Runners!

Get psyched for tomorrow. Please read a few last minute updates and details to prepare for a great run.

Updates
- Come at 3pm if you want to hang out. Follow the sounds of the African drummers in the park. Yes, that's right -- our own little drum section to set the rhythm. They will be playing from 3pm to 4pm.
- We're going to start the run by taking a swing by the Clinton Foundation. See Chris's post on that, and the spirit of the run.
- Looks like it's going to be hot. Almost 90 degrees. Clear skies.

What to Bring
- If you're going barefoot, it's a good idea to STILL BRING FOOTWEAR. Maybe carry a pair of VFFs.
- You may want to put on a little sunscreen.
- Bring water. It’s going to be a toasty out there tomorrow. Water stops are going to be necessary but hit or miss, so make sure to bring a handheld, waistpack or hydration pack, like this or this. We’ll stop to refuel along the way, but with a pack of 50-some (and counting) runners, everyone is going to have to look out for themselves. Our route will pass by multiple water fountains in Central Park (when we enter, in the middle, and when we exit), but there are going to be nearly 50 of us. We do plan to stop to buy water just before the Queensboro Bridge (and we'll take some pictures too).
- A little money, a metro card, and whatever you need to get home from Brooklyn. And bring ID if you purchased Born to Run through Word online and want to pick it up.
- An awesome attitude, an open mind, and a good old-fashioned pair of feet

Party and Book Talk
- Word Bookstore will be providing the refreshments and grub for runners after the run.
- Word Bookstore has waived the $25 fee for those participating in the run. ((Sorry for last minute notice if you've already bought. Me included. You'll get your book! They are also providing the refreshments at the end of the race, so they are going out of their way big time to make this a fun event.)
- Word Bookstore has instituted a No Shoes, No Problem policy for the book talk. All hail, Word Bookstore!!!

Timing and Route
- Route Map
- Start: Marcus Garvey Park (NW corner at 124th and Mt. Morris Park)
- Timing: We'll start to gather and hang out at 3pm. We'll leave Marcus Garvey Park at 4pm. We expect to be at American Playground by 6pm. Book talk at 7:30pm.
- Finish: American Playground, near Word Bookstore at 126 Franklin Street, Brooklyn (Franklin and Milton)
- If you're meeting up with us, it's hard to know what the actual pace will be. I'd bet not super fast, since the idea here is just to have a good time. I wouldn't be surprised if the bulk of the group runs a 9 to 10 minute mile. It's hard to judge, and people may want to run faster or slower. Wish there was a better way to meet up with us...but do some estimates based on the distance, and odds are, we'll still be on the way.

So awesome...

John

PS - I want you to know that all my emails to look like mass mail fundraising letters, even to friends and family.