I’m talking about the hills of Central Park in New York City. I ran seven miles on the park roads in 59:41. That’s 8:31 minutes per mile for those of you keeping track at home. As I ran around the Park, I started to reminisce about my life in New York City (1990-2003). It was certainly filled with many firsts. It was in New York where I met Leland, had my first child (Sofie), ran my first marathon, did my first triathlon and had so many amazing adventures for twelve years. It’s also where I first learned about BRCA1 and the fact that I was a carrier.
I’m glad that the silver-lining of our evacuation to New York is that I was able to get my final pre-surgery workout in the form of my favorite running route. It’s a lovely fall day here in Manhattan and we were joking that last night we were complaining that my in-laws’ bedrooms are WAY too hot. We’ve got a bad case of Goldilocks Syndrome it seems. West Hartford was too cold. New York is too hot. Maybe the hospital will be just right?
I guess it’s only fitting that I’m having my surgery in New York (though not in Manhattan). I feel like no matter where I live, New York is my home away from home. I will always draw strength from all that I accomplished there, personally and professionally. And it is that strength, from the hills of Central Park that I will channel tomorrow.