I got the best birthday present ever today: a 5.8 mile run out in the afternoon heat without any serious issues from my knee. This came after a solid 4.4 miles yesterday. I couldn’t have asked for anything better. I feel like things might actually be headed in the right direction.
Both yesterday and today’s runs were little exploratory missions. When I first moved here, I ran over to Wards Island once and it scared the shit out of me. The whole place was just so creepy that I felt certain that I would never make it out alive. Understandably, I never returned after that first trip… until yesterday.
Not sure why, but when I saw the bridge I just felt that it was calling my name. I climbed up, then across, and was pleasantly surprised to find that the island was not nearly as sketchy as I’d remembered it. Maybe they cleaned it up, maybe it was because it was a weekend, or maybe because it’s summer. I’m not sure. But, for whatever reason, this place was nothing like what I remembered.
I found a nice quiet little path along the water (a good chunk of it dirt trail), got to challenge myself with the incline of the bridge, and got to look back at my neighborhood from the other side of the river. All in all, it was a very cool run. So cool, in fact, that I headed back out there today (and went a little further). This route is definitely going to get thrown into the rotation more often now. In case you’d ever like to run it yourself, here’s a map:
I have the deep tissue massage scheduled for tomorrow. I’m hoping that will help alleviate the “dull roar” of pain that is still present. Although it’s not keeping me from running, it is very annoying. Of course, I’m still doing the whole recovery regimen every morning and evening. And I’ve added Glucosamine supplements as well on my dad’s recommendation. So, hopefully with all that, this next year will bring me some running success. After all, according to Christopher McDougall, I now only have one more year before I peak as a runner.
So glad you’re feeling better!
[...] to this blog. I mentioned Robert’s (CH’s) malady, although he’s taking the first steps to recovery. Julie, in her typical subtle way, labeled her most-recent post, “It’s official: [...]
Good to hear. Keep it up. You can also run across the Triborough.
I’m afraid Tavia’s bridge is bigger than yours. Also, here’s a nice podcast on Randall’s and Ward’s Islands.
In that McDougall excerpt, does that last paragraph make any sense? (And is it a barefoot-running coach or a barefoot running-coach?)
That coding didn’t work. Here’s the link: http://theboweryboys.blogspot.com/2008/08/podcast-randall-island-and-1936-olympic.html
Joe, the photos on that link were fantastic. Thank you for sharing. And, thank you for calling it the Triborough. I refuse to call it the RFK no matter what the new signs say. Regardless of what you call it, I have to admit that I’ve never run over it. I poked around a bit today looking for an entrance but was unsuccessful. My runs on this side of the river usually just take me to the base (where there’s construction) and there’s no ramp there either. I’ll have to look at in on Google Maps or something.
On McDougall — it’s a very convincing argument. I was convinced. Even now, I’m not ready to completely refute his ideas. And, I’m guessing it was a barefoot-running coach.
Happy Birthday! And what a present, diminishing ouches, congratulations on that in a major way. Too funny, you and I with our new pills, it’d be so great if they actually do something. :-). Here’s to a new birth year of fine running and a proper end to any and all IT/knee crap.
yey! that is a great birthday present, I am definitely stealing your route!
It may be best to find the way from Manhattan to Randall’s. You go up the ramp on the southside of the ramp at 125th (closer to 124th) Street. It’ll lead you down near the driving range. I’ve used it often when racing at Icahn.
Happy (belated) birthday!
i’ve always wanted to check out ward’s and randall’s islands, thanks for the route map so i know how to get there now!
anyone know if there’s a way to run across the triborough from queens?
Happy Birthday Robert!
Ive been following the knee reports. glad you have been able to get out, hope that pan dissipates soon too. i hear Jameson’s is what they used back in he day…