A Neurotic Glamour Girl's Weight Watchers Experience and Fitness Adventures

Forever

2012-05-25T10:48:00.002-04:00

Having chronicled my entire weight loss journey online has had many benefits, as well as a few drawbacks. The benefits are plenty - the verbal & photo documentation of my experience, the ability to capture and then relive the highlights as well as the lessons from the setbacks, having met readers who became real life friends, and somehow, without even meaning to, providing inspiration, encouragement and entertainment to others. Drawbacks are much fewer but include being very visible and as a result, so vulnerable to scrutiny and criticism.

The reason I'm bringing this up is because I want to talk about my current weight. I've mentioned in a few posts over the last year or so that I'm above my goal weight. I don't think I need to mention this often, as I feel it's obvious from photos. But I'll address it here, officially. Yes, I'm above my goal weight range. I haven't been within that range for about a year.

I know that if you’re a friend or loyal reader, this news will probably not come as a surprise, nor witll it effect your opinion of me negatively. And I'm sure you wouldn't say anything mean or hurtful to me. I point that out because if or when something similar happens to you, I want you to be just as kind to YOURSELF. Forgive yourself. Do not say hurtful things to yourself. Think about what's going on and change it. But always love yourself.

So, how did this happen? Unfortunately, a little too easily. Before reaching goal, I spent my entire life abusing food and eating pretty poorly. I have a lifetime of unhealthy habits that are not entirely behind me yet. They may never be. I say all the time that I don't ever expect to be cured. I don't believe there is a "cure" for this condition. It's all about management and I simply haven't been managing it as well as I could have been. I knew when I reached Goal and Lifetime that the journey was not over, that I would need to work at this for the rest of my life. And I accept that. But I stopped being as diligent as I know I need to be. I let outside things get to me that I shouldn't have, and allowed myself to return to too many old behaviors too frequently. If I had to summarize, I’d say that I didn’t keep my priorities in order.

If you're wondering why I allowed that to happen, well, part of me is wondering that too. I’m not really sure I figured it out yet. Sure, I can blame things that happened TO me (situations/things in my life that were beyond my control) but the fact is I don't allow myself to think that way. I'm not a victim. No one made the decisions I did except me. The bottom line is that "things" happen to all of us. How we choose to react to them is all that we’re in control of. And I didn't always choose or react as well as I could have or should have.

So why am I telling you all of this? Well, I'm writing about all of this for a few reasons - first, because I thought I should address it since people occasionally ask in comments and because it’s part of my weight loss journey, so it belongs in my blog. But also because I think it helps others to see the reality -- that the journey doesn't end when you reach goal, and it's not easier because you're at goal. We have the same ups and downs after goal that we did before goal, but we just keep at it. Because it's not about being perfect. It never was, and I certainly never was! It's about patience, compassion and kindness. It’s about determination, perseverance, living life, having a good time, being healthy and making the better choice more often than not. It's figuring out how to create a new healthy lifestyle. One without shame, deprivation, negativity or abuse.

I also wanted to write about this because I get comments and emails from readers every single day - and the message is often something to the effect of how I inspired you in some way. It still boggles my mind to read some of the amazing things I hear from readers. When I hear the impact and effect my words or actions had on you to take a chance and try something new and healthy, I'm incredulous. I often think "Really? Me? I helped someone do that?!" I love that you share those things with me, thank you. It’s beautiful and amazing and sometimes difficult for me to even comprehend that I was in some way able to give you the confidence in yourself to take a chance and start to do something.

I mention that because since I’m not currently at goal weight, it can feel a little awkward hearing those things right now. For a brief moment, I think “But don’t they see I’m not at goal weight?” But then I put it back into perspective for myself and realize that being at goal weight is not the whole picture. I got there once and I can and will get there again. But I spent a whole lot longer *not* at goal weight than *at* goal weight and I still inspired many of you along the way. I believe it's my perseverance and determination - not me being "perfect" - that inspires many of you. So let this post inspire you too. Let it inspire you to see that no matter what, you never give up on yourself or your healthy lifestyle. Things may distract you from time to time - that’s part of life - but it’s never over unless you stop trying.

Know -- and accept!-- that there will be dead-ends and detours and dimly lit paths but the journey doesn’t end. You find another way. You keep going. Because even though there may be a few twists and turns and rough patches, those are few compared to all the great, exciting, awesome, life changing and wonderful parts of the journey. Never lose sight of how great your healthy new life is. Just pick yourself up and keep going. Vow to never give up. Because this is forever. I'm in it for the rest of my life and I hope you are too. :)

(In case you're wondering - I think I'm around 150 right now. And just to give you an idea what I look like, I took this on May 19th after the Brooklyn Half Marathon.)

Running Adventures: The Brooklyn Half 2012

2012-05-21T22:55:00.003-04:00

This past Saturday was the Brooklyn Half Marathon! Here's how it went...

All day Friday, all I could do was think about the event. I was so excited to run, to see Trixie, to represent my borough, to make it to the Coney Island boardwalk and to experience the great new route that was planned. I was really looking forward to this one.

Here's a map of the route:

Brooklyn Half Map

Friday night, I got all my stuff out for Saturday morning -

Necessary: Bra, pants, socks, orthotics, sneakers, bandana, running belt, heart rate monitor, ipod case, ipod, garmin, vitaband, road ID, salt packets, goo packs, ID/money/MetroCard, keys, sunglasses, bib. Cat optional.

I went to bed early, around 9pm.

04:00 Awake! (barely)

05:00 Dressed. I wore:

Victoria's Secret sports bra ($50-ish)
Personalized "Bitch Cakes" Shirt from Neighborhoodies in DUMBO ($40-ish)
Compression pants from CW-X ($80-ish)
Nathan's running belt ($20-ish)
Sneakers from Reebok (free at the #FitBlogNYC event I attended!)
Wicking Socks ($5-ish)
Pink Bandana ($1)

Shown below:

Oakley's Sunglasses (also free at #FitBlogNYC - nice!)
Victoria's Secret Running Jacket ($75-ish)

05:30 I left the apartment, taking Isabella with me

Not many people on Kent Ave at this hour. None, in fact!

Riding to Prospect Park

No sooner had I dismounted my bike to lock up when another runner who was walking to the starting point told me she was a blog reader. She even commented that I had my new bike with me (she's caught up on my blogs, I see!) This is Leslie, another runner ready for the #Brooklyn Half! I think one of her friends may have even video taped the encounter. I hope I didn't say anything stupid. It was only 6am and I was barely awake!

Hey Leslie, hope you had a terrific run!!

I locked up Isabella outside the 2-3 Train stop for Grand Army Plaza and hoped she'd be safe for a few hours. Then I made my way to the baggage check, which was in the parking lot of the Brooklyn Museum. After taking care of that and using the port-o-john, I then walked to the starting point.

How can there be this much garbage so early?!


Look at that beautiful sun while runners stretch out front of the Brooklyn Museum

I made my way towards the starting point on Eastern Parkway, passing lots of other runners.

Good morning, Front Runners! Stretch it out!

This guy wins "most appropriate shirt" of the day.

There were a few people I wanted to find before the start - namely my friend/co-worker Jen and Trixie, who I haven't seen in months but who came back to Brooklyn to run this race.

First I found Jen!

Good morning, Jen Hoffman!

Soon enough, it was 7am and the race had officially begun. Of course we were pretty far back, so we had a long walk to the front. As I walked towards the starting line with Jen & Josephine, who should find me but Trixie! Yeah!! She had been telling me she expected to be slow on this day (believe me, I'm no speed demon!) so we agreed to meet at the start in case we don't see each other at the end. I was so happy to see her and hug her and start the run with her!

I'm not sure who these people are but this was a moment before the start, which I didn't get a photo of

And before I knew it, we were crossing that starting line! We started off running on Washington Ave...

Me with Trixie - go, girl, go!

I ran with Trixie for a bit, then we split up. Don't worry. You'll see her again later.

We turned onto Flatbush Ave, where we encountered runners who already had done that portion and the Grand Army Plaza loop and were headed back -

Runners ahead of us

on the lines, as usual!

Pretty early on into this run, one thing became clear: There was a serious port-o-john issue. There were none at or near the corrals. For runners who didn't bag check, that meant they went straight to the corral and had no options for relief. Even though I had used them at the baggage check, I had also drank 16 oz of water and it was about 40 minutes later and now I had to go again. My friends Jen & Jane had the same issue as we were lined up waiting to begin - we all had to go and there was nowhere to go.

Sure enough, we were not the only ones. Because early on into the run, I saw SO MANY runners pull off to take care of business in the grass and trees. Men *and* women! I can honestly say I have *never* seen this on any run before. But for the first 6 or so miles, I had to see well over a hundred runners doing this out of desperation. Even when there were port-o-johns, the lines were so long, I understood the runners who risked everything (you can lose your spot in the marathon) by relieving themselves along the sides of the road. For that reason, and because I think it's an invasion of privacy, I didn't photograph anyone who did that. But I hope the organizers take this into consideration for next time...

Mile 1, hello there!

I was running and feeling ok, other than needing to go to the bathroom. That slowed me a little but I kept trying not to think about it. I was enjoying the weather - it wasn't too hot yet and it was a beautiful sunny day.

The nice thing about the longer runs (and some of the shorter ones) is that there's entertainment along the route. I passed this guy and then ran back for a shot because I remember seeing him just this past Thursday night in Grand Central and I *loved* him! I told him I'm his newest fan!

Matt Vorzimer, you rock!

We made our way around Grand Army Plaza/Eastern
Parkway loop-

Good morning, Grand Army Plaza!

I couldn't read these signs until I got home and downloaded the photo and I just choked right up. How beautiful!

Coming around the plaza, there were those cheerleaders I remember from the NYCHalf! Love them!

By this time, I still had to go, even worse now, so it was exceptionally cruel to see this toilet there which I couldn't use because I didn't have a quarter! (Side note: I can't wait to check this out next time I'm by Prospect Park/Grand Army Plaza!)

I can't wait to check this thing out!!

Just then, I passed a Black Girls Run! cheering squad - they saw me after I took this photo and then cheered for me

I had seen this man earlier in the day. I'm not sure if he was cheering for anyone in particular or just giving us all something to smile about -

I do believe that's a Kool Aid shirt!

I had seen my friend Jane at the start and we caught up to each other here-

Looking great, Jane!!

No parking today - we are running these streets!

I loved this duo on drums!

Look at that, 3 miles down

After passing that drumming duo on Ocean Ave, we turned on Parkside Ave, which made me think of our bike rides to the beach, since we make that turn to get to Rugby Road.

