Currently Loving November 2026

Ok, I know we just started the month of November, but I feel like November goes faster than any other month with Thanksgiving at the end….so here I am with my list of current things I am loving! Happy November

 

1. New York City Marathon

 

My favorite day of the year in NYC. By far. I cheered for 4 plus hours — for the elites, for the fast runners, for the slower runners. I am so happy that I was able to cheer for Susie (pictured) who is the biggest cheerleader I know, so to be able to cheer her on a mile 25 late in the day made me so happy. But honestly, everything about the NY marathon brings so much joy. You see people achieving their dreams, putting one foot in front of the other, and believing in themselves. I love it. More than any other day.

 

2. Motek

 

Ate dinner at Motek, an Israeli restaurant, for the first time this week and OH MY, did I fall in love with it. Every bite I took was better than the other. I went with my good friend, Heidi, who I met in Israel in 1996, so it felt perfect to eat at an Israeli restaurant with her.

 

3. Holiday Transformation

 

Yes, it is only the beginning of November, but the city is starting to put up all the decorations for the winter holidays. The star is up on 57th and 5th! I love it so much!

 

4. Cottage Cheese

 

Like everyone else in the world, I am on the cottage cheese bandwagon. I tend to eat it with pomegranate seeds and honey — a yummy sweet and delicious little treat.

 

5. Cafe Commerce Brunch

 

Hands down, top 5 brunches in the city. They give you a cinnamon roll with every entree, too. It is beyond. And the waiters and staff are all the nicest. I love this place.

 

6. Turquoise Kitchen

 

Visited a friend up in Tuxedo Park (a little town an hour north of the city) and she has the most incredible bright turquoise kitchen. It is so retro and different and FUN. I love it.

 

7. Amazon Socks

 

10 socks for 24 dollars. Best 24 dollars. you will ever spend. I bought these several years ago and they lasted for years, so I had to refresh my closet with new ones. They are that good. A MUST BUY.

 

 

8. Space Invaders

 

On my recent trek to find the banana pudding store in Brooklyn, I came across a space invader. This might make me happier than anything else — finding little sparks of joy when you least expect them. I love space invaders and the hunt for the tiny thrill.

 

 

9. Waterfall in Central Park

 

There are actually 5 waterfalls in Central Park, but when you look at it, you think you are in the middle of nature, and not in a huge city. With the fall colors and the warm temperatures, seeing this waterfall makes me so happy.

 

10. Solid Core classes

 

After a small hiatus (or actually a long one but who is counting), I am back. Nothing makes my core feel tighter and stronger than these classes.

 

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Also, loving Survivor on CBS, watching marathon inspiration stories on Instagram reels, talking to my kids 20 times a day, the warm beautiful weather we have had in NYC, and a good night’s sleep. YOU?

Hayward Field Magic

Hayward Field is the track and field for the University of Oregon but it is known all over the world as it is a state of the art complex not just meant for collegiate athletes but international elite track and field athletes, too. Anyone in the running world knows of Hayward Field as it is where most of the Olympic Trial Track and Field events take place. It is also in my hometown of Eugene, Oregon, and therefore a historic building in the center of town.  I spent my childhood attending all types of events there — collegiate, international meets.

 

Every summer, I attend at least one event at Hayward. It is iconic. And so so so so much fun. It is unlike any place I have ever been.

 

Hayward’s original building was constructed in 1919. It was an old, dilapidated, nonfunctional, but fully quirky, charming and eccentric building. So since it had an international attendance, it was recreated and redesigned in 2020. Now, it is a state of the art, highly modern building. Less charming, but still iconic and ever so beautiful in that big weird looking building type of way.

 

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Chicago Marathon 2026 Recap

25th marathon in the books. Not my fastest by a long shot, but one that I will walk away with lots of lessons. It was hot. Beyond hot. Humid. Excruciating so. And mentally, I knew from the minute I entered the race that this was not going to be my day to run fast. But I didn’t give up — when I wanted to, when I easily could have taken the easy route and done so — but instead, I ran with my heart, ALL HEART, and completed the race.

 

As usual, I left early on Saturday morning for Chicago.

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Chickn Legs Shorts

If you are a runner then you probably know about Chickn Legs shorts. And if you don’t know about it (or know of a runner in your family), then now is the time to get in the know about this company. Chicken Legs is a running apparel company started in 2018 in Miami by two runners. They are known for short, fun, comfortable, and affordable distance running shorts. Most of the designs are totally wacky and crazy, but when you run a lot, it is fun to mix things up.

Some of the fun and wacky varieties sold. And you should see their Halloween options!

 

These shorts are the perfect lightweight fabric, have soft interior liners so you don’t accidentally show anything, and great comfortable waistbands. Although I have never purchased my own (at $35 per shorts, I am wondering why I have never bought them before! You can’t beat the price!), over the weekend, I was gifted a pair from my sister-from-another-mister a special pair for the Chicago Marathon.

