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. 
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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!!