Nurse on the Run

So, it’s the last day of 2011, and I spent last night writing a big recap of 2011, but I’m not really all that thrilled with it, so maybe we’ll save that for another day.  Because if I’m not all that into it, then you probably won’t be either.  (I’ll sum it up in a few sentences:  I ran a lot.  I PR’d.  I met tons of people/bloggers/bloggers who happen to be people.  I traveled all over the country.  I didn’t fail as a burn unit nurse.  Now you’re all caught up, okay?  Perfect.)

Last year, Elyssa and a bunch of others did a run to the Doughnut Plant on the Lower East Side, and since it was a big hit, it was replicated this year.  Luckily I don’t have to work NYE or New Year’s, so I’m in!  I figured this morning would be a better morning to get in a long run instead of New Year’s Day, and with a late meeting time of 11am, it was perfect to squeeze in a few (…or ten) miles before meeting up with the group.

I headed over to Central Park and ran up and around the reservoir before running down the WSH.  When I checked the weather this morning, it was a glorious 51 degrees so shorts and a tshirt were the way to go.  On the last day in December?  Yes, please.  Lots of people were decked out in tights and jackets and hats…what do you people wear when it’s 20??  I finally put on tights for my 20 degree run in Chicago this week!  Crazy.  Anyway.  Nice loop around the reservoir and over to the west side.

As is becoming a good long run plan, I met up with Elyssa as she ran up the WSH from Brooklyn and I ran down.  We met at 42nd St and ran back downtown to Chambers St to head over to the Manhattan side of the Brooklyn Bridge to meet up with the group.  This was a great way to break up my 16 mile run, as I ran about 6.5 by myself, 3.5 with Elyssa, and about 6 with the donut group.  Makes the miles fly by!

We slowly gathered at the Brooklyn Bridge and set off across the bridge, dodging tourists and getting yelled at by bikers along the way.  We broke off into a few groups since keeping a group of 20-ish together is about as easy as it sounds.  Over the Brooklyn Bridge, wandering through Brooklyn to the Williamsburg Bridge…marking my first time over the Williamsburg!  Fabulous.  The Doughnut Plant is only a couple blocks from the base of the bridge, so soon enough we were there.

Act natural!

Regrouping before heading over the Williamsburg.

That’s cool.

Bridge time!

We collected everyone as they came off the bridge and then scooted over the Doughnut Plant where the rest of the group was already chowing down on doughnuts.  Donut run, victory!

Why hello…

Runner army taking over the store.

So we got some donuts (tres leches and vanilla with blackberry jam for me, I just ran 16 miles!) and coffee and chatted.  One of the guys was talking about getting dumplings after the donut stop, to which some guy walked by and said, “Wait…you guys end your runs with donuts and dumplings?  You are the best running group EVER!”  Yes, and you’re welcome to join.

It was good to catch up with people (Boston plans are brewing…) and finish a long run in a fun way.  Let me know if you want in next time…

Donut runners!  Let’s see…Megan, Amy, Maria, Matt, Elyssa, Eissa, Steph, Sam, Lara, Paul, Eugene, Ben, Travis (I think I got your names right, and you all need twitter or something…), girl who I actually never met (oops?), Jocelyn, and Renee.  Plus a few not pictured.  That’s a pretty good showing.  Also, I think I look like I’m still chewing…oops.

Now it’s time to rest up before heading to Brooklyn to bring in 2012 with some more runners.  Fabulous.

Saturday, December 31
15.96 miles in 2:11:05, avg pace of 8:13

I think that wraps up about 1,750 miles for the years.  Thanks for the miles, everyone!  See you in 2012.