NYC: Summer Streets!

August in New York City is a wonderful time. No, not because of the oppressive heat or various odors wafting in the air, but because no one is here. Everyone is off on some Montauk or Fire Island getaway while the rest of us are left to enjoy the final few weeks of summer in the city. 

One of the benefits of having less people here is that the city can declare seven whole miles of Manhattan CAR-FREE. For three glorious Saturdays in August (7 a.m.-1 p.m.), the city closes down Park Avenue and connecting streets from the Brooklyn Bridge to 72nd Street. Apparently it's modeled after cities like Paris and London. No wonder I love it. Along the route are free activities like zip lining, parkour, cycling, yoga, and even a giant water slide. I didn't partake in the fun stuff (mostly because the registration for the slide sold out in seconds!). instead I ran 7+ miles because I'm insane. Also because I'm training for my next half marathon, and I'm determined to beat my brother (Ed note: this will never happen). 

Running any car-free distance in Manhattan is usually reserved for races, so it's a really unique experience to run freely through the streets along side bikers, rollerbladers, and confused tourists. Plus, the water stations set up every few miles makes for a perfect training route. This wasn't lost on the NYC Marathon training swarms who repeatedly engulfed me along the run. At least it helped me pace for a few miles. 

There's just one weekend left to enjoy the empty streets, so be sure to get up early (before 9 a.m. or risk getting run over by bikers) and check 'em out! If you want to experience the water slide, you have about an hour before you can attempt to reserve a spot. Good luck!

-Jen