Lost
We are all familiar with the stereotypical NY attitude. Nothing makes me lose my “southern charm” faster than being in crowds. The subway is crowded. The grocery store is crowded. Central Park is crowded. My apartment is crowded.
Basically, what I’m saying is I lost all my “southern charm” years ago.
When I heard about a race in Central Park this morning I decided to take my 10-miler elsewhere. I ran up the west side towards the George Washington Bridge.
With the bridge in the horizon, I choose it as my destination. My plan was to run across the bridge to NJ and then back into Manhattan. I’d then catch a train ride back home. My plans were foiled when I reached the bridge. The path I ran took me under the bridge. There was no exit to get back to the road (the other side of the highway) that leads to the foot/bike path on the bridge. I decided to forge along the path. The path which was already pretty desolate, started to head through some woods.
A few miles before I reached the bridge I felt alone and uneasy. Heading back the way I came wasn’t a viable choice. Finally, the path brought me to a bridge that led to the street. Initially, I tried running up the hills in the neighborhood. The hills were insane. When I saw the subway station, I decided my run was over. I hopped onto the train having only ran 7.5 miles.
Look at how steep this part of the park is:
Who knew you could get lost running in Manhattan? Who knew I’d miss running with the crowds?
The winner of a box of Uncle Sam Cereal is Maria of Oh Healthy Day. Maria, send me your address, please!
I think I know whereabouts you were – I live up in that neighborhood and my usual running route takes me along the river from ca. 125th – 168th (I only go halfway up the hill that begins under the GWB). It’s strange that you were so alone, though. I guess maybe I’m used to it, but I don’t even really notice when there aren’t other people around on that stretch. In fact, I get kind of annoyed when there are!
ugh..nothing worse than being lost on a run or a workout that goes severely off course, we’ve all been there and it’s not pleasant!
I hate getting lost, despite the fact that I do it all the time. That’s the kind of instance where having Google Maps on your phone would come in really handy!
I hate the feeling of being lost! I don’t mind it quite as much on runs as when I’m driving or something because I feel like it’s easier to turn around without people honking at you every which way.
That is some adventure! Like you, I like to be aware of my surroundings & although I don’t like crowds, a few people around helps my mental well being.
Sometimes there’s safety (and comfort) in numbers, eh? You made a great decision.
That is a scary feeling! I have a great bike/run path only a couple miles from my house. It runs along the Blackstone River and it’s really pretty. I just never, ever run on it because I feel so alone when I do. I run early in the morning and I’m always afraid that something will happen to me out there. I have to stick to the streets where there are plenty of people, houses, and cars.
Haha, I definitely could get lost in NYC I’ll say that! probably anywhere I went would be lost! Luckily I’ve never been lost on a run (probably has to do with me running no more than like 4 miles haha), but at least you had the subway to save you!
Sorry you got lost – that can be so frustrating! I live up there and it’s tough to get onto the bridge path from the Greenway. The Greenway is even better (imo) north of the bridge. And if you’re interested in some beautiful trail (and hill) running in the city, Inwood Park has awesome trails – you’d never even remember you’re in the city!
getting lost is a big inhibitor for finding a new running path for me. But you always hearn something about your surroundings when you do!
Oh no! I would have totally been so angry, you handled it well. I get lost ALL the time, sad really. I’m honestly trying to make an effort to pay more attention. NYC is pretty big after all, even if it is an island.
good thing no one’s there to take advantage of the situation…
That scares me just thinking about it! If I had already run 7.5 miles, and found myself lost in Manhattan, I’d flip out! I would be exhausted (actually, I’d be exhausted after 3 miles….) and I’d probably cry. lol, ok maybe not. Anyway, good for you for going the “extra mile” and branching out form your typical routine. You learned something on the way! Crowds aren’t SO bad
I always get so frustrated when I realize when routes don’t pan out like I think they will!
How frustrating and scary, been there on bike rides and it’s no fun.
That sounds scary!
I hate being lost.
It’s weird how used to running in crowds we get here in NYC. Glad you found your way home!
I hate when sudden things make my plans more difficult. You still made the best of it though.
Crowds make me so nervous and skittish.
Ahh sorry you got lost love! I cant imagine feeling alone in the city lol!
At least it wasn’t a total bust and you got 7.5 in. I would have felt the same way, I hate crowds, but then I miss them when I’m completely alone.
I got lost on one of my long runs and after running around in a giant circle – about 10 times – I just about called my husband to come pick me up. I was so frustrated. I ended up walking almost 2 miles home – I hate being lost.
Yikes! That would freak me out. Haha, I totally hear you on the stereotypical NY attitude. I’m from upstate and when I visit a friend in Brooklyn I feel myself become b*tchy, due to the crowds (usually getting on the train or something). It’s so disconcerting bc I’m never usually like that.
Wow, glad you finally found a subway stop! I’ve been wanting to run across all three Manhattan/Brooklyn bridges in one long run (back and forth). I hear it’s challenging, but scenic!