5 For Friday

1. Wednesday night Grace and I went to the holiday event for Step Up Women’s Network, a group I’ve been a member of for several years now. It’s a networking event to recruit new members, socialize, have a few drinks and hear from an inspirational businesswoman. This year’s keynote speaker was Sara Blakely, the founder of Spanx. Ten years ago she started her company with just $5,000 in savings and has proved all the men who thought she was crazy wrong; Spanx is now an international multi-million dollar company. She said something that stuck out to me: “Let what you don’t know empower you.” She didn’t know how the apparel industry worked and she didn’t always do things the way they were ‘supposed’ to be done, but she has seen huge success. Sometimes it is a very good thing not to be restrained by not knowing.

We also got some cute pics at the Patron photo booth!

2. There are a few great ways to give back to the community as we get into the holiday season that I'd love to share! Girls on the Run chapters around the country are looking for running buddies and volunteers for their season finale 5k race in December. GOTR Manhattan is one of those chapters with opportunities still available. If you're interested in helping, you can register on their SITE. Also, the New York Road Runners Youth Programs hold a sneaker drive each winter to provide sneakers to kids in need who are part of the program in NYC. They gather shoe donations, wrap the shoes and then present them to the kids at a big party! These are for kids who can't afford sneakers and these may be their very first pair. Just think about how happy you are when you break open the box to new pair of shoes and then imagine how happy a little kid would be who has never had a pair of Nike's or New Balance. You can make a donation via www.nyrrf.org or email youthprograms@nyrr.org for more information. They're happy to take gift card donations to sporting good stores in NYC as well. Just be sure to contact them first since they have specific shoe sizes for the individual children. Please think about donating, even if you don't live in the NYC area. Anyone can help!

3. This Sunday, the New Amsterdam Market (where Woody and I go each week) is hosting a pancake breakfast! It sounds delicious: buckwheat, spelt, white and whole wheat pancakes, along with sides of local cornmeal grits, sausage and maple syrup. Tickets are $20 and need to be purchased in advance. Seems a little steep, but all proceeds benefit New Amsterdam Market, the Organic Growers' Research and Information-sharing Network, and The Heritage Wheat Conservancy. We would partake but we’re planning a run in Central Park and breakfast at the Boathouse! We’ll stop by the market on our way home. For more info about the market vendors on Sunday and a link to purchase tickets for the pancake feast, go HERE.

4. The reason why we’re running in CP this Sunday is to get ready for the Turkey Trot we’re running in Prospect Park (Brooklyn) on Thanksgiving! I have to say, I’m really excited for this race. I've never run a Turkey Trot before, but have wanted to for a while. Plus, April says this is her favorite race of the year, so it should be great! I’ve also never run in Prospect Park and I hear there are hills, so we need some practice before the big day, hence the trip to CP on Sunday!

5.Two fun videos to to enjoy on this Friday!
Check out this flash mob of dancers performing to "Do Re Mi" from the Sound of Music in a train station in Antwerp Belgium. It's great to watch the look on the faces of those who just happen to be there when it all breaks loose!

Here, the Philadelphia Opera Company surprised shoppers at Macy’s with Handel’s “Hallelujah Chorus” this gives me goosebumps, but this song always does when sung during Easter service. It's such a gorgeous piece.



What's on tap for your weekend plans! I hope you make time to have fun!

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today's workout -

none. Rest day!