Everyone in the Water!

Pat D

"Everyone in the water!"

Pre-race instructions like this can mean only one thing – it’s time to swim.

It's 3:40PM on Saturday afternoon, May 26, and, along with several fellow NY Flyers, I am standing in the middle of a line-up of just over 350 swimmers that, clad mostly in full length black wet suits, has a striking resemblance to one of those remote beaches that is alive and swarming with hundreds of wild seal.   

Welcome to the 2012 Great Hudson River Swim.


Lining Up to Swim

As the inaugural open water swim event of the season in New York City, the GHRS is one of ten events sponsored each year by NYC Swim, a NY based not-for-profit organization that promotes swimming and open water swim events in and around Manhattan. After jumping into the water in eight waves at the Christopher Street Pier in the West Village just off the western shore of Manhattan, the water comes alive as the horn blows and swimmers stroke and kick a total of 1.6 miles to the finish line at the World Financial Center harbor. As Flyer Richard B says:

"Unlike a running race, a swimming race is barely controlled chaos. You have arms and legs hitting your head and body, you struggle to see the buoy floating in the distance and just trying to stay in a straight line is really tough. It is an awesome rush!"

Carrie B and Richard B

Along the length of the course, participants pass such well known landmarks as Pier 40, the Holland Tunnel vents, and of course the Financial Center Ferry Terminal.

Surprising to so many, open water swimming has been alive and well for many years in New York City. Originally founded and supported by athletes with a strong swimming background and focus, the genre has seen marked growth over the past several years fueled by an increase in participation from triathletes looking for time in the water.

While many are shocked and surprised to hear that people actually swim in the Hudson River, there’s been a lot of progress made over the past several years in the quality of the water, and participation in open water events staged there has been explosive. Carrie B, another NY Flyer and long time open water swimmer, says:

“I actually enjoy encountering a jellyfish or two along the course as it’s a real sign of how far the improvement in water quality has come. While there is still a long way to go, the Hudson and other NYC waterways continue to get better each year thanks to the efforts of so many. It’s really a wonderful feel good story.”



Pat D, Carrie B, and Richard B

While events sponsored by NYC Swim, which to swimmers is akin to what the NYRR is to runners, have a lot of similarities with running races, including a great pre-race vibe at the start line, entrants that range from beginner to world class, and fun post race camaraderie, there also are a lot of differences. For example, events are generally smaller, typically limited to about 350 entrants per swim, and tend to be more expensive, usually around $75 per event. In addition, due to the strong focus on safety, individuals must have certified proof of open water swim experience prior to registering for NYC Swim events. Of course other differences include the fact that runners don’t have to wear mandatory florescent pink caps, there are no hills along any swim course, nor are there water stops or bathrooms (don’t ask!).

One other feature of local open water events is that, due to significant and sudden variations in the current of the waters surrounding Manhattan, it’s difficult at best to judge your year over year performance and progress. Ed O’D, a longtime NY Flyer and very accomplished multi-sport enthusiast says:

“Even a slight change in current can have a big impact on your time. I recall one year where, despite the fact that I was really well prepared and conditioned, and swam strongly, I posted my slowest time ever in the GHRS. It felt as though we were actually swimming against the current for a portion of the race!”

In fact, the current can even play havoc with times within the same event. Those who were in the later waves of this year's event had a much stronger and more favorable current assist than those in the earlier waves.

The Great Hudson Swim was another wonderful event, made all the more fun by participating with fellow Flyers like Carrie, Ed and Richard (I hope I’m not missing anyone!). Together, this group has participated in dozens of such events, yet each swim still brings excitement. The biggest challenge in this event was not the start time water temperature of 64 degrees, but rather the battle against some rather wavy conditions. Whether it be the afternoon winds from the west, the wakes created by the regular boat traffic, or the near surf-like waves cast from the massive cruise ship that steamed by (with shocked passengers lining the deck waving furiously), the field all agreed it was ‘rockin and rollin’ out there, especially near the southern end of the course as you approach New York Harbor. Conditions like this make it really tough to sight the buoy-marked course and therefore make it surprisingly difficult to swim a straight line. On the plus side, and again likely due to the balmy afternoon conditions, we were all cheered on by large crowds, especially at both the start and end of the course.

