Jingle Bell Jog

Happy Holidays!

Late Fall Weekend Long Run

Race to Deliver: 4M Race

I ran a 4M race today with colleagues to help raising funds and promote awareness for God's Love We Deliver (GLWD)! The orgniazation prepare and deliver nutritious meals to people who are sick and unable to prepare meals for themselves.  For more information about GLWD, please visit their website.

It was a cold morning with temperature below 40F (4.4C), wind was pretty gusty and it felt like 32F. I had two layers and long sleeves all the way, but the temp was cold enough that my joint felt too cold to move. I could hardly wiggle my fingers when we were waiting to start. 

I ran a decent first mile passing through the Cat Hill on the start. I was starting to feel a little warmer but my hands were still frozen cold. The second mile was pretty flat and steady.  At the end of the 2nd mile I came across someone who dressed the same as me - our jacket, pants, and even ear warmer were the same colors.  Usually it's quite easy to notice and remember the person who dresses like you, or running as the same pace as you.  Needless to say she took notice of me as well.  

Incidents like this in races usually leads to competition.  Somehow she decided that I am her competition and she started racing with me.  I knew this because I saw her passing me, falling back behind me, and passing me again repeatedly in the next 2 miles, literally from the initial encounter to the finish line. It was funny as the third mile was 3 rolling hills and we 'battled' through the hills one after another. We had different approach to ascends and descends so we exchanged lead a few times.  Every single time when I passed her at a steady pace, I could see her passing me again within 10 seconds. 

At 3.5 miles I was getting a little tired and her lead widened.  Towards the end everyone started to speed up so I did my best to follow the pace as well. She looked around and saw me coming and she pushed through as well.  My shoe laces were loose suddenly but I ignored it. (If it were earlier in the race I would have stopped).  We sprinted the last 200-300 meters at almost 2'00" quicker than our race pace!  She ended up beating me by about 2 seconds "at the finish line" (I have no idea what corral she was in and what time she crossed the starting line). I was "beat", but my results and pace were much better than I expected so I was happy.  

The advantage of joining a race instead of practicing by yourself is all about motivation, whether it's keeping up with the people running next to you, or even starting a little healthy competition, it only helps pushing your physical and mental limits and letting you realize how much more you're capable of. 

Finally I met up with colleagues and enjoyed a delicious brunch on the Upper East Side. 

First Cross-State Run

Today marks my first time crossing a state border on foot!  It's quite a nice experience.  I took the trail and exited to the street level on 156th street, then run a good 1-2 miles uphill through the streets of Washington Heights.  Then at 178th street, turn left and head down the block for the pedestrian ramp for the bridge. Then climb a steep ascend on the ramp onto the bridge.    The bridge is only a little bit over 1 mile, although by cars you'll feel a lot longer with the queues to get on it and the heavy traffic when passing through it.   

The middle of the bridge, or the NY-NJ border is a great place to take a break, enjoy the view, and snap a picture or two.  You'll see the great Hudson River separately NY and NJ and the landscape of the two states. 

Post Election Day

The city is quiet. Awfully quiet. In a city that is home to millions of residents and commuters, this is extremely unusual and awkward. Morning commute is generally quiet but there are usually a few casual conversations and even some laughter here and there. But not today, everyone is looking down and seems to be in his/her own world. People are glued to the paper or articles on their phone, and their face displayed a bit of melancholy.  

The subway platform was orderly and organized.  Unlike the usual days, no one tried to aboard (or stuff themselves into) the crowded train when it arrives or selfishly bump into everyone trying to step off. 

Just when everyone gets comfortable with this state, a little  boy joined the pool of commuters and started singing his favorite nursery rhymes to break the silence. 

"The wheels on the bus go round and round, round and round, round...The wheels on the bus go round and round, all around the town..."

He missed a few words and notes, but he obviously enjoyed it and had a good time. His little pure and innocent voice was angelic, but hurts when you realize that he is going to grow up in a continuing divided country.

First Half Marathon Race!

I finished my first Half Marathon!

It was an impromptu decision.  I was not trained for it.  Even though I have done 13 miles during training (with many stops), I definitely didn't train regularly for endurance and strength.  I just thought maybe I could finish it.

Then comes to the week of preparation.  I thought I had built good mileage recent, but I started with bad foot pain from training too much (40+ miles in 7 days) and caught a flu on Tuesday with fever.  Weather forecast was pointing to a very rainy day.  I was worried about not making it at all, maybe too much that I couldn't even fall asleep the night before.  But everything worked out somehow! My foot pain improved by midweek and I felt a lot better towards the weekend, and the sky cleared up!

On the race day, I woke up early to eat a bowl of oatmeal for breakfast.  Got to the starting line and did some stretches.  By 8am off I went!

