Running - Central Park New York
Dec 3rd, 2001, 08:10 PM
#1
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Running - Central Park New York
Hello,
My wife and I will be in New York for a couple days next week. I would like to get a run or 2 in, around Central Park. I have found a few maps on-line showing the different routes and distances.
I am nursing an Achilles Tendon injury and probably should avoid significant hills (if I listen to my doctor). I see that there is one section called the "Great Hill". How much of a hill is this and are there others I should know about?
I will be starting off at the southern end from Central Park So. I have read that going counter clockwise is less confusing. If I take the 102 cutoff and only do the 5 mile loop, will this avoid the hill or hills?
Any information would be appreciated.
Paul
My wife and I will be in New York for a couple days next week. I would like to get a run or 2 in, around Central Park. I have found a few maps on-line showing the different routes and distances.
I am nursing an Achilles Tendon injury and probably should avoid significant hills (if I listen to my doctor). I see that there is one section called the "Great Hill". How much of a hill is this and are there others I should know about?
I will be starting off at the southern end from Central Park So. I have read that going counter clockwise is less confusing. If I take the 102 cutoff and only do the 5 mile loop, will this avoid the hill or hills?
Any information would be appreciated.
Paul
Dec 3rd, 2001, 09:05 PM
#2
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I'm just wondering why anyone nursing a significant injury would feel the need for a 5-mile run through CP??? You'll be walking all over, during your visit, I would presume, or you could stroll through CP and actually enjoy the scenery. What's with runners who injur themselves yet contintue to run, anyway? If your wife is smart, she'll be shopping and strollin and dining...
Dec 4th, 2001, 04:40 AM
#4
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I can't tell you what route to take to avoid hills, but I can tell you that the "Great Hill" is quite large. There is a cut-off before it and I suggest you avoid it if you aren't looking for a difficult route.
For a much shorter, yet enjoyable, run, take the "loop" (that large, 6-mile, outer circle you see) up to about 86th street and get off at the Reservoir. The Reservoir is a 1.6 mi runners track around, you guessed it, the Reservoir. It is a beautiful site and an easy jog and then you can head back south, avoiding the Great Hill.
Good luck and enjoy your visit.
For a much shorter, yet enjoyable, run, take the "loop" (that large, 6-mile, outer circle you see) up to about 86th street and get off at the Reservoir. The Reservoir is a 1.6 mi runners track around, you guessed it, the Reservoir. It is a beautiful site and an easy jog and then you can head back south, avoiding the Great Hill.
Good luck and enjoy your visit.
Dec 4th, 2001, 04:40 AM
#5
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Hi Paul - If you start at the southern end of the park and run counterclockwise (north along the west side first) you'll avoid the biggest hills. There's a long incline on the east side from about 72nd to 86th, not steep, but long, so if you're heading south on the east side, you should be fine. I also used to take a few laps around the reservoir, which is completely flat, when I wanted to add 3/4 or a mile and a half to my run. Hope this helps.
Dec 4th, 2001, 05:00 AM
#6
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Hi Paul,
I think Lizzie means clockwise, that is, to start at the south end and head up the west (left) side of the park will indeed mean that you're running downhill on the east side. To be sure, it's a long, gradual incline (and not the Great Hill, which you will avoid by not going so far north), so if you're an experienced runner, I doubt it will provide a big impediment either way.
I think Lizzie means clockwise, that is, to start at the south end and head up the west (left) side of the park will indeed mean that you're running downhill on the east side. To be sure, it's a long, gradual incline (and not the Great Hill, which you will avoid by not going so far north), so if you're an experienced runner, I doubt it will provide a big impediment either way.
Dec 4th, 2001, 06:18 AM
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Paul:
I'm a competitive runner and a physician, who has dealt with Acilles tendinitis both personally and professionally. I must assume you're a casual runner. If you're more than just a casual runner, and if you're still having pain, then long runs are to be avoided for now. Due to the poor blood flow to the Achilles tendon, it heals VERY slowly, and the worst mistake made by most runners suffering from Achilles tendinitis is to jump back into running prematurely.
That said, the best advice I can give you about Central Park is to stick to the Jackie Onassis reservoir "track". It's a dirt/gravel track which is mostly flat, circling the reservois. The running surface will be MUCH less traumatic to your Achilles than the cement course that traverses the park, and it's still very scenic.
If you want more specific info, let me know.
I'm a competitive runner and a physician, who has dealt with Acilles tendinitis both personally and professionally. I must assume you're a casual runner. If you're more than just a casual runner, and if you're still having pain, then long runs are to be avoided for now. Due to the poor blood flow to the Achilles tendon, it heals VERY slowly, and the worst mistake made by most runners suffering from Achilles tendinitis is to jump back into running prematurely.
