Even NYC is home to ultra-distance athletes. Read how they live, work and train.
How someone is trying to convince me that Wii Fit haspotential to replace “real” exercise.
Call Diet.com and get all the info you need about the fast food you're eating.
The best idea for any runner, but especially those new to
the city, is to seek out the specialized running store as a resource center. In
addition to selling gear, these stores are the glue that keeps the community
intact and that help make running a tremendous sport.
Jerry Macari, the owner of Urban Athletics, gave up a lucrative Wall Street job to start out in the running world. “That hands-on connection I develop with helping runners—the majority who then become longtime friends—is something I find priceless.”
Most stores offer group runs, which is a great way to meet like-minded folks and keep your training on track. Coaches will show you the best paths, point out mile markers and set you off at pace. You’ll meet local runners, learn all about what the area has to offer and much more, as you’ll see below in our group run rundown.
Super Runners, 1337 Lexington Ave., Sat. at 9 a.m., Sun. at 10 a.m. Free. What they offer: Post-run refreshments and a free pair of sneakers after 10 runs. Three distance groups that build up the mileage biweekly with pacers and coaches. “I’ve become a better runner through this group, and received a lot of insightful information from the coaches,” says Brian Jayasinghe of Queens, who travels in each week to run with the group. Contact Coach, and Store Manager, Jovan 212-369-6010, www.superrunnersshop.com
Niketown, 6 East 57th St., Tues. and Thurs. at 6:30 p.m., and Sat. at 9 a.m. Free. What they offer: Test drive Nike shoes, post-run fruit and bagels, expert runners pacing the groups (including top local/Ethiopian stand outs Worku Beyi and Lete Berhe), incentives such as chances for entry into sought-after races like the Nike New York Half marathon. 212-891-6453, www.nike.com
The New York Running Company, Time Warner Building, Columbus Circle, Tues. 6:30 p.m. Free. What they offer: Handwritten individual schedules and small groups of all abilities that run speed workouts in Central Park. “He really made the running training fun and rewarding for all of us,” says Miwa Murphy of her coach. “He believes in everyone's ability, no matter what level you are at and he treats everyone with the same respect.” Contact Coach Jerode 212-823-9626. www.therunningcompany.net
Urban Athletics, 1291 Madison Avenue. Tues. and Thurs. at 6:30 p.m. Speed and Form classes. What they offer: “There is a fee for these classes, but we do work on you becoming a better runner with our classes,” says running coach Todd. The classes are in Central Park and are formatted in 10-week blocks. The training focuses on your specified distance, be it 5K or the marathon. 212-828-1906. www.urbanathleticsnyc.com
JackRabbit Sports, 42 West 14th Street. JackRabbit employee Johanna says, “Although we have no running classes right now, apart from private instructional ones, we are planning to start our Thursday night run at 7 p.m. from the store, so stayed tuned.” 212-727-2980, www.jackrabbitsports.com
Changing facilities and bag check is offered at all of the above stores.
| Comments |
|
