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?
thats so awesome, way to go! I am so jealous you have such an awesome place to run!
I am always motivated by other runners!
Nice! I finally returned to the morning run this week too. Central Park has been gorgeous and full of happy people all week! The thought of those views and the sunshine definitely helps get me out of bed a little earlier. Congrats on a great run.
I was watching for you the whole time I ran this morning!
Good job!
Thanks pretty lady! Some day running your distance will be like no big deal but for now, I’ll take this accomplishment! 🙂
Very nice run!!
Such pretty pictures! I feel like Chicago’s lake front path is the equivalent to New Yorks central park..its the place to be for runners!
So glad you had such a good morning in central park! I live on the UWS so find myself there most mornings and never really seem to get bored. The bridle path is my favorite place to run! And I have had some trouble with the fountains not being on but glad that seems to have been resolved as of today. Here’s to enjoying nice mornings in Central Park before the humidity hits…
Great run! I have been heading out to Central Park in the evenings now and the reservoir has been great.
I thought they turned the fountains off to prevent them from freezing in the winter. Either way, I am happy that they are back now! Makes all the difference 🙂
I want more then anything to run in Central Park. I think I will plan a trip to NYC next year just to cross this off my list.
running in central park is my dream! when i finally make it to NYC (never been!) i hope you are around so I could run with you!!!
Oh my gosh, this makes me miss living near Central Park SO much. Of course, when I lived near the park I didn’t run and now that I do, we are in the worst neighborhood ever for it so I’m hoping to start making it there on the weekends. Great job and hope to run into you one day!
Nothing beats the energy in Central Park in the morning. Glad you got out and enjoyed it!
it looks like a beautiful run! congrats on getting it done early!
Nice job on the run! Love that last picture of the skyline, beautiful!
Awesome job! That’s a great pace! I’m exceedingly jealous that you get to run in Central Park.