To those who are reading this blog for the first time: I turned 50 one year ago, on February 10, 2011. One year before that, I decided that I needed to do something spectacular during the year leading to my 50th birthday. Since I'm an avid swimmer, I decided to try to swim in 50 different places. The blog posts before this detail that journey (and yes, I did swim in 50 places!)
As the excitement of my 50th birthday drifted to a close, people asked if I was going to swim in 51 places this year. It was difficult to imagine at the time, but I did record my swims "just in case." Well, it turns out we did a fair amount of traveling this year to places surrounded by water, so just yesterday -- the day before my 51st birthday -- I swam at #51!
Over the next several days, I'll recap the year. Stay tuned!
Friday, February 10, 2012
Thursday, February 24, 2011
Am I done?
I accomplished what I set out to do: Swim in 50 different places during my 50th year. Does that mean I am now done? This was WAY too much fun. Can I do it again? Perhaps.....
More about my birthday weekend
February 10-13, 2011 -- Okay, this is not a swimming post. But I feel compelled to share my wonderful weekend! Following my 50th swim at the Columbia pool (see last blog post), we checked in at our favorite hotel, the Eventi. It's another Kimpton hotel, which is where we try to stay wherever we go. The location is perfect (30th and 6th) and it's just got a great vibe! Check it out at http://www.eventihotel.com/.
Birthday dinner was at a restaurant called PRUNE (http://www.prunerestaurant.com/). In addition to the four of us, we were joined by Ellen, Steve, Phyllis, Evan, Ari, Paul and Mary. We had a terrific meal and I am so touched by the travels of my family and friends for this event. The birthday cake deserves its own shout-out: Banana cake with peanut butter caramel filling and vanilla buttercream frosting. Probably the best cake I've ever had.
Friday began with breakfast at Sarabeth's, another NewYork favorite, followed by a trip to the Guggenheim with Leah. Leah and I are well-suited to visiting museums together; we go at the same pace and our level of understanding/appreciation is about the same. There was a special Kandinsky exhibit which we both loved!
On Friday evening, Harvey, Leah and I had a quick dinner at Mario Butali's EATALY before heading uptown to meet Benj for the Columbia/Princeton basketball game. By spectacular coincidence, both of Harvey's Columbia roommates, AJ and Ernie, were at the game with their daughters. We could not have planned this better. A post-game visit to Mel's for milkshakes capped the evening.
Saturday night was yet another wonderful event: the annual Columbia Spectator dinner, held this year at the Columbia Club. As outgoing Editor-in Chief, Ben delivered the State of the Spectator address, followed by keynote from Arianna Huffington. It was a proud moment and an incredible event, shared by many of our family and friends as well as some of Ben's closest friends.
All in all, it was a truly wonderful weekend -- probably one of the best of my life! I am thrilled to be 50.
Birthday dinner was at a restaurant called PRUNE (http://www.prunerestaurant.com/). In addition to the four of us, we were joined by Ellen, Steve, Phyllis, Evan, Ari, Paul and Mary. We had a terrific meal and I am so touched by the travels of my family and friends for this event. The birthday cake deserves its own shout-out: Banana cake with peanut butter caramel filling and vanilla buttercream frosting. Probably the best cake I've ever had.
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| Ari and me |
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| Yum.... |
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| Leah (second level, red coat) |
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| Harvey & Leah, Ernie & Samantha, AJ & Anna |
Saturday night was yet another wonderful event: the annual Columbia Spectator dinner, held this year at the Columbia Club. As outgoing Editor-in Chief, Ben delivered the State of the Spectator address, followed by keynote from Arianna Huffington. It was a proud moment and an incredible event, shared by many of our family and friends as well as some of Ben's closest friends.
Friday, February 18, 2011
Swim #50: Columbia University, New York, NY
February 10, 2011 -- Officially 50! The Columbia University pool is where I first started serious swimming, so it seems only right that my 50th swim would be here. It almost didn't happen: the pool was scheduled to be closed for swim team practices for several hours during the window of time I could possibly get there to swim (after driving from Boston, and before birthday dinner). Ben enlisted the help of the athletic facilities staff, who in turn enlisted the help of the assistant coach of the women's swim team, and voila! A ten-minute window of pool time was opened for me in between women's and men's practices.