We ran the length of that road that runs along the park and that's when we entered Prospect Park for a single loop -

Her sign says "I think you're attractive", which made me laugh

Immediately on our way in, we saw runners on their way out - they had already finished the 3.3 mile loop inside the park (show-offs!)

the fast runners exiting the park

I like this action shot of me in the park

As we ran through the park, I was in my own world - mostly a world that involved going to the bathroom. As I had mentioned, there were port-o-johns along the route but they all had 10 or so runners waiting to use them and I didn't want to have to wait 10 minutes to use one. I'd be more likely to go in the woods like the other runners I saw. But I know the layout of Prospect Park fairly well, so when we got to the picnic area, I ran off the course and straight for the restroom where I finally took care of things. What a relief!!! I made my way back to the loop and continued running. I felt so much better!

I've talked about the big hill in Prospect Park before - I call it Nellie's Hill, since "Nellie's Lawn" is on the hill. As I was approaching it, another runner came up to me to tap me and said she's a blog reader. Naturally I had to get a shot of us running together:

Hi Cathy! Nice meeting you and I hope you had a terrific half!!

Around this time, I was thinking back to another event when I had to run up this hill, when I had seen a cheering squad from the Black Girls Run group. Sure enough - they were there this time too!

"Run like you stole sumthin!"

And as I was at the absolute worst part of Nellie's Hill, and I was walking, I see another member of BGR with a sign that says "We don't walk up hills!" Ooopsy, I laughed (because I was walking), photographed her and then started running again.

"We don't walk up hills!"

Great outfit! Tutu & Wonder Woman socks

At the top of the hill, a little encouragement from a bystander:

Way to go, hot dog! (I'm sure it's a vegan tofu pup)

I remember thinking... more than once... "are we ever leaving this park?!" It felt like we were in there forever!

still going!

another enthusiastic cheering section with cute signs

Mile 7 and what's in sight, but the end of the park! OMG we are finally leaving Prospect Park!

More than half way done!

As we left the park and approached Ocean Parkway, I tweeted that I was past Mile 7 and it was starting to get hot. I don't know what temperature it was, but I was starting to get very warm...

I like to run on the curbs sometimes

At the beginning of Ocean Parkway, I saw a few more members from Black Girls Run! And some of them recognize me now or know me from the interwebz, so they are always very friendly.

Hello ladies! Looking GREAT!

I was keeping pace with them for a while. At one point, one of them said to me "You have a beautiful shape". I thanked her and then immediately thought of my Grandma Margie, who used to tell me I had the "most beautifulest shape". She passed away 4 years ago, before I ever ran at all. I knew she would be proud and it was nice to think of her.

We continued on Ocean Parkway. It's a long stretch, about 5 miles. But at least it's flat! It's also hard to believe they shut down all of it to car traffic, but they do.

I kept with the hydration strategy that worked for me at the last half - I drank at every fluid station to prevent myself from getting dehydrated. I just hate all the waste as a result...

Around this time on Ocean Parkway, I shot a little video:

I took a little walking break here, and walked up on the grass-

I have no idea how I smudged my eyebrow!

Shortly after that I found a bunch of port-o-johns which I was happy to use because I couldn't believe it but I had to go *again*! (and I hadn't seen any for a while!)

Shortly after that stop, I was at Mile 12! Nice!

(Somewhere around mile 10 or 11, I had to lose my shirt. The sun was blazing down on us and I was too hot to keep it on. I tucked it into my running belt.)

Mile 12 already!

Only 1 mile to go!

You know you're at the end of Ocean Parkway when you see the overhead subway!

We reach the end of Ocean Parkway and then turn onto Surf Ave. This is where I teared up last year because I knew I was so close to the end and I was so proud. Much to my surprise, I teared up here again this year. I really didn't expect to and I'm not sure why I did - maybe just because I remembered how I felt last year.

crying, even if you can't see it, and my eyelash is hanging off...

I continued on Surf Ave, knowing we were *so close* to the finish!

800 Meters to go! That's only half a mile!

I decided to take another little video while we were still on Surf

And at this point, the route deviated a little from last year, but for the better. Last time we ran up the boardwalk sooner - which mean more boardwalk running which is nice and pretty, but this year I enjoyed that we stayed on Surf Ave a little longer because it meant we entered the boardwalk by running up the block between the Cyclone and the Wonder Wheel. How cool!

On the left: The world famous Cyclone!

On the right: Dino's Wonder Wheel!

And just like that, over two and a half hours after starting on Eastern Parkway, I was here. On Coney Island's famed boardwalk!

boy I was glad to see that mile marker!

running on the boardwalk

As I ran that last little stretch to the finish line, I shot another video. This was one of my favorite parts of the whole run. Not just because I was about to finish but because they were blasting the Beastie Boys - "Fight For Your Right to Party!" (The Beastie Boys are, of course, from Brooklyn and MCA passed away earlier this month. RIP MCA!)

We crossed the finishing line and again to my surprise, WE GOT MEDALS!!! I was so excited about this, you have no idea! We didn't get medals for this run last year! I asked to be "crowned" and bent down a little so the woman on the right could place mine around my neck. It's so much better that way!

handing out the medals- thank you ladies!

After crossing the finish, I hung out for a bit to find a few peeps. I was so happy to run into Florence... finally! Florence is a Weight Watchers member in NYC who I met last year and though we've done many of the same runs, I never see her. She's also the first "Black Girls Run" member I ever met, so any time I see BGR members, I tell them "I know Florence!" I feel like I have street cred throwing her name around :)

Florence, congrats on your 2nd half and your impressive time! You rock!!

Here's another BGR member. I asked her to show off their new shirt/logo - I love it!

great logo & font!

I knew my friend Ethan would be at the water station after the finish line but didn't see him there after I crossed. Fortunately, he found me! Here we are, baking under the hot sun!

Ethan scored his volunteer credit for next year's marathon!

After that I headed towards Nathan's, where I hoped to find Trixie & Marcus and get my beer and fries.

Runners were everywhere, stretching out

I love all the hand painted signs at Coney Island. There's lots of yellow, red and blue advertising all sorts of eats for the beach and amusement go-ers. And on this day, half marathoners.

Runners as far as the eye can see!

Not even 11am and Nathan's was already packed!

The line at Nathan's was so long I was relieved to find out Marcus was in a bar nearby. I made my way over there instead...

What a great ad these runners took out for today!

Can't resist an overflowing trash shot...

On my way into the bar, I found Trixie! And it turns out all that stuff about her being "slow" - well it turns out she beat me to the finish line. In fact, she PR'ed! She had her best half-time ever! I'm so proud of her!!!

Me & Trixie show off our medals

We made it into the bar. We never found Marcus (sorry Marcus!), but we had some refreshments -

Beer & Fries!

After that I had to get back to my bike, so I could get home. Trixie & Mikey gave me a ride back up to Grand Army Plaza. As luck would have it, we saw Malaika riding past at that exact moment!

I love what a small world it is sometimes!

Sure enough, Isabella was right where I left her!

take me home, sweet chariot!

I rode home, with my medal on of course!

I rode through Williamsburg and absolutely love this shot I got on Metropolitan at Havemeyer-

bodega + hipster + old man + bike + fire escape + bed bug ad = very Brooklyn

My favorite waitress, Jen, wasn't working that day but I met this gorgeous young woman who said she reads my blog! This is Serena, who is cool looking in a way I always wished I was -

happy to show off my medal at Champs with Serena

I just wanted a quick coffee and vegan donut, and then I was on my way-

coconut donut courtesy of Dun-Well

Felipe met me & took this shot for me

I consumed my sugary treat and went home for a much needed shower. Here are my heart rate monitor stats from the run:

Total Time: 2 hours, 52 minutes
Minutes in Cardio Zone: 2 hours, 52 minutes
Percentage of Time in Cardio Zone: 100%
Percentage of Fat Burn: 12%
Average Heart Rate: 159
High Heart Rate: 184
Total Calories Burned: 1661
Total Miles: 13.1 (but according to my Garmin, it was 13.4)
Pace: 13'09"

(my NYRR race stats are here)

I arrived home and still felt totally fine, which people have told me means that I didn't run hard enough but I know that I pushed myself as much as I could. If I could have run harder or faster, I would have. I'd have liked to have a time more consistent with last year's time (2 hours, 29 minutes) or even the NYC Half earlier this year (2 hours, 39 minutes) but I did what my body allowed on this particular day and I had a great time. (and probably 8 minutes of my total time was a result of my 2 bathroom stops) But whatever, I had a GREAT run and wonderful memories!

Since I wasn't sore and it was still an absolutely beautiful day, I wanted to enjoy it with what else? A bike ride, naturally...

of course I'm going to ride with my medal!

I took a trip to Queens and had no idea where I was when I noticed this woman was going to say something to me. At first I thought she was surprised I had stopped for the light so that she could cross (pedestrians seem surprised by this all the time, I think I'm in the minority of cyclists that usually stops) But that wasn't it, she told me she was a blog reader and we had a nice little chat!

This is Tami, she's lost 70 pounds and is also a Weight Watchers Lifetime member. And she's posing like this to show off her cute new bird tattoo on her inner forearm.

Great meeting you, Tami! Congrats on your success!

in Queens, headed back to Greenpoint via Greenpoint Ave - look at that sunset behind Manhattan!

There was a little more bike riding around and a sandwich for dinner at Champs, but that's about it. I was in bed around 9 for some much needed rest. It was a beautiful day - weather wise, bike wise, running wise, experience wise. I'm a very lucky girl.

(the entire set of photos from the BK Half can be seen here)

And check out Trixie's Success Story which was just posted on WeightWatchers.com! I'm so proud of her!!

Bike Adventures: The Tour de Staten Island 2012... and the ultimate quest for waffle fries

2012-05-16T23:23:00.004-04:00

This past Saturday I had a brand new bike tour experience: the Tour de Staten Island! This was another in the Tour de (Boro) series hosted by our good friends at Transportation Alternatives, and it was the second time for Staten Island, but the first time for me since I didn't know about it last year.

Here's how my day went!

06:00 Wake up!

07:30 Leave the apartment!

I forgot to photograph my outfit, but I wore:

Pink Bathing suit top from Target, $20
Skirt from Target, $14-ish
Polka dot pantyhose from Target, $6-ish
Shoes from Payless, $20-ish
Leopard shrug from Banana Republic, $50-ish
White Hairnet from Dad (free!)
Sunglasses from Fred Flare, $14

Here I am on the Willy B, on my way to Manhattan

what a beautiful day!

I had plans to meet up with my touring pals, Amanda, Robbie & Ann at South Ferry Terminal in Manhattan.

South Ferry Terminal in Manhattan - where to catch the Staten Island Ferry

As luck would have it, Malaika showed up at the same time. I didn't even realize she was registered. We all boarded the 8:30 ferry. To my bewilderment, the ferry is FREE. Nothing in NYC is free. This still blows my mind, but there was no cost to board the Staten Island Ferry.

While I will never be a fan of orange, I do think the SI Ferry is very beautiful

The ferry was pretty empty except for a few other dozen cyclists on their way to the tour.

