New York City has many secrets in it’s many corners, come tucked away deeper than others. Sometimes you can accidentally stumble upon a hidden secret and not know it. Other times, like as I was walking home from ice skating, you can be drawn from the silence into something amazing.
Monthly Archives: January 2013
History with Baker: Vol. 1
I love history, especially New York City history. I have studied it for 15 years, have countless books and vintage maps and should probably find a new hobby.
In today’s episode we are going to talk about The Central Park and running. (Did you know there is supposed to be a THE in front of it?)
The Central Park is a man made park designed by Olmstead and Vaux (who won a design competition) and opened in 1857. I often take the ‘man made’ part to heart especially when walking through places like The Mall with it’s giant American Oaks. Imagine it in 1857 when they were just saplings…
Not all of Central Park is man made. The part of the park I wish to discuss today is one very familiar with runners and cyclists. Today we call it Harlem Hill and (going clockwise) it starts with a downhill switchback. As it levels out it takes a westward turn and begins its uphill course. It’s a very challenging part of the Park’s oval course and is avoided by taking a sharp left at the 102 Transverse. That particular location is going to be our point of interest for today’s episode.
The downhill switchback that begins Harlem Hill is not man made and actually dates back to colonial times, 1756 to be precise. It’s true name is ‘McGowan’s Pass’ named after a family that lived there at the time. They owned a tavern called The Black Horse located just before the 102 Transverse on the left. On the right just past 102, where Central Park Conservancy does composting, is where their house stood. Pretty amazing.
During the Revolutionary War the area was used by troops as it was a high-ground position. In fact, George Washington (the man himself) most likely used McGowan’s Pass to enter the city. Think of that the next time you take a jog down Harlem Hill!
After the Revolutionary War a few forts were built n the area. Fort Clinton, Fort Fish and Nutter’s Battery kind of lined the north part of the Pass from East to West. The next time you run in the winter months, look up on top of the highest point when you start to ascend the west side of Harlem Hill. You will see Blockhouse No. 1, also built at that time!
The McGowan family, prominent in politics, kind of vanish from history in the late 1800’s. Their property was sold (for $6000!) and the St. Vincents Academy took over. It was a school and later a restaurant and tavern! The Park Commission finally closed it in 1915.
I find this so amazing. Could you imagine the old McGowan Family sitting on their front porch watching people running a in a local 10K? I kind of wish the McGowan Pass Tavern, or the Black Horse were still around so I could have a cold beer right after a run!
So the next time you go for a run around the north part of the Park just think about Revolutionary soldiers camped out or a rustic hotel and tavern sitting on the hill.
This is to the right of the 102 Transverse!
How many times have you run down that hill (to the right is due north)!
F%$K THAT, Friday!
I had a revelation the other day while Abbe and I were on a 10 mile run to Cafe Habana for the best Cuban sandwiches in New York City. (They are. Trust me I’ve done a lot of research.)
Did you know Cuban Sandwiches were invented in Tampa, Florida? Basically, they are Tampa Sandwiches, not Cuban Sandwiches! F-THAT.
While we’re at it…
The mighty Italian Sub, a staple of daily life here in NYC was invented in Portland, Maine! “Great Scott!” F-THAT.
Also on a more serious note…
Please stop pushing people onto the subway tracks. F-THAT! (Seriously, to my NYC peeps, be careful out there.)
Zero to 100 MPH
Since Ironman NYC I have been kind of in a perpetual ‘off season.’ I mean, I run and occasionally ride my bike on the trainer, but for the most part I have been on triathlon vacation. I was really enjoying it up until right after Christmas…
Something happened to me a few days ago. I think I was fed up with the month of December being a total schmooze fest, with holiday parties and corporate dinners. Whatever it was I totally set myself on fire 6 days ago.
I started off with a one hour trainer ride from hell, sweating my brains out.
Yoga with Abbe. My first time and it was really great!
Next, I ran 3 miles to my gym, did a hard weight and core workout and ran back 3 miles.
Ice skating? Sure why not. I love ice skating more than life itself after all. 1 hour, check.
A smooth 12 miles at 150 heart rate pace was a nice intro back into distance running.
Tonight? Speedwork of course. Where would we be if we couldn’t complain about speedwork? 4 miles at a 5:50 pace will feel horrible tomorrow, but the beer and guacamole I took down with Abbe, Maura and Kelly made it all the worth while.
Please don’t take this as me trying to brag, I am just really excited because I AM BACK!
Zero to 100 miles per hour in 6 days, wooooooooo!
The 3rd Annual Doughnut Run
How do you end the year? Do you eat doughnuts? Oh, maybe you’re one of those people who like to run?
My crew combines the 2 into one harmonious blend of delicious exercise.
We met on the coldest day of the year thus far, it was a balmy 15 with wind chill. Abbe and I were the first to arrive and I suggested we huddle up next to the subway kiosk to gain shelter from the north wind. One by one our Runner Army friends arrived with cheer! The talk amongst the ranks was to avoid going over any bridges, and Brooklyn all together, and just run to the Doughnut Plant to eat. All eyes looked to Elyssa (this was her baby after all) and she said we would just run 4-5 miles around the west side, aiming for the Doughnut Plant.
Taking off due West, we encountered wind from every angle. As Neal said, “It’s the first mile that’s the hardest, as you need to warm up.” Heading north up the West Side path, the entire thing was a sheet of ice. None of us wanted to end our season before it began, so we bee-lined it east off the ice.
We eventually cut across Bleecker, down to Grand and finally to our fabulous finish at the Doughnut Plant.
I chose the Vanilla Bean Glazed which was awesome. We took over the space and had a great time before we all parted ways.
Congrats to a great 2012 everyone!