In my last few blog entries, I've written about pool temperature. I can tell when the water is too warm for lap-swimming, but I couldn't have told you what the optimal temperature is. Now I know, because I felt it today. This is a pool meant for athletes, and the water was a perfect 78 degrees. Most health clubs are around 80-82, and hotels warmer. In any case, time was short, so I swam fast. And it is remarkable how much faster you can swim in 78-degree water.
Nostalgia is a powerful force. I really don't remember much about swimming here 30 years ago, but being here today meant the world to me.
And look at the fabulous t-shirt Deena got me for my birthday!
In my last few blog entries, I've written about pool temperature. I can tell when the water is too warm for lap-swimming, but I couldn't have told you what the optimal temperature is. Now I know, because I felt it today. This is a pool meant for athletes, and the water was a perfect 78 degrees. Most health clubs are around 80-82, and hotels warmer. In any case, time was short, so I swam fast. And it is remarkable how much faster you can swim in 78-degree water. 
Nostalgia is a powerful force. I really don't remember much about swimming here 30 years ago, but being here today meant the world to me.And look at the fabulous t-shirt Deena got me for my birthday!
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
Swim #49: Mount Auburn Club, Watertown, MA
Looking anxiously forward to the 50th on my 50th!!
Saturday, February 5, 2011
Swim #48: Sports Club/LA, Boston, MA
February 4, 2011 -- Wow! I had no idea this existed within the city of Boston. Located next to the new Ritz-Carlton Hotel, Sports Club/LA (http://www.mpsportsclub.com/clubs/boston/) seems designed to fit in with the Ritz' clientele. I don't mean that as a negative -- it's just really, really beautiful. And incredibly spacious -- 114,000 square feet including huge lobbies and sitting areas in what must be awfully expensive real estate.
I came here today with my friend Debbie, who started the day with a hilarious argument with the Ritz doorman. Upon entering the club, we found that the first Friday of every month is Free Guest day - lucky us! We were given locker keys and set off to explore. The locker room was beautiful and, again, huge. The pool was a little warm (just a couple of degrees) but the cleanliness, peacefulness, and the view of the city make this a winner. We had a wonderful swim and sauna.
Following that, Deb took me out for a birthday lunch at JerNe at the Ritz. It couldn't have been a better day!
I came here today with my friend Debbie, who started the day with a hilarious argument with the Ritz doorman. Upon entering the club, we found that the first Friday of every month is Free Guest day - lucky us! We were given locker keys and set off to explore. The locker room was beautiful and, again, huge. The pool was a little warm (just a couple of degrees) but the cleanliness, peacefulness, and the view of the city make this a winner. We had a wonderful swim and sauna.
Friday, February 4, 2011
Swim #47: Commonwealth Sports Club, Brighton, MA
January 31, 2011 -- In the next installment of Find the Best Health Club Pool, my friend Rose (also a swimmer) has brought me to the Commonwealth Sports Club in Brighton. Or is it Allston? Here is the link: http://www.commonwealthsportsclub.com/.
The pool here is quite nice. It's smaller than the JCC -- that's a minus -- but a couple of degrees colder, which is a plus. I like their less-chlorine, more-salt approach to water filtration. We had a great swim and even did a few time trials in the middle. The locker room is nice, too.
The pool here is quite nice. It's smaller than the JCC -- that's a minus -- but a couple of degrees colder, which is a plus. I like their less-chlorine, more-salt approach to water filtration. We had a great swim and even did a few time trials in the middle. The locker room is nice, too.
Swim #46: Newton YMCA
January 28, 2011 -- I have heard that the Newton YMCA has a great pool, and know a few JCC swimmers who left to join the Y when they built the new pool.
