A.J.’s Journey’s: Saturday Morning in Central Park

Posted October 1, 2007 at 09:00 AM by Katie Drummond

Section: Her Adventure, Her Fitness, Her Health, Her Motivation, Special Features

The following article was submitted by A.J. Melnikas. A.J. Melnikas currently works in clinical research. In the past, she has worked with non-profit health organizations targeting women’s and adolescent health issues. She will begin MPH studies in the fall. An avid runner and coach, A.J. has completed 4 marathons and is planning to run Boston next year. Her cultural adventures include studying in Spain, South Africa and Nepal; teaching English in China and traveling to France, Belize, Japan, Swaziland and the Dominican Republic.

In this series, A.J. takes readers along for the ride as she moves to New York City and searches for perfect running club and fitness lifestyle. In part II, A.J. steps outside the gym, and has a feel for running on the streets of the Big Apple.

Running in New York City has been a big transition for me so far. I’m still adjusting to running predominantly on concrete and being serenaded by the sounds of the city. There is more of everything to be aware of: cars to dodge, dogs to watch out for, and sights to distract me from the exertion of running. Even when I’m out exercising in the morning at far too early an hour there are always other runners out and about.  I have to frequently remind myself that I am living in the most densely populated city in the country.

Last weekend I experienced just how populated the city can feel when I went for a run in Central Park. As I made my way onto the main loop, I was surprised by the number of other runners also chugging along, until I noticed that some of them were wearing race numbers. I had managed to join a race in progress (!), something I had never intended (or imagined) I would do, but there I was, an un-numbered runner among hundreds.  But, I wasn’t the only non-racer among the group and instead of heading off the main road to a side path or trail and avoiding the chaos, I decided to take advantage of the energy of the group and keep going. It was hard not to stay on course with the race—there were people cheering words of encouragement and there were clear mile markers—things that I rarely get on a solo run. I did feel conflicted about this, however. Was I taking advantage of the situation? I didn’t have a race number and to race officials was clearly not a participant. But as we entered the last homestretch of the race and I heard the cheers of the crowd, I felt guilty. I tried to resolve my inner conflict by staying to the right of the pack and being sure to veer off as they approached the chute, the end of their race. I will admit that it was a little strange to get to “the end” and keep going when so many people were stopping.  As I got further away the cheers died down and the roads were easier to navigate without so many other runners to dodge.  But, the absence of the energy of the race and spectators made the next few miles lonelier, though I was never alone. It seemed other runners had also found themselves in the middle of a race in Central Park and had just kept going, perhaps not for the first time. Together we formed this strange group of runners that hadn’t belonged a few minutes before, but now just blended into the landscape--nameless, faceless athletes out for a jaunt in the park. 

That Saturday morning made me realize just how lucky I am to live in a place that never sleeps, where there are always other people doing something. There is an amazing energy in this city that has invigorated my running. I have a new appreciation for fast-paced city life, and a desire to do everything and still have time to run—it seems so many other New Yorkers have found this balance. So far this has worked out well, but I still need to find a group of runners to train with, especially once the winter seasons starts and the snow and darkness makes it difficult to just put on sneakers and head out the door. I’m making strides in finding a group and, in fact, just attended a workout for a club that I may join.  Stay tuned for a report on my first run with the club.