Ann, Malaika, Robbie

Robbie & Amanda

I ran into a fellow cyclist, Corinne, who I had met on a previous tour. She was going to do the ride on her Brompton - a nice little folding bike.

Hello, Corinne! Hope you had a great ride!

There are stunning views of Lady Liberty on the way to and from Staten Island -

I <3 you, Statue of Liberty!

The ferry takes about 30 minutes to get to Staten Island. Once we arrived, it was a very short ride over to the ball park where we checked in. We received our rider stickers, maps, t-shirts and cue sheets.

Map of the route and local businesses offering specials to the riders

Sure, I'll take a cue sheet but don't expect me to make use of it!

While checking in, we met Meredith, who is one of the fine people that work for TA. I asked her to display her awesome skirt because I recognized what it was instantly - a circle skirt made up of t-shirts from previous Transportation Alternatives bike tours!

Twirl, Meredith! Show off your TA bike tour pride!

While there I also got to meet a very animated character named Ben who I only knew through email up until this day. He's another one of TA's fine people, and the person who asked me to write that piece about the NYC Century Tour.

Great meeting you, Ben! Thanks for all you do!

As we left, I took a shot of my right side to show off my official "RIDER" sticker -

I'm official!

We started the tour and were just blocks into it when I saw something so disturbing, I told everyone I had to go grab a photo and I'd meet up with them shortly. It was this piece of graffiti -

WTF?!

Soon after that I saw this very impressively painted building -

I thought only Yonkers had this many overhead wires. It makes taking a nice outdoor shot difficult.

Malaika led us, using the cue sheet. I'm way more of a follower on these tours - following other cyclists and looking out for spray painted signs on the ground. (I'm just really bad with using written directions while simultaneously looking out for street signs...)

Of course the one time I did take the lead, I sent us down the wrong way. But that was ok because we got to see this sweet bus -

Amanda wants me to have a party on this bus. I told her only if we can make that green stripe PINK!

I also watched a crow fiercely defend his trash pile from that seagull. He was squawking like crazy.

Crow 1, Seagull 0

After that short detour, we turned around and got back on course. We only deviated a few blocks... I told you I shouldn't lead!

Many of the streets were reminiscent of the one you see here. Staten Island had a very "small town USA" feel to it.

This was probably the most volume of cyclists we were with at any point on the tour

We also passed many patriotic murals while in this suburban paradise. And most had a 9/11 reference. Here's one of them -

This one is dedicated to the World Trade Center Employees

We rode through many tree lined suburban style streets too -

This reminds me of Yonkers, where I grew up

At one point we reached a scenic lookout and stopped for a few photos. Here's a shot of me with the Verrazano Bridge in the background. If that name sounds familiar, it's because it's the *last* bridge on the Five Boro Bike Tour (which I rode over last weekend) and the starting line/ *first* bridge you run over in the New York City Marathon. (I have a date with you on November 4th, Mr Bridge!)

That bridge looks tiny from here, I assure you, it's not!

I can't resist a group shot or two!

Woo hoo Staten Island!

Ann, Amanda, Malaika, Robbie

Soon we left there and continued on the tour...

This stretch of road immediately reminded me of the stretch we ride to get to Fort Tilden. And it made me long for this summer so we can have beach adventures!

Since we were passing by a beach and I was pining for Fort Tilden/The Rockaways, we all agreed to stop for a quick romp in the sand and surf. Yay!

We parked our bikes under the boardwalk -

I forgot how heavy and difficult she is to maneuver in sand!

I kicked off my slingbacks and Malaika and I ran towards the beach! (it's super challenging to run in sand. Try it though, it's fun!)

So pretty!

We reached the water and dipped our toes. It was so cold!!

Of course I needed a self portrait with the water behind me.

the water was freezing!

You can even see the bridge from the beach -

lovely!

Then we headed back to our bikes.

Amanda and Robbie did it under the boardwalk. Bad kids!

Soon enough, we were back on our bikes and continuing on the tour -

headless Robbie & Amanda, me

at one point we rode on the boardwalk, which is always a novelty!

I love boardwalk planks!

and then we were back on the pavement, but still riding along the beachfront -

I'm a big fan of bicycle shadows

Me, with Malaika & the Verrazano behind us

Robbie & Amanda lead

Around this time, I noticed I had a stowaway in the form of a ladybug on my bag -

shoo, ladybug!

As we continued riding along side the beach, to my surprise, I started seeing men with numbered bibs walking around. They had obviously just finished a race. Sure enough our route went straight through their finishing line, so I photographed it.

I think this guy is clapping for us... or telling us to get off their course!

As we made our way out of the beach, we passed by their trophy and award table. Yes, I was tempted to take a souvenir as I rode past but I did not...

You're all winners!

Then we ended up on another long stretch with convenience stores, some with amusing names like this one -

(there was another called "Fill Your Belly Deli")

I like having a curb or construction thing to rest my left foot on when waiting for a light -

just the right height for a comfy stop!

By this time we were just around the halfway mark and hit the Rest Stop that had been set up for us.

Snack Wagon... how cute!

Transportation Alternatives had fresh fruit (apples, bananas & oranges), Clif Bars, and water and Gatorade. There were real restrooms too (as opposed to port-o-johns). It was perfect!

Leaving the rest stop. And those 3 dudes with the vests marshall every TA bike tour! Thanks, guys!

At some point in the tour we rode up a winding tree filled street with one of the longest slowest most painful hills I've ever climbed. It felt like it would never end! It was evil! Every time I thought it was leveling off, IT WAS A LIE! There was more hill! After what felt like an eternity we finally made it to the top. And my poor friends had to wait for me for quite a while. (Thanks, guys!)

We rode through even more tree lined neighborhoods -

this also looks like Yonkers!

And through many areas with strips of stores and shops

Good morning, Ron & Dave!

I really liked that hand painted Deli sign

I took this photo because I liked the shadows of the bikes on the ground

another fantastic mural on the side of a business

Golden Goddess 2012 is in full effect! You can see my tanlines already

I love that hair net, thanks Dad!

I don't follow the cue sheets very well, but I'm pretty good at spotting the arrows on the ground

Before we even realized it, it was over! It was a fairly short tour, at 21.5 miles and it went by very quickly. TA even had free pizza for us at the finish (which I'm sorry I didn't photograph). I was pretty hungry so I actually took the cheese off and ate a slice of just crust & gravy. I'm not gonna lie, it was phenomenal. There is nothing as good as NYC pizza crust!

We admired the view of Manhattan from Staten Island

We thanked TA for providing us with such a great tour and then we headed to the Ferry Terminal.

Now, the worst part about Staten Island is getting on or off the island. The ferry runs every half hour and we had just missed one. So we hung out in the parking lot for the next one. What else to do but make ourselves familiar with the "Rules of Conduct"?

Rules of Conduct - pay attention!

Finally our ferry arrived and we boarded.

I'm the oldest amongst my friends. So naturally I took the "elderly" seating. (Hey, I earned it with my advanced years!)

While sitting there, I couldn't stop looking at these guys - I thought they just exuded "cyclist". They looked simultaneously sporty and cool.

Hello fellow cyclists!

After arriving in Manhattan, we made our way a few blocks to Fraunces Tavern, which Malaika explained is the oldest bar in New York (I always thought McSorley's was!) So we headed there to check it out since we were so close.

While there, someone (Malaika, I think) said our colorful & ethnic representations made us look like a Benetton ad. I agree!

Benetton Biking Campaign?

I didn't want to be there long though - just for one beer - because I was dying to get back to Greenpoint to celebrate with (what else?) wheat beer & waffle fries! But before we left, Malaika had ordered french fries that looked and smelled delicious. She was even willing to share. But I refused, telling her no - I would hold out for my waffle fries. I had been looking forward to these crispy delicious fries ALL DAY - and even more so since I didn't get to enjoy them after last Sunday's Five Boro Bike Tour (they don't sell them during brunch hours - poppycock!). In fact, I haven't had waffle fries in at least 6 months and I was beyond excited. It was going to be epic.

We drank our one beer, then split up - Mandy arrived from the tour and Malaika stayed there with her. Ann went home. And Robbie, Amanda & I headed to Greenpoint destined for the meal of bike tour champions.

We arrived at Habitat Bar at 4pm. As Amanda & Robbie were still securing their bikes outside, I went in, ready to order 3 baskets of waffle fries. We already knew that additional baskets might be ordered, but I thought I'd be conservative and start with just one order for each of us.

After a quick glance at the beer menu, I had my brew selected and I was ready to order my beer & fries! The bartender came to take my order and informed me that in case I had any intention of ordering from the kitchen, the kitchen was closed until 5pm.

"But we just came from Staten Island for this!", I told him (sure I made it sound like we were visiting from SI as opposed to returning to our homes from SI, but still... it was true!)

Of course that didn't change the fact that the kitchen had just closed. And it wasn't going to reopen for an hour.

I don't think I could have even attempted to contain the surprise or disappointment in my facial expression of I wanted to, so I didn't. But in case he wasn't sure how I felt, to seal the deal, I turned and walked out. And then I broke the bad news to my friends.

They were also disappointed. But at this point, we were hungry and didn't want to move and re-lock. I suggested Papacito's across the street. Because, as I pointed out to them, they may not have waffle fries - but they have amazing Yucca Fries!

We were seated and before the waitress could even take our drink order I asked for Yucca Fries.

"We don't serve those anymore"

I was like "What?! NO YUCCA FRIES?! ARE YOU SERIOUS?!" I may have flipped out a little bit... I apologized but I was still freaking out on the inside. I was so annoyed I didn't even order a beer. I didn't want to waste the calories if I wasn't going to have fries with them.

I ended up getting a burrito, which is fine as a meal but obviously not what I wanted. I didn't even photograph it. What a let down!

Here are my heart rate stats from the tour and the trip to and from the tour (I combined all the stats in one event on my heart rate monitor):

Total Time: 244 minutes (4 hours, 04 minutes)
Minutes in Cardio Zone: 126 minutes
Percentage of Time in Cardio Zone: 51.6%
Average Heart Rate: 126
High Heart Rate: 169
Total Calories Burned: 1544
Total Miles: 36

Summary of Staten Island? Here's what I noticed:

Lots of bagel shops. Like one on every corner.
Lots of dog washing places (must be a lot of dirty dogs)
Hardly any pedestrians or street traffic.
Beautiful tree lined streets.
A bit of a suburban paradise, very reminiscent of Yonkers where I grew up.
More ink & toner stores per capita than I think are necessary.
Many beautiful vintage cars from the 40s and 50s - none of which I managed to photograph!
More patriotic murals than I've ever seen in one place.

I think it's safe to say we *all* had a GREAT time! Malaika went so far as to say this was her favorite tour to date. (and the entire Flickr set can be seen here)

But wait... the story doesn't end there!

