Put Some Fun in Your Run (Part 3)

For fitness buffs and runners who live in New York, even the vast trails of Central Park get boring. If your mind and body are craving a change of pace, but your eyes still want the trees and grass of the park, all you have to do is add a little play to your run day.

The first two articles focused on the first 2/3rds of the four-mile route that will eventually take about an hour to complete. Here we conquer the reservoir. After your triceps dips, stretch the arms and start running to the steps on your left. Run up the stairs. You can do this once or several times depending on how much time and energy and time you have. (There is another water fountain at the top of the steps.)

After stair sprints, jog the entire reservoir, starting slow to recover from the stairs. You can run looking at the water, or take the wider path outside the reservoir.

When ready, start interval sprints here, jogging and then sprinting off and on until you come to the southwest side of the circle.

Your last full-out sprint will take you to exit ¾ around the reservoir at West 86th street. You'll see a large entrance to the track and another water fountain, usually with a dog bowl or two nearby.

Memory cue: you are are "almost back," so time for "upper back." If you don't find a place to lay down between here and CPW at 86th street to the right, then save this move for when you get home and skip to stretching. If you are like me, and don't mind laying down in the grass after a sweaty workout, then go chest down and place your arms extended to the sides, forming the letter "T." Lift the shoulders, hands, elbows, knees and feet off the ground, focusing on squeezing the shoulder blades together. Keep looking at the ground to keep the neck in line with the spine. Do 20 of these to work the opposing muscles and even out the push ups.

If you like to stretch outside, do it here. If at home, you can check out the free four minute stretch video from my soothing stretch column. When it's over, you not only had a nice long run, but with toning moves along the way, you boosted your fat burn and your metabolism. The whole routine helps me focus on what circuit is next, and not on which mile I am on.

Remember, it's bad to get lost in the park, but great to get lost in your workout!

For more info: DVDs, photos and advice at www.nikkifitness.com

Check out the first 3 parts to Put Some Fun in Your Run:
Put Some Fun in Your Run (Part 2)
Put Some Fun in Your Run (Part 1)

Fitness - Fit it in!

Nikki
Crunch Manhattan Group Fitness Instructor/Personal Trainer

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- Military Wife Workout DVD
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Nikki Fitness is a personal trainer, group exercise instructor, writer and publicist living in New York City. She started as a cheerleader at Syracuse University, but became certified in fitness before her beach wedding so that she could get back in shape. Laura, a graduate student, working mom, and military wife, inspired Nikki's Military Wife Workout (MWW) for all military wives. Find more articles by Nikki at her article archive. Learn more at www.nikkifitness.com. For more Nikki Fitness blogs, visit her blog archive.