I ran some easy miles, but my running app was telling me that I was running at a slightly faster pace than I anticipated for. I slowed down a bit and ignored all the faster pacers passing me.  The rolling hills came between mile 3.5 to 4.5.  I did ok.  After the first loop I emptied a GU gel did not feel hurt at all.  Then it comes the second loop - another round of rolling hills and endurance challenge.   I was still catching breaths as my heart rate wasn't close to max at all, but my legs started to feel the pain - tiring out, ball of foot pain on the left came back, and the old ligament injury on the right resurfaced.  My head started debating whether I should slow to a walk but my conscious mind refused.  I told myself just one more round of rolling hills and do not regret after the race for not trying my best.  I tried to look at the surrounding and landmark to ease my mind.  

Mile 7 - this is also Mile 13, where I will be finishing, it's gonna be soon!

Mile 8 - MET museum, Guggenheim Museum...how gorgeous!

Mile 9 - take advantage of the downhill, get ready for the climb!

Mile 10 - I did the hilliest part already! Enjoy the greens and breathe!

Mile 11 - I can't believe I just finished all the uphills! Now eat another GU gel!

Mile 12 - Home stretch...this is it!

Mile 13 (.1) - Sprint to the finish line!!!

This is it! I finished!! I looked at my time and realized that I came in slightly under my goal time!!

Summer Exercise Series: The Last Summer Weekend Workout

To celebrate the last summer weekend of 2016, I decided to go the distance!!

Sat: 10K pace & 3K recovery
Sun: Half marathon run (one long way, new scene and nice view!)

I had to make some stops and walking breaks as I'm still relatively new to 13m distance, even though I went 60 secs slower per mile. 

My last 3 miles was full of calf cramps but I'm glad that I could finish it!
The soreness wasn't as bad as I thought. Maybe the intense stretching and foam rolling were the reasons.  I also focused on rolling my old injury and it did not act up at all the next day.  The only pain was my stiff neck + headache.  It could be due to the fact that I start carrying a drinking water bottle and my shoulder was too tensed up while holding it. Maybe it's time for a running belt?

Summer Exercise Series: Post long run recovery and short runs

Even with lots of stretching and rolling, my legs are still a little sore today.  But not as bad as I thought.  So this morning I did more stretches and went out for short runs in the evening. Ran 1 mile on a good pace (20" faster than my 10K avg pace against strong headwind), then power walked 1 mile on 13'35".  Ran 1 mile again on a faster pace (1'15" faster with tail wind). Finally my thighs and calves caved in with cramps, I had to walk the find mile slowly.  Back to stretchs and rolling again!

I also tried GU gel packs and Nuun tablets.  They seem to be great giving a quick energy boost.  I'm going to take some more and see if my recovery time can be shortened. 

Summer Exercise Series: Half Marathon

I really have been slacking off big time in August.  From the old injury bothering my right leg again, to following closely on the Olympics, to staying cool under the multiple heat waves, I really need to stop procrastinating. 

Last 2 weeks I spent some time at the gym, but I am finally back out running on the road.  With Hermine weakening and moving out further east, the threat of flooding is now less likely for NYC, tourists, bikers, runners and park strollers were jamming up the walking trail.  (A rollerblader and a biker almost ran into me when both the biking and pedestrian paths narrowing).  I have done 10K (6.2miles) and 7 miles but really haven't run distance much longer than that.  But today I wanted to give it a try. I picked a path that I am familiar with, one that offers many alternatives (public transportation, reasonable distance for walking) in case I go cold turkey in the middle of the run.  

The general recommendations for going longer distance is to go a little slower, 30-120 seconds slower than the racing pace (in miles). So I went a little slower. Didn't look at the running app and just ran at the pace which I could talk comfortably. The first 10K wasn't that bad.  At the 12K mark I stopped a little longer for hydration and stretches.  After 15K it was more of a mental push - body was telling me to give up.  Perhaps I was too eager to finish it, I gradually started running at almost the racing pace until cramping started around 18K.  I stopped for more stretches and moved on to finish the 21.1K (13.1mi) 

To my surprised, my second 10K+1K time was almost as fast as my 10K racing record!

What a great run!

Summer Exercise Series: Saturday Workout

Saturday Run @ Central Park: 3/4 Lower Loop + 2 Reservoir Loops
Cloudy and rainy run

Summer Exercise Series: Weekday Runs and Workouts

This week is hot! We are getting heat waves and everyday the temp stay around 90s! (~32C)
Luckily I'm working from home this week, so I can go out for a quick run in the morning before the temp is too uncomfortable for running!

