Weekend Updates and the Poland Springs 5M Marathon Kickoff

It’s Monday, and the start of my second week at my new job. I was nervous last week and I have to say, those nerves haven’t totally disappeared, but it’s becoming more real every day. This weekend wasn’t about work, however – it was all about enjoying the autumn weather, seeing friends, whipping up new recipes, and running the Poland Springs 5M Marathon Kickoff in Central Park, Race #7 of the 9 I need this year to qualify for next year’s New York City Marathon. On Saturday, I went for a little stroll in Central Park when I woke up in the morning. Since I was last here, they finished renovating a playground near the East 72nd Street entrance. No more scaffolding!

 

 

 

As soon as I crossed to the middle of the park I saw construction. That part never ends – except this time, it was the fencing, signage, and other necessary structures for the marathon next weekend. There is so much to do, I’m not surprised they start a week in advance, although all the fences and gates do make it tough to go on my usual walking or running routes. 

 

 

 

 

After I got home, I enjoyed a leisurely brunch and reading the paper before I headed to Brooklyn to my friend Kim’s apartment to visit her, her husband, and their new baby! It seems like her shower was just yesterday, but the little guy made his arrival a couple of weeks early and as of Saturday he was 8 days old. I hardly ever go to Brooklyn, even though it’s hip and there’s a lot to do now, just because I didn’t know anyone who lived there before they moved a few months ago. But they’re totally worth the trip 🙂 I won’t post photos of him here out of respect for their privacy, but here’s a look at the chocolate chip pumpkin muffins and double fudge brownies I made for the hungry parents. I’ll be sharing the brownie recipe soon!

 

 

 

 

On the way back from Brooklyn, I saw a sign in the subway advertising Sunday’s race. It’s always good to see New York Road Runners getting the word out about events and races surrounding the marathon, because it puts the whole city in a running mood. That was apparent on Sunday morning, when I arrived at my corral for the Poland Springs 5M Marathon Kickoff. It started to rain just as the last strains of the Star Spangled Banner were sung, but all the runners went for it anyway, and there were people outside in the park to cheer despite the weather. I firmly believe running is something we can all enjoy no matter our ability level, and the more people who are encouraged to give it a shot, the better.

 

 

 

 

Luckily, the clouds parted later in the day and the sun came out to enhance the colors of the autumn leaves. I spent most of the afternoon meal prepping for the week ahead, but managed to get out to meet my friend Kaitlin for coffee and see it for a little while. That’s what I love about living uptown – it may not be the coolest area for a young person in New York City, but you’re so close to Central Park. I woke up at 7:50am Sunday morning, got dressed and had some lemon water, was out the door at 8:08am and in my corral at 8:25 with time to spare. 

 

 

 

 

Speaking of meal prepping, I whipped up a Smoked Salmon and Quinoa Quiche to pack for some lunches this week, and roasted a spaghetti squash to make some dinner bowls for evenings I have stuff after work. I also made some salads, and cut up fruit and veggies for snacks. It’s more work than I thought it would be to get everything ready in one afternoon, but then again, I don’t have to worry about it for an entire week, so that’s nice. I’ll see how I feel after a few months.

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Tweet “Running and cooking on an autumn weekend! #MealPrep #PolandSpringKickoff #NYRR #RunForLife”]

 

 

 

 

 

Do you meal prep on weekends for the week ahead?

 

Any fun fall activities this weekend?

 

 

 

 

 

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