A New Yorker for Half a Marathon

(This entry is from Arlene's Blog -- got a little lazy today and had some issues with uploading photos)

So this weekend was super exciting. On Friday night Mike put in one final practice run in preparation for the ½ Marathon, I dropped off Shea, and then we packed up for the big trip. Saturday morning we got up at 5:30AM to pack up the car, pick up Nate and Judie (who were also running), and head up to NYC. Of course, I slept all the way while Mike drove and Judie and Nate provided all these great snacks. We made it to NYC in record time and got into town a little before 10:30. First stop was the Time Hotel in Times Square where we couldn’t quite check in yet, so we dropped off the car and walked over to Niketown for registration. There were a ton of people there. Mike, Nate, and Judie picked up their numbers and T-shirts while I picked up a little megaphone to cheer with.



Then it was time for lunch. We headed over to Judie’s Dad’s restaurant, Mr. K’s. If you’re from DC, you’ll probably remember the Mr. K’s in DC from back in the day. We feasted for like 2+ hours on a 6 course meal!!! The belly LOVED it! Hahaha. For appetizers, we had the crispy beef, king shrimp spring rolls, and pork dumplings (my fave) followed by sweet and sour soup for me and Judie and shark fin soup for Nate and Mike. Then we had lemon sorbet for intermezzo followed by our entrees. The peking duck came out first (sorry but this is hands down WAY better than peking gourmet inn) and then a huge platter of veggies, lobster, and Chilean sea bass! At first we turned down dessert since we were all so full already, but Judie’s Dad HIGHLY recommended the chocolate heaven and heaven it was!!! Mike and I split one, but it was more like I ate 80% and Mike only had 20%. Hey I am eating for 2 and the baby had to have his share too! Hahaha. After the meal, Judie’s Dad took us on a tour of the restaurant which is absolutely beautiful. Thanks Judie!!!

Chopsticks used by celebrities who've dined at Mr. K's. . .




I was really full, can you tell?! I'm getting HUGE! . . .



Judie and her Dad . . .




After lunch, we walked (actually everyone else walked, I waddled) over to the Apple store on Fifth Ave so Mike could pick up an armband to carry his cell phone while he ran. With so many people running, I knew it would be difficult to find him to cheer him on but with his cell he could tell me when he was approaching certain mile markers. Afterwards we headed back to the hotel to finally check in only to find out that they had forgotten to reserve a room with two double beds for us! The hotel was apparently completely booked and so we would have to settle with the only room they had left, the PENTHOUSE! We were asked to wait in the lounge for about 10 minutes while the room was cleaned and prepared, but 10 minutes turned into 2+ hours!!! Needless to say we were all getting a little irritated when finally they told us we could head on up and boy was it worth the wait! The penthouse was huge! It took up three (yes 3!) stories, had two balconies, two living room spaces, motorized shades for the windows, dining area, bar, sauna, two jet tubs, etc.

The Living room on the 1st floor with ceiling to floor windows leading out to a wrap around porch overlooking Times Square on one side and the Hudson on the other side . . .




Nate and Judie on Balcony #1 . . .




The bedroom on Floor 2 . . .



It really was 3 floors! . . .




The living room on the 3rd floor leading out to Balcony #2 . . .




Mike and Nate on Balcony #2 . . .




Bathroom #1 with floor to ceiling marble and jet tub . . .




Sauna in Bathroom #2 . . .



So we decided to grab some pizzas and drinks, eat in, and enjoy our high class accommodations for the rest of the night. On Sunday we woke up at 5AM to get to the starting line around 6:30. My parents came out to support Mike and were able to pick us up at the hotel and drop us off in Central Park.

Ready to race! . . .



Mike decided against running with his cell phone which was too cumbersome and since there were about 14,000 people running we figured we would only be able to see him after the race. So my Mom and I went to the starting line (or as close as you can get) so we could cheer the runners on and after switching sides of the street at the last minute, we saw Mike come running around the corner – what luck!

And they're off . . .



In a crowd of runners . . .



Here comes Mike! GO MIKE! . . .



Hanging with Mom . . .



The first 7 miles is a big loop around Central Park but instead of waiting for Mike to come around again, we decided to head to the finish line already so Dad picked us up and we were off. These guys are fast cause by the time we got to Battery Park, the winners had already crossed the finish line! The finish line wasn’t very spectator friendly, but me, Mom, and Dad all got a spot with a great view.It took a little bit of pushing and jostling but we were able to see Nate, Judie, and Mike finish – HOORAY!

Nate (red tank in the back ground with arms up) . . .




Judie (pink shorts) . . .



Mike . . .




There's that smile . . .



Mom and Dad cheering Mike on at the finish line . . .




Congrats guys!!!



After the race, we headed back to the hotel where the runners took a quick shower, while Dad tried to find parking so we could have lunch together, but to no avail so after we checked out, said our good byes to Nate and Judie who were going to meet up with her fam for lunch and then take the bus back to DC, transferred some of my shower gifts from Dad’s car to ours, and said our goodbyes to Mom and Dad, Mike and I hit up the Shake Shack in Madison Square Park for some lunch (Thanks for the recommendation Aim!)




The Shack Stack . . .



Sorry Five Guys, but there’s a new burger in town.It was a great victory meal for Mike. On the way home, we hit some torrential down pour on the turnpike which slowed us down a little but we finally made it home, grabbed some dinner at Masala Wok in Herndon and called it a weekend. Great times with Judie, Nate, Mom, and Dad!