When the weekend arrived, I was ready to sleep, relax a bit, and go exploring. I succeeded in all 3. I do need to find a place to live, but I figured I needed to get acclimated first. Get over jet lag. Decide on where I should live first. That type of stuff.

On Saturday I met up with KC, an old coworker of mine. She’s a newbie to London as well. I decided we will be friends. We spent the late morning/early afternoon wondering around Borough Market, which is near London Bridge. If you are looking for food, this is the place to go. They have a ton of fresh food for the choosing. Veggies, fruit, fish, spices, pretty much anything you can think of to prepare a meal. Now I don’t cook. We established this in #20. Luckily KC cooks and offered to feed me for my entire stay in London. Although she doesn’t know this yet. Of course there were also stalls with food to munch on for lunch. I grabbed a Pimm’s drink and a falafel to wash it down. It was pretty yummy. We then hit up Selfridge’s and had some cider to celebrate a good day.

On Sunday I was a bit more adventurous and decided to go to Old Spiltalfields Market. The adventure was taking the tube to the market. Apparently there’s a lot of construction on the weekend. EVERYWHERE. It took me about 2 hours to get there. No joke. I have no friends and had no plans, so I didn’t stress. This market is not food, although there is a lot in the nearby Brick Lane. This market is all about fashion. I wandered around and resisted buying anything. I figured I’d better find an apartment first before I purchase a lot of clothes. However, I do need some spring items since I didn’t pack properly when the shippers came before I left. There may be a return trip in the near future.

 

There are many markets in London and I plan to explore every single one of them.

I Heart NY

#15

I moved to NYC June 1, 2005, right after graduating from the University of Rochester. I spent the previous year taking part in the Take 5 Scholar Program and decided that I wanted to get into the Marketing field, and more specifically Advertising. I spent a couple of weeks at home in upstate New York restlessly waiting to hear back from job applications in NYC, Boston, and Chicago. I had a few interviews lined up in NYC and my sister’s college apartment was available to sublet. So I packed 2 suitcases and took the Greyhound down to Port Authority.

The interviews went well and I was asked to come back for a 2^nd round for a couple of them. However, It took me a couple of months to land a job. In the meantime, I explored the city and patiently kept applying to jobs. Something finally came through in August and I started at a healthcare advertising agency in Murray Hill.

One month shy of 6 years later, I am not only leaving this beloved city, I’m leaving the country to start the next chapter in my life in London. I am relocating for my job and am excited to return to the city I lived in briefly back in 2004. There are some things I’m not going to miss about NYC (crowded hot subways, gross rats, muggers), but there’s a lot more I’m going to miss. So going with my theme, I’ve made a list (in no particular order) of the various memories I’ve had in the last 6 years.

1. Running in 2 NYC Marathons
2. Watching the Yankees win the 2009 World Series at Brother Jimmy’s
3. Attending the Yankees Ticker Tape Parade a few days later
4. Countless races in Central Park, Prospect Park, and all over the 5 boroughs
5. My studio apartment in Woodside
6. Many nights that I can’t remember
7. Watching the sun rise at early races and after late nights
8. Watching the sun set over the Manhattan skyline
9. Many dinners at Dino
10. Too many nights of too-many-beers-after-dodgeball

11. Doing all the touristy stuff (Empire State Building, Top of the Rock, Statue of Liberty)
12. Going to Broadway shows like Rent, Wicked, and American Idiot
13. Too many Yankees game to count at the old and new stadiums
14. Tour of the old Yankees Stadium
15. The sadness of seeing the old skeleton of the old stadium
16. Day trips to Long Beach with friends
17. Hanging out in Central Park trying to get a tan
18. Weekend trips to upstate, Nantucket, and Philly
19. Many vacations from JFK, LaGuardia, and Newark
20. A very memorable wine-filled, 29^th birthday celebration on Long Island
21. Training runs traversing all over this city
22. Hanging out at the Astoria beer garden in the summer
23. Making great friends through work and running
24. Getting robbed multiple times
25. Seeing A-rod’s 500^th HR in person
26. The 7 train
27. The guys apartment building erupting when the Giants won the 2008 Superbowl
28. Running through Times Square in 3 NYC ½ marathons
29. Lots of margaritas and burritos at Blockheads
30. Snowstorms of 2006, 2010 and 2011 (just in case I needed a reminder of upstate)
31. Lots of ‘Cuse, Rangers, and Knicks games at MSG
32. Lots of concerts at MSG (plus a circus)
33. Going to The Daily Show taping
34. Many a homeless man sleeping on subway cars
35. Cursing at cab drivers, subways, people who cat-called me, and slow walkers
36. Grabbing a slice after being at the bars till 4am
37. Grabbing a whole-wheat everything bagel, toasted with scallion cream cheese the next morning
38. Watching movies in Bryant Park
39. Free Kenny Chesney and All American Rejects
    summer concerts 
40. Wondering around the Christmas Markets
41. Skating at Wollman
42. Halloween shenanigans
43. Runs from Paragon
44. Riding the bull at Johnny Utah’s
45. The views from the Staten Island Ferry
46. The views from Long Island City
47. Spring blooming in Central Park
48. The welcomed fall cool temps in October
49. Book club nights
50. An amazing going away party at the Brooklyn Brewery

With this list of memories I now say good bye to the city that never sleeps. I will take my NYC walk across the Atlantic, and make some new memories in London.