Thursday, November 4, 2010

Running with Champions

Last night was a perfect reason to participate in social media like Facebook and Twitter. Because I saw a post on Twitter that took me to Bart Yasso's Facebook page, I was able to attend a fun run sponsored by Foot Locker, the Nissan Leaf, and Runner's World that featured the "Mayor of Running" Bart Yasso and Olympic Marathoner Ryan Hall!

The first 75 to RSVP got on the list. The event started at 6:30pm and everyone got a shirt and the chance to run with and meet Yasso and Hall, as well as a bunch of other enthusiastic runners. Hall and Yasso ran but the group was lead by three 'coaches' who kept the large and unwieldy group in line. We must have been quite a sight to people walking along 14th St, a large group of runners weaving their way down the sidewalk!

The run wasn't very long. Probably about 3 to 3.5 miles when it was all said and done. We ran from Union Square to the West Side Highway, up the path for a bit and then back. Because of stop lights and traffic (both vehicle and pedestrian) it took the group a bit of time to get across town. This cut into the length of the run because Yasso and Hall were on a time crunch. They had another event to leave for at 7:45pm.

It was an awesome opportunity to see these running greats in person, especially since I just finished Yasso's book, but I wish they had had a bit more time to stay at the event. I can only imagine how booked their schedules are this week though, so I'm not going to complain!

I was thrilled to see T (aka Pigtailsflying) and Claudia (a fellow YPCer)! The weather was perfect too! I thought it was going to be cold, but it was a beautiful night for a run!


Bart (in red) leading the group

Signing his autograph for me!

I can't imagine how many times they'll sign their names this week!

Claudia and me after the run

If someone asked me who I would want to run with if I could run with anyone, I'd list Bart Yasso as one of those people. Guess I can check that off my list now!

Once I got home, had made dinner, and crashed on the couch to watch Monday's episode of 'Castle' on demand with Woody, I realized how exhasted I was! I hadn't been so tired at night for a while and that's when I decided I really needed a day off from the gym. So this morning I slept in almost an hour and a half! I actually got well inside the recommended hours of sleep last night and I'm feeling much better this morning!

Now I'll ask you the question: if you could run with anyone, who would it be?
************
last night's workout -
approx 3 mile run
today's workout -
None. Rest day!

8 comments:

Barbara said...

Soooo cool ! What a great experience. And it looks like the rain held off , too !
Marathon Week there has to have so much energy.

Jen Feeny said...

That is so frigging awesome!!!!!!!

Maryland Girl aka Michelle said...

Very cool!

Emz said...

ok. Bart. rocks.

So totally awesome.

Tricia said...

Awesome!

Lindsay said...

You are so lucky!! Ryan Hall = Amazing! Yasso too, of course :)

Laura said...

Sooooo awesome! I loved Bart's book, especially since he mentioned my 'local' race of Around the Bay.

Susan said...

Ahhh I'm jealous! I saw people tweeting about it but I was at work...boo.

I want to run with Kara Goucher!