-Grete Waitz (1953-2011)

From NYRR:
Grete Waitz, nine-time New York City Marathon winner, four-time world marathon record-setter, and four-time Olympian, has died after a long battle with cancer. She was 57.

A native of Norway, Waitz kept a home in New York City and was a great friend of NYRR. She was instrumental in founding our now-nationwide youth programs and was a current NYRR board member. We all mourn the loss of a great champion in life as well as in sport.

Statement from Mary Wittenberg
“We are sad to lose a dear friend and our most decorated champion, Grete Waitz, who passed away today. Her strength and grace throughout her fight with cancer were incredible, and when so many people would have crumbled she stood strong and positive.

“Grete was a great champion in life as well as in sport. Grete is forever part of NYRR, and we treasure every moment we had with her. Her legacy lives on through the ING New York City Marathon, Grete’s Great Gallop, the NYRR New York Mini 10K, and our youth programs. She was deeply important in making our marathon what it is today, and she inspired generations of women, including athletes like Paula Radcliffe and Deena Kastor. That inspiration will continue.

“We will forever celebrate Grete in our hearts and as an inspiration and role model for women’s running.

“If Grete had to go, it is somehow fitting that she lived until the day after one of the greatest weekends in the sport of marathon running.”

—Mary Wittenberg, President and CEO, New York Road Runners

more info…

slide show…

We’ve been having glorious days filled with beautiful colors and sun. The weather always inspires me to choose what to experiment with in the kitchen. I have two new favorites: quinoa and kale. Cooking them is simple, their benefits are plenty and they taste great.

I was about to write about the benefits of kale when I found all I wanted to say (and more) in the great Brooklyn blog — Butter Beans Kitchen. This is a must read blog if you love real food. I agree with what they write about their blog:

“…If we want quality lives full of goodness, we have got to learn to make good choices about the food we plant and the food we eat. We have got to spend some more time in the kitchen and appreciating the food we have.

We have to teach our children, in a way that makes them want to celebrate. What could be more magical than the colors and tastes and sights that the Earth produces with sunshine, rain and a few pairs of dedicated hands…”

And here is the information about kale:

Kale — in April’s glow by Butter Beans Kitchen. They will add kale recipes this month.

Enjoy!

Finding of the week:

The 5 Warrior Warm-Up by Margaret Burns Vap

Everything feels so new in the spring. My curious boy has been showing me the world from a new perspective. This weekend, we spent long hours with friends, playing in the park, and looking at fresh bits of color — trees, magnolias, daffodils. Very refreshing!

The beautiful sun has inspired me to introduce him to the magic of running. So I’m looking for a running stroller and would love to hear about your experiences. Here are some of the qualities I’m looking for:

*lightweight (mama is petite and our charming neighborhood is old — streets have different levels)
*easy storage (we live in Brooklyn = small apartment)
*reasonable price

I really appreciate any suggestions and/or recommendations.

Thanks and happy spring to all!

This week, I found myself running through an ocean of beautiful yellow leaves, looking at an orange sunrise and a faint moon still hanging in the sky.

It’s at fleeting moments like this I feel I can run stronger. It’s great to hit a runner’s high. And there I was on an empty street with a tough hill, feeling my core working and my heart open.

I compare the experience to looking at my sketchbook. As an artist, I’m always searching for inspiration, but my sketchbook is where inspirations and ideas begin to solidify. I find it the perfect place for artists to be themselves, open-hearted and unfolded.