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I keep hearing people talk about training for the marathon, I'm wondering what are some good places to run. Not 26 miles or anything, just some fun places or some good running resources.
New York is a great place to run, whether you are a beginner or veteran. Not only can you explore the city in a whole new way, as this Brooklyn runner is doing, but it's something that you can do on your own time, at relatively low cost. There are several main parks in the city that are very conducive to running. In the Bronx is Van Cortland Park, the third largest park in New York city at 1,146 acres. It has been called the "cross country mecca" because of its wooded trails, and it hosts the National Cross Country championships every year. In addition, there is a 400-meter track and you can connect to the Old Croton Aquaduct Trail - taking you to all the way to Yonkers.
Of course, one can't overlook New York's most famous park, Central Park. This is the site of the NY City Marathon's final 3.2 miles and many New Yorkers take advantage of the three different sites for running. The Park Drives circle the entire park, and can be broken into 6.1 mile, 5.2 mile, or 1.7 mile routes. The Reservoir track is a soft surface on a 2 degree slope and is 1.58 miles around. There are three soft surface bridle paths, two that are 1.5 miles and one that is 1.1 miles.
In Queens, there is Astoria Park, which is a bit smaller at 65 acres, but has a track right on the waterfront, and has excellent views of Manhattan and the Hell Gate and Triborough Bridges.
Prospect Park, in Brooklyn, has miles of roadways and paths for runners, including the Park Drive which is 3.35 miles. You can also run around the perimeter of the park on the sidewalks, which is 3.75 miles.
If you want to get off the beaten running paths of the parks and map out new routes for yourself, check out the USA Track & Field website, which allows you to search, by distance and location, routes that other people have created. Or you can put in your zipcode and create a new one for yourself. It's a great resource if you are curious how long potential routes are. (Another tip is that 20 city blocks equal a mile).
Both the East River and the Hudson River have paths along them that are relatively flat and have really beautiful views.
There are several running clubs throughout the city, if you can't get any of your friends to join you, or are looking to meet new people. They also offer a bit more structure, which is sometimes helpful for beginners. Links to running clubs are below.
Some basic recommendations for newbies: Go to a running store and have someone help you pick out the proper shoes. You won't regret it, and picking out the right shoes for you is trickier than just grabbing the ones that are the prettiest. Also, start off slow and build up gradually, while making stretching and cross training a priority. Your body will thank you, and you'll reduce the risk of injury and having to take time off to recouperate.
Some running clubs we came across: Prospect Park Track Club, New York Road Runners, Brooklyn Road Runners Club, Nike Running Club, and the Central Park Track Club
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These are good suggestions, and might I also add: Sign up for a 5k run as motivation, there are tons throughout the city on a regular basis - and at approximately 3.1 miles are managable for beginners. I never ran in my life before this summer, but I was determined to start running - and keep it up- so I signed up for a 5k in September to keep me motivated. It feels pretty good to be able to say I just ran my first-ever 5k!
The reservoir track is comfortable, although it's very narrow and crowded during "prime times." The best running I ever did was in college on a college track. Does anyone know of school tracks that are open to the public in New York City?
Another tip for beginners: Get your trainers a half size bigger so that you don't damage your toes.
I recommend Jack Rabbit as the best place in the city to get new running sneakers. They fit you, put you on a treadmill equipped with a video camera hooked to a computer, and then show you how you are coming down on each foot. From there they can make adjustments and find the perfect shoes for your feet. Most of the staff are runners, triathlons, bikers...all very knowledgeable about physiology and athletics.
Two locations: Manhattan on 14th not far from Union Square, and Brooklyn in Park Slope on 7th Avenue.
Also a good way to route out mileage:
www.gmap-pedometer.com
It's a nice run from 83rd all the way down to the piers on the Hudson, but it's best to go during very early mornings when there is little traffic. Otherwise you'll get a lung full of carbon monoxide. Approx. 4.25 miles
Riverside Park is a very underused and underrated park for runners, in my opinion. When I lived in Manhattan, I used to do a Central Park/Riverside combo.
In Brooklyn, I find the best hills are in Windsor Terrace because it's just not as crowded as in Park Slope. If you're into weird, industrial runs, I suggest loop around Greenwood Cemetery. It's not pretty, really, but it's an alternative.
Thanks for this, and the comments. Now I know my running route is over 4 miles. Awesome.
Personally, I love the Williamsburg Bridge, especially if you go from the city to Bklyn and back, what with the steeper incline on the way back.
Also, Sebastien, if you live downtown, the track at East River Park (FDR at 3rd Street-ish) is open to the public.
That track on the east side is closed. It's being renovated.
Way uptown, but Riverbank Park at 145th Street on the Hudson has a nice, squishy, 1/4 mile, high-school-style track that's free to use.
If you get bored of running the roads all the time, head out for some quality trail running! As mentioned, Van Cortland is awesome. Make sure to get off the main cross country path and explore the miles of winding single track. Other good runs include the aquaduct path in Highbridge park (158th to Dyckman), and Pelham bay park.
For a great long run, hop over the GWB and run the long path and or shore trail in the NJ Palisades. The entrance is just off the bridge's north sidewalk. http://www.njpalisades.org/longpath.htm
The Central Park Conservancy has a great PDF map of Central Park with the mileage for segments of the park drives.
Speaking of Central Park, have any other runners been irked by the newly painted runner icons on the sidewalks paralleling (more or less) the south loop? While the recreation lane can be narrow for cyclists and runners - and strollers, and bladers, and tourists - to share, the sidewalks are a poor substitute for the park drives for serious runners. A more equitable solution to any cyclist complaints would have been to divide the recreation lane, as with the drives further north (or ideally, of course, to close the drives to cars), not to shunt runners off onto crowded, less well maintained pavement with inferior lighting.
Thanks for the tips (I almost feel like I'm guilty of a threadjack!)
I'm going to keep the East River Park and Riverbank Park on my list of things to visit. Thanks again.
Cheers!
Ideas for those who live near downtown Brooklyn:
Fort Greene Park in Brooklyn is great for running. If you run the full park loop, it's a little less than a mile. There are hills, stairs, and a water fountain. It's great if you like to zone out while you run, and it's a bit more interesting that a track.
There is a high school track on Fulton Street near Atlantic Center.
Also, bridge loops are fun. I have done the Brooklyn Bridge to Manhattan Bridge loop and the Williamsburg Bridge to Manhattan Bridge loop. Bridges are great because you feel like you're out in the open and the view is nice.
Does anyone know of gyms in Brooklyn or Manhattan with an inddor running track?
Prospect Park YMCA has a (very small) indoor track.
Marvelous. Thanks, will spread this among my friends!
Marvelous. Thanks, will spread this among my friends!
Marvelous. Thanks, will spread this among my friends!
Marvelous. Thanks, will spread this among my friends!