Near the Finish by the World Financial Center

Experiencing Manhattan from the water always comes with more than its share of ‘New York Moments.’ Among some of the more memorable moments I’ve had during open water swims in NYC include:

• Swimming up to and then treading water for a moment at the very base of the massive eastern support pillar/stanchion during the Brooklyn Bridge Swim from Manhattan to Brooklyn. While treading, I reached up and placed my hand on this mammoth brick structure for a moment about one foot above the water line. During that time I couldn’t help but look up and think that while millions of people have passed over this historic structure over the past 120+ years, I dare say only a few of us have actually touched and felt its energy while swimming beneath. 
• In 2009, after getting through the very difficult, turbulent and choppy first portion along the rough and exposed western shore of the two-mile Governors Island Swim, a couple hundred swimmers and I were finally not only welcomed by the much calmer waters along the southern shoreline, but to our amazement were also shocked to see the massive and majestic Queen Mary II cruise ship docked just a very short distance to our right, along the Brooklyn water front. To make things even better, the ship was obviously close to departing as the deck was filled to capacity with passengers all waving and cheering to the passing school of swimmers. The excitement for all of us in the water was probably exceeded only by the passengers' shock and amazement to see the passing and waving swimmers in New York Harbor. Just another day in New York.
• On three occasions, having the distinct pleasure of jumping off a ferry into the waters of New York Harbor and swimming around the Statute of Liberty Island at the Statue of Liberty Swim. Although one of the shortest events (1.2km) of the season, this event, timed to coincide with the city’s July 4th festivities, is always a powerful and patriotic experience. The exposed harbor waters along the eastern shore of the island can be very challenging and rough, while the second half of the course down the western side usually provides a welcomed calm. When taking a breath to my left side, each time having a fully unobstructed and unique view of Lady Liberty, I couldn’t help but think of the countless ‘tired masses’ that were first welcomed to these shores by her beaming torch. To call it a surreal moment is an understatement of massive proportions.

Overall, the Flyers did very well (you can click here for our results) and everyone had a fun time. Next up for many of us is the Aquathlon and Swim (1.5K swim and 5K run) event on June 26th on Randall’s Island. If you have questions about open water swimming, let one of us know, or speak to any of the other Flyers who regularly participate in these events, including Deb M., Kenny H., Allan G., Bob C., Charlotte N., Dianne Z., Jesse and Liz L., Francine A., Neal L., Jeanine H., Jim N., Yan P., Matt B., Neil and Julie C., Scott C., and Ray S. (I know I’m missing several – I’m sorry!).

Come on, jump in, the water's great!!

-Pat D

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Brooklyn and Bronchitis (a.k.a. ‘No Sleep till Brooklyn’)

Elizabeth A

First I must apologize for the lateness of this entry. As the title suggests, unbeknownst to me, I was about to come down with bronchitis when I ran Brooklyn. But more on that later…

For now, the race. For myself and several other Flyers who ran Boston (Lara, Heather, Jessica, Dave, among others) I had high hopes for achieving in Brooklyn some sort of vindication from Boston. Not that I wasn’t happy with my run in Boston. It’s just that when something out of your control prevents you from a specific time goal, it’s nice to have a backup plan to go for that time goal again. Having no intention of pulling a two-marathon spring, I decided that Brooklyn was the scene of my retaliation. A sub-1:29 was my goal.

Leading up to the race, I should have tapered more. Edit that – we (the Flyers in WBTC training program) – should have tapered more (i.e., Lara, Andrea K and Flyers Marathon Training Program coach Kari Smith) all discussed later. Nevertheless, I was pretty pumped as we set out on the Flyer bus race morning.

The Flyers bus to the start of the race was lovely (thanks, Richard B!!). Christine L, Adam H, Nina P and I sat together in the back, our pre-race jitters dampened by the soothing sounds of light rock (seriously, nothing gets you in a less race-y mood than “Careless Whisper” at 5am). We had a nice ride to the race, with plenty of space to relax, pin our bibs on, and in my case, listen to a little pre-race AC/DC to get psyched.

