Highlights of the 2022 New York Flyers Holiday Windows Run

RACHEL DUNCAN

New York City is always dressed to the nines for the holidays. Everything is bigger, grander, brighter. There’s Saks, the library lions wearing wreaths, and ice skating in Bryant Park. But for most New Yorkers, midtown during the holidays is akin to going to see the ball drop in Times Square at midnight. That’s for tourists. 

But why shouldn’t we get to share in all the fun? It’s our damn city!

My first Holiday Run was simply a chance for me to see the sites before the streets got too crowded. I grabbed a few running partners and said, “Let’s do this.” We had so much fun, we did it the next year, and the next. And then yesterday we had more than 35 Flyers and friends join us!

Here are seven highlights from the run this year: 

1. The easy pace—I’m not the fastest Flyer by far, but I also can’t imagine running through the city streets at an 8mph pace (unless of course it’s marathon day, then have at it!). All of us running together gave us a chance to catch up with people we don’t always get to talk to. 
2. 
   Bergdorf Goodman—Always the most elaborate of windows. This year’s theme was “The Magic in the Making.” And it certainly was magical!
   
3. Tourists—Especially the ones that cheered us on like it was marathon day. What, did we look funny?
4. The Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree—Always at its most impressive from the top of Channel Gardens on 5^th Ave.

1. Like-minded New Yorkers—like the group of ladies dressed for the holidays that we saw exiting Central Park at the beginning and then again on 5^th Ave. just south of the library. We made new friends!
2. Macy’s—the OG holiday windows displays. Macy’s started decorating the windows of their store on 14^th St. in 1874, and they never disappoint.
3. 
   
   New York Flyers! Having a chance to spend some holiday time with the greatest running club in the city is a highlight of the season. I had a great time spending the morning with all of you and I hope everyone has a healthy and fun-filled holiday.  

-Rachel Duncan

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NY FLYERS 2012 TOYS FOR TOTS RUN

Scott S

The Flyers annual Toys for Tots Run is one of many longstanding Flyer traditions. For years Sandy A arranged the toy drive to benefit children with serious illnesses staying in the Pediatric Center at Mt. Sinai Hospital on Manhattan’s Upper East Side. Participants would typically gather at the Engineers’ Gate, put their donated toys in Jerry F’s car, run down Central Park’s East Drive, exit the Park, stroll past the holiday windows on Fifth Avenue, and sing holiday songs underneath the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree with Laurent N conducting. Then the singers would run north through Central Park to Mt. Sinai, go room to room singing for the appreciative children (and their parents) and distribute toys as they sang.  The event concluded with a celebratory holiday brunch.

This Year's Singer's Show Off Their Dance Moves, Too!

Several years ago, for the sake of the health of both the patients and the singers, Mt. Sinai forbade the Flyer choir’s singing in the children’s rooms. Instead, the Flyers were ushered into the hospital’s new internal television studio, where the singers would perform live for approximately half an hour. Children were able to call in with their requests, which inevitably were dominated by songs the Flyers had just sung, songs the Flyers didn’t know, or everyone’s favorite musical tribute to holiday sadism “Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer.” Thankfully, the mellifluous bagpipe stylings of Flyer Patrick D kept the singers’ holiday spirits bright.

Unfortunately, the toy drive was canceled in 2011 when the Flyers and the Mt. Sinai staff could not agree on a suitable time for a visit (“could you come in at 6:30pm on the third Sunday in December?”) However, this venerable Flyers’ holiday tradition returned this year thanks to Sandy A’s tireless efforts. She arranged a toy drive to benefit kids affected by the recent Hurricane Sandy and coordinated with the Central Park Zoo to accept the donated toys (no, we didn’t sing for the animals). As an added benefit, those who gave toys were given a ticket good for future admission to the Bronx Zoo (note: Sandy also volunteers as a guide at the zoo, so be on the lookout for a Flyer day at the zoo in 2013!).