This pool does, indeed, give the JCC a run for its money. It is a couple of degrees colder than the JCC, which is a really good thing for lap swimmers. It's a good size, the hours are good, and it's on my way to work. Hmmm. The locker room is not nearly as nice as mine, though, and I don't think the workout facilities look as good. Can I justify two memberships??
I'm sorry I don't have a photo, as this is a really nice pool. But here's the website: http://www.westsuburbanymca.org/.
This pool does, indeed, give the JCC a run for its money. It is a couple of degrees colder than the JCC, which is a really good thing for lap swimmers. It's a good size, the hours are good, and it's on my way to work. Hmmm. The locker room is not nearly as nice as mine, though, and I don't think the workout facilities look as good. Can I justify two memberships??
I'm sorry I don't have a photo, as this is a really nice pool. But here's the website: http://www.westsuburbanymca.org/.
Swim #45: Boston Sports Club, Newton, MA
January 25, 2011 -- Checking out all the local health clubs! I'm interested to see if there is a pool around that I like better than the JCC. It's hard to imagine, but worth taking a look. Swims #45 through 49 will all be health clubs close to Newton.
The first stop is Boston Sports Club (formerly known as Wellbridge) on Wells Avenue in Newton. People have warned me that this pool is too warm for lap swimming -- and they are correct. Too warm and too small, unless you swim very slowly. Nevertheless, I did a full 30-minute swim, then spent another half-hour treading water, floating, and chatting with my friend Judy. It is a nice workout facility -- but so far, I'm sticking with the JCC.
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
Swims #43 and 44: New York, NY
January 22-23, 2011: I am in New York on official Longy business, attending a Pacifica Quartet concert at the Metropolitan Museum of Art with an entourage of staff and trustees. A few clicks of the mouse leads me to two spectacular pools during my short bits of free time.
First stop is Chelsea Piers, a thirty-acre sports and recreation complex on the Hudson River. The original Chelsea Piers has an interesting history: In its heyday all the luxury liners and immigrant ships arrived and departed there. It was the planned destination of the Titanic and is where the Carpathia brought the survivors. Also, it was the departure point for the Lusitania. For more on what it was and is, visit http://www.chelseapiers.com/.
The Health Club at Chelsea Piers defies description. "Enormous" and "State of the Art" are understatements. It is immaculately clean, light, and expensive. The breadth of equipment, space and activities is like nothing I have ever seen. Benjamin and I had a wonderful, long swim on Saturday afternoon in the beautiful pool overlooking the Hudson River.
Sunday morning brought me to Asphalt Green, another health club, this one on the East River -- the opposite of Chelsea Piers in mission as well as location. You could spend a boatload of money at Chelsea Piers (and have a great time doing it). Asphalt Green is dedicated to providing fitness and sports opportunities to people from all walks of life. Walking through the front lobby, I could see that it is truly a community facility.
Asphalt Green's pool is the largest I have ever experienced -- an actual Olympic-size pool. Sadly, I do not have a picture, but you can take a look at http://www.asphaltgreen.org/. Even more sadly, I swam only a few laps and was informed that the pool was closing for lessons. But at least the laps were long ones!
First stop is Chelsea Piers, a thirty-acre sports and recreation complex on the Hudson River. The original Chelsea Piers has an interesting history: In its heyday all the luxury liners and immigrant ships arrived and departed there. It was the planned destination of the Titanic and is where the Carpathia brought the survivors. Also, it was the departure point for the Lusitania. For more on what it was and is, visit http://www.chelseapiers.com/.
The Health Club at Chelsea Piers defies description. "Enormous" and "State of the Art" are understatements. It is immaculately clean, light, and expensive. The breadth of equipment, space and activities is like nothing I have ever seen. Benjamin and I had a wonderful, long swim on Saturday afternoon in the beautiful pool overlooking the Hudson River. Sunday morning brought me to Asphalt Green, another health club, this one on the East River -- the opposite of Chelsea Piers in mission as well as location. You could spend a boatload of money at Chelsea Piers (and have a great time doing it). Asphalt Green is dedicated to providing fitness and sports opportunities to people from all walks of life. Walking through the front lobby, I could see that it is truly a community facility.
