New Era in Binghamton Hockey

It has been about a week since the news broke about Binghamton will be losing their longest running franchise, the Binghamton Senators. Even though I live a couple hours away now, it was sad to hear the news but I'm not surprised. The rumors have been circulating for months and Executive Vice President of operations, Tom Mitchell confirmed those rumors on Monday. The AHL team will be relocating to Belleville, Ontario after Ottawa Senators owner, Eugene Melnyk purchased the team. It is becoming a recent trend of NHL teams owning farm teams and plus Yardmen Arena underwent a massive upgrade.

My thoughts on what has transpired? Obviously, I'm sad to see the franchise of 15 seasons leaving Binghamton but at the same time, it makes sense logistically. Lately, that has been the direction of most AHL teams especially in California as of late. Massive renovations and upgrades attract new and existing fan bases. Simply, Floyd L. Maines Arena could not keep up with the newest trends. I can't even call it by its new name. I always refer to it as Broome County Veterans Memorial Arena. So many memories of going to hockey games including my parents taking me there when they were the Binghamton Rangers in the early 1990's. A few more memories would be watching the Senators win their first conference title on home ice, two Calder Cup Finals games in Binghamton for the first time since 1982, their first Calder Cup Championship followed, then a parade downtown, and watching them raise the banner on opening night of 2011-2012 season.

I admire Tom Mitchell's dedication of keeping the American Hockey League here in my hometown. Yes it is difficult when franchises move but there is always a new day when the hockey tradition has not lost a step since 1973. Looking at the possible NHL affiliates, it looks like it could come down to the New York Islanders; New York Rangers; and New Jersey Devils. There is a good chance it will not be a future Las Vegas NHL team because of logistics but it will not be ruled out. The New Jersey Devils look like they are staying put in the capital district and they are still under contract even though attendance has been lackluster. Personally, it comes down to the Islanders and Rangers. If I had a choice, I would like to see the New York Rangers affiliate come back to Binghamton for the first time in 20 years. Not only does it make sense logistically but the future looks uncertain in Connecticut regarding term agreements. We'll see what happens. I just want to say thank you to everyone who was involved with the Binghamton Senators: players, front office, writers, arena staff, and most importantly the fans. I wish I can be there for the farewell season but I'll be thinking of you. From the bottom of my heart, thank you for all your hard work and dedication keeping the spirit alive.

Running With Confidence and Great Fuel

Look at that excitement. That's confidence right there!

That has been the theme for my marathon training for several months. In the past, it was difficult to follow that keynote but for yesterdays run, it was very important. It started a couple days prior to the longest run training run, 21+ miles. Crazy as this sounds, I was really excited about this particular run wanting to end the peak training on an excellent note. After running 21.26 miles in 2:35:15, I was very happy and surprised with the result. I was expecting to run a little over 3 hours but it was almost 30 minutes quicker than expected. My run was very smooth and did not tire very easily at a 7:18 pace.

As far as what to eat and drink prior to running, I simply stick with toast and a banana to prevent running on an empty stomach. For hydration, simply enough water (in my case it was a full bottle) and some Coconut water to get electrolytes in my system. I don't like to load up on a lot of food prior to a run because chances are, you are looking to replenish right after a run anyway. After my long run, my post race fuel consisted of oatmeal with a banana, coconut water, water, a Kind Snack Bar, and Primal Strips Vegan Jerky.

I use to eat Clif Bars whenever I did a long run but they were so heavy, rich in filling, and hard to absorb while running. Lately, I've fallen in love with Kind Snack Bars because of the lighter portions and fewer calories. The flavors consumed and purchased are Dark Chocolate Nuts & Sea Salt, Peanut Butter Dark Chocolate, Salted Caramel & Dark Chocolate Nut, Roasted Jalapeno, Dark Chocolate Mocha Almond, and Dark Chocolate Chili Almond. An even better bonus is that it's made with non-GMO ingredients, excellent source of protein and dairy free options. Thank you Kind Snacks for fueling my workouts.

