Best places to go running in NYC

I'm sometimes surprised by how often my clients tell me they can't find anywhere to run in New York City. I tell them, "If there is ground ahead of you and you can put one foot in front of the other, you can run."


Having said that, there are some spots that are more conducive to running for fitness than others. If you're visiting NYC, chances are you're already familiar with Central Park, but there are several other great places to run. Three of my favorites are the path along the East River, the West Side highway and Battery Park City.


If you're staying at the Cooper Square Hotel in the East Village, you might want to run along the East River. You'll need to cross an overpass to get on the other side of the FDR expressway, but there are several entrances. Once on the other side, you have a few options. You can run on the path adjacent to the highway, you can run along the esplanade (which is still under construction), or you can check out the running track near the East 6th Street overpass.


If you're running south, you will eventually cross through the South Street Seaport and you can wrap around and come up the West Side. If you're heading north, however, watch out! The path thins out around midtown and you could find yourself running on the highway if you're not careful!


The path on the West Side Highway was built fairly recently and runs along several miles of the city, from Lower Manhattan up past midtown. If you head south, the path leads into Battery Park City, one of NYC's hidden gems for runners. When running in Battery Park City, it almost feels like you've left NYC all together--there are lots of trees, no cars, and plenty of smiling faces. If you're staying at the Downtown Marriott, you're practically there already!


If you take the West Side Highway path northbound, you'll pass Chelsea Piers and you can follow the path for another few miles before turning back. This is convenient if you happen to be staying at the Maritime Hotel in Chelsea.


No matter where you are, you can find places to run. Traveling is fun, but there's no reason to leave your running regimen at home just because you're away.


- Al Kavadlo, Personal Trainer and Fitness Blogger at AlKavadlo.com