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Paris to Versailles (and back)

Currently en route back from Paris to NYC (thank you plane wifi), and so much to write about….but first, have to share with you a run I did when in Paris — 20 miles. From Paris to Versailles and back. It was TOTALLY crazy, but so incredible and I am so so so happy that I did it. It took some more organization than I was used to because my cell service (especially the GPS) does not work so great. So I had to stare at a map for several hours to acquaint myself with the route. There were some points that were questionable (ie running over a freeway, or wondering if my cell phone batter was going to die, etc) but it was a highlight of my time and I would definitely recommend doing this.

 

I didn’t start taking pictures until I arrived at Versailles….kind of like a marathon….I never buy gear of the marathon until it is over. I didn’t want to take pictures of a failed route (and also needed to conserve my battery). So it was great when I arrived in Versailles and looked up and saw this space invader. Made me feel like I had won the lottery.

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Bandit Running

So as someone who loves to run, and run a lot, I have experimented with all different running clothes. A shirt here, a short there, a sock somewhere else. And I always come back to the same (1) socks and (2) tops. Both are from Bandit Running. Only 6 years old, this running company is making a splash with its quality and variety in running clothes. Every runner in Central Park wears something of Bandit on their body — not just because it looks good (it is very monochromatic and nondescript) but because they are top quality and are the best of the best.

 

I own three different styles of this race top. I love it so much and do all my long runs and races in it. They have pockets, built in bras, simple comfortable, easy.

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Currently Loving August 2026

August is one of my least favorite months — it means that summer is almost over and I start having MAJOR anxiety about school starting back up and all the changes that will take place this year. I am trying to slow down and appreciate the moment, so here is what I am loving *RIGHT NOW*

 

1. Spider Man

 

We went to the Marvel movie on Saturday night — and believe it or not, not only did I stay awake (HUGE accomplishment), but I actually loved it. Highly recommend.

 

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Utah Getaway

Two weeks ago, I received a text from a friend that said — are you free in a week to join me at my new house. So of course, I couldn’t resist this opportunity to be with this dear friend and see a corner of the US that I find beyond beautiful — the border of Utah and Arizona.

 

You fly in to Arizona, but drive 20 minutes to Utah. It feels like the moon — such different landscapes and beyond beautiful. Photos do not do it justice.

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Turkey Trot (Shirts)

Sorry for the week off — Thanksgiving came and went — and I had sooooo much fun but it was jam packed with fun activities. As usual, we went to California to spend the holiday with our best friends. The best time was had and I miss them dearly (and California, too). One of the highlights was our turkey trot shirts. YUP, the turkey trot shirts. Of course, all planned and coordinated by my sister-from-another-mister (she is the most creative person I know). Take a look, take note, and get for next year!

 

Turkey Trot. I laughed when I saw these turkeys on the day after Thanksgiving. They were literally trotting down the running path.

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Cinnamon Roll Crawl

(Sorry for the silence last week — I fainted last weekend, hurt my head, and was dealing with that for most of the week. I rested a lot, and tried to not be on screens — hence my absence. But I am back!) For whatever reason, I decided that this weekend, I needed to do a self-guided Cinnamon Roll Crawl. I spent a lot of time (once my headaches disappeared) researching the best cinnamon rolls in the city and my plan to do it.

 

For whatever reason, I decided that the best way to get there was to RUN! So I ran along the West Side Highway to get downtown (because of course, the best bakeries are downtown).

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NYC Marathon 2025

My favorite day of the year in NYC — and this one did not disappoint — The NYC Marathon. Actually, New York showed off in any way and it was truly a magical day. I did not run — but cheered for 5 hours — and it was absolutely glorious.

 

My preparation for the marathon started on Saturday by watching Kipchoge’s documentary — he is my absolute favorite runner (and maybe even athlete, close to Nadal) and this documentary is so inspirational and incredible.

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Othership

Last week, I decided to go to Othership, a sauna and cold plunge experience, and instantly fell in love with it. The first time I went (because yes, I went to two classes in 4 days), I attended a guided class. This class consisted of a 75 minute embarkment through the sauna and ice bath. It was 20 minutes in the sauna, with guided commentary, different lights, music, breathing techniques. Followed by cold plunge in groups, then back to the sauna, and then some tea. It was NOT what I was expecting, and took me a little off guard, but I loved it so much.

 

The sauna has three different levels — I was on the bottom and that was SO hot. I sweat BUCKETS. So much, that I was able to do the cold plunge. The actual sauna is HUGE and fits 64 people — it was packed. All places were taken. Even though it sounds like it could be a little gross, it wasn’t at all. Everything felt very clean.

