After the worst comes THE BEST!

[johnm12]

Warning - RAMBLY POST

Firstly big thanks to all you VRB's with your comments and advice when I got bitten by a dog! Very helpful but an unpleasant experience nonetheless.

The day after the bitey incident I was due to go to New York ( lucky me), so having got my antibiotics off I went. First good thing that happened was that I got upgraded from economy to business on the way out. NICE. Second good thing that happened was fantastic clear sunny weather. And the Third good thing was this run.

I got up early on the Sunday morning, 6.30 am and running gear on down I went past reception.

"Going for a run sir?" asked the night clerk. " Yes, , I thought I'd go out towards the Hudson and run up and down there"

" Well you could, but as you're on 8th Avenue, its only a few minutes from Central Park and its really pleasant to run round there in the early morning"

I took his advice and am so glad I did. The city that never sleeps was waking from a Saturday night, drunks were stirring. I saw one woman walking the other way carrying her high heels, traffic was building but the air was cool and clear.

And there was I running, up across 42nd street ( yep bet you cant guess what tune was playing in my imagination) and on to central park. Quite a few people out, and markers and barriers being set out. I asked one runner ( I passed a few and was passed by a few more) and was told that there was a running event later that morning. I later discovered that to be the case when Strava noted that I was the 350th fastest that day on a particular section! The Dakota building looking stylish and "Imagine" started playing in my head. Then Finish my loop, and after after a quick chat with a German tourist back to the hotel for a shower and breakfast. In my warmed up ( actually sweaty) state I stopped in a local supermarket to buy a razor and no-one seemed to think it at all odd.

A really amazing start to the day and something that without having taken up running I would never have done.

See you out there!

[Knittingrunner Graduate10]

How wonderful. What an experience to treasure. 🏃🏻‍♀️😊

[Topcat09]

Sounds amazing!

[AlMorr Ambassador Graduate10]

Great run for you today Johnm, I would think that many people here on Bridge to 10K or C25K would love to run round Central Park in the Big Apple whether it was a 10K or a 5K, it would be quite a experience for them.

[cheekychipmunks Graduate10]

Oh wonderful John! I’ve walked around Central Park in my pre-running days and I’d absolutely love to run it too. Yours sounds great, and fortunately early enough to be not too hot. Well done on a fabulous run! 👍 🏃‍♂️ 🇺🇸

[johnm12 Graduate10 in reply to cheekychipmunks]

I find the same thing. Obviously you will have to go back.

[Granspeed Graduate10]

Lovely run, lovely post! I’ve spent quite a lot of time in NYC but in pre-running day’s. Would really love to copy your experience! 🎉👍🎉

[Dexy5 Graduate10 in reply to Granspeed]

Me too 🙋‍♀️

[backintime Graduate10]

Running tourism, sounds wonderful

[HinchleyMum Graduate10]

Sounds fabulous! I’m going to be there in Early October and hope to run in Central Park too. Like others I’ve been a few times and walked through the park, watching the runners but never actually thinking that one day (and somewhat late in the day) I’d be one too!

[johnm12 Graduate10 in reply to HinchleyMum]

Should be a good time of the year too. That is the thing about this running lark, it does give a different perspective.

[Granspeed Graduate10 in reply to HinchleyMum]

<jealous> Lucky you!

[Sadie-runs Graduate10]

Wow! I’d love to run in Central Park! Sadly I last visited 5 years ago, when I wasn’t a runner. Glad you are well over the dog bite - how awful. I have had a couple of scary encounters with dogs, and although I am a big fan of dogs, I always find it very frightening. Bad dog owners to blame.🤬

Great run! 👍

[johnm12 Graduate10 in reply to Sadie-runs]

Ah well. You are obviously overdue for a return visit!

[Chris141 Graduate10]

Had some tourists to our Park Run the other week who had done a Park Run over the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco!

[johnm12 Graduate10 in reply to Chris141]

Now thats super cool!

[Dexy5 Graduate10 in reply to Chris141]

San Fran here we come. Fantastic.

[Dexy5 Graduate10]

How lovely John. And great to be in the park in the early hours

[Icandoit2019]

Walked in Central Park years ago but how wonderful you got the opportunity to run like a local. Fabulous start to the day.

[grumpyoldgirl]

What a great run, and your descriptions are so evocative - in fact it sounds like a memorable trip for all the right reasons. I'm beginning to think I need to try some running tourism 🏝️🏔️ Sorry to hear about the dog bite though 🙁

[johnm12 Graduate10 in reply to grumpyoldgirl]

Yep. I think running tourism is definitely to be recommended. All fine with the bite thing. Most people are considerate, but some not so.

[grumpyoldgirl in reply to johnm12]

Yes most dogs and owners are great, luckily there aren't too many of the other sort around 🙄 shame you had to meet one of them. Still, Central park! 😁

[Jell6 Graduate10]

That sounds rather wonderful (sighs....)

[Sandie1961 Graduate10]

Sounds great and what luck that the night clerk spotted you 😃

[Bluebirdrunner Graduate10]

I can imagine how great that was johnm... Well done on a super run to remember!

We've been to New York a couple of times, and loved it❤😊xx

[misswobble Graduate10]

Wonderful! That sounds perfect. Things were going your way there. Isn’t that a lovely feeling Sigh 🙂👍

Oh oh, I’m an alien, i’m A legal alien, i’m An Englishman in ......... tra la la 😃

[SaskAlliecat Graduate10]

I’m very glad you’ve healed from your dog bite incident (how scary and unfortunate that it happened in the first place!) and had an iconic run in NYC through Central Park 💕