When Folkestone Running Club met New York Flyers

Emma Long

When the alarm went off just before 5am on Tuesday, February 16th, I did wonder if this was such a good idea (I think Martin felt the same) to go for a run with the NY Flyers Running Club!

We had arrived in New York from Folkestone in the U.K. (town next to Dover but without a song about its white cliffs, as NY Flyer Doug R pointed out!) on Sunday evening and spent the whole of Monday walking – from Park Avenue to Grand Central Station, then to the High Line, along the High Line, back to Central Park for some snow fun, then some shopping and out to dinner.

Anyway, up we got and wrapped up warm for a run in Central Park where Flyer Francine A had kindly agreed we could join her session. After running a few blocks we realized it was not as cold as it had been the previous day but it was fairly treacherous underfoot with ice on some of the pavements (sidewalks!). Fortunately Martin had checked the map and knew where we were going and soon we were entering Central Park where a small group of runners were congregating. “Are you Flyers?” I called out – “Yes, is that our overseas visitors?” Introductions followed and I explained to Martin that Francine had been one of the New York Flyers who had responded to my emails about joining up for a run.

It was due to be a speedwork session but as it was so icy we were probably not as speedy as we could have been! It was so nice to chat with some fellow runners and find out a bit about the Flyers and how the Club operates and for me to tell them about what we do at Folkestone Running Club. It was great chatting to Francine and explaining about the Parkrun (must remember to send a link to Francine about that) and we all managed to stay on our feet despite the ice patches. 

After the session we were treated to “Ring of Fire” – a very energetic squats exercise which left your quads burning. This is something I will be passing on to the coaches at Folkestone Running Club so that the rest of the Club can suffer too! All too soon it was time to say our goodbyes but Martin and I both agreed that it had been well worth the early start. We then spent the next hour updating each other on who we had chatted with, what we had talked about and what a wonderful and friendly bunch of runners they were.

Then it was a run back to the hotel to get the boys up so we could get breakfast at Grand Central Station. Then more touristy stuff – bus tour downtown, Star Wars costume exhibition, Museum of Modern Art and burgers for dinner. Wednesday was more sightseeing including a visit to The Dead Rabbit for a couple of drinks and then, one of the highlights, Madison Square Garden for the Rangers/Blackhawks game with the three boys decked out in Rangers hats and hoodies! It was such an exciting game but Blackhawks were the victors in a 5:3 win. 

Thursday was the evening run which we had asked to join, and Flyer Dave K had sent an email letting me know where to meet and inviting us all for food and beer with the group afterwards. Before the run we walked to Chelsea for breakfast (James tried pancakes everywhere we went) and then a boat trip. Joe had decided not to run but would look after the bags/coats while having a beer instead – I think we all liked that idea! 

Anyway we were running late so jumped in a taxi and arrived just in time. More introductions and a photo opportunity before we set off – with James joining the quicker group, Martin in the middle and then me. I was running with Flyer Ed A and as we settled into our run we started to chat and I don’t think we stopped until we had finished the run. It was one of the most memorable runs I have ever had – Central Park is an incredible place and the views over the reservoir of the city lights was something I shall never forget. Ed also pointed out other sights including a big cat on “Cat Hill,” the bridle path for running when not so wet and the Time Warner Building where we would be going for a beer afterwards.

James said he had not done much sightseeing – probably running a bit fast for that – but he had stayed with Flyers Dave K, Doug R and Suzanna P, and apparently hadn’t even broken a sweat! 

We then met up with Joe, had a quick change, and then settled down with a beer or two (joined by Luiza S) and spent the next couple of hours, or so, chatting – James particularly enjoyed his talk with Ed about American politics. 

We also picked up plenty of tips of where to visit but unfortunately we were flying home the following day so wouldn’t fit it all in as Joe and I were set on ice-skating in Central Park. We’ll just have to make another visit! Suddenly it was 10.30 and time to catch the last lift (elevator!) to the Top of the Rockefeller for an amazing night time view of one of the most exciting cities in the world.

 

It goes without saying that if any Flyers are ever in the London area – drop me a message (FB or email) and we will try to get together for a run or a beer – or both!

It was a fantastic holiday but was made extra special by meeting up with some amazing New York Flyers and having a couple of runs in one of the most iconic parks that ever existed – thank you, and, Go Flyers!!

-Emma Long

Folkestone Running Club (Track/Cross Country/Road)