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Nike Marathon Signs

This past weekend, I ran my 24th marathon (my 10th Chicago Marathon). It was a great day and despite it being hard (all marathons are hard), I enjoyed the process, the journey, and the race itself. One of my favorite parts of the race were all the Nike signs posted along the course. They were HUGE, and EVERYWHERE and really, really helped. Here are a few of my favorite. They are creative, cute, and different! Enjoy!

 

I don’t remember this one — and not my favorite sign — but still a good one.

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Currently Loving October 2025

There is so much to love right now — and this is what I am loving!

 

1. Picnics in October

This past weekend felt like summer in the city. 80 degrees in October! I absolutely loved every minute. Toosh and I had a picnic and she did homework and I needlepointed. Loved it.

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NYC Bakery Run 2025

This past Sunday, I ran the first ever NYC Bakery Run. A half-marathon with 8 bakeries. Yep, the route covered 8 different bakery stops. All were incredible — and it was such a fun and different day! Thank you, Tipster, for putting together such a fun, successful and unique day!

 

The run was put together by Tipster. Tipster is a website and journal that is in the know of everything cool, hip, and new. This was their first issue in NY (It is based in Copenhagen) and it covered all the best bakeries. So it made sense that their big NYC start was a half marathon with 8 of these bakeries listed. We went to all of the ones listed above minus Apollo Bagel and Win Son Bakery.

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Leatherman’s 10K Trail Run

Tusia and Ken completed their first 10k Trail run this past weekend — so much mud, water, cold, dirt, AND fun! The Leatherman’s Loop — 10K Trail run.

 

It was not only Tusia’s first mud race, but her first 10k. And in tough conditions with cold and mud. And she loved it!!!! It helped her that her friend and friend’s dad were there to encourage and help one another. Made all the difference. We were laughing because there is NO WAY WHATSOEVER Tusia would have been ok to do this race alone. Having a friend made all the difference.

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Crans-Montana, Switzerland

One of the difficulties of having two kids in two different schools (in two different states!), means that they have different spring breaks. Our son, Cruz, had the first two weeks of March off, and my daughter, Tusia, has the last two weeks of March off. FUN FUN FUN! So for Cruzzie’s second week, I went with my friend Catherine,  her son, and another one of their friends to Crans-Montana and Paris. Crans- Montana — NEVER HEARD OF IT BEFORE — but you should keep on your radar, because it is such an incredible place.

 

Crans-Montana is a ski town in Switzerland. It is a 90 minute drive from Geneva, and super easy to get in and out of. And don’t you love meat, cheese, and pickles?

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Achilles NYC

If you are a long time reader, you know that I have run two marathons with Achilles Interntational — an organization that transforms the lives of people with disabilities through athletic programs and social connection. The marathon experiences guiding my blind athlete, Eddie, have been absolutely incredible.

 

My first time running the NYC Marathon as an Achilles Guide was back in November 2018. It was an unforgettable experience.

Even back then, I had the habit of taking selfies of my coffee before the marathon. Love how things never change.

That year, Eddie ran a 3:36 — which was an incredible feat for him! I was so happy that day!

We ran again together in 2022 — it was a very very very very difficult marathon.

It was extremely hot that day and Eddie ended up fainting at mile 26. ALL THAT SAID, Achilles is the most incredible organization and I believe in it and its athletes 100 percent.

This was before he fainted.

Mid faint

 

Why am I telling you about Achilles now? 2 plus years later? Because we decided that it would be a great community even for 12 year old Tusia to get involved with. So after watching videos, passing all these different tests, and forms, we completed our first workout on Saturday morning.

 

We ran 2 miles with Andrew in Central Park. Andrew was INCREDIBLE. Such a brilliant, calm, patient, soothing blind athlete, who helped Tusia learn how to use the toggle and how to speak with him when he ran.

We are so excited to be involved with this organization and look forward to many more Saturday runs together.

And yes, Tusia was the youngest volunteer by far, and yes I have to be present for all the workouts, but I cannot wait. Such an incredible organization and I love being a part of it — with and without Tusia.

 

Hope you have a great week!

 

Marathon Signs

One of my favorite days of the year in NYC is Marathon Day. There is an electric feel everywhere you go — so many people with smiles, cheering people on for accomplishing something they dreamed of doing, an inexplainable excitement. Truly a magical day in the city. The second best thing to RUNNING the marathon, is cheering all the runners on. Since this year, I ran the Chicago Marathon and have been dealing with a nagging injury (I can barely run right now, which is devastating, but resting it is the best thing for it), I opted out of running the NYC marathon, and instead cheered everyone on. And what a glorious day it was! With Tusia and two of her friends, we decided to make signs to go cheer everyone on at mile 25.  Making signs was a great activity in itself!

 

The first problem was trying to find poster board. We didn’t think about making signs until. the day of, and on Sunday morning, no store nearby had poster boards. So I had to get creative with how to make a poster board — in this case, I had a big gift bag, that I cut into parts, put white paper on the side, and taped it all together. You do what you gotta do!

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