It has been several years since I had a piece of jerky, way before my vegetarian period. One day, I went to Healthy Living Market and Cafe in Saratoga Springs for a couple treats. All of sudden,  I had a craving for vegan jerky. After walking around looking for it, I found it next to the checkout lines. Primal Spirit Foods makes meatless vegan jerky and let me tell you, they were delicious. Excellent source of protein, non-GMO ingredients, vegan, no preservatives, and no artificial colors. It is a perfect portion for one serving size and you can not taste the difference with regular jerky. The only three I have tried are Thai Peanut, Mesquite Lime, and Hot & Spicy. All three were very good so it is difficult to choose a favorite. If you forced me to choose, it would be Mesquite Lime. After finishing all three, I will make another trip to the market to restock.

My advice to all runners is approach every training day with confidence whether it is short or very long.  The Philadelphia Marathon in November is fast approaching, exactly seven weeks away. Obviously, I will share my experience with everyone once the event has concluded.

Change is good

Currently, I'm wrapping up training for the Philadelphia Marathon coming up in less than two months. I can't believe the big day is getting close. Last week, I ran three consecutive days for the first time since my High School track and field days. Honestly, I was not sure what to expect or how my performance would be but it was worth a try. Let me tell you, it was the quickest running I have ever done in my life. My paces were between 6:30-7 minutes running 8,4 and 3.1 (5K) respectively. 6:34 is the fastest mile in under one hour of running, about 52 minutes to be exact. After doing those three runs, I kept asking myself why I didn't do this sooner. Now, I will incorporate them more into my run after this weekend. My goal is to get a 21 mile run in to get my confidence going and then focus on shorter runs to keep myself in running form. I've been focusing on distance and not on speed for several months only running twice a week. It will increase to three days a week to prevent burnout.

Now Playing: Check out the Onnit Podcast!

I told you I would get back into making my own dishes. The most beautiful thing about cooking is the ability to experiment and make so many variations of one dish. The possibilities are endless.

Saratoga Palio Half Marathon

This morning, I completed my seventh half marathon and second in the beautiful city of Saratoga Springs, New York. It was beautiful running weather and honored to run for a great cause, The Melanie O'Donnell Foundation. In my previous half marathon, not only did I set a personal best but it was the fastest 13.1 miles I have ever ran. My goal was to set another personal best. Unfortunately, I was about 3 minutes slower than my July race. I had to stop at mile 8 to use the bathroom which cost me a minute or two. Would it have helped me PR if I did not stop? Not entirely sure. Despite that, I walked away pretty satisfied with the result and knowing it will be a very nice tune up for the Philadelphia Marathon coming up in two months. It was beautiful running through downtown and through the state park just up the road. Thank you to all the volunteers, road marshalls, and race coordinators for making this a safe and exciting race. The last time I spent time downtown was almost three years ago when I went to a wedding reception. It was pretty sweet walking around after the race.

Not sure if it is just me but it was difficult falling asleep Saturday night. Race day anxiety? We'll never know. I was just happy to be running in another race. Woke up at 6 AM to get ready for the day making the best of a tough situation. Before races and long runs, I do not eat a very heavy breakfast. I limit it to fruit and grains, banana and toast with a peanut butter spread. After you finish a race, what is usually waiting at the finish line? A nice spread of post race fuel (bagels, fruit, and beverages). Today was a nice post race recovery because Purebred Athletics offered free massages to runners. I took full advantage of it and felt a huge sense of relief afterwards. It was nice getting out meeting new runners and seeing familiar faces again. I saw Jenna who was watching her brother run in the same race cheering us on. I talked to Alaina, a college classmate I have not talked to in several years. It was very nice to catch up again. Running races has really helped me break out of my own shell and be more socially engaging.

I'm exhausted and now it is time to start a new work week. Until next time.

Blood, Sweat, and No Tears

So far, the change of scenery has been nothing short of amazing. I kept telling myself, why I didn't relocate sooner. It is pretty sweet waking up on a Saturday for a long run and the trail is right out your front door.

Speaking of a long run, I did two within a span of six days. It is the longest total distance I've ever ran in my life. The first run was twenty miles and the second one was just under nineteen. I was very surprised with the results from the first one but it was very rewarding. I finished in just over three hours. I compared it to a similar run back in April, and the difference was very staggering. I took almost forty minutes off. The second one was good but my body was totally spent at the end. I was upset that I decided to cut it short instead of doing twenty. Getting home late and rising early will take its toll. With the Philadelphia Marathon almost two months away, I have been very pleased with the results. I will be running a half marathon in Saratoga Springs on Sunday for The Melaine Foundation. That race will be an excellent tune up for November. This past weekend, I got to bond with one of my roommates, Otto. We really hit it off when he was asking me about running. His advice and words of encourage were very helpful and I will keep that in mind when running in future races. Enough of the running, lets dial it back a little bit.