Monday: NOTHING (battling a headache, probably from dehydration or sudden temperature change in multiple occasions during the weekend)

Tuesday: Gym only. Ran 1M (1.6K) 100 weighted squats, 100 weighted lunges, 20 supported push-ups, 20 supported pull ups

Wednesday: Ran 3.4M (5.5K) 80F/26.7C

Thursday: Ran 3.1M (5K) 80F/26.7C

Friday: Ran 0.5M (1K), Biked 10M (16K)

Summer Exercise Series: Saturday Run + Sunday Short Run

Saturday Run
GWB bound 7.5M/12K
Temp: Sunny 93F/34C!

On my way back I took a long walk. Passed by the Armory which brought back some memories from high school.  The uptown area looks a lot different now.

Sunday Update: 5K Run! @ 90F/32C

I also walked a lot this weekend. So my total run this weekend:
Sat: 7.5M/12K Run; 2.7M Walk
Sun: 3.1M/5K Run; 3.2M Walk

Total Distance: 16.6M/26.7K!

Summer Exercise Series: Sunday Workout

Pushed myself in the heat for a 10K PR!

Summer Exercise Series: Hot and Humid Run - But turn out perfect!

It was a hot and humid day - feels like 93F, 88% humidity, cloudy with 3 hours away from thunderstorm.  Had a decent afternoon and then went off running at 2pm.  I adjusted my running posture a little bit today, and perhaps from good amount of swimming in the past few days, I was still feeling great in the first 2K despite the heat and humidity.  I actually felt a little surprised as I don't do well running in the heat, but maybe the new posture helps, I did feel like I had more energy.

Then rain started to come down hard, to the point of almost a downpour.   It wasn't supposed to start until 5pm, so I had to run for cover.  Stood under the underpass until it got better but as soon as I start, it felt like 100F and 100% humidity!  It was a tough 1K, and I felt a little dehydrated and fatigued.  

I pushed my best for another 1K, with my heart rate going up to high intensity zone and loss too much fluid, I had to stop to get some water.  In the last 1K I decided to not push to the point of being dehydrated again.  To my surprise, I finished strong comparing to my own PB, by 1'40"!  I looked at my pace in both mi and K, that my last mile was 8'06"/mi and my 4th K was 4'48"/km.  I know it's not a competitive time at all, but racing myself this record was better than the one I had when I was running more regularly 5 years ago.  I thought I would just run slower with age, and after not running for a long time and having a kid, I was a lazy self who didn't want to exercise, had poor choice in my diet, and almost at the verge of hitting the high end of the normal BMI range.  When I finally got back to running, my pace was barely 10'00"/mi or 6'12"/km. 

I would not have imagined doing a 5K under 9'00"/mi or 5'35"/km pace.  I think choosing the right training and diets, and with tenacity and consistency, age is just a number. 

Keep running and keep training!

July 4th long weekend

It was a great long weekend with full of fresh air! It's definitely a lot fresher than NYC :)

We had a lot of yummy food! We dined mostly at the resort restaurants (which are famous in the town) that specializes in New English cuisine with local VT flavors and ingredients - starch, nuts, herbs, berries, cream, butter and syrups in almost all dishes.  They emphasize a lot on homemade fresh ingredients, and to bring out the most of the natural juice and flavors from the fish/seafood/poultry. Most of our plates were heavily integrated with VT cheddar cheese, homemade butter, jam, maple syrups, and potatoes.  I guess for a hilly place with chilly winter, these are very hearty food.

In terms of activities, it was a bit lacking with a toddler; but I guess that's the expectation for a resort that is more catered to adults (skiers and business travelers) and older children. We weren't able to hike, canoe, fish, observe glass making...

So back to my workout, with a pool in the resort, I was able to add some swimming to my daily exercises!

Saturday - Bike 7 miles; High Intensity exercises 30 mins
Sunday - Swim 0.5 miles (800m); run 1 mile
Monday - Swim 1.1 miles (1.78K)
Tuesday - Rest
Wednesday - Run 1.5 miles; Bike 2 miles; Elliptical 3 miles; High Intensity exercises 15 mins

Delicious bread plate for the table

Homemade fettucine (with lots of shaved VT cheese)

View of Equinox Mountain

Resort properties

Sunday Workout

Longest workout on foot

Sunday late morning - midday: Sunny at 82F/27C

10K GWB bound run; 11K walk then grocery shopping :)

Sunday Workout

The ligament is really acting up again, I had to go in a much slower pace today.  A light 10K southbound & park run follow by a 7K northbound bike.  At an 80-85F sunny day, with low relative humidity, it was surprisingly comfortable. My afternoon plan: facial masks and relax! Then Father's Day celebration!

Evening update: 5K racewalk followed by a 8K bike @ the gym. I put in 30K today from all the exercises!

