Marathons and Races
NYC Triathalon
Jul 20th
On Sunday, I woke up at 6 a.m. and headed to Riverside Park and 79th Street. Why? To watch a good friend take on her second triathalon. I was supporting her and 3,000 other participants. I hate getting up early for anything, but once the sun hit my face and I saw people of all shapes and sizes exit the Hudson River after their mile swim, I was wide awake. Our support group actually saw our friend speed by on her bike for the 40K ride. We then headed to Central Park to watch the last leg of the race and cheer on the runners.
Somehow we missed our friend during the 10k race portion, but we cheered for the rest of the participants. What I enjoy about these types of events is the ability to see ordinary people do extraordinary things. We saw elite athletes go by, who were impeccable, but we saw regular people, too, complete a challenge for which they trained for months. We saw people running for charity, for personal goals and in memory of others. The disabled athletes inspired me the most, those missing a leg or arm. One gentleman was running on two prosthetic legs and with an amputated arm. It is my guess that some of the amputees in the triathalon were former military. To see them speed by made me shed a tear as I realized anything one puts their mind to, they can accomplish. In one word, awesome.
It was great to feel part of someone else’s accomplishment, cheering them on to reach their goal. I have been on sports teams, and I know that having a cheering section makes the day for myself and the team. I hope our cheering helped others cross the finish line.
One tip to anyone traveling — check out what sporting events are going on in the city. It’s a great way to know the terrain and get temporarily involved in a community. It will give you more than just a tourist’s point of view!
– Alex Young, vice president and associate publisher
Marathon Sunday
Nov 3rd
Every weekend is always welcome. This past Sunday is one that I always enjoy a little more than the rest — for reasons I cannot take credit for. This past Sunday was the New York City Marathon. I do not participate in the marathon, but I love supporting the people that take on the mental and physical challenges required by marathons.
The New York City Marathon is the largest sporting event in the world, with nearly two million spectators on the streets of New York in support of the 43,000 runners and disabled athletes. It is a spectacular event for all reasons. It is a competitive sport for the elite runners and, more importantly, an individual challenge for all of the athletes who take part. Many are running to prove to themselves they can tackle such a feat. Some run for those who cannot. More than 8,000 runners this year ran for charitable causes. Each runner has a story. All are motivational and inspirational.
The marathon touches every borough of New York City, making it the ultimate community event. The entire day, both in my neighborhood and throughout the city, there was a positive buzz that would not be found on any other day. I love watching people support strangers they will probably never see again. Everyone genuinely wishes the runners only the very best in their quest to the finish line. I won’t make any guarantees at this moment that I will ever run a marathon, but watching all those people cross the finish line always reinforces my own belief that anything is possible with a little hard work and dedication.
– Alex Young, vice president and associate publisher
A Girl’s Gotta Go
Sep 18th
A great organization, A Girl’s Gotta Go, was recently brought to my attention. The company specializes in vacation packages for women and by women. The website features a ton of great vacation packages for girlfriend getaways or other trips for women. There is also a tool to request a customized vacation package from the organization.
But, what truly impressed me about A Girl’s Gotta Go is the charitable nature of the organization. A portion of each vacation package purchased through the company is donated to breast cancer research, education, screening and treatment. A Girl’s Gotta Go is truly dedicated not only to women, but to women’s issues. The approach of October is the perfect time to get involved, as October marks Breast Cancer Awareness month.
A perfect way to get involved is to join the A Girl’s Gotta Go Team for the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure. The company is involved in the Boston, Mass., race taking place Saturday, Sept. 26, at the Seaport World Trade Center.
Another great offering from the company is the Girlfriend Cruise4Cause. The package provides a supportive, stress-free vacation getaway for females battling any kind of cancer. Every reservation equals a $25 donation to the American Cancer Society. The goal is to raise $2,500 for the organization. The cruise is a four-night getaway to Fort Lauderdale, Key West and Cozumel aboard Royal Caribbean Enchantment of the Seas, from Oct. 22-26. For more information, visit www.agirlsgottago.com/charitable-giving.
Help support a great cause and enjoy a great getaway with A Girl’s Gotta Go. Female travelers may also be interested in participating in Global Traveler‘s Female Global Traveler of the Year contest. Enter the contest here.
–Kimberly Krol, eFlyer editor, circulation and public relations executive
Women for Women
Aug 10th
This year, Global Traveler helped raise close to $50,000 for the charity Pencils for Kids, Inc. I am proud to be part of a company that gives back. Recently, I’ve decided to help give back to a cause I feel strongly about.
On Saturday, Sept. 26, I will be doing a 5k run for the charity Women for Women. Run for Congo Women was created by everyday women to help raise hope for women living through the horrific war in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The money raised will help sponsor support groups, rights awareness, job training, literacy and other training. The goal of Run for Congo Women is for the women of the Congo to be self sufficient within one year after receiving support.
Never heard of this conflict? You are not alone. Most people haven’t. It receives little to no news coverage. I am hoping by doing this run and talking about the conflict with others, I can help raise awareness and hopefully make a small step towards helping end this war. I believe there is hope for these women with just a little support and knowledge.
–Jackie Adam, advertising and editorial coordinator
