After weeks of seeing Ali’s gorgeous pictures and Central Park running recaps, I finally got my ass up to Central Park for a morning run!
I went to sleep at 10 last night, so I could wake up bright and bushy tailed at 5:05! My goal for the week was to complete a Central Park run before leaving for Atlanta. Each week I talk about running outside, but always find myself inside Equinox on a boring treadmill.
This morning I enjoyed my first pre-work Central Park run EVER! I loved every single second of it!
Even though I had the challenge of being outside versus on a treadmill, I was able to maintain a great pace the whole run!
Mile 1 9:56
Mile 2 9:55
Mile 3 9:49
Mile 4 9:33
Mile 5 9:34
Mile 6 9:55
Mile 6-6.9 9:35
I used the 63rd street Equinox as my “home base” this morning, arriving by 5:45 so I could drop off my purse and change of clothes, before heading towards Central Park. From Equinox, I ran up Park until 68th street where I cut over towards Central Park.
The windows and buildings in the Upper West Side are absolutely gorgeous!
Once I hit the park, I headed towards the Reservoir, where I wanted to do some speed work on the nice soft, flat surface.
The park was lush with Spring growth and filled with other runners and cyclists enjoying the amazing weather!
I said hello to my dog friend before heading up towards Cat Hill.
The cyclists were so fast!! I saw multiple groups training together including the Lipstick Triathlon team!
Oh hello Cat Hill! I focused on my form and sprinting up the hill as quickly as possible!
Once reaching the Reservoir I was pleasantly surprised to find functioning water fountains. During the winter months the city turns off the water fountains as a cost saving method and you never know when they’ll turn them back on.
I stretched for a second and then enjoyed a few sips of water before tackling speed training on the reservoir path. My goal was to maintain less than a 9:40 pace during my loops. Seeing Ali inspired me to be even faster as she sprinted right by me while I stretched!
Check out the gorgeous scenery I enjoyed while I looped the reservoir!
I chased this guy for a quarter mile before finally passing him!
By the end of my last lap I was exhausted!
But not too exhausted to savor one last glance of the skyline before heading back towards Equinox.
6.9 miles later I felt refreshed, excited to have finally run outside, and inspired for my upcoming races! Running at least once per week in Central Park has now become my number one workout goal! Yoga and swimming will come in good time but for now, I want to enjoy every last week of Spring weather before it gets hot and humid in New York City!
Question: Who is your workout inspiration?
