We are sometimes asked why we don’t have treadmills at Webster. I say…Really? Isn’t it so much more fun to go outdoors and enjoy a walk or a run in this amazing City?
I have two favorite routes: The Central Park Loop and the Hudson River Greenway.
To reach Central Park, take the A, C or 1 Subway line uptown to 59th Street and enter the Park at Columbus Circle. If you’re feeling ambitious, try the full 6 mile Park Drive Loop. The Park Drive follows the perimeter of the Park and is occasionally occupied by vehicular traffic. Unless the City changes its policy, you’ll see the famous horse-drawn carriages, too. The route has a few challenging hills, balanced by plenty of water fountains. It’s safe, it’s beautiful, and people-watching opportunities abound.
To reach The Hudson River Greenway, just turn right (west) when leaving Webster and keep walking to the river. You can’t miss the paved path that runs from Upper Manhattan all the way to the Staten Island Ferry. Highlights include the Statue of Liberty, Chelsea Piers, USS Intrepid and the George Washington Bridge. These paths were designed specifically for runners and bikers. It’s flat, it’s sunny, and you’ll never feel lonely!
Planning on being in New York in the fall? This year’s New York City Marathon is on November 2nd. It’s huge: 50,266 finishers last year. Yikes! It begins in Staten Island, continues through Brooklyn, Queens and the Bronx, and with a spectacular finish in Central Park. Not up for 26.2 miles quite yet? New York Roadrunners sponsors shorter races in Central Park nearly every weekend.
Do I sound enthusiastic? I am. I’ve had the astounding experience of running The New York City Marathon four times and the honor of qualifying for and finishing my tenth marathon, Boston, this past April. (That’s me at Mile 20!) Time of my life!
It’s spring (finally). The days are getting longer. Who needs a treadmill? We’ve got New York at our doorstep!
