To the amazement of most of my friends, I am once again starting off the year with a jerry-rigged triathlon: The Midnight Run in Central Park, a bike ride to Coney Island the following morning, topped off with a dip in the Atlantic with the Coney Island Polar Bears. Cold, yes, but fun.
Here are the details:
Run: The Midnight Run has gotten a little expensive, like everything else New York Road Runners does these days, but it's the only game in town. You can sign up online until Sunday at midnight, or on the day of at the event in person. Costumes, fireworks and running: What more could you ask for? If you miss the sign-up and decide to run bandit, this is the one case where I won't disapprove - the race is not timed or scored. Just leave enough "champagne" at the water stop for the rest of us. Even if it's really sparkling cider. Let me know in advance if you plan on coming, but otherwise I'll try to be at the northern entrance to the baggage area at 11:45.
Bike: Let's assemble at the Central Park Bandshell (or "transition") at 10:00 a.m. on the First. If you plan on coming, let me know so I can wait for you if you're running late. Remember to bring a towel and dry clothes. You don't want to be biking (or riding the subway) in wet clothes.
Swim: Take a dip with the Coney Island Polar Bears. If you've never done this, it should definitely be on your list of things to do while you live in New York. More fun than Times Square, fewer tourists, and just a happy, party atmosphere, helped no doubt by the folks who never stopped drinking from the night before. The logistics have gotten a bit more complicated in recent years. They ask you to donate to Camp Sunshine (think sleep-away camp for very sick children, a good cause). You can donate here, and if you are looking to support anyone one donor "team" in particular, consider teaming up with my friend Capri. If you donate/register before midnight, you get to go to the front of the line, as they have started letting people into the water in waves, or at least that's how they're trying to organize people. Last year there were long lines.
See you at midnight! Or a little before.
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