New Exercise Gadgets

After the mini 10K from last weekend, my ligament is acting up again :(

The 5K on the very next day and on Tuesday probably made it worse. So in the past week it was time for recovery. I also find that my sneakers might not fit the best for the mileage/training that I'm doing now. So I started to look for sneakers that provide better fit/comfort and a roller that is better for target rolling areas.

So here's what I got: Bollinger Muscle roller and Nike Zoom Pegasus 33 (the sneakers are not in the exact color as the pic below)


The evening run was a lot more comfortable, and I was content with the 5K time. (Among the top 3 recorded)  Ligament still hurts but the sunset and the nice weather made up the difference!

Truly Madly Deeply

A great song by Savage Garden. This is covered by Cascada. I love this version and used to listen to it all the time. She has a beautiful voice but is often overpowered by auto-tuned and sound effects from her dance music.

I Did It!

#Mini10K completed
Met my targeted time.  Content with the 5K time, unfortunately couldn't keep up the pace after 7K...anyway, it was a fun run!

How to Make Bulky Calf Muscles Look Slimmer/More Toned

"You have big legs"

"You have amphibian legs"

"Your calves are too wide for these foots"

"Big calves don't look good in high heels/skinny jeans/shorts/skirts/dresses/crop pants/(insert fashion item)..."

"It's okay - Muscles are good"

I get it. I have bulky, defined calf muscles, more so than average girls and probably average guys. I have done short distance tracks since elementary school years.  It's hereditary too. Since realizing how big/muscular they look, how much they impacted my dress codes, and how others commented about them. I have trying different methods to try to slim them down.  Well or at least try to make them "look" slimmer.  I looked up methods online and followed them. 

-I have lost 20-25 pounds (all within the normal BMI range) and they barely changed. 

-Most sources cited cardio exercise and lose the extra 'fat'.  I started running longer distance. I actually ran longer distance in the recent years, but they are still proportionally bulky and defined. 

-Most sites suggest walking a lot, avoid high heel shoes that put pressure on the ball of foot which is working the calf muscles, jogging a lot, massaging the area a lot.

-A trainer suggested doing target calf exercises (weighted standing calf raises), stretch a lot, then do not intake any protein to let the muscles reduce themselves.  I saw some results, but also resulted in a lot of cramps. 

-A ex-ballerina emphasized on stretching, especially this one, for 3 mins each side at the end of the day. This position elongate and stretch out the muscles

Honestly, I did not see any significant results.  I was a little disappointed.  Maybe they just don't work for me, or maybe for hereditary reason there's nothing much I can do, and I just have to live with the bulky muscles.  Then out of nowhere, I came across a method that finally worked for me.

No, it does not require painful and costly calf muscle reduction surgery. I will never go under the knife for cosmetic reasons. 

Since running more regularly and covering more distance, I also started foam rolling.  It's basically a roller that you go back and forth on, and it acts as a deep tissue massage.  

It hurts a lot when you are rolling on it. But same as a good sports massage, it helps to stretch out and elongate the muscles, trigger the points and release lactic acid build up so you can reduce soreness and cramps.  It also smooths out the muscles for me. After my distance runs or bikes, I roll and press on it.  For calves I press on every single point of the muscle and move side ways for 20 times. (NEVER roll over your knee/kneecap).  The result from an exercise with rolling is amazing.  Very sore but relieved afterwards.  Post rolling I can almost look like I haven't been wearing heels/doing standing calf raises all day!

What Doesn't Kill You Makes You Stronger

Continue from the last post:

Sat: Trail - Ran 3.23 miles
Sun: Trail - Biked 6 miles @ NJ. Then got drenched with torrential rain 1 mile before getting back!!

Stupid me. I tried to go a little further and on the way back, when I was about 1 mile away from my sister's place. This downpour came fast and furious on me and I had nowhere to hide, and the path was quickly deluged.  Luckily I found a little shed that is the park office so I stood under the roof for cover.  Then my sister came to pick me up. Later that night, I started with a minor sore throat and it progressed to minor cold/flu symptoms on 

Mon: Low fever, headache, and congested.  I don't remember much except going to bed early. I guess that counted as my rest day. With 9 hours of sleep I was recharged. No more fever nor sore throat; everything seemed to clear up.  Need a good workout. 

Tue: Gym - Ran 1 mile (sprint). Biked 7.5 miles (fartlek) 

Ok the title is a bit exaggerated.  It's not that serious. While most cold/flu symptoms last for a few days, I think it goes away rather quickly this time because of the upcoming race. Tomorrow I plan to do some strength training for the hills, then maybe 4 easy miles on Thursday and followed by 2 easy miles on Friday!

