★ News from April 2007:
This evening I finally put in my application for this year's ING NYC Marathon.
I've already begun my training. This is quite early for me, but given that I haven't run since my last marathon in 2005, and given that I've set my sites on qualifying for the Boston Marathon (which, by the way, was run today), starting my training early feels like a very good thing.
To qualify for Boston, I must run the NYC Marathon in 3:10. That means I need to shave off 18 minutes from my best time, which was already the result of shaving more than 20 minutes off of my best time. I was amazed by what I accomplished by disciplining myself in 2005, and I figure further discipline will carry me toward qualifying for Boston.
Asked for my predicted finish time, on the application I put 3:09. That's just added motivation, but my target today feels like 3:10. So far I've been braving cold NYC temperatures (something that has historically prevented me from going for runs, as in the past I've wussed out on running when cold), and my typical run is 6.3 miles. I've done a couple 8-milers so far this year, too. I hope to run 8-milers more frequently in my training this time around, plus follow an even more challenging training schedule than the competitive marathoner schedule that I followed in 2005.
My pace right now is still a bit slow for me, but I can feel the speed starting to pick up a bit. I've been coupling my training with some weights, boot camp, and Pilates routines. I hope to be in all-around better shape going into the ING NYC Marathon 2007. I'm hoping being in better shape will give me an edge to finish 18 minutes faster than in 2005.
Wish me luck in getting into the marathon this year! The drawing is in mid-June.
Cheers!
Ben
April 19, 2007
(Thursday)
Friday and Saturday night (4/20 & 4/21) at 8pm I will be performing improvised sermons as The Reverend Raymond Nader in Crones, Ducks & Babes, hosted by Howling Vic, at Dixon Place.
Immediately following the Friday performance, I will head to the West End Theatre to do Ding Dang in Space! at 10:30pm. In it I play The Reverend Raymond Nader, and I do an improvised sermon in addition to playing the role and doing some other things.
The final performance of Ding Dang in Space! is Saturday, 4/28, at 10:30pm.
In the meantime, on Tuesday and Wednesday (4/24 & 4/25) I will be hosting The Infusion Improv Explosion! at The D-Lounge underneath the Daryl Roth Theatre in Union Square. It is the debut of the intrepid members of Infusion Improv, the long-form improv program I've been running for IT consulting firm Infusion Development. The program consists of software engineers and other IT types as well as real-life improvisers with NYC, DC, and Chicago training. They's funny, sexy, and remarkable, and I hope you'll check it out. Here is an awesome invite to the show.
See you soon!
April 24, 2007
(Tuesday)
Tonight was the world premiere of Infusion Improv at The D-Lounge in Union Square, New York City. The teams that performed were The Palm Vaginas and The iClowns.
It was a tremendous success.
Catch the show tomorrow with a different team! For the invitation, click here.
April 27, 2007
(Friday)
Unfortunately, I did not get into this year's New York International Fringe Festival with my submission A Real Sermon. I just received my letter today.