This past Tuesday night - 3 full days after the bike tour - I went out for a run and on my way home it occurred to me: "Why not go to Habitat NOW? Surely they have waffle fries at this hour! Besides, I just ran nearly 6 miles, I haven't eaten dinner yet and I'd love a beer!!"

Great idea born. Just like that.

I grabbed my Tour t-shirt and rider sticker (for the photo, of course) and headed straight to Habitat. When one of the bartenders who is familiar with my post bike-tour routine saw me there, he seemed confused "You rode today?" (bike tours are always on weekends, not Tuesday evenings) I explained what happened - how I rode on Saturday but didn't get to have my waffle fries and how I was here now to recreate the scene - getting my meal and photograph days later.

Finally! My beer & waffle fries!!

I ordered. And waited. The wait was excruciatingly cruel - not just the 5 minutes but the 6 months! - but OMG when they arrived, it was so worth it! Those fries were SO good - better than I even remembered. I'm only sorry Amanda & Robbie weren't there to enjoy them with me like they should have been.

Once again, I have to give a huge thanks to Transportation Alternatives for making this super fun tour possible - and for free! See you on June 3rd at the Tour de Brooklyn!!

(And why not become a member of TA? You'll get e-newsletters and a magazine with lots of bike news and other improvements for pedestrians and other modes of transportation, discounts at many bike shops in NYC and reduced fares to the TA bike tours. There's even a discount for multiple family members. Sign up today!)

Bike Adventures: The Five Boro Bike Tour 2012, Part 2

2012-05-08T20:14:00.000-04:00

continued from Part 1...

The first half of my blog recap ended with me leaving Long Island City, Queens. The next stop was my beloved neighborhood of Greenpoint, Brooklyn! We rode the Pulaski Bridge (not the tiny little bike lane - the car portion) south, into the County of Kings!

on the Pulaski, just blocks from home!

Boro #4:
Welcome to Brooklyn! Greenpoint, specifically. Hometown pride is in the air! I'll freely admit I shout all sorts of stuff while I'm riding on this tour. And in Brooklyn I'm the most vocal. I have so much pride for my borough and especially my neighborhood.

Now entering Brooklyn - Like no other place in the world!

I snapped a pic of midtown without looking - and those 2 cyclists on the bike bath were watching us

After the bridge, we stay on McGuinness Blvd going south a few blocks, making a right on Greenpoint Ave. At this time I ran into my friend Kris and met his wife Jackie-

Nice to meet you, Jackie!

There's Kris, on the left. I think he may have made an appearance or 2 here before. I tend to run into him while on my bike in Manhattan.

At Franklin St, we make a left. At this point I was still screaming about how much I love Greenpoint!

Look straight down - that's Greenpoint Terminal Warehouse. You may recognize the sign. I've photographed it many times and it's one of my favorite things in the neighborhood. It's where I posed for Dmitry, in what became one of my favorite photos of me of all time. He uses it on his website and it's the photo that was used in last year's Five Boro Bike Tour official program.

We keep riding on Franklin as it turns into Kent. This is the stretch of road I photographed on my way TO the tour (in part 1) where the police were towing all the vehicles. We are now officially in Williamsburg.

I absolutely love this shot. I have no idea what these ladies are wearing but I love it.

Continuing down on Kent, we passed a bunch of Williamsburg types who were out there cheering for us. I'll be honest, I wasn't expecting to see many people out. It was just about 10am on Sunday - and it was the day after Cinco de Mayo. Maybe these people hadn't even been to bed yet!

Good morning, Williamsburg!!!

I thought these two were hot. I love that badass kinda dirty bike messenger look. There weren't many of these types on the tour and to be honest, I'm not even sure if they were part of the tour or just sneaking in...

hello, hotties!

Shortly after taking that shot, a man pulled up on my left and asked if he could pinch my butt. I said "Sure, why not? I have a great ass" and lifted my skirt for him on that side. It was a tiny little pinch and I couldn't stop laughing. I've never been asked that before! How could I say no? After he had his pinch, he rode off. I didn't get his name but he mentioned he was Canadian, aye.

Here I am, still on Kent, in Williamsburg Brooklyn. It almost looks like I'm alone on the whole street but you can see a few cyclists on the left.

I love Brooklyn!

Any excuse to get a shot on the painted stripes in the middle of the road

I got lucky on this shot - the way it's framed with those 2 kids who also happen to be looking at the camera - or me

We took Kent to Flushing and turned off onto Navy. This is still the same route I had taken in the morning to get to the Brooklyn Bridge -

Good morning, NYPD!

Right around this time I realized I was STARVING. I didn't finish that breakfast I had made at home (I ate 1 pancake and half a sausage). The only other thing I ate all day was a banana. I glanced at my heart rate monitor and saw I had been cycling for 2 full hours already - not counting the 40 minutes it took me to get to the start. No wonder I needed food.

At that exact moment I was thinking about how hungry I was, this man pulled up next to me and started talking to me. I was telling him how hungry I was and I had to stop soon (I had my knish and other snacks with me). He offered me his sports beans. I couldn't believe it - those things are expensive (like $2 for a tiny pouch) but he reached into the back of his cycling jersey and handed them to me. Then he was off - like a cycling food angel. Thank you, sir!

Ride Hard

We were now in the DUMBO section of Brooklyn (in case you do not know, that stands for Down Under Manhattan Bridge Overpass) and we were biking on Front St, in the opposite direction cars normally drive. I knew we were going to pass Washington Street where that iconic view of the Manhattan Bridge is - the one where you can see the Empire State Building through it. I've photographed it many times and you've likely seen it here before, or various other places, so it should be familiar. While riding, I just pointed my camera that way and snapped, without looking. It came out pretty decent considering...

simply beautiful and yes, that's the Empire State Building in the bottom keyhole opening

It was at this time that I also met a guy who had seen me on the tour last year. His friend, Jon Pratt, had photographed me riding on the Pulaski Bridge. They come from Pittsburgh to do the Five Boro Bike Tour. And he referred to me as "workout girl" on Facebook - a title I will proudly accept. I didn't see Jon, but I spoke to his friend for a few minutes while riding through DUMBO. He even remembered that I had fishnets on for last year's tour! (I think he was disappointed I wasn't wearing them this year but back seams are hot too!)

Shortly after that, I met another guy that has read my blog. His name is Gary and he was very nice -

What's up, Gary!

I think Gary was taking a photo of me

Gary & his friend were stopping at the DUMBO rest stop. I decided to stop there too, so I could eat my knish and drink some water. Gary even gave me one of the coconut lara bars he scored at another rest stop (Thanks Gary!)

While at this stop, an Italian guy (I think he came from Italy to do the tour!) wanted to get a photo with me. His female companion snapped pics, telling me I look like an Italian movie star (well if you say so!) and I got a photo with him and his sweet Bianchi bike.

arrivederci, paison!

Right there, from behind a mountain of bananas, I noticed one of the volunteers waving at me. I looked over and who should it be but Ethan! I had no idea he was volunteering here! I couldn't believe my luck because I almost didn't even stop. It was destiny.

Ethan secured a spot in next year's tour by volunteering this year. Smart move! Oh and look, Gary & his friend are behind me in the shot too!

I made my way across the lot to go fill up my water bottle and these young women went nuts when they saw me. They all high fived me and even gave me a "You go, girl!" It's like they knew my 2 favorite things. Then they wanted to get a photo with me and my bike. I even let one of them sit on her -

Remember what I said, girls - No tattoos & stay in school!

After that rest stop is the stretch of tour that's my least favorite - the BQE (Bronx Queens Expressway). Even though it's another highway closed off to car traffic, it's not half as fun as the FDR. It's just SO long and not scenic and has a lot of slow, long, gradual hills. At this point I was off in my little Sheryl world of thoughts. I only have a few photos from this stretch -

I have to admit I don't even understand that mural

I love this old warehouse building so much. I think I've photographed it every year, in fact.

After what feels like an eternity, the highway stretch is over when you start seeing signs about leaving Brooklyn. I love this sign -

Fuhgeddaboudit!

I pulled over to get some pics of these signs since I never did before and always wanted to. This is just a few dozen or so yards before the start of the Verrazano Bridge. The final climb into the last borough. This means, sadly, it's nearly over.

The MTA B&T might welcome us but I know many drivers were cursing us :)

Starting the long, slow climb-

I love that Freitag bag! It looks so good!

While making my way up the lower level of the bridge, this woman pulled up next to me and said "I think you know my Aunt" and then told me who her Aunt is. I sure do, I work with her. In fact, she's one of my favorite people at my job. It was a fun little coincidence meeting her niece this way!

Love that pink bike and look at those cool spokes!

While I was riding up the Verrazano Bridge I was pretty consumed with one single thought: The Marathon. I couldn't stop thinking that the next time I would be on this bridge would be exactly 6 months from today (the marathon is always held the first Sunday in November, the Five Boro Bike Tour is always the first Sunday in May). I'd be on this same bridge, but headed in the other direction and on foot. It would be the start of my very first marathon - the 2012 NYC Marathon! I'd be lined up with thousands of other people waiting to begin and wondering what was in store for me.

I'll be honest, I didn't pay much attention at all to anything else while I was riding on this bridge because I couldn't stop thinking about it: Will I be on the upper or lower deck? I hope I'm on the upper. What will the weather be like? What will I be thinking, feeling, as I hear the horn and make my way towards the starting line.

Every so often people passed me and made some remarks or cheered for me. I'd raise my hand in acknowledgement, but I could barely think about anything but the marathon.

Those French ladies were impressed by me or my bike, I forget which

Then this man passed me and said something like "Hey, you're famous! My friend sent me your website" I chatted with him for a minute, and he asked to take my photo. He congratulated me on my success and I told him I had to share something with him. I went on to tell him what I described above, how I'd be on this bridge for the marathon 6 months from today. He was good enough to listen and I thanked him because I needed to tell someone.

Thanks for everything, handsome stranger!

Soon I was at the mid point of the bridge, which meant I was officially in...

Boro #5:
Staten Island!

Finally... on my way DOWN the Verrazano. Weeeeeee!

At the base of the bridge is the toll plaza straight ahead, but we turn right to enter the park for the festival. This isn't the official end of the tour but it's where everyone meets, hangs out, buys stuff, eats or drinks, before they make their way to the very end - at the Ferry Terminal. And as luck would have it, the sun had managed to come out for the first time all day. Just in time for the end of the tour!

I dismounted and was walking my bike through the crowd when a man said something about my bike being cool or something. I looked up and I'm pretty sure I said

"OH MY GOD YOU'RE OZZY!! I WAS LOOKING FOR YOU!!"

Seriously. It was Ozzy. From Survivor.

