Last week I flew to NYC to participate in a 2000 meter row (on a rowing machine in a gym, not on water) with a group of people I train with online, led by my amazing trainer and friend Beth Lewis.
The 2K race was the “reason” for going, but the “purpose” of the trip as I wrote last week was to practice being out in the world and traveling solo.
The practice began right out of the gate. My husband dropped me off at the airport at 5am Thursday morning and I cruised through security with plenty of time for the 6:30am departure. Plenty of time to settle into my hotel later that afternoon, walk around the city some, relax and get some good rest before the race on Friday.
What airport was I flying into you ask?? Newark airport.
After 3 hours of delays my flight was canceled. The airline rebooked me on the next available flight arriving at JFK on Friday at 4:30pm - 2 hours before the start of race. My heart sank.
My gut reaction was to cancel. It wasn’t meant to be. I was only going for a couple days anyway and I had the option to participate in the row on Zoom which would be a lot easier (and more logical) than flying across the country for a less than 10 minute race.
I messaged Beth to say I didn’t think I could make it to the row on time. But she encouraged me to still come. Worst case scenario I’d be late but I could still meet everyone Friday night and row on Saturday solo.
After I had time to compose myself, I remembered the purpose of this trip. It wasn’t about the race. It was to travel by myself and get used to rolling with the inevitable punches of travel. To navigate unfamiliar places. To meet and connect with new people in new places.
No matter what does or does not happen, I’ll learn something regardless.
So I went for it and it was awesome.
FRIDAY
My flight arrived on time at JFK at 4:30pm. I took the AirTrain and then the E train into the city.
I got off at Washington Square Park and walked to my hotel.
I checked in at 6:01pm, dropped my bags, and changed.
6:20pm I walked to Union Square and met the rest of the crew outside the gym.
7:00pm I rowed my 2K, relishing in the feeling of working hard, being with all these people I had only known online, and having Beth yell in my ear to “Open your eyes and push!” against the soundtrack of Rage Against the Machine. (My husband was rowing in heat two and was watching on Zoom!)
We gathered at a bar afterwards to visit. What a incredible pleasure to talk with and get to know some of these people I’ve been working out with online for nearly four years!
Unattached to the outcome and just in the moment, I found myself calm and resolute the whole day. No frenzy, no stress. It was such a powerful and memorable experience.
SATURDAY
I took my time Saturday morning, unpacking my suitcase and getting my bearings.
I went to Blue Bottle for a coffee, and enjoyed watching the Manhattanites settle into their weekend.
I fueled up at Los Tacos No.1 before making my way to SoHo.
My first stop was Tibi…
I tried on so many beautiful things including this gorgeous dress (which I did not buy) though I did have a few other things shipped to my house…
I bought this Pleats Please bag from the MoMA store…
And this sweet neoprene bag at Topologie…
I got on the subway at the Canal Street station, went the wrong way, got off and course corrected and went to meet Beth and friends in the West Village for dinner.
Saturday’s step count…
SUNDAY
A quiet 8am walk through Washington Square Park to Leon’s Bagels…
Mid-morning I made my way over to Chelsea and the High Line. I popped into Muji and stocked up on my favorite travel containers. I took the subway up to Central Park and walked until my legs protested.
MONDAY
I had a lovely breakfast at Jack’s Wife Freda and sat outside Blue Bottle with my coffee watching people go by before the rain showed up.
When it was time to head to the airport I walked down W 8th St to catch the E train, like I knew what I was doing. Because it turns out, I did. I just needed some practice.
even better the second hearing!
Love
Ali
Such good practice 🌃