Who wouldn't want to run by this?
It was the perfect day for a run here in NYC.
Clear skies, hot temps (but not too hot), and low humidity. The kind of day where it feels like the entire city is out running, biking, walking around, shopping or day drinking. Yet, still, around 10:30, I found myself indoors performing my typical pre-run procrastination routine: SoapNet’s Breakfast in Bed (One Tree Hill and 90201 marathon), bowl(s) of cereal and some major cuddle time with the couch monster.
As enjoyable as it was, I felt a bit guilty wasting even a portion of such beautiful weather on the couch. Thankfully, my best friend, Michelle, called and asked me to meet her down on the Lower East Side track for a run and more importantly, some catch-up time. Michelle was in Europe for 10 days recently, so we had a lot to chat about.
After the promising diagnosis yesterday, I was hoping to get in a pleasant 9-10 miles. But I still needed a bit of a boost. Thankfully, there’s a Starbucks or Dunkin Donuts on nearly every block on this city, so I quickly got my beloved coffee fix.
I’m in the Zone, Chief
They must have been brewin’ some strong coffee at Sbux today, because during the 5 miles run down to the track, I was pumped up. So much so that I texted Michelle to say “Bring your ipod. I’m in the zone, chief.”
But, by the time I got to the track the heat hit me hard, and I was ready to slow down.
My NYC special spot
Then I saw this girl.
Look at that buff girl - she's ready to run!
And the next few miles on the track flew by. Sometimes when we run together, it’s a bit of a challenge, since we spend a great portion of the run laughing – I always feel like I’m one laugh away from falling over. Do you think it’s a better workout when you laugh while running??
We stopped at every mile to get some water, because it was HOT out.
Must...have...water
We caught up on a lot of the most pressing items in our lives including my blog (of course), new developments in our jobs and just general gossip. One of our major topics of conversation was my upcoming 10 year high school reunion.
I’ll be going home to good ol’ Omaha for one week in July to see my family, catch up with friends AND attend my 10 year reunion. And, for some reason, I’m incredibly nervous. The idea of seeing people I haven’t seen in 10 years intimidates me, even though I’m still close to many people from high school. I had quite the ideal high school experience, but many of my old friends are at a different point in their lives. Some are engaged, some are married and some even have children! I can’t help but feel a bit behind the curve. So Michelle and I discussed how it’s important for me to feel confident about myself and all that I’ve accomplished, instead of focusing on a “timeline.” I think she’s right!
After 3 miles, we decided to walk back to Michelle’s apartment.
Oh hello NYC
Then someone had the brilliant idea of heading to the 16 Handles in the East Village. Believe it or not, it was Michelle’s idea!
I got some delicious praline yogurt and topped it with a bunch of summer-style fruit and a bit of Captain Crunch. I only added the Captain Crunch so that I could make the fro yo smile. Check it out!
I was soooo proud of myself for this creation. It’s amazing the things you can do at a self-serve toppings bar. Yet another reason that I love 16 Handles.
Cherries = eyes, Mango = nose, Captain Crunch = smile, Random Fruit = Beard
Hearting NYC
After our fro yo, we continued our day of bonding with a bit of relaxing (the heat really tired us out)….
Relaxing and soaking up the air conditioning
Some dinner in Whole Foods Union Square (Here, we people-watched for 30 minutes – there was a very interesting dance/tumbling show happening on the steps, and we liked the view from our “box” seats in Whole Foods.)
Salad with a side of people watching
Finally, we headed to Michelle’s second home (only behind Sephora), J. Crew, for some shopping.
Fun colorful clothes a J.Crew...but still not my thang. I'm a buyer, not a shopper
There, our one-and-only difference finally drove us apart: Michelle’s a clothes shopper, and I’m a food shopper.
So, with that, we parted ways. Being near Union Square, I had only one store on my mind…
Madness inside this little store - the chaos is worth the cheap prices!
Trader Joe’s!! I read about this store quite a bit in the blogosphere, but I’ve only been there a couple of times (back in the Chicago days). Never in New York. But, WOW. I think a whole new world has just opened up to me. The prices at this store are amazing! If I come here more often, I may just be able to afford to live in NYC. #winning!
Well, I’m off to eat some of the delicious purchases from my new favorite place in NYC.
And after that, I’ll be rolling my foot on this frozen tennis ball, per my doctor’s instructions.
Can this really be the cure??
I thought that the doctor had waived a magic wand on my foot to make the pain go away. But, alas, after my 9 miler, I’m in a bit of pain. So I’m going to follow doc’s orders and hope for the best! Wish me luck 🙂
Question:
What’s your favorite thing to do when the weather is nice (besides running)?
When the weather is nice my favorite thing to do is sit on my deck and just soak up the sun. Maybe with a bowl of ice cream in hand. 🙂 I really wish I lived near a Trader Joe’s! The closest I’ve come is seeing it on a show on Food Network. Boo.
You’ve been deprived! I hope one day you will get to experience the pleasure that is Trader Joe’s
I love walkin the dawg and gardening and canoeing and going on picnics and the list could just go on and on!
This was such a fun post for me to read…all of your pictures are hilarious and adorable 🙂 Trader Joe’s is an amazing place! The one near me is always so crowded though so I have to go in with a plan of action as to what I am getting haha
When the weather is nice I like to sit at the beach and read, take a walk outside, go sailing, rollerblade… ahh I love summer 😀
Hi! I just found your blog, love it! 🙂 Trader Joe’s is freaking awesome. When the weather is nice (but not so hot that I’m sweating my boobs off) I just like to be outside and soak up some vitamin D!
Thank you so much for reading and for commenting. Trader Joe’s is my new love. I’m obsessed and will be going out of my way (it is downtown and I live uptown) just so I can visit this little gem. Like you, when the weather is nice, I like to be outside either tanning or running.
Sounds like a wonderful day! I wish I was in NYC right now! And, that Fro Yo….all I can say is YumMMMmmmmmm. 🙂