In the wake of Superstorm Sandy, Icebreaker learned of a plea for underwear for displaced residents. “What we do need right now … is underwear. Undergarments for children and adults,” Staten Island Borough President James Molinaro told a local TV program. “That’s what we need. That’s what we’re in desperate need of.”
Icebreaker has answered the call with a donation of 500 pairs of underwear. Pictured here is Our NYC Regional Manager Autumn Joyce and John Fletcher of Grand Central Neighboorhood Social Services
Last week, Kiwi athlete, Melissa Moon, took out the women’s title in the annual Empire State Building Run-up – for the second time in her career! Here’s Melissa’s step-by-step account of her race to the top:
“Before the race, the Empire State Building foyer was abuzz with people. But I was feeling a sense of calm, reminding myself of the Personal Best time I’d done in my training run up New Zealand’s Majestic Tower, and focusing on my key words – Kia Toa, Kia Kaha, Kia Manawanui – be brave, be strong, be persevering!
At 7.45pm, the elite women’s field assembled on the starting line. We were given our instructions, ‘Take your marks’… and the horn blew!
I was second through the stairwell door, behind five-time winner Cindy Harris. I already knew she was a fast starter, too fast for me. My biggest concern for those first 5-10 floors was pace judgement. I was in my zone – aware of those behind me, but concentrating solely on technique and pace. At about floor 16, a group of four of us passed Cindy.
I knew the next part (floors 20 – 68) would be gruelling. I prepared my mind for the challenge, put my head down, kept pushing the pace. At floor 40, there were three of us – myself; three-time winner, Suzy Walsham; and World Ironwoman Champion, Chrissie Wellington. Then, at about floor 50, Chrissie dropped behind.
At around floor 68, I grabbed a cup of water, splashed it on my face, repeated my three key words and just went for it… Eighteen floors later, I crossed the finish line, clocking 12 minutes, 39 seconds – 30 seconds faster than my 2010 time and nearly 30 seconds ahead of Suzy. It was exhilarating – finishing on top of the world’s most iconic building, at night, surrounded by snowflakes. I was a very proud Kiwi!
- Melissa Moon, Icebreaker Sponsored Athlete
Melissa shared her tips with us on how to prepare before the event – they obviously paid off!
Here’s a Blog post from our friends at Running Caffeinated who helped us launch our SoHo NYC Run Club on Wednesday night:
In a word, tonight was…fantabulous! Yes, it was that cool that I had to invent a word to describe it. Icebreaker, the run gear that everyone runner should be wearing, just launched their very own run group with, Running Caffeinated! We couldn’t have asked for a better turnout on this dreary NYC evening. We kicked-off the very first run with an easy 4 miles along the West Side Highway. And awaiting us at the store – an amazing spread of food.
What made the night even more spectacular was special guest, Kathrine Switzer, the very first woman to officially run the Boston Marathon. Her spirit, energy and passion for the sport are inspiring and infectious. I practically jumped out of my skin when I say living legend Kathrine Switzer. She is such a warm and welcoming person you just want to give her a hug and that’s exactly what I did, I couldn’t help myself!
Even cooler, was the fact that she accompanied us on our run. She took the time to chat with each runner in the group. She listened as everyone anxiously spilled their own passion for running, what they were training for, past accomplishments, etc.
The post-run cuisine was better than what you’d find in a five star restaurant. And while water and Gatorade are usually the only rehydrating options, every now and then it’s nice to have some fine New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc or an IPA to go with that salmon ceviche or lamb pie. And for dessert, yes, dessert, raspberry lamington. Chef Mark Simmons took the post-run food table to a completely new level.
The evening wrapped up with a motivational, inspiring and entertaining talk from Kathrine about her quest to compete the Motatapu Icebreaker Marathon and the race that started it all, that fateful day in Boston.
If you missed the chance to join us for our inaugural run don’t worry; we’ll be back next Wednesday and every Wednesday after that, same time, same place, same Icebreaker run shirt. Because it’s No Stink!
- Carol Buonanno & Kelly Burnes, Running Caffeinated
