Flyer Mondays

Jon L

Do you like to run?  Of course you do!  You’re a Flyer and that’s what we do.  I had the good fortune to stumble upon the Flyers when I moved back to NYC a few years ago and I am richer in friends and running experience as a result. 

I am writing today about the Monday night group run.  This run has long been a staple of the Flyer’s calendar and is one of my favorites.  The chief ringleader of this run is Anick J with special guest leader appearances by some of our fellow Flyers from time to time (including Maribeth C, Brett S and Mark R).  Mark also frequently provides the services of his Jeep as baggage storage to facilitate the run.  

It is a great way to get a jump on the week’s training on a scenic course with a group of people who genuinely love to run.  Who could ask for anything more?   We meet at 13^th and 8^th (west side of Jackson Square park – close to stops for the A,C,E,1,2,3,L) and make our way down the west side including portions of Battery Park and the Hudson Greenway. 

The map at the right shows the general course of the run.  Please pardon the obvious GPS issues in Battery Park City.  Some people blame the tall buildings for causing GPS issues, or it could be the proximity to Goldman Sachs causing a ripple in the time-space continuum.  Perhaps if you join us, you can help us sort out this thorny issue.

So what is so special about this run?  For me it involves the three things that I like about running.

Thing 1 – Running with people

My own running tends to be a solitary effort most of the time.  The combination of a busy work schedule and a long commute leads to many runs done at odd hours.  Monday nights are a welcome oasis on my training calendar as I get to have a run with some fellow Flyers that always makes the 6 miles feel very short.  A nice range of running paces is available, so I can always find someone to run with whether I am doing a recovery run or something more up tempo. Just look at these smiling faces:

Michael R, Liz R, Nick J, Mark R and Brett S

Thing 2 – Running outside in a scenic place

For those of you who have not run on the Hudson Greenway, you are missing one of the gems of the city.   I live downtown and do most of my runs along the Hudson.  It is really a runner’s paradise where you can typically run in an non-crowded space (compared to Central Park) while being safe from cars.  On Monday nights, we are frequently treated to views like this one:

Thing 3 – Proper post-run hydration and refueling

As runners, we all know how important it is to properly hydrate and refuel after a run to facilitate recovery.  Given that my fellow Flyers are wise and caring about my health, I am touched by their efforts to make sure that I do not ignore this important part of proper training.  Accordingly, on the first Monday of the month, the run typically ends in an establishment that offers the correct post-run recovery nutrition.   Below is a typical example of a carbohydrate enriched beverage that we consume:

So there you have it…a nice run with great people in a scenic place with beer.  I can’t think of a better way to start my training week.  I hope to see you there next Monday.

-Jon L.