I rambled a ton of stuff at him "Did you see my tweet! I told you I'd be looking for you today. I can't believe you found ME!" It turns out he never saw my tweet or the link to my blog (I wanted to give him an idea what I looked like). He told me he was one of the people that passed me and cheered for me on the Verrazano.

Seriously? SERIOUSLY?!

Since he mentioned that bridge, I shared with him that whole thing about how the next time I'm on it, I'll be running the marathon. Crazy. I was talking to Ozzy about my marathon and he was patient enough to listen. We must have been talking for 10 minutes - about beer, NYC, travel, the bike tour... I even got all fan girl on him, telling him he's the greatest Survivor player of all time and how much I loved watching him last season, and how he was robbed. He was so nice and cool. And I was so flustered I forgot to even ask to touch his hair. But I did manage to get a few photos of him. And - get this - do you see the dirt on my forehead in this shot? My helmet always does that. Ozzy wiped it off me. Ozzy touched my forehead!!!

I'm smiling like a lunatic and I don't care!

How gorgeous is this man?!

Good thing I brought those WW Weeklys with me because I also asked him to sign one, which he was kind enough to do...

He wrote "You rock! <3 Oz"

While I was there talking to him, a couple of people came up to talk to me and if they are reading this, I'm so sorry I barely gave you any attention but it was because I didn't want Ozzy to run away! I even joked to him that I couldn't believe people were talking to ME and not him (but I am very recognizable, I realize that) He said something about him not getting noticed often because he looks different in real life than on the island. I said something ridiculous like "Ozzy, even emaciated on the island, you are gorgeous. You're just perfect." Yes, I meant it, but I probably shouldn't have said it. Oh whatevs, I said it and I don't care! I met Ozzy, bitches!!!!

Um... look where that hand is. That's right - Ozzy touched my right hip!

Around this time, all the other Reality Riders came in - there were other members of Survivor and the Amazing Race. The only one I recognized was Parvati, who I also really liked on Survivor. I snapped a pic of the two of them together:

Parvati & Ozzy

I gave Ozzy a break and went to talk with the Bike New York people. But mostly I was talking about Ozzy while tweeting at you guys that OMG I MET OZZY. While there someone offered to take a photo of me and I'm glad he did because I love this shot with all the cyclists behind me.

Me, the cruiser & some of Bike New York's finest behind me

I was still on a total high over the Ozzy situation but I decided to get out of there. I was really hoping to run into some or any of my friends that had also started the same time as me (Jules, Ann, Marcus, Ross) but I never saw any of them. I made the ride to the Staten Island Ferry alone... still reeling over Ozzy.

it's true, I didn't wear my helmet for this portion of the ride

I waited what seemed an eternity for the ferry, eventually boarding. I couldn't wait to get off my feet for a little while.

sitting down in the ferry with my girl. My right eye makeup is a mess from my allergies

I took a few shots that included the Statue of Liberty and am disappointed they didn't come out. But here's one of southern Manhattan through the ferry window -

back to Manhattan

Walking my bike off the ferry -

I look so chic!

I rode out of South Ferry. I kind of couldn't believe it was over. I also couldn't believe the weather waited until NOW to be all sunny and awesome. (Hey, at least it didn't rain on us!)

Five dollar hats - they got em!

To get back home, I rode through the area where I finished the NYC Half Marathon - and got on the bike lane on South St (by South St Seaport). How adorable are these two doggies? The husky wanted to play...

so cute!

I rode past Fulton Fish Market-

I love that building

and along South Street, under the Brooklyn Bridge-

I was on her just about 7 hours earlier!

I continued riding past the Manhattan Bridge -

it still blows my mind that people fish in the East River

How gorgeous is this bridge? I mean come on!

I <3 you, Manhattan Bridge

Despite the sun, it was chilly so I kept my sweater on as I rode home -

what a magical day!

I made my way to my *favorite* bridge, the Williamsburg! And as I rode up the ramp from Manhattan, I tried to get my usual shot, but missed it by a second-

I must have warmed up, my sweater is off again

I photographed some new graffiti pieces I noticed on my way up. Here's one -

I don't love you...

And I found some other new art. I think these were made of wax, covered in some sort of glaze. I thought this was so pretty!

In case you're wondering, it was glued to that post. There were a few others, but someone had broken them. Jerks.

I rode home through Williamsburg, coming down Bedford Ave -

There's a bunch of Puerto Rican guys with gorgeous chromed out bikes in Williamsburg and they are always very friendly to me. I love their bikes!

I rode where else? Straight to Habitat in Greenpoint for my beer & fries celebration. It's only disappointing that they don't serve waffle fries on Sunday during brunch hours. So I ordered a wheat beer and regular fries -

I only stayed for one beer because my feet were killing me (I don't normally ride that hard) and to my surprise, I managed to sunburn my shoulders and back (yes, same as last year, I don't learn...)

Here are my heart rate monitor stats for the day:

Bike ride to the start:
Total Time: 41 minutes
Minutes in Cardio Zone: 30 minutes
Average Heart Rate: 129
High Heart Rate: 154
Total Calories Burned: 275
Total Miles: 6.35

Bike Tour:
Total Time: 3 hours, 15 minutes
Minutes in Cardio Zone: 3 hours, 10 minutes
Average Heart Rate: 143
High Heart Rate: 172
Total Calories Burned: 1578
Total Miles: 39

Bike Ride home:
Total Time: 51 minutes
Minutes in Cardio Zone: 33 minutes
Average Heart Rate: 123
High Heart Rate: 146
Total Calories Burned: 310
Total Miles: 5.5

And when I got home, I found this voice mail from my Dad on my cell phone.

How cute is that? haha! Now he isn't just lying about his running skillz but he has fake bike skills too. Adorable.

So that's it for my recap - I had a GREAT time on the Five Boro Bike Tour this year. I didn't even get to share how fun the expo was and probably won't have time. But you can check out the full set of pics (including the tour & the expo) in my Flickr set here. Thank you again to all of you who donated to Bike New York in order to give me this experience!

Bike Adventures: The Five Boro Bike Tour 2012, Part 1

2012-05-07T18:32:00.002-04:00

Yesterday was the long awaited Five Boro Bike Tour! Here's how my day went (Part 1 of 2):

4:30
Awake! I slept a full 4 hours! I had my coffee & breakfast prepared the night before. I just had to turn on the coffee maker and fire up the griddle to warm up my vegan pancakes & sausages. (Note the Five Boro Bike Tour coffee mug - from last year, and Five Boro Bike Tour water glass - from this year)

mmmm breakfast

I curled my hair and put on my make up. I had all my clothes out from the night before, so I got ready pretty quickly. This was my bottom layer (backseamed pantyhose, sheer bloomers & black tube top. That pink thing on my leg is a garter with a clasp that affixes to your skirt to hold it down while you're biking. I got it at the New Amsterdam Bike Show last weekend)

Layer 1

And this is with the skirt, shoes & bib affixed to the tube top. I also had the gloves on.

Layer 2 - super cute!

I always said that I was saving the beautiful cardigan from my Weight Watchers Success Story photoshoot for a special occasion. I finally had a special occasion. The great thing was it kept me warm on the ride over (it was chilly in the morning), it obscured that awful vest *and* it matched because it's my signature colors. It was really perfect.

I love that sweater so much!

Outfit Details:

Backseamed hose from Nordstrom, $10
Shoes from Payless (look at the pink peeptoe!), about $25
Tube Top from Strawberry, $10
Skirt Garter, $10 (buy it here)
Gloves from Target, $15
Bloomers from American Apparel, $32
Skirt from American Apparel, $55
Sweater from WW photoshoot, priceless ;)

6:10am

I left Greenpoint, headed to lower Manhattan for the starting line. On the way there, I ride a few miles of road through Williamsburg on Kent Ave that I would later visit while on the tour. And on that road, I saw many cars being towed for the bike tour (They put up signs along the route days ago stating that you can't park on Sunday because of the bike tour but some people don't pay attention, I guess. And those people then pay hundreds of dollars and waste hours of their lives to get their cars back. Oopsy!)

I thanked the tow truck drivers as I passed. I saw them towing dozens of cars

This is probably my favorite ride over the Brooklyn Bridge all year. Anyone who has ever biked over the BK Bridge will probably tell you that it's very crowded and very stressful because the bike lane is pretty narrow and it's for cyclists in BOTH directions. Combine that with the thousands of tourists who are always on it and not paying attention to staying within the pedestrian side/lane (they wander into the cyclist side obliviously) makes it very stressful and annoying to ride over. Because of that, I rarely ride over this bridge because of that. But on Five Boro Bike Tour day, it's early enough that very few people are on the bridge and that's not an issue.

view of The Manhattan Bridge from the Brooklyn Bridge

Look at this! Empty!!

it was just me and a few lone cyclists - likely all going to the start of the Five Boro Bike Tour

Yay! Brooklyn Bridge!

I made it to Worth & Church by 7am, propped my bike up against the payphones (the kick stand has been broken for years). One of the marshals came over to me and said "There you are! People were just asking for you!" "They were? Who? I'm here!" He told me other riders were talking about the "woman with the big pink bike" and wondered if I'd be there. I sure was!

As people were asking to take photos of me and my bike, I was trying to check in on Four Square and Twitter (the important stuff) so I could find my friends that were also riding. Then I locked my wheel to my bike and wandered around to take photos.

Me, under a sign. Because I love signs!

One of my favorite recurring graffiti pieces, "Love Me"

Breakfast table for the VIP section! I took a banana and small orange juice.

Breakfast

From there, I wandered up to the starting line in search of Ozzy from Survivor but I didn't see him. I was also looking for the Bike New York peeps because we were supposed to take a group shot with those official cycling jerseys. And I was looking for Janette Sadik-Khan, but I couldn't find her or any of them either.

The starting line

I did a self portrait with the starting line behind me-

I look so much better with the flash

While I was up there, looking for Ozzy, this cyclist told me he reads my blog (I'm always surprised to meet male readers, but I love it!) His name is Peter and he was here from Australia for the tour! How cool is that?! He had a fantastic accent too.

G'day Peter - I told you you'd be in the blog! I hope you had a great ride!

After giving up on finding Ozzy, I wandered back into my corral. On my way, the guy on the right in the blue vest (below) spoke to me. He told me that he recently saw me on my pink bike but in (gasp) workout clothes and sneakers. I told him, disappointingly "I know, when I bike to a run I have to wear my running clothes" .Then he went on to tell me that my regular outfits cause accidents. I told him "I always joke that I don't know how I haven't caused an accident yet" He went on to tell me "YOU DO! I've seen it! I've biked behind you and when you pass, guys look at you and I've seen a few of them collide" I shouldn't enjoy hearing that, but I do. I just hope no one gets really hurt! :)

corral on Worth St, 1 block from the official starting line

Shortly before the start, they called for the Bike New York team (that's MY team that I fundraised for!) to come to the starting line. No wonder why I couldn't find anyone else and missed the group shot - I was supposed to be UP FRONT! At the actual starting line! Not a block back! I tried to get up there but by then the block between me and the start was jam packed with cyclists and I couldn't reach it. I was supposed to leave with them - with the other fundraisers & Janette - at the very beginning of the pack. I was so disappointed I missed out on that and was kicking myself for misunderstanding my line up instructions :(

And a minute later, right on time, at 7:45, they blew the horn and we slowly started rolling out...

