Dominican Republic

Punta Cana

NH Real Arena - Bavaro Beach

May 24 - 29, 2009

Family Vacation

Punta Cana, on the eastern tip of the Dominican Republic, is what Caribbean postcards are made of: twenty-five miles of white sand, swaying coconut trees and more than 35 resorts (which by law cannot be taller than a palm tree). European tourists long ago discovered Punta Cana and Americans are now catching on. At this affordable tropical getaway, most guests choose to stay in all-inclusive resorts. The town itself isn't a tourist draw; the primary purpose of Punta Cana is relaxation by the sea.

I managed to run or walk ever day on the beach (tough life), and we did a little sports fishing, kayaking, snorkeling, sunbathing, swimming, eating and drinking. Jim, MB, Adam and Dan joined Sue, Jill, Amanda and me on the trip, we had a blast and it was a great family trip!

Day 287 - June 7, 2009

Miles Run To Date: 302.3 Miles
Miles Walked To Date: 367.0 Miles
Total Miles Walked/Run To Date: 669.3 Miles

AHA Wall Street Run & Heart Walk

American Heart Association Start! Wall Street Run & Heart Walk
May 19, 2009

The Start! Wall Street Run & Heart Walk is a 5K (3.1 mile) competitive run and non-competitive walk to raise awareness and funds to support the American Heart Association's mission to build healthier lives free of cardiovascular diseases and stroke – the nation’s No. 1 and No. 3 killers. Approximately 12,000 people participate in this year's event including Memorial Milers Joan Hamilton, Paul Pietropaolo, Connie Lee and her brother Peter Lee.

The AHA Start! Wall Street Run & Heart Walk traveled a circuitous route through Lower Manhattan, starting on Greenwich Street at Murray Street and finishing on the Esplanade. The exact route is as follows: Head north from the start on Greenwich Street, turn right on Warren Street, right on Church Street, left on Dey Street (becomes John St), right on William Street and continuing down on South William Street, left on Broad Street, left on Pearl Street, right on John Street, right on Water Street (turns into State Street and continues along Battery Park), left on Battery Place, left on Third Place, and right on the Esplanade to the finish near Liberty Street.

More than 27,000 people in New York City alone die from heart disease and stroke each year. At the Start! Wall Street Run and Heart Walk you can visit the Create Hope, Inspire Change and Celebrate Success communities, featuring free health screenings, nutrition and fitness information, resources on heart disease and stroke, product sampling and more.

What is Start?
The Issue Cardiovascular disease is our nation’s No. 1 killer. Physical inactivity significantly increases the risk of heart disease and stroke. Seventy percent of Americans don’t get enough exercise, blaming lack of time and lack of motivation. Ignoring fitness and health increases chances for disease.

The Start! Solution Start! is the American Heart Association’s groundbreaking national campaign that calls on all Americans and their employers to create a culture of physical activity and health to live longer, heart-healthy lives through walking. Promoting physical activity through workplace walking programs can help employees reduce their risk for heart disease and stroke and lead longer, stronger, healthier lives.

Joan and Paul on Broadway, heading to the start of the race.

Joan, Paul, Peter and Connie before the start of the race.

The runners take off!

Paul with the Brooklyn Cyclone mascot at the finish of the race.

Tucson, Arizona

On May 14, 2009 I flew out to Tucson Arizona to pick-up Amanda as she wrapped up her freshman year at The University of Arizona. While I was there I managed to get some runs in and we took a little hike in the Saguaro National Park. Amanda had a great year at the U of A, and she was ready to come home for the summer.

The Saguaro Wilderness Area:

The Saguaro Wilderness Area was officially designated as wilderness in 1976. This large, road less back country consists of 57,930 acres within the Rincon Mountain District of Saguaro National Park. It is bounded on three sides by the 38,590 acre Rincon Mountain Wilderness Area, which lies within the Coronado National Forest. Although these wilderness areas are adjacent to one another, management philosophies differ.

Plant communities within the Saguaro Wilderness Area vary from hot and dry desert scrub to cool and moist pine forest. Six different biotic communities are represented here including: desert scrub, desert grassland, oak woodland, pine-oak woodland, pine forest and mixed conifer forest. This biologically diverse area supports a tremendous variety of plant and animal species. Please help protect this wild and wonderful place; leave all natural and cultural objects as you find them. It’s a great place to visit and if you get to Tucson, you should plan on making your way to this park.

Lodge on the Desert: This where I stayed!