Asphalt Green's pool is the largest I have ever experienced -- an actual Olympic-size pool. Sadly, I do not have a picture, but you can take a look at http://www.asphaltgreen.org/. Even more sadly, I swam only a few laps and was informed that the pool was closing for lessons. But at least the laps were long ones!
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
Swim #42: Children's Beach, Nantucket
January 17, 2011 -- This is when it became apparent that I am actually out of my mind. We were in Nantucket for a weekend with our friends Jack and Barb. If you're in Nantucket and you've got three weeks left to do nine more swims, what do you do? You have to swim. Having learned from my Martha's Vineyard experience, I purchased gloves, boots, and cap to go with my wetsuit. This was all good. And as I waded into the water, I felt great - not cold at all. After diving in, though, I could immediately tell that my gloves were not adequately tucked into the wetsuit. In seconds, my hands were freezing. I did swim a little bit, but not as far as I would have liked. The rest of me (even my face, which was unprotected) felt completely fine!
So, I need more practice at this cold-water swimming thing. But doesn't the water look beautiful?
Swim #41: With the L Street Brownies!
January 1, 2011 -- I had to do it. How could I not? I've always wanted to do a New Year's Day plunge, and this was my big chance. Plus, it was 50 degrees outside in Boston on New Year's Day.
The warm air temperature meant that huge crowds turned out for the Polar Bear Plunge, despite the fact that the water wasn't any warmer than normal. I waited in line for about an hour with people dressed as penguins and Vikings, then finally made it inside the bathhouse to register and discard my sweats. Harvey met me on the beach with the camera and my towel. Posing for a "before" picture was painful -- the sand was wet and icy.
The plunge itself was like nothing I've ever felt -- I can only compare it to diving into a pile of needles. I dived fully underwater, though, and swam a few strokes before turning around. The balmy air meant that I felt completely fine when I got out. A hot shower in the bathhouse, and I actually felt great!
I'd like to do this again next year. Anyone care to join me?
The warm air temperature meant that huge crowds turned out for the Polar Bear Plunge, despite the fact that the water wasn't any warmer than normal. I waited in line for about an hour with people dressed as penguins and Vikings, then finally made it inside the bathhouse to register and discard my sweats. Harvey met me on the beach with the camera and my towel. Posing for a "before" picture was painful -- the sand was wet and icy.
The plunge itself was like nothing I've ever felt -- I can only compare it to diving into a pile of needles. I dived fully underwater, though, and swam a few strokes before turning around. The balmy air meant that I felt completely fine when I got out. A hot shower in the bathhouse, and I actually felt great!I'd like to do this again next year. Anyone care to join me?
Swim #40: Green Mountain Inn, Stowe, VT
December 26, 2010 -- In Stowe to spend Christmas with my mother, Brian, and Nick. After a day of skiing, what could be better than jumping into a heated outdoor pool? The Green Mountain Inn was our destination. They had a heated walkway leading to the pool, so one's feet only touch freezing concrete for the last couple of steps. The steam effect was pretty cool, although the water was so warm it was like swimming in a hot tub.
Monday, January 24, 2011
Swims #36-39: Martha's Vineyard
November 26, 2010 -- Yes, it is the day after Thanksgiving, and I am talking about swimming in the ocean. Harvey and his brother have come up with a plan that will get me four swims. That would be great -- but the question is, will I live to tell the tale?
Armed with a borrowed wetsuit, we head to the first spot: Philbin Beach in Aquinnah. We spent so many summer days here in years past, and it is a spectacular beach, especially if you love diving in the waves. I have to say, I took one look at the surf and was terrified. Waves were crashing all over each other. Normally I would run right in, dive under and swim beyond the waves. But normally it's not a chilly, overcast November day. This was not a long swim, and my terror did not subside - but I did it!
Next stop was Lobsterville Beach, where the water is calm. This was (relatively) easy to get into, but it is very shallow and you have to walk kind of far before you can swim. This is when I realized that I should have bought swim shoes. My feet were so cold, I really couldn't feel what I was stepping on. My personal lifeguard, Daphne, was not happy that I was in the water.