I try to avoid cycling behind kids. as they are wildly unpredictable. I had to walk my bike to the start because they were weaving all over the place.

And we're off!

Boro #1:
I crossed the starting line and we made our way up 6th Ave through Manhattan

how beautiful is this sweater?

6th Ave, West Village of Manhattan

Oh hey! That's my friend Mikey! My favorite delivery guy from Papacito's! As he passed I yelled "Papacitos wouldn't deliver to me last night!" It was true. I didn't have time to make dinner and I was dying for a vegan burrito but they were having a party for Cinco de Mayo and not delivering. Lucky for me, Felipe picked one up when he finished working.

We made our way north, passing Macy's Herald Square

Macy's at 34th St

and continued north on 6th Ave, past Radio City Music Hall

I will never get tired of that iconic sign

We reached Central Park at 57th St and were told we could go right or left. I choose left!

entering Central Park

Riding north in the park-

a fun little turn

Around this time I remember thinking "Why am I going so slow? What's wrong with my body?!" Then I realized everyone had slowed down. And then it hit me - I'm on Cat Hill!

Hi kitty!

This woman passed and told me she's a blog reader. I didn't get her name.

hope you had a great ride and see your pic!

pretty pink & white flowers in Central Park

By this time I was a little warm and unbuttoned my sweater. But we were moving through at a great clip and I didn't want to stop to take it off.

I don't know why I didn't take off my "Charity" pass...

Passing through Harlem this band was singing "When the saints go marching in" - they were great!

Great job!

Here is a hill leading to the bridge that connects Manhattan to our next borough, the Bronx!

my make up still looked pretty good here

Bridge to the Bronx!

Madison Ave Bridge

Boro #2:
And here we are, in my birthplace, the Bronx!

Welcome to the Bronx, yo!

We are not in the Bronx for very long...

Bitch Cakes Fact: the Bronx is where I learned to bike over 30 years ago!

and then we are quickly going over the 3rd Ave Bridge back into Manhattan...

getting ready for one of my favorite parts...

The FDR!

I love riding my bike on this highway. This is the 4th time now and it's amazing every time because I drove on this parkway more times than I can count. I never in my wildest dreams could have imagined I'd be a cyclist at all, let alone biking on this highway!

we enter the FDR in East Harlem

Riding south on the FDR

they've been doing construction over here forever

I caught the digital sign with the notice about the day's events

I've always loved the East River Drive sign above the tunnel. The font is beautiful. Simple & elegant!

People are watching from the overpass

Here's a very short video of us in the tunnel

I had been having problems with my allergies all day and by the time I got out of the tunnel I could barely see out of my right eye. What happens is my eyes tear from everything in the air (I'm allergic to about a dozen things, and my biggest allergy is DUST, which is why I have allergies every single day of my life - because dust is everywhere), and then I get a horrible hazy film over my contact lens and I can hardly see out of the lens. So I pulled over to pop it out and rinse out the lens (with my eyedrops and filthy hands) and pop it back into my eye (without a mirror). It was temporarily better.

I also stopped here to do that because I wanted to get a shot next to this sign. I have a shot by this sign in 2009 and 2010 but I missed the turn off last year.

For the record, I will only address it as the Queensboro or 59th St Bridge. I don't buy into this bullshit renaming of bridges they've been doing lately. Unless of course if they want to rename one after me. Then that would be ok.

As we rode a little further south on the FDR, I took a shot of the 59th St Bridge, which was our next destination!

that bridge is so beautiful

This is one of my favorite sections of the tour - riding up the exit ramp of the 59th St Bridge, the wrong way, in the car lanes. Obviously this is something you would never have the opportunity to do except for this one magical day and event.

Are you guys ready for this hill? It's a steep one!

As I was making my way up the hill, I heard someone coming up from behind me singing "If you happen to see the most beautiful girl..." I said "I recognize that voice!" Who should pass me but Marcus!!! Not only was he flying past me on this massive hill but he had the lung capacity to SING! -in key and very well - while he was doing it!! Me? My heart rate was in the RUNNING zone (ie: very high) and I couldn't even take a hand off my handlebar to snap a photo of him because I would have toppled over. Sadly I never caught up to him again and didn't get a picture of him all day. But he looked happy and perfect. I'm sure he had a great ride! xo Marcus!

Just a moment after that, my friend Ross passed me too, on his recumbant. I also didn't get a photo of him because of the hill. And I never caught up with him again either. I hope they both had a great ride!

Here we go! How beautiful is this bridge?

I love you 59th St Bridge!

Around this time, the man in the yellow jacket behind me was next to me and he said something like "I know we're riding in a bike tour but I have to tell you - I saw you at the beginning and was considering it, but now that I've seen your shoulders, I have to ask you to marry me" OMG I could not stop laughing! He went on to tell me that I'm every male cyclist's dream. I'm not even sure what that means, but it was a cute thing to hear. I've had a few marriage proposals from pedestrians while on my bike, but this was the first one from a fellow cyclist. I thought it was hilarious!

poor guy has no idea I have a blog and am going to share his proposal story...

me and my future husband

As we continued on the 59th St Bridge, we came around that hairpin turn where the beautiful Silvercup Studio sign is erected. I took a shot of it from the back -

and from the front -

and here's a little video I shot right after that

Boro #3:
Welcome to Queens!

somewhere in Long Island City, Queens

a sweet high school marching band

I love hand painted No Parking signs

This guy recognized me from another tour and we chatted for a little while

hola senor!

and this woman told me she recently found my blog and was hoping she'd run into me, she sure did!

hello young lady. Im sorry I forgot your name but I hope you had a great ride!

One of the best parts about the Five Boro Bike Tour is that the entire course is closed off to cars. But that meant that by this point I had been biking harder and faster than I normally would - just because I could. Other than taking off my sweater and rinsing off my contact lens, I hadn't stopped at all since we started. And I was going at a really fast clip for about 90 minutes already so I decided to stop at the Astoria Park rest stop for a quick snack and some water...

I never saw so many bananas in my life!

While at the rest stop, some people asked to take photos with me. I spent about 10 minutes taking photos with some fellow cyclists-

these two were SO cute and loved my shoes!

and then I had my second marriage proposal of the day! From this guy!

He was one of the volunteers and asked me to marry him. More than once.

Who should I run into at this rest stop but Captain America! You may remember this guy from last year's Tour - he was Iron Man last year.

Captain America & my friend Mikey in the background - just a coincidence!

Then this handsome young man with gorgeous dark curly hair wanted a photo-

the young guys love me

And before leaving the rest stop, Captain America & I had to recreate last year's famous shot!

Woo hoo! He's super strong!

Before my friend Mikey left, I asked him to get a photo with me-

hope you had a great ride, Mikey!

and then I made my way out of Astoria Park, passing under the Triboro Bridge...

another bridge that was renamed. It will forever be the Triboro, thank you very much

After that we weren't in Queens too much longer...

Yours truly somewhere in Queens

Don't let the clouds fool you - we got lucky and it never rained on us. However it was randomly chilly, sometimes windy and very occasionally warm...

I love those things. I think I can see them from the Pulaski Bridge / Jackson Ave

Last shot of me on my way out of Queens - I love how all the other bicycles are in a V formation behind me-

On the Queens portion of the Pulaski Bridge. Later, Queens!

Next Stop:

No. Sleep. Till....... BROOKLYN!

(Beastie Boys reference. RIP MCA)

(To be continued.)

Night Before the Five Boro Bike Tour, 2012

2012-05-05T23:36:00.002-04:00

I have to be up in 5 hours but I'm not even ready to think about bed. This happens every year the night before the Five Boro Bike Tour. It's the closest thing I have to that feeling you get as a kid on the night before Christmas (assuming you celebrate Christmas and love Barbie dolls as much as I do).

I've been preparing for tomorrow and thought I'd share my night-before-the-big-event activities. This is what I did:

Alarm:

Set two alarms on my cell phone. I can't oversleep!!

Breakfast:

Set up coffee
Made vegan high-fiber pancakes (so I just have to heat them up along with 2 vegan sausage links)

Bike Maintenance:

Felipe washed my bike for me, installed a new front basket, filled the tires with air, lubed the chain and adjusted something on the rear wheel that he said was loose. I affixed my tour number (that blue sticker) and set the odometer to zero.

Doesn't she look great?

Tried on Outfits:
This is the toughest tour to pick an outfit for because of the hideous vest that you MUST wear. You can't get on certain portions of the tours if you don't have it. Not only are the colors... well... awful, but it's HUGE. it covers my entire body from the top of my chest to my waist. It completely obscures any top I'm wearing, so I can't wear anything that great. Also, the colors are so awful that it limits what colors I can wear. This is what I went through:

Outfit #1: This is what I originally wanted to wear...

But I have to incorporate that horrible vest

Does this work? Not really :(

Even back-seamed stockings won't help this disaster

Outfit #2: Felipe thinks I should wear the jersey because at least the colors match with the bib. But I don't feel pretty and I'm going to be photographed all day. I have to be happy with how I look.

Outfit #3: I got it! Same black skirt, stockings, shoes as above but with a black tube top and the bib cut in half (same thing I did last year with a white tube top) and I'll safety pin it to the top. But this is what makes it: The elbow length gloves! It's going to be between 50 and 60 so I can definitely use gloves. My hands are ALWAYS cold! Perfect!

Look at those strong thick legs!

Oh yeah, this is the outfit!

Packing:
I packed as much as I could ahead of time. This is what will go in the black basket (shown) or the silver Freitag bag (the one I got on the video shoot last week). The black basket is positioned on the rear of my bike (I don't want to have much in my front basket because they take photos at the event and the photos will look nicer with nothing in it) . And the silver bag *might* go in my front basket if I can't affix it comfortably to the back of my bike. But it shouldn't ruin the photos because it's small and neat looking. The great thing about that bag is it's waterproof, so I don't have to worry about any of the items in it (in case it rains).

Badass Bike Tour Barbie comes with everything you see here!

Included and shown above:

Five Boro Bike Tour jersey (for team group photo before the tour)
"Charity" necklace
Knee High Socks (in case I get chilly)
Spare tube, patch kit and tire levers (just in case I get a flat!)
Wallet (including MetroCard, ID, PBA Card, credit card, a little cash)
Note Book & a few WW Weeklys (why not?)
Snacks: Tofu Knish, banana, pistachios
Helmet (which I probably won't wear)
Lock (to lock her up when I go for beer & fries after the tour)
Sunglasses (won't need them when I leave since it'll be pitch black, but hopefully the sun will come out while we're riding!)
Poncho (just in case it rains)
Road ID, Vitaband, Polar HRM (I'll be wearing those)
Shoes (I'll be wearing those too)
House keys & lock key (don't laugh, Ive forgotten those before!)

