Hot Child in the City

Today, I ran my long run for the week.  I ran a nice 10 mile route along the West Side Highway.    My normal routes are varying loops in Central Park.  I promise that as of today, I will not complain about running circles in the park.

Central Park

Often, I complain about Central Park.  I long for my old running routes along the hilly roads of Tennessee.  My favorite long runs were usually quiet and peaceful.  The out and back course often included a 7-eleven pit stop and very few encounters with other runners.  Since moving to NYC 9 years ago, 95% of my running is in Central Park.  No 7-eleven.  No peace.  No quiet.  Running in CP is great, don’t get me wrong.  It just doesn’t allow me the element of escapism that I crave while running.

West Side Highway

While running along the West Side Hwy, I kept having visions of Central Park…the shade from the trees, the undulating hills, the water fountians.  The West Side Highway couldn’t give me what I needed.   Central Park has it all.  Because the West Side Highway fell short, my 10 mile run was as painful as any 20-miler in the park.

Before today's sweat sesh

Central Park, I hope you can forgive me for the unkind feelings I sometimes experience.  You do offer all I need for my runs.