So one would think that the approaching end of marathon season would mean a corresponding drop in endurance event opportunities. It seems that is actually not the case, but before I get to some fun upcoming events, let’s recap my lovely little adventure this morning.
ALL TERRAIN CROSS COUNTRY ADVENTURE

I woke up at 6:07 AM. It was pitch black, rainy and I could hear the wind howling against the building. Everything in me wanted to go back to bed, but as I had organized the team for my residents, I felt I could not skip out on the Fall Foliage 5K. I bundled up, grabbed my umbrella and headed to work. I arrived at the gym, where we were meeting to be bused to Van Cortlandt Park. I wondered if any of the 18 people signed up would even attend. I certainly wouldn’t have come if I didn’t feel completely obligated. Actually, about 1% of me hoped no one would show up and I could go back to my warm home. But 4 students showed up and we enjoyed a nice breakfast together and waited to board the bus. The gym was bustling with activity, golf club, hiking club, the wrestling “guys” who had been dragged to the run, and of course, the cross country team and my team of dedicated running residents. A fifth member of my team showed up and we board the bus. On the way in the rain had been light, it was definitely getting heavier by the minute and as we rode up to the Bronx, man was it foreboding.
The rain and wind were really coming down when we arrived, and as we waited for the second bus I was having second thoughts. First, I hate, HATE, running in anything less than ideal, but especially rain. Second, I did not realize “cross-country”, meant ALL-Terrain, as in rocks, grass, gravel, pavement, hills and mud. Sounds like an ankle injury waiting to happen.
I almost backed out. In fact, I was the last one off the bus and started a good 100 yards after everyone. I have no idea what got into me, rain, cold, wind and fear of further injury I guess. As the only people who actually showed up for the event were serious runners, I found myself alone several points along the way. And the course was not marked at all, there were so many places where the trail split, I was constantly worried I would get lost. That being said, it was really gorgeous to run through the paths of insanely tall trees, which helped protect from the wind and rain. It was like hiking, but running. After the first mile or so, I really started enjoying myself. I passed a few groups of wrestlers and a few other people, so at least I knew someone was behind me if I got lost. The hills were serious, but fortunately the last part through the woods was mainly downhill. I really enjoyed the scenery, but as we reentered the main circle, I took a wrong turn and ended up adding an extra half mile to my run, instead of going right at the cross bridge to the finish, I went left and ran back along the course to end where we started. No biggie. I didn’t find this map (below) until after the event. I didn’t even use a watch or Garmin since it was just for fun, but I felt great, though cold, at the end, and realized rain isn’t as miserable as I thought. And I love the shirt! When I got off the bus, I could really feel it, gonna be sore tomorrow! Oh, and when I checked my phone after the race, I had an email that Chandra had hit the 10K mark at 1 hour! Yayayayay!
I have noticed that NYRR has been holding a lot of races at Van Cortlandt Park, I wonder if they are through the woods?

Earn your T-Day Dinner
So, is anyone up for a real challenge? On November 22nd, there will be a 60K race in the park! 37.2 MILES! That’s NINE laps of the park! Talk about earning your thanksgiving dinner. I guess the marathon is the last long run for those folks! You can still sign up!
Just Tri-It!

For those ever so slightly less ambitious, the Jack Rabbit Indoor Triathlon Series is starting on November 15th! I don’t think I will be ready for that one, but I plan to sign up for the second in the series on December 6th! While I have determined that the Disney Marathon will be too much pressure and probably too much stress on the body this year, I will be cheering on my good friend Derek who signed up! Not sure whether I will actually be able to cheer on live, but at the very least in spirit! The third tri is on Jan 10th, but I am going to see how the first one goes!
Just to recap, the indoor tri works like this:
Swim for 10 minutes, bike for 30 minutes, run for 20 minutes, and see how far you can go! I love it! It will be fun to train for! Better get the googles out!
PS NYCers, I would love some company for this event
Turkey Trots

I am deciding between 3 turkey trot locations and 6 different race options, including making it a trifecta, but I am going to wait until post-Nov. 1st to make any final decisions! Stay tuned.
Finally, I have an AMAZING GIVEAWAY COMING UP NEXT WEEK! You won’t want to miss it!