Roosevelt Island Run

So I finally found myself back in NYC with time to do the "secret dream run". Last time I was in NYC, I heard about Roosevelt Island, and saw the tram. I just couldn't organize my time so that I could run there. So I decided that, next time I was in NYC, I would run there.

This morning, because I had a little time before heading to a meeting at the agency, I finally got my Roosevelt Island run.


I walked over to the tram, paid my $2, and then climbed aboard. First and foremost: awesome. It's the best $2 trip in NYC. :)


You stand in this big aerial tram, with 20 or so other folks, and then you lift off. It's very quiet, very smooth. People gather at the windows and watch the city glide by, talking quietly. Absolutely lovely. Soaring over the East River towards Roosevelt Island:


Once back on the ground, it was easy to get oriented, head to the riverside, and start my run. I ran south first, following the very nice riverfront path as far as it would go. The southern tip of the island is closed off -- looks like they're restoring a building and creating a park -- but then I just turned left across the island, which was really just a hundred yards or so, and then headed north.


There's a lighthouse at the northern tip of the island. I passed a couple of guys fishing but really didn't see many people. Of course, it was a weekday morning, so I shouldn't have been surprised. It's a nice run -- pretty much nicely paved paths all the way around, no traffic, and nice views. It also feels like a small town that just happens to be next to Manhattan. Pretty cute.


Running along the west side of the island, I passed some super cute art:


It's only about 3 miles around the island. (In fact, they were holding a 5K fun run the following weekend -- pity!) So I soon found myself almost back where I started. Now, I don't really know why I didn't just run a bit farther and then cross over the (very narrow) center of the island. But I didn't. I just ran along the west side until I reached the tram again.





I didn't really feel ready to leave the island yet. I walked up to Main Street (cute!), stopped at the Duane Reade for a drink, and stretched out. Really cute place. But finally, it was time to head back to the hotel to get changed and checked out. I got to the tram station just in time to see one leaving, but that just means that another one was leaving the other side.


Finally, back on board the tram and headed back to Manhattan. A nice little run that I would happily do again. Maybe next time I'm in NYC I can do the loop twice.