Jodie F, Laurent N, Laurie H (with her dog Paco), Steve K, Debbie P, Robert B, Scott S, Amy S, Jennifer B, David W

The Flyer singers met near the Central Park Zoo entrance at the appointed time – this year’s participants included Sandy A, Jennifer B, Robert B, Maribeth C, Jodie F, Laurie H and her dog Paco, Laurent N, Steve K, Debbie P, Amy S, Scott S, and David W. After introducing ourselves to each other and posing for some group photos, the singers dropped off their toys at the Central Park Zoo, then headed out of the Park and down Fifth Avenue to see the 2012 holiday windows.

Laurent was waiting for us underneath the Rock Center tree when we arrived, but as has been the case the last several times the event has been held, our group was prevented from singing directly underneath the tree by the Center’s crack security force. Apparently, there’s now a formal sign-up process in place for groups wishing to perform underneath the tree, and groups that attempt to circumvent this process are threatened with eviction, incarceration, and forcible removal of vocal cords with a sharp instrument (my apologies to any junior Flyers who may be reading this). After posing for several group photos underneath the tree, we found an unguarded area across the street and belted out several up-tempo holiday favorites before the wind and steady rain conspired to dampen our spirits.

Click the Arrrow:

Then Sing Along with The Von Flyer Family Singers

The group had planned to return to Central Park and enjoy a four-mile run together, but due to the weather the group decided to forego the run and proceed directly to the brunch portion of our program. After securing a table for twelve at a café in the Rock Center concourse, the group decided to leave after discovering that the cafe didn’t see fit to include brunch items on its menu.

Brunchtime for Hungry Singers

A new venue was chosen, brunch was ordered, and a good time was had by all. Thanks again to the hearty souls who chose to participate this year, and special thanks, as always, to Sandy for organizing the event and Laurent for leading us in song!

-Scott S

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Running With the New Year

Dermot H

As each day passes, we all go through the natural motions. We can only function actively for so much time in a day.

We're eventually placed into an idle position. Our heart rates drop to a delayed lull, our breathing is dragged but heavy, our eyelids are fluttering in line with a hummingbirds wings but the eyes are not collecting any images.

We are on rare moments forced to extend our active hours to complete some crucial task(s) with time constraints or being able to catch up with others in those rare opportunities.

But there is one day encountered every 365 days when a massive percentage of the population will stay awake (willingly or via heavy caffeine ingestion) to witness a major change. Every 365 days, we shed out of one year and begin into a new year. This transition is marked by celebration of this change with the biggest mark being change for the better. This transition is typically celebrated by excessive ethanol consumption amongst friends (frequenters + those not often seen), capturing immense fireworks displays from each major city, moments to remember (proposals) and engaging in reflection of the past year (did I succeed in a planned resolution? how did I fair out?).

A few people throughout the globe, however look into this night from a different perspective. In various parts of the world, a few people will go out of their way and take on a run when the timer chimes in to midnight. These people are running into the night towards a new day and more importantly, into the new year. These people are hitting the ground running into the new year.

Going Nuts

The NYRR for the past few years has been hosting such a run known to the public as the Emerald Nuts Midnight Run. It makes perfect sense as these people can be considered just plain nuts to take on this run. It is not so much the distance (4M); it is the timing of the run and the conditions to be encountered (very low temperatures, low lighting / visibility).


Now That's What Low Lighting Conditions Looks Like!

Last year, my craziest thing to do was to take on an ultra marathon while still within my first year of running. This year, I really did not contemplate anything ridiculous /talk worthy.
The idea of doing a New Years related run came to mind awfully late in the year. Unfortunately, NYC government has gone about screwing around some more against the holiday marathoners (permits denied for 3rd holiday marathon in succession). I then looked at this Midnight Run. I have a hard time staying up late, plain and simple. I have done late evening/early night runs, but never was forced to do a late night run. This run got me intrigued. Not only the run itself, but I was also interested on this pre-festival taking place. I signed up awfully late, but was still able to snag a bib and start planning out the night.

There were other Flyers also out having some midnight fun in Central Park.  Joyce S, Diane Z, Bob C, Karen H and Andreas W were among the intrepid Flyers.  And maybe there were some other Flyers mixed within the darkness and the midnight mayhem.