Workout + Training + Weekend Getaway

I guess the original diet + staying healthy plan has evolved into something a little (really, just a little) more serious.

Ever since I started running again this year, I have been taking some more challenges with the advice from others who also workout. They have suggested me to add strength training, build stronger core, run longer courses, beat my own personal record, exercise more frequently, and choose alternative workout methods to help running pace etc. I have done all. During the workouts I had set goals and challenged myself as well, but there's one thing I haven't followed - search and join a race. The last time I did this was the 3.5mi JP Morgan corporate challenge a few years ago in Chicago.  Other than that I really haven't done any other races or competitions.  I know my pace is only around average in runners my age, and I planned to exercise to stay healthy for myself - not a competition with anyone.  However, after a few persistent persuasions from others, I was convinced to join a 10K race.  The location is close by, and it's a route I have done before, I told myself that I'll just try to set an easy goals, something I've achieved before. 

But a few weeks before the actual race day I have gotten more serious about really achieving this goal, especially after seeing my record deteriorated during days with semi heat wave.  I was almost 1 min slower for each split during the sunny and humid evenings, on a route that has minimal elevations.  I was not happy, this means that if the temperature happens to be warm on the race day, at this pace, I would be few minutes slower than my target goal time.  Not good. 

Again, I know I am not competing with anyone and just trying to do the best I can with a result I had in mind, but deep down inside, I know I will get a bit competitive on the race day when all runners are motivated and strive to challenge themselves. So from semi-lazy self that works out few times a week, I turned on this "hate to lose" attitude and pushed myself to work out almost everyday. (Well, except during the mini getaway.  More to follow)

I started eating healthier breakfasts, leaner lunches, and stricter dinners; reducing indulgences during hunger or after a great workout; and following tips on training to endure high temperature, and trying fartlek program to help with strength and endurance (performance). Here are my workouts for the past 2 weeks.

Week 1 
Mon: Gym - Biked 6 miles; ran 1 mile
Tue: Gym - Ran 3.11 miles (5K)
Wed: Gym - Biked 10 miles (Fartlek)
Thur: Trail - Ran 3.2 miles 
Fri: Trail - Ran 3.1 miles

Sat-Sun: Mini Getaway for the long weekend.  Probably 50 lunges on Saturday. 

Mon: Trail - Ran 6.23 miles (10K)
Tue: Trail - Ran 2 miles; 4x 100m Sprint
Wed: Gym - Biked 20 miles! (Fartlek)
Thur: Gym - 200m walking lunges; biked 7 miles
Fri: Gym - Biked 10 miles
Sat update: Trail - Ran 3.23 miles
Sun update: Trail - Biked 6 miles @ NJ. Then got drenched with torrential rain 1 mile before getting back!!

Before the race, I probably did some high intensity exercises 2-3 days a week, along with 1-2 5K or 10K weekly.  But these days I almost feel lazy for missing my daily workout.  I guess I understand the benefits of joining a race - it's really not for competition, but to motivate myself to do better, eat right, stay healthy, and exercise more regularly and effectively.  After 2 weeks I did see a bit more results in the original diet plan.  While keeping up with the preparation for the race, I do feel more energetic and positive throughout the say.  I'll see how this will turn out - but so far I am open to join future races in order to push myself further!

Mini Getaway: It was a pretty fun event. Really short drive, no traffic at all. We visited a Children's museum on the first day and an aquarium on the second day.  The hotel service (an international chain) was quite poor which was forgettable, but the second hotel was much better. Not to mention I was very conscious of my food choices which was super helpful. For the little one's first ever getaway, it was a success. There are certainly things that we could've been more prepared for (bring more/less xyz items, plan more time for this or that) and even as an experienced traveler myself, I am still new to traveling with a young child. I believe that we'll learn a thing or two during each trip and then move to do better the next time around.  I really look forward to the next getaway!

Sunday Workout

Thanks to 2 weeks of biking (6 out of 7 days), these workouts became "brick" (bike + run) trainings, and I was able to run with more consistent pace and improve my time  - full 1 min for 5K and 2 mins for 10K!

Sunday's workout: 10K Central Park Outer Loop. Partly sunny, 70F, very comfortable. I went counter clockwise on the loop.

The elevations on the path passing Harlem Hill and the west side of Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Reservoir are quite a workout! I read about it before running and I was up for that challenge. Before I got to E 102nd St Transverse (an alternative path to climbing the hill), two joggers were deciding to go further up to take the hill or reroute to the flat transverse.  "We're not going up that hill today" one said.  At that moment I did have a second thought about going up there. Anyway, I went.  At first, it was a long, S-shape, downhill path that was very smooth and comfortable. Then it comes to the steep, steep, uphill.  Luckily, there were a few runners there and they kept me motivated to keep going. After that it was a slight descend, I was able to catch a breath until the second hill next to JKO Reservoir struck me!

