The Not-So-Dirty Jers (Maybe just Kinda-Dirty)
Another beautiful day in Jersey. Really, would you expect anything less?
The Race
A 5:30am wake-up call got me headed out to Newark for the Claudio Reyna 5K. It was billed as an all-star race, but I don't think they got the turn-out they were looking for. Nor were they truly prepared to manage an all-star race: no bag check, no course description, no mile markers, etc.
The shuttle carried us to the start and I started sizing up the competition. It quickly became apparent that I had a very decent chance at winning this race. There's always that one guy who comes out of nowhere. I looked. The coaches made it easy for me by telling a 17 year old "I know you'll probably be able to win this race, but try to stay with the group as much as possible." That was my guy. I looked at his legs. Runner's legs. Probably an overconfident high schooler. I can take this kid.
We finally started to gather at the starting line. Still no course description - just follow the police escort. Cory Booker, aka Superman, gave a short speech and introduced some of the VIPs at the race: Kristine Lilly, Grant Wahl, and of course, Claudio. The mayor then fired off the starting gun.
I was out quick. The course featured a downhill for the first mile. I was alone and well ahead of the group, save for the police escort. What a strange scene that must have been: a runner in Newark being escorted through the streets by the police. The cop asked me to slow down at one point so as to stick with the group. Eff that. It only made me run faster. He stayed back with the group and I was alone.
Race organizers were still setting up the course as I approached the Y. "Which %#!*ing direction?!" I yelled out to noone in particular. Anonymous pointed to the right and that's the direction I went.
By this point, the high schooler had caught up enough to play a little game of cat and mouse. We were so far ahead of the group that the streets hadn't yet been closed; I was running against traffic down Market Street. Looking back, I realize how stupid this was, but at the time, man, I was in my zone.
We got to the last half mile; up a bridge and to the Arena. The high schooler took three of the most beautiful strides up the bridge and was gone. He held back a touch, then he was gone again, down the straightaway. I finished in second with a new PR - 17:01.
After the race, I met the VIPs, then had a short conversation with the high schooler. He turned out to be Edward Cheserek, owner of the second fastest indoor mile time in American history. Haha... not a bad guy to have to lose to. Good luck to the kid and thank you for letting me run next to you for a mile or so!
And Claudio, thank you for playing such an active role in the community. Nothing but the best to you and your family.
The Ride
With me already being in Jersey with my bike, why not make a day of it?! So I got in the saddle and explored some of the best New Jersey had to offer.
It was a Sunday afternoon, so great access to some incredible churches. First up was the Presbyterians at the Old Bergen Church and their Tiffany stained glass window. Then it was across the street to visit the Roman Catholics at St. Aedans. The tile mosaics here were first rate. Just down the road were the Egyptians and their St George and St Shenouda Coptic Orthodox Church. I walked up to the door hesitantly and was immediately met with the chaotic crowds of the Arab world. I pushed my way inside to witness a baptism. An Arabic man explained to me what was going on as I gazed at the mystical robed men conducting the ceremonies. We both wished each other many blessings and I carried on.
On the other side of the Arabic side of town were the smells of curry and colors of light that made up Little India. Everything felt so real and alive! Again back in the saddle and through the Heights to the Cuban restaurant Rumba's Cafe. Then off again to visit with the Korean's at the Monastery and Church of St. Micheal the Archangel. While sifting through the ashes of this once beautiful and proud building, I met Michael, a Korean teenager who gave me a tour of the ruins. It was so sad to see the church in such a state, but there was a certain beauty to the echo of the flapping of a pigeons wings in the cavernous sanctuary. Michael showed me around the church, including the back areas where he would indulge in his vice of smoking when the elders were holding service.
Back at it again, over the cliffs of Weehawken and down to the Hudson waterfront. The sun shown down on one of those postcard perfect afternoons. I found Pier 13 and it's beer and relaxing chairs and friendly patrons and laid back in total relaxation reminding myself, "if this isn't nice, then what is."
A Sixpoint later and it was further on down the line, the skyline demanding my attention until finally I made it to Jersey City. The Colgate Clock, the Goldman Sachs building, and the picturesque squares of Jersey City. It all felt so Brooklyn. So liveable.
Finally, I made it down to Liberty State Park just in time for a sunset of fire and brilliance across the sky. The Statue of Liberty stood proudly as the towers of Manhattan reflected the last rays of the sun in a blinding array of reflection.
With the last gasps of daylight, I made it to the Zeppelin Biergarten, a beer garden of the finest pedigree, for a liter or two with my buddy James, who I just don't quite see enough. Thank your for the laughs and the very real conversations James. Let's do it again sometime soon.
And Jersey...? I hope to be seeing you soon as well. Thank you for a beautiful afternoon.