Summer Streets Is Back!

I'm a big fan of all things Summer Streets, especially early in the morning before it gets too crowded and all the free samples are gone.

This year there is an installation in the tunnel that links 33rd Street to 40th Street, one that is all lights and sounds. Very excited to check it out before run club tomorrow morning. The video above explains more.

Summer Streets: The Best Idea NYC Has Ever Had

I just ran the entire course of Summer Streets, all 4.5 miles of it -- back and forth. So I guess I just ran nine miles. I ran from East 72nd Street to the Brooklyn Bridge and back. Even though it's Manhattan, there are a lot more hills than you would expect.

I mention this because out of all the projects that aim to reduce cars in Manhattan, Summer Streets is the best. It promotes exercise and biking and getting out of the house. And today, perhaps because of the early rain, there weren't as many crazy, wanna be Lance Armstrong bicyclists. I've never understood why the weekend warriors like to speed race at Summer Streets, or even in Central Park. Neither location condones or encourages speed.

Summer Streets started three years ago, when Andre was a newborn. TR and I would put him in his stroller and we would walk the route. He would sleep the whole time.

Saturday Night Photos

It's Saturday night and I'm sitting on the bed waiting for Andre to fall asleep next to me. Such a charmed life. And now complete with more photos!

This bubbled up from Liz's wedding from a few weeks ago. Don't we clean up nice!


This morning TR, Andre and I walked a six mile loop during Summer Streets. One of the stops along the way was a Colombian coffee booth that offered free coffee and a real life Juan Valdez! Everyone stopped to take a Polaroid with him. But where was his mule? I think this should be my Christmas card.


A six mile walk is not going to get the junk out of my trunk, so I topped it off with a three mile run in the evening. Friends have been e-mailing lately and asking how I can stand running in this humidity? I love it and have been doing it for years. You have to drink a lot of water throughout the day and then a Gatorade beforehand usually helps as well. Afterward you'll look like I did tonight:


And no, I have no shame, obviously. I'm sure La Madre will have plenty to say about all these sweaty photos I've been posting lately. I promise not to post anymore, since they're all pretty much the same. But a good sweat like that is 100% awesome and good for you. Try it!

The Best Lookin' Family In NYC

Summer Streets had little photo booths set up along the path, and we got a few shots taken. Andre, who was due for a lunchtime snack, was feeling a little camera shy. At least he wore his favorite "I Heart NY" onesie.



Don't cry for me, little Andre

Get Out Of The House! It's Summer Streets!

TR had the idea to get up early this morning and take advantage of Summer Streets, which is when Park Avenue is closed from 72nd Street all the way down to the Brooklyn Bridge. Biking, jogging and rollerblading are all encouraged, so we packed up Andre and off we went -- from Murray Hill to Chinatown!

You can read more about Summer Streets and the whole New York 400, Holland on the Hudson program here.

Full set of my photos here.

First things first: my morning coffee in the perfect August weather.


Modern fatherhood: Real men push the pram.


This young entrepreneur/philanthropist on Lafayette Street sold two kinds of lemonade, which was quite good, and will offer baked goods next week. Even better: a portion of her profits are going toward a local school's autism program.


Who knew there were so many bicycling enthusiasts in NYC?


Pimp your ride


Andre and I on Spring Street


Dance class on 11th Street


Slumming on Park Avenue. Next time I'll use a flash.


The best part of Summer Streets is that you can walk over the bridge around Grand Central Terminal. If you're a dork about New York City, like I am, this sort of thing is fascinating.


I never knew there was a statue of Cornelius Vanderbilt here. Mostly because taxis speed by it way too quickly.


You can thank Jackie Kennedy for saving this. It almost went the way of the old Penn Station


How else could I ever get a shot like this?


Dwarfed by Gotham


I've never seen Park Avenue without traffic. Well, not in the middle of the day.


Next week we're going to walk up Park north of 42nd Street, all the way up to Central Park. I expect much more aggressive bicyclists uptown. Stay tuned!