Pre-Race Festivities

Walking my way down to the starting grounds, the faint sounds of a BIG speaker system and some multi-colored lights gleaming ever so greatly through the growth. It was sure signs that a party was kicking. The closer I made it, the more the ground was shaking before my feet and my gear bag was rattling within. Looked like 1/4 of the crowd got hold of those lighted glasses and the rest had some kinda 2012 knickknack. EVERYONE got hold of a emerald sponsored 2012 headband - I kept on thinking of the Toy Story scene with Buzz Lightyear in the vat of toy Martians when trying to look out beyond the crowd. A few people took some daring moves to improvise some kind of costume; predominantly holiday-themed outfits (best one I saw from afar was a group of stockings).


Runners Lined Up in Their 2012 Headbands

The Warm-Up

I decided to kill some time, warm up against the progressively cooling temperatures and get myself ready by taking on a steady run through Central Park (away from boundary markers). Got hold of my water bottle, popped the inhaler and dropped the bag - I was ready to get moving. I cannot remember a time I ever stepped through the park with so few people to be spotted along the paths. Reminiscent of a small park feel for such a well known plot of the earth. It wasn't nerve wracking, it really was a soothing feel literally going out in an open path in the dark and silence (it felt like being awake with the world asleep). Making my way back to the starting grounds, the crowds already were making moves into the massive corral awaiting the final remaining moments of 2011.

The Race

One corral, everyone bunched together. The timer kicked in -- a full shouting of last 10 secs before midnight. Once 12:00 hit, the starting line was transformed into two over-sized sparklers. To the right, a mass of fireworks went off lighting up the sky above lower half of Manhattan in laser red flashes. The earth shook to a synced scream of joy with blinding cameras going off.

The crowd of runners was initially bottlenecked, but something mysterious happened. All participants actually were running from the starting line; I couldn't believe what I witnessed. The gridlock was lost quickly and all were able to get into a desired pace early on. I was already deep in running -- my legs were on itch to move quicker this time. A lot of darting and watching my back for other runners coming on full blown speed.

The last mile came before me unexpected and I had one fella to pace the bulk of it with me. A MASSIVE crowd of people was in the mist cheering runners on the last 500yds of the race. I was gone; my flats felt like spikes tearing into the asphalt and couldn't be stopped. A louder wave of cheering came on with the sight of runners on the final sprint towards the finish line (Look at him go!!!). The race may have ended; but 2012 is just beginning.

I was told to consider taking things easy as a New Year's resolution.

I already failed that resolution from the first moments of the new year (and will fail it throughout the year).

Thank goodness I didn't go about taking that advice seriously.

 

-Dermot H

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Baby Runner Girl

Meet the newest runner of the New York Flyers community: Willa G.

Flyer Angela G's baby Willa -- sooo sweet!

 While four week old Willa can’t exactly run these days, she has grand plans to enter the running world in the future.  In addition to the million and one things I do for Willa each day (read: feed, burp, change, repeat), I’ve also been showing her some potential running routes to satisfy her future running endeavors.  Not only has this been beneficial for Willa, it also has enabled me to get outside on some beautiful walks and make my own plans for my gradual return to running.

The first place I felt Willa had to see was Central Park.  Anyone who runs in New York City has probably done a loop around the park.  It’s a convenient escape from the city and provides a variety of terrain.  Plus, you’re certain to run into someone you know in the running community.  After I pointed all of this out to Willa, she snoozed in her stroller and happily dreamed about how she’d someday tackle the Harlem Hills.


Willa tours Central Park



Willa strolls Riverside Park

Central Park isn’t the only popular place to run. I also had to show her Riverside Park.  In my opinion, Riverside Park and the path along the West Side Highway is the perfect place to up your mileage on flat ground.  It’s also slightly less congested, especially in the early morning hours, but there is a strong wind off the Hudson in the winter and not much shade in the summer.  Willa noted all of these facts and drifted off into a peaceful slumber with visions of her future self in a running skirt and compression socks cruising along the riverfront.

Angela G at 36 weeks!

 Now that I’ve exposed my daughter to some of the popular running destinations in Manhattan, my next task is to focus on my own running goals.  I ran up until my 36th week of pregnancy and then decided to stop. It just seemed like the right thing to do.