Third stop, Squibnocket Beach. Waves. It didn't look as ferocious as Philbin Beach, so I went in with more confidence and immediately set off for a swim parallel to the shore. I figured I'd swim the length of the beach, maybe go back and forth a couple of times. I started in water that was about hip-deep, not wanting to go too far out. I swam down one way, turned around to come back, and saw that the shore was a whole lot farther away than it was when I started. I know about undertow and rip currents, but all of a sudden I was, once again, terrified. I was also freezing. I got back to shore without too much trouble, but determined that swimming in November in heavy surf on an unguarded beach was not something I'd choose to repeat.
Fourth stop, Menemsha Beach. Menemsha is a pebbly beach but great for swimming. By the time we got there, though, the wetsuit was no longer keeping me warm. I was really, really cold -- but we were there, and I had to do it. I actually had a nice little swim here.
Overall, I think I prefer summertime swims in the ocean.
Armed with a borrowed wetsuit, we head to the first spot: Philbin Beach in Aquinnah. We spent so many summer days here in years past, and it is a spectacular beach, especially if you love diving in the waves. I have to say, I took one look at the surf and was terrified. Waves were crashing all over each other. Normally I would run right in, dive under and swim beyond the waves. But normally it's not a chilly, overcast November day. This was not a long swim, and my terror did not subside - but I did it!
Next stop was Lobsterville Beach, where the water is calm. This was (relatively) easy to get into, but it is very shallow and you have to walk kind of far before you can swim. This is when I realized that I should have bought swim shoes. My feet were so cold, I really couldn't feel what I was stepping on. My personal lifeguard, Daphne, was not happy that I was in the water.
Third stop, Squibnocket Beach. Waves. It didn't look as ferocious as Philbin Beach, so I went in with more confidence and immediately set off for a swim parallel to the shore. I figured I'd swim the length of the beach, maybe go back and forth a couple of times. I started in water that was about hip-deep, not wanting to go too far out. I swam down one way, turned around to come back, and saw that the shore was a whole lot farther away than it was when I started. I know about undertow and rip currents, but all of a sudden I was, once again, terrified. I was also freezing. I got back to shore without too much trouble, but determined that swimming in November in heavy surf on an unguarded beach was not something I'd choose to repeat.Fourth stop, Menemsha Beach. Menemsha is a pebbly beach but great for swimming. By the time we got there, though, the wetsuit was no longer keeping me warm. I was really, really cold -- but we were there, and I had to do it. I actually had a nice little swim here.
Swim #35: Marriott Long Wharf Hotel, Boston, MA
November 24, 2010 -- This was a swim where the company was more important than the pool. I met up with my best childhood friend, Becky, and her twin boys for a swim at their hotel. It's an odd-shaped pool (something to do with the hotel being built to resemble a ship) and not ideal for lap-swimming, but Becky and I swam and walked back and forth for a good long while, talking the whole time, while the boys played with their uncle. All in all a delightful afternoon! Here's a picture of the pool, without me in it:
Swim #34: Westin Waterfront Hotel, Boston, MA
November 13, 2010 -- Leah is out of town with NSPA, so Harvey and I sneaked in a little Boston getaway for ourselves. We stayed at the Westin Waterfront Hotel, selected for its location (walking distance to the North End) and pool, and the fact that we had earned a free Saturday night at any Starwood hotel. We checked in late afternoon, and decided to do pre-dinner workouts. At 5 pm on a Saturday, the hotel pool was completely empty.
I'm not sure you can appreciate the full effect from this photo: the pool was in an atrium with what seemed to be a vaulted, mirrored ceiling. So, when I turned onto my back to do a few laps of backstroke, I could watch myself in the ceiling. This was so cool! I was completely mesmerized by watching my backstroke and hearing only the gentle splashes from my arms, and swam and swam and swam. This ranks up there with my favorite swims.
