This last Sunday I was scheduled to run 12, in training for this. However, by some bizarre turn, I slept in, and when I woke, weather.com told me *78 degrees w/ high humidity.* Oh wait, I hadn't slept in--it was 6:effin'30!! I went straight back to bed, visions of chilled, indoor tracks dancing in my head. Upon waking a second time, I decided to convert dream to reality: I called up the Y. Of note, New York City's Ys do not operate according to the egalitarian principle that I thought the organization was founded on--membership is $80 a month, effectively screwing a would-be-fit poor person out of a lifting regimen. But, I'd read they all have indoor tracks and figured I'd fork over the 10 bucks for one-time access. It was either that or nothing, considering there was no way in hell I'd be subjecting myself to that blasted heat. So I headed out, prepared as was possible for 48 laps of the same old thing. En route I phoned the place, wanting to make sure the track was regulation, or at least close to it. Uh, not close. Try 1/10 of a mile, making for a grand total of 120 laps if it was 12 mi I hoped to complete. Already reeling, I then found out that all those crazy turns'd cost me, oh, $20. Screw that! Exclusive Ys suck. [I made up the lost run this a.m., in conditions slightly more accommodating: 71 degrees/100% humidity. Visuals to come.]
So, instead I went to church. Specifically, to the oldest site of continuous Christian worship in New York City. I later learned that the arts have always been celebrated here; among others, W.H. Auden read poetry in its sanctuary, and these days, the church hosts a poetry reading series, theatrical performances, and visual arts exhibits. It's a church I'd been meaning to visit since I got here, solely for the history and the beauty of it, mind you. Well, I was more than a little surprised, not at the history/beauty bit, but at the all-embracing warmth and acceptance I felt while there. I wandered in a few minutes after the 10:30 start to find a congregation of no more than 40 people, and actually, I think probably half of them weren't part of the congregation at all, just tourists passing through. Anyway, verses were read, hymns and other songs (60s hippie music, I swear it!) sung, the sermon delivered--all done in a spirited, fairly informal way. There was talk of ills in Afghanistan and Iraq, and it fast became apparent: This was my kind of clergy. As if I needed further convincing, the priest proceeded to announce that St. Mark's would, for the first year, sponsor a float in the Gay Pride Parade (taking place later that day), and the cheering was loud. Kicked ess. But the part that got me more than anything happened about halfway through the service. Suddenly everyone was milling around, shaking hands and hugging one another and saying "peace" or "peace be w/ you." I was confused at first (was this a UU church?), and instantly shy; the compassion in that room was so thick, I sort of didn't know what to do w/ it. But after a few rounds, I fell into (relative) comfort, and found myself tearing a little. Actually, even as I write this, I'm feeling a bit of a lump rise up. Stunning, absolutely. And a reminder (to me) that it is possible for religion to be freeing, even outside UUism. :)
Rest
This morning, while out running, I ran by a shirtless man bongo-drumming to "Do You Believe in Love?" He was having a hard time keeping up, rhythm-wise, but I raised a hand in support anyway. Cute. :)
RUN FAST. RUN LOUD.
Nike Run Hit Wonder 2005 Tour
NYC: Wednesday, July 20: pre-race concert at 6:00 p.m., race start at 7:00 p.m.
BEAT THE CROWDS AND HIT THE ROAD.
Last year's Run Hit Wonder sold out in just over two weeks. And with pre- and post-race celebrations in Central Park's East Meadow, live music along the five-mile course, and a band line-up including Joan Jett and the Blackhearts, The Donnas, and Fountains of Wayne, this year promises to rock even harder. Don't miss the biggest party of the summer!
Learn more and register at http://www.NikeRunHitWonder.com.
TUNE UP WITH FREE TRAINING RUNS
Whether you're preparing to give your best performance or just get back in shape for summer, crank up the volume with a little group energy. We've got training runs six nights a week around the city. No matter what your level, join us for free coaching, refreshments, and more.
Check out the schedule at http://www.NikeRunHitWonder.com.
PROCEEDS TO HELP SAVE CBGB
Help save CBGB musical landmark; $1 of your race entry will help support the Save CBGB fund. http://www.cbgb.com/save_cbgb.htm
Uh, since when did Nike start giving a shet about the fate of CBGB? Surprising.
"The U.S. lottery deadline for the ING New York City Marathon 2005 was June 1, 2005. No applications are being accepted at this time. The U.S. lottery will be held on June 15, 2005. Check your entry status in the Entrant Database."
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