When you think of runners out on their daily jog, maybe you think of trees in the park, birds chirping, and pretty ponds. It’s hard to imagine them cruising by telephone poles and possibly dodging parked cars…
Being an avid runner and cyclist in Hudson County for the last six years, I can honestly say I’ve pounded the pavement in 90 percent of this county. From Lady Liberty to North Bergen and Hoboken to Union City, I’ve covered it all. Trying to find distances that are long enough for training can be quite difficult when living in such an urban area. We normally have to resort to busy streets and congested residential areas. On the plus side, this makes us aware of our surroundings at all times.
I know that I’m not the only runner in Hudson County that deals with these issues, so I want to reach out to the running community. There may be new runners who are at a loss as to where to start or veterans who are getting bored running the same path over and over again. You can only run the Hoboken waterfront so many times!
Despite its urban environment, Hudson County can be a great place for alert exercise enthusiasts to enjoy their daily routine.
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On the other hand, Union City running usually requires keeping your head on a swivel. I enjoy running down Palisade Avenue, which will lead you to the Hackensack Reservoir and into Washington Park. You can even take this route straight into Jersey City. This includes passing by many intersections which can be a little tricky for beginners, especially during rush hour times.
Running along the river
Besides the urban residential areas, West New York offers a fantastic waterfront. Port Imperial, as it’s known, is located on the Hudson River and contains scenic paths that switch from pavement to boardwalk. Any closer to the river and you may as well have a swimsuit on. Enjoy the quiet neighborhoods and townhomes where you will find people jogging, dog walking, and soaking up the sun.
The Weehawken Waterfront Park is no longer a hidden gem; but it’s still a great place to test your physical skills. Visible from the Lincoln Tunnel helix, this park is a fantastic place to take the bike, play soccer, and run a few laps around the quarter mile track. It even includes a turf football field for a game with friends. You can also run along the water here from West New York into Lincoln Harbor. This route includes a Houlihan’s overlooking the Manhattan skyline if you feel a post run beer is necessary… It usually is.
For those that like a challenge, behind Charrito’s restaurant in Weehawken, there is a hill. Not just any hill… It is the hill to end all other hills! It begins in Port Imperial and slowly inclines for about half a mile. For those looking to really work the legs, give this one a try. If the hill is not your style, try the stairs at the light rail station to really get your heart rate going. Six flights to the top doesn’t sound like much, until you run them over… and over… and over… How many can YOU run?
Despite its urban environment, Hudson County can be a great place for alert exercise enthusiasts to enjoy their daily routine. Cyclists can enjoy cruising over the hilly terrain while runners have parks, waterfront views, and miles of pavement. Whatever your choice of fitness, I’m positive you can find a place to practice here. If any runners would like to get together for group activities, feel free to reach out to me at www.HealthLush.com.