The Bridle Path

Since starting this blog, I ran my requisite 3-mile run outside for the first time, and I ran it on my favorite 3-mile route along the bridle path.

It's called the "bridle path" because it's unpaved dirt pathways where the equestrians in New York City - yes, the City - can and do ride their million dollar pure breed horses.

I love it because it's easy on the knees and affords cool shade and sweet floral scents in the warm months. I start on the pavement at Columbus Circle and make my way north on the west side, following the path in front of Tavern on the Green. I follow it all the way to the reservoir where, conveniently, there's a water fountain. One way it's approximately 1.55 miles, and at that halfway point I can hydrate. So I take the path back again the way I came, and I usually can run it slightly faster than going out.

Today I ran it in a little over 28 minutes, so I was running at about a 9:00 pace. That felt fast; I can't believe that when I was in college and had to run 3 miles for PE 100 (affectionately known as "Run 100"), I ran 3 miles in 24 minutes! And the crazy thing is I feel like I'm in such better shape now! Of course, I do weigh about 10 pounds heavier now, too...