Then I forgot how many little hills I climbed, but around 84th street, the path was flat and slightly descended again.

I was glad that I did it.  It was an enjoyable workout and the scenes were great. Variations made the workout more challenging but effective. I am eager to do this again!

Now time for the usual skincare regimen!

Biking

Since a week ago I tried running + biking, I have been adding cycling to my workout routine.

I've always pondered the possibility of making biking as my main commute since there are Citibike rental docks conveniently located near my home and office, and a scenic biking path that covers pretty much majority of the distance; but more importantly I can get a good workout done and avoid dealing with the frustrations from overcrowded trains and train delays during rush hours.

So this morning I decided to be a bike commuter...

45F/7C.  Hair tied up, in full work clothes and a peacoat, I rented a Citibike during rush hour and rode down the biking path.  The path is sandwiched between a highway that is packed with morning commuters and a jogging/walking path with only a few morning joggers running and tourists walking along the river. Surprisingly there were little pedestrians and few mandatory stops along the way. I didn't have to worry about missing a train, missing a transfer, not getting onto a overcrowded train,  running late from train delays, or seeing frustrated passengers getting into a yelling fest.

Finally, I made it! It was a easier and smoother ride than I thought. Time wise, I had to work REALLY hard to get it under 30 mins!

With the pay per ride program from Citibike, I can get unlimited 30 minute ride trips in 24 hours or 7 days.  The only challenge is that with my riding speed, stopping for pedestrians and stop signs, and walking dismounted bike to the biking path, it's could be a bit difficult to make the trip under 30 minutes. I am seriously considering the annual membership, at about 15 times the cost of 24-hr pay per ride, would give me 45 minutes per trip. That could be doable. And if I ride more than 15 times a year, it's still better than purchasing a 24hr day trips.

Mother's Day Weekend!

Happy Mother's Day!! I feel very fortunate to be able to enjoy this weekend with my wonderful family.  Before I start sharing my activities, I want to express my gratitude to the hard work from all the moms out there, whether you're being showered with gifts, getting pampered, working, or running between kids' weekend activities, you deserve a lot of kudos. 
------------------------

On Saturday, I had brunch at a Cantonese fusion dim sum restaurant. Had some authentic dim sum and some fusion selections.  Although the restaurant group is more well known for its night club scenes, the restaurant is still maintain top-notch in terms of food quality and services.

Had some delicious macarons from a French bakery in the afternoon. (Our box started with 12 :D)

For dinner, celebrated with my parents at a French bistro.

With all these yummy, and calories-packed food.  I couldn't afford not working out!!

Saturday:
10K run - 5K northbound 5K southbound
Sunday:
8K southbound run (Couldn't do 10K as spectators are all over the walking path to watch the America's Cup sailing race on Hudson River)
8K northbound bike (!)
2K neighborhood run.

Exhausted but it's all worth it!!

Häagen-Dazs - Destination Series

My motivation to workout!!

WOD

I kept up with my exercise from last week! Even though my distance wasn't as far as last weekend's, but my time has improved!

I pushed for a longer northbound route this time and got a great view!

4.17mi/6.7km Run Northbound
2.05mi/3.3km Run Southbound
3.6mi/5.8m Walking
0.12mi/200m Walking Lunges

Weekend Skincare (Facial Mask) Routine

Saturday's run was sunny and windy; Sunday's was sunny and a bit dusty (a decent length next to the highway). After spending hours outside running and going to places this weekend, I had to do some extra work on my skincare routine. 

I found my skin a bit drying with the strong SPF sunblock and the thick lotion seemed to clog pore, so I used oil cleansing to ensure that the sunblock is entirely remove and added some cleaning mask in the regimen to clean out the pores. Then of course, a lot of hydration masks with Sodium Hyaluronate help replenishing moisture.

Saturday

Cleansing: Origins Never A Dull Day

1. Caudalie Instant Detox Mask 
2. Origins Maskimizer 
3. Fresh Black Tea Instant Perfecting Mask Mask 
4. boscia Tsubaki Deep Hydration Sleeping Mask 
5. Clinique Moisture Surge Overnight Mask 

Sunday

Cleansing: NudeSkincare Perfect Cleanse Omega Cleansing Jelly
Exfoliating: NudeSkincare Detox Brightening Fizzy Powder Wash

1. Origins Maskimizer 
2. Blue Lagoon Algae Mask 
3. GLAMGLOW GravityMud Firming Treatment
4. Fresh Black Tea Instant Perfecting Mask 
5. Sisley-Paris Radiance Glow Express Mask 
6. Sisley-Paris Express Flower Gel  Mask 
7. Sisley-Paris Eye Contour Mask
8. GLAMGLOW Thirsty Mud Hydrating Treament 
9. Fresh Rose Face Mask

Okay, I know it sounds crazy. But I'll do anything to prevent drying skins.  For sure I don't just rely on skincare products and weekend routines. For diet, I increased my proteins intake (good for the post-exercise recovery too) and will make some bone broth to give the skin (and bones) a boost. :)

Sunday workout

10K Run

The beautiful day and post-workout scenes totally worth the distance :)

WOD (Workout of the Day)!

