NYC Half

The NYC Half is, in my opinion, the best running event in New York City. This year's race started off at near freezing temperature. After a mile or so, you forget the cold, but your body appreciates not being overheated. The field is limited, unlike the NY Marathon, so you stand a much better chance of running at your pace. The course is challenging, with Central Park's hills (first 8 miles in the park) being more difficult than people might expect. Emerging from the park, heading south down 7th Avenue, then west on 42nd Street builds your enthusiasm; electricity supplied by Times Square flatscreens and live running fans. When I ran the first NYC Half, which was held in August that year, hardly anyone showed to root the runners on. Now, aided by an hour later start, there's plenty of support. The last 4 miles down the west side are flat and fast. Plenty of good music along the way, too, with live bands every couple of miles. Any runner who hasn't tried this race should.

West Side Esplanade

One of the funnest areas to run in New York. A quick jaunt up the west side. Hudson River scenery. New Jersey to the west. It still has a lot of green, unlike the east side.

Williamsburg Bridge

Made it over the Williamsburg finally. The Williamsburg is much different than other lower Manhattan bridges for a runner. First, the ramp on both sides is much longer. I estimate it was about 1 1/3 miles across; longer than Brooklyn or Manhattan bridges. Ascending the ramp from Manhattan, the pedestrian/cyclist route forks about a quarter of the way up. Both cyclists and pedestrians can choose either side, and there's a crossover in the middle of the bridge. The view in the north side pulls in the Midtown area on the Manhattan side, the Empire State building being one prominent landmark. Three large smokestacks blot the view somewhat. On the Williamsburg/Brooklyn side, the Domino's Sugar warehouse stands out.

Returning on the south path, I appreciated the curving of the river to the west around lower Manhattan. Definitely worth the run up.

People-wise, I thought there was a much higher percentage of cyclists to runners/pedestrians than on the Brooklyn bridge (there was virtually no traffic on the Manhattan, the one morning I ran it. But, this was a PM run, and all of the recent Brooklyn Bridge runs have been early AM.

Scouting the Williamsburg Bridge

An easy 2 miles up the East River esplanade to the Houston Street overpass, by exit 5. West on Delancey takes you to the car/pedestrian entrance to the Williamsburg. Then, weaving back, southeast, toward the Justice Building. Today was just a run-by, building the anticipation for a full-foot crossing.

Slow Healing

Humid again this morning, after tremendous downpours yesterday, as Hurricane Bill blew by. An easy, though hilly four to the Nature Conservancy area this AM. Today's another test to the theory that slow running actually promotes healing of muscles/tendons. some improvement to the fascia; with some ice.

To Tenafly

The heat in the NYC area is begining to moderate. This morning's long run (only 8 miles, still rehabilitating) was much cooler than other jaunts the past few days. It was still humid though, dripping persistently. Hills through Englewood to Tenafly.

The Lower Manhattan Staple Run

An easy 4 along a humid riverside (East) this morning. Summer population (lightly trafficked). A couple of fishers. Fascia held up. We'll see what tomorrow brings.