We arrived in Brooklyn right at the starting area a good hour pre-race, leaving plenty of time to check our bags, do some striders, use the port-a-johns and head to the corrals. I was joined in the corral by Andrea and Jess, which was great! Interestingly, next to me in our corral were three guys, one of whom I noted was wearing a bib number corresponding to corral 20. How he got into corral 2, I don’t know- but it was a prelude to later events. In addition to these guys, there were many late arrivals with bib numbers corresponding to the first two corrals who missed the cutoff time. All of them were ushered to the back of the race – which was so far back (due to the insane number of participants) we couldn’t even see it from where we were.

The race started promptly at 7am, at which time it had warmed up to a nice 60 degrees. The course was new and, while some didn’t like it, I thought it great. We started on a gentle downhill as we went down Washington Ave and took a right on Flatbush. We made a nice little loop on Flatbush, which allowed me to get a glimpse of the elites as they passed on my left, and then give a shout-out to Nina P as I ran down Flatbush in the other direction and into Prospect Park. The Park itself is a tough course, and fairly hilly, but having not run it that often, I loved the fact that I had no idea what was coming. Thus it wasn’t until I was almost at the top of the big hill, and saw Brian H. (dressed, of course, as a wiener), that I started to fade. Here I must confess that I got a little miffed at Brian for not acknowledging me with a “Go Elizabeth!” or even “Go Flyers” (instead he shouted “Go Team for Kids” – thanks Brian). I forgave him five seconds later, however, when he shouted “you’re almost at the top, after this it’s all downhill!”

True to Brian’s word, it was all either downhill or flat after that. After a nice, long (!) downhill we exited the park and spilled out onto Ocean Parkway. From there it was six flat (and, OK, maybe a bit boring) miles out to Coney Island. My own boredom and dead legs began to get me down until I saw Ed F (who has been battling an injury and was running his first post-injury race). Seeing Ed was the pick-up I needed to keep pushing further, even making the occasional attempt to pass some Urban Athletics or City Coach girls here and there.

The race ended on the boardwalk, to the sounds of the Beastie Boys. I must admit, I had hoped for a 1:28 finish (having run a 1:29:51 in the NYC Half in spring, with Boston training still in my legs). Alas, it was not meant to be. My dead legs from hard workouts that week, coupled with what was soon-to-be bronchitis left me a bit more fatigued than I’d hoped. But I managed a 1:31:30, right behind Glenn W who had just run a big half-marathon PR (!!), with Jess R in hot pursuit at 1:31:39 (also PR-ing) and Colleen R right behind us.  There were many fantastic Flyer finish times including quite a few PRs!

It was a great showing for the Flyer women, including the Flyers Veteran Women who grabbed 4th place and the Flyers Senior Veteran Women who took 2nd place, and I was happy to discover that Colleen and I were 8th and 6th in our age group – or so we thought at the time.

We were soon joined by other Flyer friends and set off to the beach for a much-needed ice bath. Having cooled off our legs, we then headed over to Nathan’s for some necessary recovery fuel (hey – hot dogs are a Zone-approved mix of carbs and protein!) and on to Ruby’s for some more post-race carbs (beer!).

With Lara K on the Beach

I took a pass on the post-race Cyclone ride (given the hot dog and my cold, I worried it could turn into a pretty ugly picture – literally), but several Flyers (e.g., Nina, Lara, Christine L) were undeterred, with awesome photos to show for it.

Flyers Brave the Cyclone at Coney Island

Instead, Anne H and I took the subway home together, dozing off after all the excitement on the semi-long ride home. I woke up the next day with a fever and severe cough, which has lasted about a week. Pretty ironic for a doctor of Infectious Diseases! On my return to the living, I heard that Colleen and I had been upgraded to 6th and 4th for our age group, respectively, as one woman cut the course and another was a guy wearing a woman’s bib.  Click here to read about it!! It was an exciting conclusion to an exciting day all-around.

I can’t wait to do it again next year – after a proper taper and lots of vitamin C!