7.25mi/11.7km Run
2.8mi/4.5km Power Walking
0.12mi/200m Walking Lunges

Ok I'm no marathon or even half marathon runner, my usual run is 5K (3.1mi) with occasional 10Ks.  So it's a pretty lengthy workout for me :)
I'm content but also a little disappointed at the time I clocked for the run. 

Homemade Meatballs

Getting back to cooking weeknight dinners!

Tonight's menu: Homemade meatballs
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1 lb (16 ounces) ground beef
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
2 tsp parsley (1 tsp for garnish)
1 tsp oregano
1 tsp garlic powder
1 egg
1/3 cup whole milk
1/3 cup panko breadcrumb
2 tbsp freshly grated Parmesan cheese (more for garnish)
1/2 finely chopped red onion

1. Combine milk and breadcrumbs, let the milk soak up the breadcrumbs for 10 mins
2. Place ground beef on a cutting board and loosely break it up into small pieces (until the meat is not in strands)
3. Add salt, black pepper, oregano, 1 tsp parsley, garlic powder and mix them up with the ground beef
4. Whisk an egg in a bowl, place the meat mixture into the egg.  Quickly fold the mixture a few times to absorb the liquid evenly
5. Add milk/breakcrumbs mixture, grated cheese, and chopped red onion into the meat mixture. Quickly and gently mix until combined
6. Roll the meat mixture into golf ball size balls
7. Turn the heat on medium high, add olive oil
8. Add meatballs and cook for 7 mins, until brown (Do not flip meatballs until the sides are not pink)
9.  Turn meatballs over, cook for another 7 minutes
10. Add marinara sauce. Simmer the sauce and meatball on low heat for 25-30 mins
11. Serve meatballs on a plate, garnish with parsley and freshly grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Running outfit

Ran a 10K on Saturday.  Tempature was 70F (21C), Sunny.

I wore a long sleeves running tops and a pair of crop pants (few inches above the ankles. approximately 5/6).  The morning was a bit chilly so I went out with long sleeves tops and just wore the same thing for running later...horrible idea.

I actually have a gauge at the distance it takes for me to feel 'warmed up', at the same pace, under different weather. It takes about 1 mile to fight off the cold when the temperature is around 30F;  then it takes 0.25 miles less as the temperature rises by 10F.  So on a 70F sunny day, it took almost no time to 'warm up'. Actually 68-70F is around room temperature, so as soon as I started running, I felt warm or even hot quickly. The most comfortable outfit would have been something lightweight and mesh-y to keep the body cool. As a leisure runner, I spent about 1 hour to run the 10K.  With the wrong outfit it was quite a long time to be uncomfortable.

So I will stick with the following outfit rules from now on:
F(C)
30s (0-5C) - long sleeve tops & running jacket, long pants, hat, running gloves
40s (5-10C) - long sleeve tops, long pants, earband
50s (10-15C) Cloudy/Windy: long sleeve tops, long/cropped pants; Sunny: short sleeve tops, long/cropped pants
60s (16-20C)+ - short sleeve/sleeveless tops, cropped pants/shorts

I find that the best weather for running is around 40s-50s. 60s is not bad too when it's not too sunny.  I really enjoy the cool breeze (but not strong wind) when running on a trail by the water - it really helps cooling down quicker and motivates me to make more strides and go faster. 30s could work as well but it is usually accompanied by some strong and chilling wind that makes my skin feel dry and irritating.  I used to complain that Chicago maintained at high 30s to 50s for a long time in the year.  It was a bit chilly to be out and about, but for runners it was a paradise.  Now I feel like that my time there was ephemeral!

The Miracle of Leicester City

Another great underdog story. It almost sounds like at some point the money spent in transfer fees has a diminishing or even negative return.

The Miracle of Leicester City (Fortune).

The Wall Street Area: A Change of Scene in (almost) One Decade

Finally, it seems like the cold and chilly days are over for now.  On a sunny and warm Friday, I decided to take a walk during lunch. 

I have been working in this area for quite some time now - long enough that I almost lost track of how many years I have been here. I still remember on my first day of work in NYC after spending a few years in CT, it was also a bright and sunny day, except that it was in the summertime.  I was full of enthusiasm and energy, and was ready to build my career in the world renowned financial center. 