That said, the best advice I can give you about Central Park is to stick to the Jackie Onassis reservoir "track". It's a dirt/gravel track which is mostly flat, circling the reservois. The running surface will be MUCH less traumatic to your Achilles than the cement course that traverses the park, and it's still very scenic.
If you want more specific info, let me know.
Dec 4th, 2001, 07:31 AM
#10
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I really do appreciate all of the information.
Yes, I admit maybe no running would be the best medicine, but...I'm stubborn. The injury has been with me for awhile and I finally wised up and went to a doctor for orthotics (high arches). He cleared me to start running again and said to take it easy, but....I'm stubborn.
Enough about me... Just making sure, if I go clockwise, I'll be going "down" the "Great Hill" and everything else should be gradual inclines?
Thanks again to everyone for all the information. Keep Running (and enjoying the scenery)!
Paul
Yes, I admit maybe no running would be the best medicine, but...I'm stubborn. The injury has been with me for awhile and I finally wised up and went to a doctor for orthotics (high arches). He cleared me to start running again and said to take it easy, but....I'm stubborn.
Enough about me... Just making sure, if I go clockwise, I'll be going "down" the "Great Hill" and everything else should be gradual inclines?
Thanks again to everyone for all the information. Keep Running (and enjoying the scenery)!
Paul
Dec 4th, 2001, 10:07 AM
#11
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Paul:
U will love Cp for running! It has to be one of the greatest running locales, unmatched by any big city! I believe it was lisa who said head up to the reservoir. It is about 1.5 miles from 59th street to the reservior. Watch for my favorite NYC personality "ALBERTO" who you might see stretching or sunning himself at the reservoir water fountain. Alberto just made the "cover" of a brand new coffee table book "NYC Characters". He is a wonderful man!
JOHN
U will love Cp for running! It has to be one of the greatest running locales, unmatched by any big city! I believe it was lisa who said head up to the reservoir. It is about 1.5 miles from 59th street to the reservior. Watch for my favorite NYC personality "ALBERTO" who you might see stretching or sunning himself at the reservoir water fountain. Alberto just made the "cover" of a brand new coffee table book "NYC Characters". He is a wonderful man!
JOHN
Dec 4th, 2001, 10:11 AM
#12
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To clarify, yes, I meant CLOCKwise... it was early in the morning! And, Paul, the Great Hill, as far as I know, is above 102nd so the runs discussed here will avoid it. The long gradual incline on the east side is nothing compared to the hill at the north end of the loop!
Dec 4th, 2001, 06:27 PM
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Dec 5th, 2001, 04:57 AM
#16
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I would say that the times that are too early or too late are when it is dark. On any given weekday, you will see runners in the park as early as 6 or 6:30 (when it's still pretty dark) and as late as 6 or so (when it's definitely past dusk). As a tourist who is unfamiliar with the park, I would suggest you run during daylight hours and stick to the road or the Reservoir. You should be fine.
Dec 5th, 2001, 04:58 AM
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Hi Paul:
Common sense always! The park is remarkably crowded at 6 am! Early city risers! It tails off until Noon when the Lunch crowd (commuters like moi!) get into the park. Again there is a lull until the post 5 Pm crowd heads to the reservoir. The reservoir is pretty safe, the area above the reservoir (86 st to 110 st I would never do after dark...and I am a 230 pound male! So I guess daylight...no worries! Nightlife...go take in a play or better yet a great NYC resturant!!
JOHN
Common sense always! The park is remarkably crowded at 6 am! Early city risers! It tails off until Noon when the Lunch crowd (commuters like moi!) get into the park. Again there is a lull until the post 5 Pm crowd heads to the reservoir. The reservoir is pretty safe, the area above the reservoir (86 st to 110 st I would never do after dark...and I am a 230 pound male! So I guess daylight...no worries! Nightlife...go take in a play or better yet a great NYC resturant!!
JOHN
Dec 6th, 2001, 05:12 AM
#20
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Hey Lisa:
Good for you! Your answers to Paul looked like it was from someone who was running the park...and that is not a criticism, just an observation. My confession is that my current level is about 5 miles! And this is from somone that has run 4 Marathons!!
JOHN
Good for you! Your answers to Paul looked like it was from someone who was running the park...and that is not a criticism, just an observation. My confession is that my current level is about 5 miles! And this is from somone that has run 4 Marathons!!
JOHN