Not shown, but will be included tomorrow:

Waterproof camera (just in case it rains, so I can still take photos)
Insulated Water Bottle (keeps water cold for 24 hours, completely amazing!)
Extra disposable contact lenses (just in case!)
Tissues (I have terrible allergies every day)
Grapes
Vegan "Tuna" melt from Terri (one of my favorite vegan cafes, 23rd St Manhattan)
Makeup
Eyedrops
Bandana for my hair
Phone & Camera - both fully charged
Cardigan (it will be cool on the ride to the start, I'll probably be wearing it)

Oh, and this is pretty exciting for me - there are two people I want to meet before the tour begins:

Janette Sadik-Khan: She's the Commissioner of the NYC DOT (Department of Transportation) and she's pretty much responsible for a lot of the great biking infrastructure that has exploded in NYC over the last few years. I can't believe how many bike lanes have gone in just in the few years I've been riding. There is great signage too. She even helped get us Summer Streets (that's when I get to ride on Park Ave car-free for 3 Saturdays in August. I was even there on my 40th birthday last year) She's done so much for cycling in the city and I'm looking forward to meeting her.
Ozzy Lusth: He is, by far, my favorite Survivor of all time. (Yes, the TV Show Survivor.) A bunch of former Survivor contestants are riding, including him. This guy (if you haven't seen the show) is just such an amazing player and he was totally robbed on Survivor: South Pacific last season. I was at the edge of my seat, week after week, watching him win challenge after challenge... until the last one. It broke my heart that he lost that one. No one ever deserved to win more than him. He's smart and unbelievably gorgeous (that never hurts, right?). And you bet your sweet socks I'll be looking for him at the starting line tomorrow! I need a photo with Ozzy!!!

OK, I think that's everything. I'm pretty prepared for tomorrow. I just hope that the weather is awesome. But even if it's not, I'm gonna have a great time. I look forward to this tour all year and I want to remember every single second of it! And I'll share it with you all via a blog post as soon as I can, hopefully tomorrow night! Now I just have to force myself to go to sleep and dream happy bike dreams. Nighty-night!

Meet Isabella, my new Brooklyn Cruiser!

2012-05-04T22:58:00.003-04:00

I've been teasing you for a while now that I was going to get a new bike, and it finally happened! Last night I received my beautiful new Brooklyn Cruiser! I took her out today for the first time and here we are out in Manhattan on our very first trip together.

my first portrait with my new bike

Now, I know you have many questions, and I think I can proactively address them here (but if I missed anything, hit me up below in the comments)-

The biggest question: OMG! What about the Hello Kitty Cruiser?!
Don't be silly. I would NEVER abandon that bike. She's like my right arm. I need her. I love her. I daydream about her. I can't imagine a life without her. We've been through SO MUCH together! That's the bike that changed my life and made me a cyclist! I rode my first bridge with her, my first tour (the 5 boro, just 3 years ago!), my first everything. I adore that bike and she isn't going anywhere. Do you realize she and I have biked over 10,000 miles in NYC in the past 5 years?! It's true! My plan is to give the old gal a rest once in a while, that's all. The way I break it down is like this: The Hello Kitty Cruiser is my bike tour bike, grocery shopping bike (because I have a large from and detachable side basket perfect for grocery shopping) and my bike-to-the-beach bike (again because I bring a lot with me and have lots of cargo space). The new bike will be for smaller rides, local rides, rides where I don't need baskets to transport stuff - including biking to work.

Which bike are you riding on this Sunday's Five Boro Bike Tour?
Were you paying attention to the last paragraph? I told you the HELLO KITTY CRUISER is my official bike tour bike. She will be with me at this tour and all the other tours I'm registered for this year.

What made you pick a Brooklyn Cruiser?
Well, a few things:
1) The design - it's elegant and beautiful to look at, obviously.
2) It's still a cruiser, which is what I'm familiar with.
3) Important: It has a coaster brake (this is what drove me nuts about that blue bike - no coaster brake!)
4) Equally as important: There is no squeezy thing on the right handlebar (again, this was the problem with the blue bike). This is crucial for me to have the ability to take photos while I'm riding. I can't have a squeezy thing there because then I can't hold my camera while I ride.
5) The step through. I need a step through model because I'm a lady. I'm not swinging my leg over the back. I'm stepping through, thank you very much.

But it has gears. I thought you said gears are for pu$$ies?
Sure, it has 3 gears and I still feel no need for gears, so I don't have to use them, but they're there if I feel like going wild one day.

Why did you choose black?
It comes in 4 colors: black, white, baby blue & orange. I ruled out orange immediately because, very simply, I hate orange. I have an extreme aversion to that color. I ruled out baby blue because the bike I had briefly was that color and it just didn't feel right. That left me with black and white. Honestly I had a hard time choosing, I could have gone either way. Both are perfect for my already existent bike-wardrobe (mostly black, white, gray, pink & animal prints). But since my friend Jules has a white bike, I went with black.

How do you like your new bike?
Well, today was her first ever ride (though I was smart and test rode this one first - unlike the other one I ended up selling to Adele in Boston). I think it was a great maiden trip - I rode her about 25 miles today, including the Williamsburg Bridge, all over Manhattan with Felipe and the Manhattan Bridge back home and then around Greenpoint & Williamsburg, so I got a good feel for her. These are my initial impressions and observations from today's ride:
1) It's weird simply because it's different. I have to get used to it. By the end of the day I was much more comfortable with it than when I started.
2) Although it's lighter (by 20 pounds or more), I felt no difference in speed while going up the bridge ramps.
3) The thin tires are very strange to me and make me a little nervous but I just have to get used to them.
4) It's very rear-heavy, I guess because of that beautiful wooden basket. Again, I just have to get used to how to carry it up and down my stoop.
5) I didn't use the front brake much, but I tried it out a few times (very gently and slowly, while using the coaster brakes of course)
6) I still get talked to a lot while riding. And I got a ton of compliments on this bike today.

Where can I get a sweet Brooklyn Cruiser?!
If you live in the Greenpoint area, they carry them at Silk Road on Calyer @ Franklin. Swing by and take one for a test spin! Otherwise, check out their "where to buy" list.

I can't think of any other questions you might have so for now, enjoy a few photos I took today on my first ride with Isabella. (they're out of order but I can't imagine anyone cares about that...)

my first on-bike photo! in Greenpoint, Brooklyn

I love these tiles! At the Williamsburg Plaza Park (base of the Willy B on the BK side)

not sure where this is but look at those sleek handlebars!

at the BK base of the Willy B... about to make history!!!

here we go! First ride over the Willy B (or any bridge for that matter!)

Yay! Coming down the Willy B on the Manhattan side

somewhere on the Willy B with Isabella

on the Willy B

on South Street in Manhattan with the Brooklyn Bridge in the background

riding along South Street

somewhere in Manhattan

on the West Side Highway with Felipe

in a bike lane in Manhattan. I have no idea where.

posing Isabella on Broadway at 23rd St, in front of the Flat Iron Building

her very first time being parked/locked up! (on 23rd St in Manhattan)

riding along somewhere at a brisk 14 mph

on Allen St in Manhattan

on Essex, about to turn onto East Broadway to hit the bike expo

coming home on the Manhattan Bridge

Hopefully that addresses your questions and satisfies your curiosity. Yes, it's a new bike, but no, it's not a replacement. It's just an addition to the family. A different bike for a different purpose. If you still have questions, leave them in the comments. Thank you :)

Monthly Update: April 2012

2012-05-01T23:34:00.001-04:00

Here's my recap for the month of April, 2012!

How I followed the Plan:

Food:

I did much better food wise than the previous month. I can't say I tracked 100% but I tracked much more than April and made much better food choices too (a lot less take out/convenience food and more cooking and measuring. I was much more mindful and on Plan)

Activity:

A little less than last month overall. My total calories, miles ran and APs earned were all less than March. My miles biked was just about the same.

For a larger view, click here

Events I completed:

04/15/12 I came in nearly last place at The Brooklyn Bun but had a great time *and* got a medal!

04/22/12 I Ran For The Parks - This was a NYRR 4 mile run in Central Park that counts towards my 9+1 for the NYC Marathon 2013.

OTHER COOL STUFF I DID IN APRIL:

04/06 Attended the very fun Ciel Bike Store grand opening party (remember, the one where I was on the flyer?) It's a beautiful store with tons of bikes and accessories and a very nice staff. They even have a great rating on Yelp! If you find yourself in the midtown east area, I highly recommend them! Thanks to Ciel for a great party! Here's a few pics.

Marcus showed up - after work, and on his way to boot camp and the night before a race. This guy is HARDCORE!

Do I really need to explain why Spanish bike messengers are the sexiest men on earth? Really?

Panda & Jules showed up! And Julie brought her dog, Bonnie!

This is awesome - that's Carla on the right and her daughter on the left. Carla was in town visiting NY from down south and she came to the store to meet me! I was happy to meet her and very touched that she came to see me. Hey Carla!

04/13 This isn't weight related per se, but since so many of you know of my love for the Moustache Man (the subway artist/vandal), I have exciting news: I met him! Seriously! The actual guy who got arrested for doing all those beautiful moustaches in 2010 and 2011. How? Well he friended me on Twitter and I pretty much demanded to meet him (nicely of course) and we arranged a time! I hung out with him for about an hour, drank some Starbucks and talked about his whole ordeal. But I needed a souvenir - I brought (what else?) a WW Weekly so he could vandalize my face too:

OMG I've been Moustached!

close up

I met and surpassed my fundraising goal for Bike New York and the Five Boro Bike Tour, thanks to you! The signed Weeklys I promised you all were sent out yesterday.

Weight Watchers gave me an advanced copy of Mr K's book (coming out next week!) so that I would read it and write a review on the Four Inch Heels blog. It was a fun and informative read (much like Mr K's blog) and I hope you'll all run out and buy it when it hits the shelves on May 8th. Speaking of the book, I received a copy in the mail and it had the most amazing inscription. Look at this! I love you, Mr K!

omg thank you, Mr Kirchhoff!!!

I started composting... sort of. I found out my local Farmer's Market collects compost, so now I freeze my produce scraps, coffee grinds and nut shells and bike them over there on Saturday mornings.