On that day, I got off onto the old and narrow platform on Wall Street station during the morning rush hour traffic, marching out of the station along with a crowd of professionals, until I couldn’t keep up with them anymore because I had to stop to pull out my phone and check the address and the map of the new office building.  In this concrete jungle full of skyscrapers, there was no way to determine directions by looking at the shadows. I got to the office, had a warm welcome and an informative orientation, and met everyone on my team in the morning. During lunch on that day, I took the same walk outside, got lost in a quiet alley, and had to pull out the map app on the phone again in order to find my way back to the office. I told my cheerful and welcoming coworkers about my incident, and they were kind enough to print a nice little map of the downtown area for me. Soon a few coworkers and I formed a lunch group to try different lunch spots together, sometimes even spending over an hour taking walks, going to Chinatown for authentic noodle soups/rice bowls, or even checking out nearby events and bargain deals.  Back in the office, during days when we were not too busy, in some afternoons we would take breaks to get the humongous 4" Crumbs cupcake for snacks, join the neighboring department for monthly birthday celebrations, or attend happy hour at a nearby Irish pub.

The local businesses were quite unique in the Wall Street area, it was entirely catered to the nearby companies, and professionals working in the area during the day, or residing in one of the high rise condos during weekdays. At that time there were shoe repair and tailor shops for the busy folks who needed some quick fixes on their outfits; there were floral shops delivering beautiful bouquets to building lobbies and floors, or to company sponsored events; there were some full service authentic restaurants for business guests to grab a decent lunch; there was a famous burger shop that sold special burgers with Kobe beef patty, sliced black truffle, foie gras sauce, and topped with gold leaves, for an outrageous $275 price tag.

Those.Days.Were.Long.Gone.

After a financial crisis that crippled the industry and almost the entire world economy, a superstorm Sandy to add insult to injury, and the steep growth in real estate prices, the scene on Wall Street has changed rapidly, drastically and permanently. Companies began to downsize and offshore jobs to less costly areas or countries in order to reduce expenses and exposures to the flood-prone area; some even packed up and relocated headquarters or back-office departments to suburbs, leaving many offices and retail spaces vacant, and causing some office buildings to remodeled as apartment rentals; most if not all companies heavily monitored and controlled discretionary expenses; and more professionals are working more hours than ever. This was a trend in the beginning, and after a few years people have gradually adapted to and accepted the new norm.

Fast forward to today, less people are eating out during lunch now, either because the area has lower headcount, or people are just too busy to eat out. People opt for more quick options – promoting growth in fast food Chipotle-like restaurants and cheap option food trucks; people are working longer hours, so restaurants that offer late night food delivery flourish, and apartment rentals are highly sought after; companies are promoting fitness by offering discounted price to local gym memberships (in order to save on health insurance premium), so Pure Barre, Soul Cycle, and CrossFit xxx are popping up next to office buildings, and salad only/vegan restaurants and juiceries are the hottest trends; floral bouquets and business lunch are considered discretionary expenses, so the 3 remaining floral shops and a few full service restaurants are now closed.

Since I don't go out often during lunch, and my new location is pretty far from everything, these changes don't have any real impact on me.  When I strolled to the quadrilateral area with 5 company-owned/leased buildings, where I used to walk from one building to another, it was a little sad that I didn't run into any familiar faces and businesses anymore.  I couldn't help but thought of the old days for a moment, where I walked by during my commute; hailed a cab to get to the airport to start my weekday travels; rushed in between buildings for meetings, and weathered snowstorms to deliver projects. Yup, those footprints were made with many laughters and frustrations. 

I picked the old go-to casual lunch spot to grab a quick bite. The restaurant has also relocated - from a few blocks away from the exchange, to a less expensive location near the neighborhood border.  As I sat down to eat, the stereo started playing a cheerful song that I listened to a lot during my first days working in this area  - it really gave me a nostalgia. I carried on with my thoughts, until I got disturbed with fire-drill requests and meeting buzzes on my phone. 

As I walked back to my office, I realized that the streets are just too familiar to me to get lost in and I can even find the way back with my eyes closed; I know all the stops and exits for all of the subway lines in the area; I still have passion and enthusiasm in my work and in this industry, although on a different level in comparison to the minty me.  I came to a stop at the traffic light, and saw a group of tourists looking bewildered by the scene across the street - it was a group of union workers on strike outside of their employer. I guess the only surprise to me was that things like this wasn't even enough to catch my attention anymore. 

The Wall Street area seems like a dreamy place on movies, but it might not a place to pursue a perfect dream. 

"If it's not the like movies, that's how it should be."