-Elizabeth A

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National Running Day

Dave K

A would-be Blogger never quite got around to submitting their write-up for the Blog.  It doesn't happen often, actually only once or twice before, so it's fine.  Grrr. 

Anyway, while I plot my revenge :) here's something from me that I'll post instead that also may be of interest to Flyers Blog readers. 

However, I'd like to first include one mention about the Brooklyn Half Marathon.  On behalf of all the Flyers and friends of Flyers who took the bus (102 of us!), a big BIG thank you goes to Richard B for once again arranging for the annual UES and UWS ride to the race.  The buses arrived at Prospect Park in plenty of time, and it was much fun for all to ride to the start with so many sleepy but eager and friendly Flyers.  Injured Richard then even headed out to the course to take lots of great photos of us in action (i.e., approaching the finish line, playing on the beach, etc.).

So on we go to the topic I'll enthrall you with in this current blog entry.  Wednesday, June 6 is NATIONAL RUNNING DAY.  New features to National Running Day this year include: an updated National Running Day website and design; National Running Day gear; daily giveaways; a fundraising race; and more events.  Click here for more info about National Running Day from the organizer of the events.

"What started as a grassroots initiative just a few years ago has now blossomed into a worldwide day of fun and movement," said Mary Wittenberg, New York Road Runners' president and CEO.  For information on events in NYC, click here for the link on the NYRR website.  As an extra bonus, if you click on that link (fine, here it is again) you'll see an NYRR photo that includes the Flyers own Brian H and Glenn W.

Desi Davila Trying to Catch Up to Brian and Glen

The NYRR events kick off with a 12-hour fun run relay around the Central Park Reservoir.  U.S. Olympian Desi Davila will join in the morning.  More fun to follow, including a "Singlets Mixer" Fun Run and Happy Hour in the early evening in Prospect Park.
 
Happy Running!
 
-Dave K, Flyers Blogmaster

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New Flyer Profile: Michael Rabin

Michael R

How did I find the Flyers? I’m a professor at Parsons design school and a group of my students is doing a project on making Central Park more runner-friendly. As a frequent park runner I was very curious about their work and learned, though them, about various running clubs in NYC. I became interested in joining one myself and after some of my own research discovered the Flyers. The club seemed like the right mix of fun and running passion. The Flyers web site was the cincher, though. Great content! I joined a month or so ago and have been really enjoying the people, activities and attitude.

What’s my relationship with running? I began running in my early 20’s, was mostly dormant in my 30’s (childrearing fatigue) and resumed running in my 40’s. I ran my first marathon four years ago; the year I turned 50. I saw it as a one-time adventure (to cross off the list) and met my goal of running the whole course and crossing the finish line in one piece. Though I broke no records, I was pleased with the outcome. A few months later I went for a routine annual physical expecting nothing significant. My doctor ran an EKG and noted that it had changed a bit from the previous year's. With no cardiac symptoms (no dizziness, no shortness of breath, no chest pains) or risk factors (no high blood pressure, no high cholesterol, no diabetes, no smoking, no obesity - and I’m fit) she said it was probably nothing, but would feel more comfortable if I ran it by a cardiologist. The cardiologist was not concerned though she followed up. After successive tests and within days she told me, in a new urgent tone, that I needed to be in the hospital NOW. The next day the surgeon discovered coronary blockage and inserted four stents. He said, "You were the guy who was going to go out running one day, drop dead, and no one would understand why."

After digesting it all, and with the doctor’s blessing, I resolved to run the New York City Marathon again for two reasons: 1) to test the new plumbing, and 2) as an act of defiance and affirmation. The hardware worked well and I shaved 1 hour and 14 minutes off of my previous year's time.

Since then I’ve run four more marathons for a total of six: four in NYC and two in San Francisco. Each successive year I knock off a minute or two and each marathon represents a celebration of life for me. In fact, every time I run any distance I end it with an appreciation for all of life’s moments and a special appreciation for NYRR’s motto “Run for Life.”

What’s next? I’m training for the NYC and SF marathons again this year. I’m also leaving Parsons after this semester to pursue my new passion as a Life Coach. I’ll be preparing a Flyers blog entry about the student project mentioned above. Look for it in a few weeks!

- Michael R.

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