The spell was broken the next morning, though. In the light of day, the mirrored ceiling turned out to be skylights that only appeared mirrored against the dark sky. And at 11 am, the pool was mobbed with families. Oh, well. I had my moment!
I'm not sure you can appreciate the full effect from this photo: the pool was in an atrium with what seemed to be a vaulted, mirrored ceiling. So, when I turned onto my back to do a few laps of backstroke, I could watch myself in the ceiling. This was so cool! I was completely mesmerized by watching my backstroke and hearing only the gentle splashes from my arms, and swam and swam and swam. This ranks up there with my favorite swims.The spell was broken the next morning, though. In the light of day, the mirrored ceiling turned out to be skylights that only appeared mirrored against the dark sky. And at 11 am, the pool was mobbed with families. Oh, well. I had my moment!
Thursday, January 13, 2011
Swim #33: Westin Hotel, Pasadena, CA
Monday, January 10, 2011
Swim #32: San Francisco Bay
October 9, 2010 -- We have come to California for two reasons: cousin Peter's bar mitzvah in Mill Valley, and a college interview for Leah in Los Angeles. This is already a heavy agenda for a three-day trip to California. Can I actually get any swims in? I am hesitant to ask my family to indulge me, but like magic, the perfect reason and location appeared!
It is Fleet Week in San Francisco, and during the few hours of free time we have in between the morning bar mitzvah and the evening party, it is suggested that we drive over the Golden Gate Bridge to watch the Blue Angels who would be doing an air show over the Bay. A few key questions ascertained that there is indeed a little beach right on the other side of the bridge, across from the Ghiradelli factory. It would be a perfect spot to swim and to enjoy the show.
I have been cautioned that San Francisco Bay is rather chilly. Prisoners have died when they tried to swim from Alcatraz. Well, they were right -- it's cold. The beach was packed with people watching the Blue Angels, but I peeled off my clothes (yes, I was wearing a bathing suit), picked my way through the people, and dived into the water. I'm barely visible in this photo, but you can see my red bathing suit and blue cap.
I have a pretty consistent stroke: I breathe to my left, every two or three strokes. The cold water hurt my face so much that I had to start breathing on every stroke just so my face wouldn't have to stay in the water. Once I figured that out, I started to really enjoy this swim. And then I realized that if I swam on my back, I could watch the Blue Angels flying above me! We did not manage to get a photo that shows both me and the planes, but hopefully you get the idea. This was one spectacular swim.
It is Fleet Week in San Francisco, and during the few hours of free time we have in between the morning bar mitzvah and the evening party, it is suggested that we drive over the Golden Gate Bridge to watch the Blue Angels who would be doing an air show over the Bay. A few key questions ascertained that there is indeed a little beach right on the other side of the bridge, across from the Ghiradelli factory. It would be a perfect spot to swim and to enjoy the show.I have been cautioned that San Francisco Bay is rather chilly. Prisoners have died when they tried to swim from Alcatraz. Well, they were right -- it's cold. The beach was packed with people watching the Blue Angels, but I peeled off my clothes (yes, I was wearing a bathing suit), picked my way through the people, and dived into the water. I'm barely visible in this photo, but you can see my red bathing suit and blue cap.
I have a pretty consistent stroke: I breathe to my left, every two or three strokes. The cold water hurt my face so much that I had to start breathing on every stroke just so my face wouldn't have to stay in the water. Once I figured that out, I started to really enjoy this swim. And then I realized that if I swam on my back, I could watch the Blue Angels flying above me! We did not manage to get a photo that shows both me and the planes, but hopefully you get the idea. This was one spectacular swim.
Swim #31: Nantasket Beach, Hull, MA
October 2, 2010 -- It's getting to the end of the season for ocean swimming, and Nantasket has never been known for warm water. But I am determined to get in another ocean swim before I give in and declare the summer over. The water is indeed freezing, so my swim was pretty short, but the air temperature is thankfully warm and I was fine in a matter of minutes. I have many happy memories of this beach; my family came here often. I remember spending hours in the water riding waves -- I guess I got an early start to swimming in cold water!
Swim #30: White's Pond, Concord, MA
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