NYC and Me II: Central Park Runs

I started my competitive running career in Central Park in 1983, and after running 10s of races in the park, including two NYC Marathons, it holds a special place in my heart. Running in the Park is always my way of “touching” the City when I am visiting; and I am always astounded (but perhaps shouldn’t be) when I run by someone I recognize.

I had three runs in the Park this visit. The first 5 miler on Thursday morning was capped off by a stretching warm down with my host Clara and friend Jay with their personal trainer in the Park. (I was sore the next day!) The second was on Saturday morning – the NY Road Runners Club was sponsoring the Norwegian Distance Races that morning, and I ran past runners as they took off on a 1.87 mile race around the south end of the park. As I ran past Tavern on the Green, I heard the finish line announcer give the crowd the news that five-time NYC Marathon winner Grete Waitz was standing at the finish line – which gave me a little thrill, as Grete was a significant icon in my early racing career (although Joan Benoit Samuelson has always been my hero). On that Saturday run I also noticed runners training for the NYC Marathon, which occurs on November 2nd. My friend Jean Yves will be running the race this year. Run #3 was on the morning I left the States; it was a crisp sunny morning and I was feeling fast, and had the lovely ego boost of passing most of the runners on the road during my 7:30 a.m. run. On this run, I ran around the north end of the Reservoir, which provides one of the most spectacular views of the City, especially as the sun is rising.

A fitting way to say good bye to the City.