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.

Monday Bridge

Hot and humid; summerlike. The Brooklyn Bridge crowd seemed a little different this morning. It's Monday and people may not be in full swing yet. Also, it's vacation season, so some regulars may be elsewhere. There was one guy taking photos for at least 20 minutes, as I passed him coming and returning. and stopped to stretch besides. Definitely one of the best vantage points for the city.

Bright Sun over the East River

Manhattan humidity is lower than it was at the beginning of the week. Less haze; more sunshine. And it was brilliant over the East River this morning, reflecting dazzlingly on the water. Fairly light traffic over the Brooklyn Bridge this morning. A few joggers/cyclists. A sweaty young mom strollering her baby back to the Heights.

Yesterday's Over, Today's Under

The bridges that is. Yesterday a trek over Brooklyn and Manhattan bridges, this morning a jog underneath. The esplanade along the East River is ideal in lower Manhattan for an easy or fast run. The running surface is largely level, and the breeze off the river cools. Between the bridges sits the Police boat that has been anchored there nearly every morning I've jogged by since 9/11. A lone sentinel. I trust there is more protecting our shore. But I am glad it's there.

Two Bridges

A successful morning includes some exercise, preferably a run. This morning's run covered Brooklyn and Manhattan Bridges; a 4.5 mile loop filled with variant sights. The views from Brroklyn Bridge are magnificant from 100+ feet up. To the Southeast, one can see the Statue of Liberty. More directly south, the view includes Staten Island, and the Verazzano Bridge, known to NY Marathon participants. This morning's return trek was my first by foot over the Manhattan Bridge. Manhattan Bridge is less traveled than its counterpart just south on the East River (Brooklyn Bridge). I was the only person crossing in my direction. I passed a pretty blond finishing her crossing into Brooklyn on the way up. She returned my runner's wave. Remember when runner's all waved to each other? On the MB, I was struck most by the views toward the Justice Department building, particularly over the Chinatown area. The residential buildings are encrusted with silver and red graffiti, which poses a sharp contrast to the magestic Justice Building about a mile further south.