Instagram finally became available for Droid! I love this app so much. Feel free to follow me over there if that's your thing (user name = bitchcakes)

My job kicked off a healthy little weight loss contest and I joined a team! For 9 weeks, we have to wear a pedometer to track our steps (these things are highly inaccurate, let me tell you). We also provide our starting weight at the beginning and then have a final weigh in at the end. We get points for pounds lost and steps walked. Or course I wear my pedometer for everything - walking, biking, running - so I hope I have some crazy high numbers for my team. And since I'm above my goal weight right now, it wouldn't hurt for me to lose weight and score points that way too! This is just one more fun thing that has helped me stay on track.

I signed up for the NYC Century Tour again! Yes, the full 100 miles on the HK Cruiser! I also wrote a little article for them. Read it here and then then sign up for the tour here!

Speaking of Transportation Alternatives, I also registered for the Tour de Staten Island, which isn't too far away as you will see below...

04/28 I shot a fun video for a bike bag company called Freitag. They make beautiful bags out of recycled airplane tarps. We shot around where else, my beloved Greenpoint. If/when the ad ever comes together I will post it here of course! In the meantime, here is a still shot where the cameras are still mounted to my bike, and the bag is in my basket. It's so cool, it uses velcro to attach to the handlebars but then you take it off and use it like a purse. I got to keep the bag and can't wait to use it!

On Greenpoint Ave, off West St

04/29 I had a phone interview with Shape Magazine! It should be on line in a few weeks. Of course I'll post the link when it's up.

04/28-04/29 I attended The New Amsterdam Bike Show! This was *so* much fun I can't believe I didn't go last year. I will definitely be back next year though. Here's a few pics:

I can't believe Felipe was off and came with me

Me & Rudy - you might remember him from a few posts. His motto is "Hurt Less, Ride More" Glad you're back on the road, Rudy!

Marcus & Jules meet for the first time - I can't believe they never met before!

Marcus, Jules & Malaika

A Brooklyn Cruiser showing off some sweet Brooklyn Cruisers

Debra & Mariana showing off their gorgeous helmet bags! These bags are so beautiful - they hold your helmet (and plenty of other things), are shaped like old school bowling bags and even have that reflective piping. I love these bags! (I'm waiting for them to make a pink one) Deborah & I chatted a while - she knew me from my blog and is a fellow WW Lifetimer!

This guy came over to me and said "You're famous! I want a picture with you!" I can't remember where he remembered me from but I'm always happy to oblige when asked and that was very cute.

Felipe was testing out his artistic photo taking angles or something...

Squid, Me, Curt

I met Christa from Streets Blog - she also knew me from my blog! Nice meeting you, Christa!!

Ryan from Brooklyn Cruisers & I pose in front of their beautiful bikes

Upcoming events - Things I'm doing in May:

05/01 - 05/31: OMG It's Bike Month!!! Check out some BikeNYC.org events here

05/03 - 05/05: This Thursday through Saturday is Bike New York's Bike Expo. It's free and open to the public, so swing by to check it out. (Here is a calendar of events.) And if you're a registered rider, you'll have to go there for your packet pick up to ride on Sunday.

05/06: It's finally here! The first bike tour of the season! The Five Boro Bike Tour! There is only one time per year you can ride your bike on Manhattan's FDR (aka East River Drive) or ride Queens bound, the wrong way, up the car portion of the 59th St Bridge or ride at ALL on the Verrazano Bridge and this is it! I can hardly wait! I still have to plan an outfit. I hear it might rain, so that will of course affect what I'm wearing. I really won't know until that morning. I'm sure I'll tweet a photo before leaving the apartment.

05/09 I found out about a meet & tweet Fit Blog conference going on in Manhattan and I'll be joining Jenn & Josephine there. (they were shown in my Run for the Parks blog last week)

05/10-ish The stork is delivering my baby - I'm getting my new bike! She'll get her own post, don't you worry...

05/12 I'm riding in the second annual Tour de Staten Island! (second?! I didn't even know about the first one!) It's a 21.5 mile ride in the city's least popular borough (sorry SI, you know it's true) but I will be happy to spend a few hours there cycling around and enjoying some new sights.

05/13 I'll be in Central Park for my NYRR Volunteer event - The Japan Run. Once again I'm marshalling by bicycle and if it's even half as fun as last year's volunteer event, it's going to be a blast!

05/19 I'll be running from Grand Army Plaza to the famous Coney Island Boardwalk in the Brooklyn Half marathon! Best part? Trixie will be there! We both crossed that finish line within minutes of each other last year - the first half for each of us. And of course I'll be looking for her on Marathon Day this year - our first full also :)

05/25 MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND! ok so it's not an "official" event, but omg the unofficial start of summer! My friend Lainy is getting married that weekend and I'm hoping there's an inaugural bike trip to Rockaway Beach in there with Amanda!!! Summer 2012, I am ready and even picked my theme song for this season - "Vanished" by Crystal Castles - check it out!

So obviously I've been a busy girl and I have a lot of stuff coming up. And this is just the start of the spring/bike tour season and then summer and intense marathon training. It's gonna be a great, fun and awesome year (it already has been)! Sometimes I really love being me. This is one of those times. Yay, life!!

The Bagel & The Truth

2012-04-26T20:48:00.000-04:00

Not long ago, I bought a bagel from my favorite bagel shop in the hood, Baker's Dozen. They make a knock-your-socks-off whole wheat everything - my favorite! - and it's only a dollar. Now, I don't consume bagels too often, and the fact that I do at all I blame on New York Road Runners. Why? Because prior to running, I went years without even thinking about bagels; but they re-exposed me to the magic of this crispy on the outside, doughy on the inside, donut shaped bread and now I associate bagels with running. That's not so bad since I don't run very often. But then it leaked into me making excuses to buy them even when I'm not running - bike tour snack, beach snack, walking past the bagel shop snack and my favorite: the oops I missed the bus snack...

Anyway, on occasions that I was following program and tracking these delightful bagels, I'd use this entry from the Weight Watchers eTools tracker:

That's right. I was tracking a big 'ol NYC bagel as 7 PointsPlus because it said so. And I didn't want to question it. I was happy with that number even if I always suspected it wasn't entirely accurate.

But on this particular day I felt like I needed to know the truth. So I asked the nice man behind the counter to weigh it for me. I had to tell him "I'm serious, I'm on Weight Watchers, I just need to track how much I'm eating. I'll buy it regardless, but I need to know what it weighs." I added "And try to pick a small one!"

He put this beautiful thing on the deli scale -

gorgeous, right?

Now, before I tell you what it weighed, take a closer look at this bagel and conjure up a guesstimate as to the weight and/or the PointsPlus values, if you will...

It's pretty much the size of a CD, or 5 inches across

and it's nearly 2 inches high!

Do you have your guesses ready? Here you go!

On the deli scale, it weighed .35 pounds (or 5.6 ounces). Since I couldn't enter it into eTools that way, I used a Metric conversion calculator to convert it to grams, which I thought would be the most accurate unit. It converted to 159 grams. Then I input that value (159 grams) into eTools and saw (drum roll, please...)

THIS!

That's right.

14 POINTS PLUS VALUES! FOURTEEN! For a piece of bread!

It was TWICE what I was counting it (when I was even counting it at all)! That's a big difference!

Let me put that PointsPlus value into perspective for you, shall I?

That's MORE THAN HALF my daily PointsPlus Target! (26)

That's ONE PointsPlus value more than 2 whole delicious pints (32 glorious golden ounces) of my favorite beer!

this is a photo of me in Times Square enjoying a beer with 2 blog readers, Sarah & Sarah from Wisconsin. Hello ladies!

That beer above + This beer below

It might have been Halloween, I don't remember, but Im in a bar in Brooklyn

That's TWO PointsPlus values more than my entire favorite chocolate bar!

Chocolat Sea Salt & Almonds Dark Chocolate Bar, my favorite!!!

That's FOUR PointsPlus values more than I spend on my typical favorite dinner: black beans (2) and pinto beans (2) sauteed in coconut oil (1) with spices, peas (1) , onions, peppers, mushrooms, collard greens and tomato on a whole wheat tortilla (3) with Tabasco & cilantro and tofu sour cream (1)

I make this for dinner often, but don't always use the sour cream. this is an old photo, there are no black beans shown and some corn. I vary the ingredients slightly but my enormous bean burrito + extra mixture is never more than 10 P+

And since I love Energy Kitchen, that's ONE PointsPlus value more than this entire meal! (Veggie Burger = 8, Baked Fries = 2, Black Bean & Mango Salsa = 3)

my favorite meal from Energy Kitchen. the hummus wrap is awesome too, but more PointsPlus values

But wait, I find this one especially unsettling:

In order to EARN 14 PointsPlus values worth of Activity Points, I'd have to run for an hour and 20 minutes!!

80 minutes of running for one bagel I'll consume in 5 minutes?! That's crazy, right?!

I thought about it further - For New Yorkers on the go, bagels are a pretty standard and very convenient breakfast. But when you consider the size/weight of them, it's easy to see how we ingest way more than we realize if we're not paying attention. But few people eat a bagel plain like I do (my motto is "I like my bagels like I like my men - a little brown, a little warm and naked"). Most people add things that only make the PointsPlus value climb higher. Quickly. Things like butter, cream cheese, peanut butter, lox, eggs, cheese and/or meats. That little breakfast just turned into nearly an entire day's worth of PointsPlus values! Totally unbelievable!

After getting over the shock of the actual PointsPlus value, and putting that number into perspective, I paused and asked myself:

Do I really want to spend 14 PointsPlus for this piece of bread?!

I don't think you'll be surprised to hear that I choose NOT to eat the bagel.

Quite often in the weight loss journey and in life, the truth can be terrifying (it's why many of us avoid a scale for years). But what I've noticed is that once we face that fear, know that truth, and get over the initial shock of reality, we are free. Because it's after that moment that we can breathe a sigh of relief and come up with a plan to deal with that truth (our weight, the weight of the bagel, or any other uncomfortable truth). And the way I'm dealing with bagels now is to treat them as ultra special occasion foods. My rule now is that I have to earn it - if I didn't run at least 4 miles in an event - I will not consume one (4 miles at the gym or in the hood doesn't warrant a bagel, only events). That's my rule, and I'm ok with that. I don't need bagels any more frequently than that.

So let that be a lesson to us all - every so often make sure you weigh, measure or portion out something you have been estimating. The truth may surprise you. And that truth may lead you to change your habits. And changing those habits can get you out of a rut or even push you past a plateau if it's something you're repeatedly underestimating. It's worth knowing what you're really consuming and it's even better to not lie to yourself. Because you can lie to yourself and you can lie to your tracker, but you can't lie to your body. It knows, and you should too.

Oh, 2 things real quick!:
1- I made out all the envelopes for the 25 or so of you I'm sending Weeklys to. I'll sign them tomorrow and they'll be in the mail at the latest on Monday. Thanks again for your support!
2- I wrote a blog last night on the Weight Watchers blog about Motivation. I want to mention it here because that's one thing I'm asked about almost daily and I think it's a really good and thorough post. Check it out here.