Yesterday morning I enjoyed a long run in Central Park starting at 6:15am. Staying at the Essex made access to the park pretty easy. I was nervous about running alone in the park so early in the morning, only to find that I was not alone and judging by the looks on the faces - it was not early either. I was truly amazed by all the runners and cyclists, huge pelotons flying around. Go NYC, I didn’t know the park was so much fun and the crowds so thick. I thought I was in Colorado. I did say Hello to everyone I passed, and I think I caught some people off guard. That park is a GEM and if I lived in NYC I would be there all the time, and swim at NYAC maybe? Who knew?
Yes training in NYC has a lot of disadvantages, but the Central Park is one of the reasons to stay here. I pretty much do all my weekly training in there and leave the city on the weekends for a longer ride. if you can bear the repetitions of the loop and the trails, it’s great. Especially when the cars are banned. After one year of training you will see most of your friends on a Sunday morning training run. And yes, I’m also amazed at the odd times people are training. Just watch out for the roller bladers.
Stefan
Prospect Park in good old Brooklyn has a similar, though a bit more low-key vibe. I love training there, and do, a lot.
stefan - congrats on your phenomenal performance in AZ. I guess the triple spin classes rank up there with the central park loops as a secret to your winter success?!?
Thanks Paul. Also for reminding me on these dark moments…
I guess that goes into the mental aspect of racing :o)
I remember being on a spinning bike for more than 4hrs, because I couldn’t stand the solitude at my cycling trainer at home anymore. Would rather forget about this on such a nice and sunny day though.
Spring is finally here.
Stefan
I run to the NYAC from my apartment on the uper westside. Give a swim lesson then run back through the park to my apartment. Change cloths, get my bike out and do a few loops. If you go out at the same time each day you get to know everyone out there. Central Park is like a little bit of heaven. There are always people doing some kind of physical activity there.
DougStern
Central Park is an amazing place. I have only been to NYC for business, but have really enjoyed getting up early and heading to Central Park for a run in the morning. As you found out you are never alone, and there always seems to be someone running your pace whether you are running sub 6:00 min miles or over 9:00 min miles.
I think that it might get boring if that was the ONLY place that I could run, but for the odd visit that I make to NYC, it’s great.
Fleck
JMG, you have nailed my program. I swim at NYAC and bike and run in the park (or on a NYAC treadmill if the weather is not cooperating). I do head out to eastern Long Island on the weekends where I do some longer rides, but I do appreciate the Central Park rides. The loop is just slightly longer than 6 miles and makes for a perfect basis for some interval training. Plus, the hills are reasonably good too. This time of year I actually prefer riding in the park because out in Eastern Long Island, I might only see one other cyclist every half hour… it can be cold and lonely.
David