Run.

I have a running partner. It's official. We have our 3rd run together tomorrow night. I like having someone to run with because it makes me feel accountable, sort of like having homework I need to complete before the next time we get together. My running partner is tough. She runs marathons for fun. She a real runner. With this in mind, I went for a nice long run tonight, by myself. I started at our apartment (92nd & York), ran down to 86th, took a right and ran to the park, entered at 90th street, ran around the reservoir, and ran down 92nd back home. It was a gorgeous night. Cool enough that I wore a long-sleeved shirt, warm enough that it felt like spring. The air was crisp. It was just right. I left the park just as the sun was setting, and made it home just as it was getting dark (Mom & Dad- I was safe).

I love running at the park. It is definitely the highlight of life on the Upper East Side of Manhattan. Sometimes I feel land-locked living in in the city; or, concrete-locked, I should say. The park smells fresh and clean. It makes me feel like I am escaping the city, but yet it's only a few blocks away from my apartment. I like running at the park because it is fun. It's like built-in cross training. The whole way there from my apartment is uphill. I can build in sprints on the avenues, and jumping off and on curbs is good for my legs. Sometimes I feel like it is a massive obstacle course, waving around dogs, strollers, newspaper vendors, hot dog stands and other runners like myself. It's a good work out. I hope I keep going. Often.