Wall Street Run - A Beginner's Perspective

Having been running regularly since January and only participating in two races over the last two months, both of them 10k's, I registered for the American Heart Association Start! Wall Street Run, a three-mile race, as I thought it would be easy based on its short distance alone. I work on nearby Maiden Lane for a large law firm, so I had little excuse to not to. And my close friend, Leisha, died suddenly last summer from heart disease at the age of 33, so the American Heart Association gets my special attention.

Greg S and I met at the corner of North End Avenue and Vesey Street, for a quick warm-up and stretch prior to the start. Nervous energy took both of us over as we didn't quite know what to expect. Workers from nearby investment banks poured from buildings that overlooked the starting line and converged onto North End Avenue. It was nice to see non-runners taking part in something this huge. I realized afterward that I was more excited for this race than I was for my first two.

What I discovered, but wasn't quite prepared for, was the enormous crowd of 12,000 people cramming themselves into the Financial District's narrow streets, some too narrow to accommodate most cars. Also not realizing until the start of the race that it was a "Walk and Run", we saw that many walkers placed themselves selfishly, or ignorantly, in front of runners, who would be forced to go around them. Combine this with the fact that co-workers formed groups that massed five-wide, and the condo craze and road construction currently overtaking the area, it makes for a winding and dangerous obstacle course, forcing some runners to run on sidewalks, metal plates, sewer grating, and a general rough surface. I witnessed several runners tripping over cones, plates and even unsuspecting pedestrians trying to make their way home.

Although Greg S and I are both proud of our performance, an 8:18 and a 7:32 pace, respectively, I can say that I will not be registering for this event next year. I get enough obstacles thrown at me in everyday life.

Healthy Kidney 10k News

Even though it was cold and rain was forecast, three members of Team Storm NYC had a successful race achieving 2 new PR's!

Steven H wins the award for the day with a finish time of 49:29 and a pace of 7:58 per mile - which drops nearly a minute per mile off his time from his first 10k...

Greg S was pleased with a new PR dropping 10 seconds off his previous 10k pace for a finish at 54:03 and an 8:43 pace...

Chris M, still recovering from the NJ Marathon paced Steven, and completed the 10k in 49:30 at a pace of 7:59...

And despite our team name, the rain held off until we were all at brunch with our supporters Patrick, Maria and Michael...

Thanks and congrats everyone and see you at the Wall Street 5k!

The big day - Sunday May 20th- AIDS Walk Gold Teams Sign In!!!

We're counting on you! AIDS Walk New York is ready! The DIVAS are ready! The Gold Teams are ready! Gap alone has 1,400 walkers waiting to turn in their hard raised funds over to you! You're pros, and we need you! Bring a friend and we'll strike a blow against this deadly disease, and enjoy a fun time in Central Park at the same time.
Here's all you need to do - meet me at Volunteer Check in Central Park no later than 7AM Sunday morning. Want a good seat with your friends at the MAC Cosmetics table? Get there at 6:45. Bring a smile, your sweet self and a caring friend and that's all there is to it. The volunteer t-shirts this year are FABULOUS! Just like you!

Volunteer Check -In is near the Band Shell which is off the 72nd Street Transverse. I'll see you there.

Chris

Big Milestone!

Congrats to Steven H on his first 10 mile + run this morning in Central Park! Greg S, Chris M and Greg B were all witnesses - and all at a pace under 10 a mile! Harlem hill too! Great job!

Storm Needs Volunteers!

Re: CALL FOR AIDS WALK MAY 20th GOLD TEAM SIGN IN VOLUNTEERS

Hello Everyone,

I need 65 volunteers to sit behind a table and collect the monies from the walkers. You don't have to donate. I just need your time for a maximum of 2 hours. You'll get the t-shirts and other goodies.

Thanks.

Chris
Team Storm NYC
www.teamstormnyc.blogspot.com
camconsultant@yahoo.com

Team Storm NYC Members VT Photo Shoot

On May 5, 2007, some of the team storm members spent the weekend in Putney. VT recovering from a 5-month marathon training. Patrick CH (Patch), our official photographer decided to put his new camera to the test and took advantage of some of the most beautiful scenic spots of VT. Chris M, Greg S & Steven H volunteered to be the models.

Speed Class Reminder

Team Storm members attend Thursday night running classes with NYRR (see link at right). Next 10 week session begins May 24. Class is an excellent way to get fast while meeting cool people! Join us May 24...