Running and the City

Since moving to New York City, people always ask me, "Where do you run? Aren't you constantly stopping at lights?" In actuality, NYC is one of the most pedestrian friendly cities to run in. You can get anywhere, from any of the boroughs to any point in the city, all on foot.

I have already mapped out my "go to" running routes around my area, for quick morning or easy runs and a track nearby for speed workouts. The biggest plus about morning runs (typically around 5:30am), are that there are very few cars so I can easily avoid stopping at lights and can do my runs almost completely non-stop, and avoid the summer sun! During the summer months, the sun rises around 5:30am so it is already bright out and I have no need for a safety light. However, it is starting to stay dark until almost 6:15am (usually when I am getting home from my run) so I bring a little clip on light with me that blinks to alert people and cars I am coming. I ALWAYS feel best getting my runs in before work, it sets my day up feeling my best, thinking most positively, allowing myself time to see friends or go to events after work, or... to come home and Netflix and get in bed at 9pm (fave.)

Those mornings that I just can't drag myself out of bed, I lightly pack my Osprey Daylite backpack for work, wear my running shoes to work, and then change and run home from the office. I live in Queens but work in Manhattan, so my run commute is the perfect distance for a short after work run (about 4 miles even.) I also get to run over the Queensboro Bridge which I think is absolutely stunning and boasts views of the East River, Roosevelt Island, and if you turn around mid-bridge, a stunning view of the Manhattan skyline. For these runs I take it pretty easy and call and talk to my parents on my run, listen to music, and just reflect on my day and my immense blessings.

I HIGHLY suggest this backpack for anyone that wants to do a running commute, a light day of hiking, or to simply carry more than a belt can on a run. I purchased this at Paragon Sports in NYC (available online as well) for $50.00 which I thought was extremely reasonable in contrast to many competitor packs. Here are the dimensions: 13 L, 18H X 9W X 9D IN., and weights only 1 LB! It has a pouch in the back to fit a large Camelbak bladder and on the strap a place to thread the drinking tube through so it stays in place. There are two adjustable cross body straps that are fantastic; this backpack does not bounce on me at all and is amazingly comfortable. I have had zero issues, used it to commute carrying Tupperware, wallet, an umbrella, my clothes from the day, and water. I even got caught in a torrential downpour and it kept everything inside dry; a pleasant surprise. I have also gone biking and traveling with it and it holds enough for a weekend away.
Osprey Daylite

My favorite place to run has to be Central Park because of its majestic beauty, history, and is a runners paradise. There are miles of paved roads, trails, hills, and many different running terrains. An area I highly recommend is The Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Reservoir, which has a 1.58 mile running loop around the beautiful lake with views of both the East and West side of Manhattan. It is perfect for runners, walkers, and fall strolls. For a longer run, the Outer Park Drive Loop is 6.03 miles with many hills and views of the four sides of the park, different neighborhoods, and the many areas the park has. Certainly the best part about the park is that there are running and biking lanes throughout so you are not interrupted and safe! There are many races during all seasons of the year taking place in the park as well as other events, something for everyone to find to do runner or not! I will post a map of my favorite route soon.

 A smoothie bowl after a long, hot run :)

Thankfully, the dog days of summer running are coming to an end. This will be my first time experiencing the coming of fall, changing of the leaves, and cooler running temps (Florida was consistently 70 degrees or higher all year.) So any tips on apparel I may need for fall or winter are greatly appreciated as my wardrobe consists of shorts and tanks!

Keep running friends. 

The Three People You'll Meet in NYC

Serendipity: the occurrence and development of events by chance in a happy or beneficial way.

I believe in fate, moments, and the power of the universe bringing important people and experiences into your life during crucial periods of time. My recent adventure to New York City brought me three very important people and conversations that will leave a lasting impact on me, and at a very influential time of my life.

#1: The Creative

While strolling through the streets of the very beautiful Dumbo area of Brooklyn, I noticed a little shop with the words "art" and "music" listed on the Windows and I made the decision to further investigate. Upon entry, a woman who greeted me with a welcoming smile that radiated the most beautiful rays of sunshine with a warm hello. Her name was Natchie. Natchie is a singer, songwriter, and illustrator by way of colored pencil who creates art inspired by her music. Many of these are scenes of New York City, like the Empire State Building and the main pathway of Central Park with tiny unique people on their merry way. Her art is very whimsical, bright, cheerful, and moving. The songs that inspired her art are breathtaking and some heartwrenching. She spoke to me like an old friend describing her way of creativity and her passions flowing from her voice. She helped me pick out a gift for my sister that could not be more perfect for her, and of course a couple for myself as well.

She followed her passions as a singer, songwriter, artist, and took these three things and cultivated them into an original career where she goes to work everyday doing the things she loves and helps to inspire others. I look up to Natchie for creating a niche and flourishing business for herself where she can go to her store everyday, draw, sing, talk to customers and give them a memorable experience that many artists can't by explaining her art to them and share her inspirations for them.

#2 The Entrepreneur

Being the tourist that I am, on my list of "must sees" was The High Line Park in the Chelsea area of Manhattan. It was later in the day around 7pm, and while peeking in the windows of the chic little shops of the Meatpacking District, I noticed a Christmas tree in one window made out of vinyl records. While I stopped to admire it, my friend and I realized our friend from college was also inside! We went in to say hello, and I got caught up speaking to a man selling his women's fragrances. (Excuse me for misplacing his business card and his name.)

His spirit really captured me. He told me about his career working for big name fragrance brands and his resume bursting with things like creating Clinique Happy, a scent I told him reminds me of my mother too. He wanted to create a more simple scent, something with the essence of a woman rather than an alcohol based over powering scent. He created his line from inspirations like a flower he admired in Central Park, which really struck home for me that people who love things like this could also fall in love with his fragrance. He asked me about my passions, I told him travel, and he urged me to take every opportunity I could and to chase my dreams no matter how far they take me. "Think outside of the box," he told me. Meeting him helped me to realize that a move to the city might be the next leap for me. A city full of passion, innovation, and constant inspiration and creativity. Just what I need.

#3 The Dreamer

I'll admit I have been slacking a little on this blog (working 50+ hours a week will do that do you.) 

Anyways, Sunday afternoon after a walk over the Brooklyn Bridge and meeting person #1, we got thirsty and stumbled into a bar in the Meatpacking District called The Brass Monkey. We sat down at the bar upstairs, and immediately our bartender came to greet us and I felt an instant connection to him and a desire to get to know everything about him. 

He told us about how he packed a suitcase four years previously and moved to New York City without knowing a soul there in order to peruse a career in acting. While in persist, he became a personal trainer and bartender to support himself while he auditioned and did shows in and around the city. His ambition and drive was so inspiring me to do whatever it takes and to "be bold." To live without fear of failure is something I can't say that I embody; I always have a plan and a fall back plan for everything I do. Upon departing, I asked if he would like to hangout the next day and bravely left my phone number.

The following day was more than a dream for me; we met for breakfast at Alice's Tea Cup. A quaint tea parlor there's after Alice in Wonderland was right up my alley being a Disney lover. We enjoyed breakfast and then walked around Central Park for hours and discussed love, ambition, dreams, and life. It was more than ever before like I was talking to an old friend and remembering someone I had forgotten. We met again that evening for dinner and to see the Christmas decorations and the tree at Rockefeller Center before we said goodbye (for then, the rest is history.)

Sometimes, life throws people at you just when you need the inspiration. This trip forever changed my life forcing me to think about my creativity, my career, and who I am meant to be. So buy a plane ticket, take a chance, explore. You never know who you may meet ;)