I read a lot of blogs. A lot. About half of them have to do with running. Most of the rest are about photography.
Many of the running blogs are about running on trails. I enjoy them all. Since most of my running is done in lower Manhattan I don’t run many trails so sometimes I get a little jealous. But the other day I was thinking about this and realized that I DO run trails.
Most of the time I run along the Hudson or East rivers where there are boardwalks of sorts. But sometimes I run routes that take me on some of the most famous streets in the world, such as Broadway, Wall Street, and Canal Street. I maintain that these runs ARE trail runs. I have to weave in and out of pedestrian traffic, step around obstacles, jump up and down curbs, turn corners, etc. To give you an idea of what I’m talking check out this video I took running down Broadway:
OK, it’s not the Sierra Nevada, I’ll give you that. But the bobbing and weaving is really good for my feet. It exercises more muscles because of the varying turns and speeds.
What do you think? Am I crazy?
Bob (Downtown Runner)
(your mileage may vary)
{ 10 comments… read them below or add one }
Never thought about it like that, but you’re right! Cool video!
Ah, memories. Thanks for that.
Thanks for the comment Josh. Been down Broadway?
Many times – the wife and I lived in Queens and Brooklyn for about eight years.
I’ll give you the trails credentials! I’ve always thought it would be fun to live/run in NYC regularly, although I’m sure there are times you would love to get out to the ‘burbs or the country to get some running in just for a change of pace.
@MissZippy1:
Thanks for the comment and yes I would enjoy some good ole country running sometimes. But then again, I get to run in the “Canyon of Heroes”.
Bob
Miss Zippy: I don’t remember if there are/were trails, but there’s some nice car-free running amidst beautiful woodsy scenery right over the George Washington Bridge. If you’re up for a 35-45 min train ride, you can find trails to get lost in (mind the mountain bikers).
Of course, there’s always the ramble in Central Park. New Yorkers have country surprisingly nearby.
Josh, I agree and disagree. There are certainly some nice spots to run in NYC and where I live in northern NJ. But I still get a little jealous of those than can run for miles and miles on mountain trails, etc ……
That’s true. I enjoy being close to trails in NC. But I miss running the bridges. And holding my breath while running past the fish market.
I guess that’s one of the great things about running. We can do it just about anywhere.
Speaking of the bridges, I’m putting up a post tonight about running to Brooklyn and back.