Today is off to a GREAT start! The plan was to meet JP on the corner for a run in Central Park, but I knew she was feeling a bit under the weather and on the fence about running today. So, I wasn't shocked when I received a text from her first thing saying she was going to have to bail. Definitely disappointed. I was looking forward to catching up with her, but that wasn't going to stop me! At 6am it was already 47 degrees and the sun was peaking out!
After settling on an outfit I thought may work in this in between weather, I filled up my water bottles (the water fountains haven't been turned back on yet), laced up my shoes and was out the door just after 6:30am. My feet were feeling good (and still are!), the weather is absolutely gorgeous and there werre lots of other runners, bikers and walkers already in the park. I started out at the 72nd St entrance on 5th Ave and headed north. This is my usual route in the park but it's a bit annoying because you practically start right off with Cat Hill, which is not my favorite way to start a run.
My legs felt a bit heavy throughout the run. After several months off from real running, I definitely need to retrain them on how to turn over quickly. I'd love to take another NYRR running class because I was at my fastest when I took one before, but unfortunately I don't think that's going to happen right now.
Anyway, after I started off I decided on the 5.5 mile route. Well, it's about that long. I did the middle 4 mile loop and added a loop of the reservoir. I love running the reservoir. It's absolutely beautiful and peaceful. The best of both worlds since you are running along a serene body of water (yes, man made, but still water) but you still see the city skyline.
I love running in the park because there are SO many people. I am inspired by seeing people from all different walks of life at different levels of fitness, outside enjoying the park, the weather, the ability to move and doing something healthy and being active. I know, I'm sounding really lame right now, but it's true and please don't try to tell me that you don't enjoy this too. I won't buy it.
The route finished at the Boathouse so I stretched by the Conservatory Water, although there is no water right now. Here's a tip for anyone who doesn't live near Central Park: if you love dogs, come to the park in the morning and you will be amazed by what you'll see. There are dogs everywhere. I seriously think that just about every dog that lives near the park is there in the morning. It's a dog convention.
The one thing I do find a bit odd about running in the park is the stark constrast that hits you straight in the face when you leave it. As calm and beautiful as the park is, even when it's packed and crazy, outside of it is loud, dirty and hectic. But, even morning rush hour traffic isn't going to ruin the good mood I'm in after this run!
After chatting up with my Doormen friends on the way home, I'm enjoying a filling breakfast of greek yogurt, flax seeds, cinnamon, banana, and granola with a mug of green tea.
I already have plans to pack up my lunch later today and eat in the park. I've heard it's going to rain Thurs - Sun, so I'm definitely taking advantage of this weather while I can!
Hope you all have a great day!!
9 comments:
I just want to say how much I've been enjoying your blog. My friend Jenny suggested I check it out when I asked for running/nutrition/fitness blog recommendations, and I think we have very similar outlooks. :)
Great job getting out there for a run! It can be hard to find the motivation to do it, especially when it's chilly.
Stopping by from SITS :)
OMG I sooooooo want to go run Central Park now... *sigh* Thanks for sharing your run and I'm with you, I get a smile on my face anytime I see anyone outside working on their fitness. Spike & I spent all weekend cheering on runner's we passed as we drove around the state! LOL!
OK I'm starting to think we're the same person. I love passing the dogs in the park and today for b'fast I mixed greek yogurt, flax seeds, strawberries and banana. I'm so bummed it's going to ran this weekend though!
too funny!! Email me sometime if you want to get together for a run or coffee. Would love to meet you!
Sounds like such a wonderful run! I love sunny morning runs! I wish there were more runners out when I run but honestly that might scare me too since it is dark out!
Sounds like a great run! I visited NY once and that was to run the marathon in 2008. I love CP. Looking forward to following your blog.
Jill
I really needed to read this post today. I've been in a running funk and it's always soooooo inspiring to hear other have great runs and see pictures of where other people run.
Thanks for sharing.
PS That breakfast looks amazing!
Sunny mornings running in the park, what could be better? Very nice recap...you should forward this to all your non-running city friends.
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