Perhaps Willa did not agree with my decision because she decided after only two short weeks into my running hiatus that it was time for her to see the world.  If you ask me, she was bored in there and missed the regular runs.  She probably also knew that the sooner she got out of there, the sooner she could get into that jogging stroller!  But that won’t be for a few months.  For now, I’m planning a short run in another couple of weeks. I want to make sure I’m completely recovered and ready to run.  When I do return to the roads, I’ll employ a “reverse taper” strategy until I get my running legs back. Who knows, with this kind of sensible approach, I may find myself ready to rock the Club Champs in August!

Happy Mothers Day!

Angela G.

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In the spirit of this holiday season, please give.

Hopefully you all read Anne's great holiday nutrition article, posted on Sunday. Thanks to Anne for another great article!

Speaking of nutrition, as we enter this festive season, please remember that there are a lot of people, who won't be able to find something to eat on a daily basis, much less indulge in a great holiday meal like the rest of us. Particularly during these very difficult economic times, people in NYC are in greater need than ever.

Please participate in the Third Annual New York Flyers' Food Drive Fundraiser to benefit the Food Bank for New York City. You can find all the details on the Flyers' website, right here, or donate directly through our Food Bank fundraising page, located here.

It's a very important cause.  Look into your heart, and please give. - Blogmaster

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The Holiday’s Are Coming….Try Not To Be a Mesuganah!

Anne H.

First, congratulations to all fall marathoners, ultra-marathoners, triathletes, swimmer, cyclists and anyone who has completed any event this year. We have a few weeks before we close out 2010, and it is a perfect time to celebrate not only the wonderful holidays that are upon us but our achievements as well.

Now, who rewards themselves with their favorite food?! (I see all of those hands raised). I was just speaking with some friends Saturday while watching the Knickerbocker 60K, about how I buy a box of chocolate-covered Entenmann donuts whenever I run a marathon (ssshh...don’t tell anyone). But, I don’t do this unless I run a marathon. I am not worthy otherwise. I eat one a day, and savor them for a few days. Moderation...yum. Time to run another marathon, I think.

Mmmm... donuts!

With that being said, I would assume that there are a few others who may self-reward with food, and with the holidays coming, we don’t want to become a mesuganah (Yiddish slang for a kind, but crazy person) and overdo it since the ho-ho-holidays are happily jam packed with delicious, delectable, (although probably highly caloric) foods. Everything in moderation...enjoy yourself, just don’t overexert yourself at the holiday party at the office. If you can’t reach the last cocktail shrimp on the table, then it’s not meant to be. If you are at a holiday party and the same server approaches you five times with the same crab cake, then pass on the offering. Wait for the next server to stop by with something new. Variety is the spice of life right? Receive a box of Godiva chocolates from your colleague? Enjoy a few each day, and try your best not to down the entire box in one or two sittings. That is hard not to do, I know. (I really do know). Oh, one last thing about becoming mesuganah during the holidays. If you don’t really like the food at the party, don’t eat it.keep close to the fresh veggies and dip, which should do you no wrong.

Reach for healthy treats at the holiday party.

Even a tuna burger can make a great holiday meal!

The holidays are also a time when we want to let ourselves go, eat what we want, because, it’s FUN and actually feels good. I won’t disagree with that! Last night I was hankering for a burger (rare), but my healthy choice was a tuna burger, salad on the side (instead of fries). It was delicious. Wasabi, ginger, soy, just perfect. The funny thing was that the waitress did not hear me say “salad on the side” so the fries came anyway, so I had to taste a few to make sure they were fried just right.

Yay, chili!

Other healthy choices during the winter or holiday season is chili, however you like it. Beef, turkey, veggie, tofu chili, there are many different ways to enjoy a healthy and hearty chili. You will feel satisfied from a small bowl of chili and a salad, one slice of multigrain bread. Check out this link for a large variety of chili recipes!

Always keep grains in your diet.

Before I go, I wanted to send out a friendly reminder for y’all to remember to continue to incorporate healthy grains into your nutrition plan. You will continue to run throughout the winter months, and your body will continue to ask for proper carbs. Brown Rice, Quinoa, Kasha, etc. are nice choices. You can add pecans or dried cranberries which can make it very tasty. (CVS is now selling dried cranberries, go figure).

Happy Thanksgiving and Happy Holidays to all! - Anne H.

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