Hungry Travels

I have an ugly scar on my right shin, the result of a stupid tumble I took during a run in June. (Note to self: Don’t hop over a chain and fiddle with your iPod at the same time.)  The scar may never go away, and that’s okay — it’ll remind me of the hard work my Team in Training teammates and I put in this summer preparing for triathlon season.

Now the big moment has arrived: One week from Sunday, we’ll be participating with close to 1,600 other competitors in the Westchester Triathlon.  We met up at Molly Spillane’s tonight for a send-off party.

Molly Spillane’s is a good choice for a function — while all the bustle happens downstairs, there’s a private upstairs party room with its own bar and patio.

We went over a few race details while noshing on a spread of veggies…

Bruschetta…

Quesadillas…

And chicken fingers.

“It smells good in here,” people said, walking into the room. “I smell fried food.”  Yup, that would be the chicken fingers. Why must fried food smell and taste so perfect??

(Note: I was getting a lot of crap from my teammates — apparently, some of them are worried that I don’t eat.  Oh, if they only knew.  I didn’t mention the irony that I write a food blog.)

Mainly though, the purpose of tonight was to celebrate the achievements of a remarkable team of more than 40 participants.

This team has raised over $134,000 for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, to help fund blood cancer research and patient services.  $134,000!!   That’s mind-boggling.

I’ve watched teammates who could barely make it up a small incline at SUNY Purchase in June, transform into athletes capable of climbing major hills and swimming a mile in the Long Island Sound with ease.

Together we’ve endured spills, aches and pains, blisters, downpours, scorching temps, cramps, early morning workouts, rogue dogs darting across the street, jellyfish stings and sea lice (you don’t want to know).

So on Sunday, September 27th, beginning at 7 am, come to Rye Town Park to cheer us on.  You’ll have a great time — it’s a party-like atmosphere down there.  Whether you know someone in the race or just want to support the triathletes, your encouragement helps us immensely.  You wouldn’t believe how much.

Like the rest of my teammates, I’m down to fighting weight, ready to rock and roll.

Let’s race.

Molly Spillane’s
211 Mamaroneck Ave.
Mamaroneck, NY
914-899-3130