One thing that I started thinking about this week is how I’ve been lucky enough to get the chance to surround myself with people I trust.
I think it’s so important to have that friendship and security to fall back on.
Although I would never join one, I get why some people join gangs. They look for trust and get it in that community.
The fact that the violence and crime that often comes with that territory isn’t enough to deter new members shows how powerful the need is for that trust.
My circle is always changing though, depending on where I’m at.
Some come in and some drop out. It’s just how things roll sometimes.
But I’m glad to have those surroundings. It ain’t just me on this crazy ride called life.
Visited New York City for the first time this past weekend.
Got a chance to explore a lot of the city and it’s neighborhoods – Times Square, Queens, Central Park, Chinatown, MoMA, Wall Street/Financial District, NYU, Brooklyn Bridge.
I love how walkable the city is. With so many people around and things to see, there’s never a dull moment.
There are A LOT of people though. Felt kind of crowded at times and the population no doubt contributes to the pollution and general dirtiness of the area, but that’s where you get culture: the people!
I think I roamed around a lot for the time I was there and still there’s lots more to see. I’ll be back soon for sure.
Ran the Crazylegs Classic 8k yesterday for the second year in a row and really surprised myself.
I’ve been sick and the couple runs I did leading up to the race were pretty bad and cramp-filled.
So I wasn’t expecting much.
But I ended up PR’ing and beating my last year’s time by two minutes! 39:11. Pretty crazy since I actually trained for last year.
As usual, I followed my pattern of fast start, battle in the middle, and finish strong.
The second and third miles were certainly a battle but I kept the legs churning and arms pumping, and that old cross country mentality kicked in.
All those miles from high school came back and it was just like old times.
I still got it :)
The Boston Marathon tragedy occurred a little over year ago today.
Last year’s race was such a sad day for an event that represents nothing but hope, determination, and perseverance.
When I was in Boston a month ago, I bought a poster of Boston Magazine’s May 2013 cover, which came out a few days after the tragedy.
If you’re interested, you can read about how the cover idea came about, but essentially it’s a beautiful shot of Boston Marathon runners’ shoes. A collection of the stories behind each pair of those shoes is highlighted in the magazine.
I flew into Boston late today for work the next couple days, but at the airport and restaurant where we dined, I saw many runners with their finisher’s medals and jackets.
One year later, what a showing of support and strength from the Boston people and the running community.
I’m planning to go for a run after work tomorrow and will be inspired by the spirit of all those who were affected.
Boston Strong.
Camped and raged at weekend one of Coachella Music Festival 2014 this past weekend.
It was my first multi-day music festival and I had an absolute blast! Great great music and a non-stop three-day party.
Camping had it’s pluses (starting the party early, hanging with friends) and minuses (scorching heat, blustery winds, dirty), but it was all part of the experience.
The musical sets were definitely the highlight.
Here’s a YouTube playlist of some of the hits.
Some of my favorite acts were Chromeo, Empire of the Sun, Calvin Harris, Lorde, Bastille, Pharell, Disclosure, Ellie Goulding, Martin Garrix, Lana Del Ray, Dillon Francis, The Magician, and Muse.
Also got to see Aloe Blacc, Gareth Emery, Zedd, OutKast, Chvrches, GTA, Foster the People, Flight Facilities, Chance the Rapper, Classix, Krewella, The Naked and Famous, Flosstradamus, AlunaGeorge, Little Dragon, Arcade Fire, Duck Sauce, and Netsky.
It was just an amazing atmosphere to be in and the variety of music, from fist-pumping house to funky dance to spine-tingling ballads to epic rock, made it so damn memorable.
#Coachella2014, let the music flow
