Happy New Year, 2018

Midnight run in Central Park

We started off 2018 in Central Park New York City running the four mile midnight run.  It is the coldest New Years ever since 1917.  It was 10 degrees at the start with a real feel of -4.  This has been on Sandy’s bucket list for many years and not even a century old record breaking cold weather temperature could dissuade her from being there.  The event was sold out with 5,000 runners.  The run starts right at midnight with fireworks going off overhead so close by that we could smell the smoke.  It is not easy to run and watch fireworks at the same time.  There was a water station at the two mile mark serving cups of water which were frozen solid followed by cups of frozen champagne. Then there was the new years eve dance station at the half way mark where runners stopped to dance to music blaring from speakers. It was such a memorable run of people bonding physically en mass together to stay warm while waiting to run in frigid conditions to high fiving race volunteers and NYC police along the route who kept us safe and motivated to finish.  It was an inspirational  way for us to begin year two of our Living the dream Retirement Adventure.

By the way, we found out this morning that Sandy came in second in her age group.  She could have come in first if she hadn’t elected to stay with Jim who has been struggling with stamina/endurance issues for the past year.

24 responses to “Happy New Year, 2018”

  1. Don & Madeleine Leone Avatar
    Don & Madeleine Leone

    Happy New Year you 2 !! great stuff. I never cease to be amazed by your zest for living and the fun things you do along the way. Love the blog idea. Keep us posted. Don & Madeleine

  2. Jennifer Braverman Avatar
    Jennifer Braverman

    Wishing you and your family a happy and healthy 2018! What an incredible way to ring in the new year! Congrats Sandy on coming in 2nd in your age group! You rock!!

  3. What a wonderful few days in NYC with the Steens.

  4. You guys are absolutely CRAZY!!!!!! And what a FABULOUS thing to do- together 🙂 We spent NY’s eve hunkered down at our condo in Bartlett- where it was a mere -4 degrees last night!!!!
    We actually DID manage to stay awake to watch the NYC ball drop…. Kinda anticlimactic from prior experiences 🙁 Looking forward to a BRAND NEW YEAR, especially as the last 2 have had many sorrows and disappointments…..
    Will we see you back ’round the HUB before you take off trekking?????
    xoxoxoxoxoxooxoxoxoxoxoxox

    1. The two of you sure are living the dream. I am so very happy for you. Happy New Year May 2018 bring joy and happiness to you both 🎉🍷❤️
      Love, Irene

  5. You two are my heroes!!! Happy New Year!!!

  6. It was spectacular. Happy New Year to you also.

  7. It sounds like a memorable evening and that’s what it’s all about! Happy New Year!

  8. You are TOO COOL for words….just amazing…..what a way to ring in 2018!!!
    xoxo

    1. What fun!! How did you ever stand the cold. You are so brave!
      Happy new Year
      Ginny & Kevin

  9. You two are awesome. Miss you and love you.

  10. Kudos to you, Steens! This was out first time in years to stay up until midnight. No fireworks at 7 here in Boston because of the bitter cold. That was a disappointment. You are missed!

    1. Glad to know you decided to stay up…I hope we weren’t all too noisy after midnight! 🙂

  11. jim and sheila McArdle Avatar
    jim and sheila McArdle

    you are our “WOW” couple friends. Courageous,fun loving and always up for a new adventure! that’s what we love about you both!!! New York at midnight is magical even when it is bone chilling cold!
    love and a happy new year. can’t wait to hear about Tel Aviv.
    Sheila and Jim McArdle

  12. You are both amazing!! Happy healthy 2018😘😘

  13. Great way to start the New Year…checking off your bucket list! Congratulations!

  14. You are unbelievable and fantastic! What a way to begin the New Year.

  15. Christina Larson Avatar
    Christina Larson

    I am so impressed with all your accomplishments and thanks so much for sharing!
    With Love the the New Year!!

    1. This is just a test, I would rather reply with our personal email as this seems more impersonal. Thanks for all of your help with EVERYTHING over the past couple of years.
      JFS

  16. Audrey O’Connor Avatar
    Audrey O’Connor

    You guys are our heroes!! Truly inspirational ❤️

    1. Sandy came in 2nd in her age group. She could have been first if she hadn’t stayed with me who is still struggling with endurance issues.
      JFS

      1. I wondered if you guys would be in Times Square. Didn’t know they had this run. Sorry to hear that Jim continues to hold Sandy back from achieving her full potential.

  17. Hard to know what to say. I was in bed at 11:30, balmy 57 degrees outside, I could hear the fireworks but didn’t try to see them . Drank eggnog with the grandkids, worked on a puzzle, watched Sharks with them and made brownies. Their folks came home from dinner at 1030.Happy New Year!! LOL A wonderful life however you choose to live it.

  18. Happy Happy New Year!That is so awesome!Wish I was there with yall!

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