Post-Independence Weekend Update

Wow, is it me, or did the long weekend fly back faster than it ever did in years prior? I mean, the last coherent thought I can remember was me slowly counting down the days eagerly anticipating the arrival of a long four day weekend. And now, it seems I just blinked, and my brief reprieve from work is already over! Pfffttt…

Well, in case you haven’t noticed, I’ve been forced again to take a short leave of absence from blogging (and blog reading). Only this time, the decision was not voluntary and I am not entirely to blame. Although I’ve taken permanent residence in my new condominium since last week, the cable company does not regard my lack of internet access an urgent matter. As a result, no matter how many times I call to badger, annoy, or insult, they will not be by to grant me access to cyberspace until later this week. Let me tell you guys, In case you haven’t experienced it first-hand, living without internet access is worse than not being able to run. I know because I’ve tried. Although I’ve been able to go at most four days without running, I haven’t yet been able to survive more than two days away from the virtual world. If you don’t believe me, just ask the manager at the corner Burger King who’s already ripped me off for ten bucks in the past three days just so I can check my e-mail…E-MAIL for gosh sakes. Although I’ve never been the kind to partake in overpriced services driven up by demand, I couldn’t help myself from repeatedly dipping my hands into that proverbial cookie jar just to tap into the internet. Yes, I know…I am ashamed, as a runner and as an idealist, what a sellout am I? Okay, on second thought, don’t answer that!

But before I disappear into the nether regions of the real world where contact with the virtual world does not yet exist, let me share with you my first impressions of running in Flushing Meadow Park. Last night, before it got dark, I went out for a jog in the park not knowing what I’d find once I got there. At the time of day that I went, the temperature was mild and there was a light breeze. In other words, it was perfect running weather. But while I saw plenty of people lounging, biking, playing soccer, and walking about, I saw absolutely no one running. I made one inner loop saw nothing, and dared myself to go out again, venturing a little further into the park this time to look for my own endangered species. On this second trip, I pass by kids flying a kite, two soccer games with garbage can as goals, a softball game and even a cricket match, but alas no runners. I must have been quite an anomaly in these parts because I caught quite a few stare and chuckles as I ran by. Although I felt slightly out of place, being the only runner in my 8 mile journey, I had a great time on my scenic jog because I ran by some beautiful gardens and historic landmarks that I’d never knew existed in this part of Queens. I will do some more exploration in the coming weeks and report back my findings. Hopefully, I’ll spot a runner in there… somewhere.