Sunday, was a celebration of one of my favorite bands, Sick Of It All. They are celebrating thirty years as a group and I really commend them for their pride and dedication to New York Hardcore. All of the music they have created has been very good and the band members are very friendly. Thank you for everything you have done. Your live shows are always a great time and you are built to last. I love you very much Lou, Pete, Armand, and Craig.

"We are playing the same set as New York City except there are no balloons. I know I was looking forward to the fucking balloons."- Lou Koller

Check them out: 30 Years
  
One of my favorite songs on their most under rated album:


Not going to lie, I am having recipe withdrawl so I'll get back into that soon.

New Is Better

A lot has been going on in my life since my last post. New area, new job, and new outlooks on life.

I relocated to the Albany area a couple weeks ago intending on transferring to another office for my previous employer. At the same time, I got offered a full time position as a Sterile Processing Technician at Saratoga Hospital. I ended up accepting the full time job and I'm very proud with where my life is going right now. I really loved what I did at my other job but I couldn't pass up the long term objectives that came with Sterile Processing. I stayed at my cousins house along with her boyfriend until I found a place to get myself situated. I really can't thank them enough for making the transition much more easier. I've been living in a new place for a few days now and the change of scenery is already having an amazing impact on me. I kept telling myself why I didn't move up here sooner. Along with the awesome place, it is even better having running trails right out your front door. The homeowner has a few books by David Sedaris and I was almost ecstatic. I wish she was there to see my reaction in person. Now for some fun adventures.

I went to a Boston Red Sox game a week ago, Sunday night, at Fenway Park. If you have never been to a game or never seen the ballpark, you will be absolutely amazed. Not only is the ball park iconic, the fan atmosphere is second to none. That was my fifth game and my first time standing in the famed Green Monster section. The view was absolutely spectacular and one of the best in all of baseball. All the fans I talked to at the game were friendly, energetic, and fun. If you do make it to a game, make sure to stay for a rendition of Sweet Caroline. It is always a tradition at every home game prior to the bottom of the eight inning. Reminds me of SUNY Oswego Men's hockey games during 2nd intermission. Even though the game was hard to watch, I always have a great time at the ballpark and will always go back every year. Now, my next goal is to get inside the Green Monster along with a picture someday. Before the game, I had brunch at an amazing restaurant outside Boston called Walnut Grille. The vegan and vegetarian options are excellent for brunch and dinner. While walking around Fenway, I stopped at an amazing vegan dessert place called Fomu, which specialize in dairy free ice cream and desserts. While I was at the game, I had to get my veggie hot dog and veggie burger because it is the way to go. Sorry, no Fenway Frank for me.

How can you not deny my excitement and that beautiful face. After all, it is a pretty amazing place.

Iconic

 One of the best views in all of baseball. If you get a chance to be up there, you can not say no.

 The picture speaks for itself.

This past weekend, I was at a wedding for my cousin and it was a great time. It is the one time where I can dance and be myself socially. I danced for a few hours and never took my suit jacket the whole night. Even my father was amazed. Congratulations Torey and David on your marriage. I am glad you made me a part of your big celebration. When you put two like minds together, even if they are weird, you are bound to have a lasting relationship. It was great catching up with the family, meeting new people, and catching up with those I have not seen in some time. To cap off the amazing weekend, I went out on the boat with my family at their camp in Union Springs. Thank you Miranda for making me put family first. It was an amazing time.

After little sleep and no food, I went out on a twenty mile run to keep pace with my marathon training. Within the first five miles, I knew it was going to be a very successful run. Even I was very surprised as the run concluded. My run took just over three hours exactly with just over nine minutes as a pace. I compared it to my first one back in April and the results were staggering. I took nearly forty minutes off this run. Over the past few months, I have been very pleased with my results getting ready for my second marathon race. Less than three months until the big day. That is all I have right now for an update.

It is has been amazing turning a new leaf that is blowing in the wind leading me on this incredible journey. The future is going to be great. Until next time, thank you.

You get no words