RUN: 6.4 Miles (Long Run)

Course: 34th Avenue Woodside to Corona Out-and-Back

I was tempted to take the subway into Manhattan to do my long run in Central Park, but then I thought it might be kind of silly to travel over an hour round trip just to run for an hour.  Maybe when I’m up to longer long runs.

I noted that my pace has increased while maintaining a given heart rate (80% of my max in this case), which is a sure sign that my cardio fitness is improving.  Seeing improvement is definitely helping to keep me motivated.

RUN: 4 Miles (Tempo Run – Central Park!)

Course: Central Park Columbus Circle to the Reservoir

Had the opportunity to run in Central Park before work this morning.  I’ve only been in Central Park a few times, and never to run, so this was a pretty nice treat.  First, there are a TON of runners and cyclists in the park in the morning.  It definitely helps to keep one motivated on the run to see so many people of all ages and from all different walks of life out there running.   Seeing all those cyclists have me thinking about cross-training and possibly even triathlon training…I’ll have to see how much it will cost to get my road bike fitted with triathlon gear.

Second, it was really beautiful, with all the trees and grass.  I was even able to run a  significant portion of my run on a dirt path around the perimeter of the reservoir in the middle of the park.  I’m not nearly sensitive enough to detect whether or not the dirt is easier on my feet and legs than the pavement and cement that I’m used to, but I don’t doubt that it’s true.  I’m definitely going to have to try to make it out to Central Park more often to run.

I had a much better tempo run this week.  I shortened the run by a mile, and managed to keep the tempo up.  Maybe it was the psychological boost I got from running in the park.