Header photo: Breakneck Ridge

Getting back into Running with the NYC Trail Festival

By Amy Gimma

When I was in college, I would run on the trails that can be accessed from campus, and would regularly log 10+ miles. It was always “just for fun”, and I thought that running in an organized race would ruin the fun of it for me. I loved heading out not sure how long or where I’d run. I always tried to run as fast as my body would let me, but I tried not to feel down about my slower days. I can be really competitive, particularly with myself- and didn’t want that to influence my running. I loved the way it cleared my head and left me able to focus and problem solve - school work, schedules, goals. It was my meditation time, fun, and exercise all rolled into one. During my last year of college, though, I developed knee pain that starts in my lower back, and for the last 5 years or so I have rarely been able to run more than 6 miles at a time. Lately its been more like 4 at most.

I’ve tried getting back into running several times, and was always frustrated. Then last month, there was a post on NYC OutdoorFest’s Facebook page, asking if anyone would be interested in representing them in the NYC Trail Festival with King of the Mountain Events and the Greenbelt Conservancy in Staten Island. I decided that maybe I’m at a point where running in an organized race would be good for me - it certainly couldn’t hurt (well… maybe it could...), and maybe it would give me the motivation I needed to work through my injuries. I signed up for the 10k, and hoped that I wouldn’t end up hurting myself  even more.

I was really excited to sign up, and then barely trained at all at first. Things kept coming up, and I just wasn’t making time for it. Luckily, in the last few weeks, the excitement of the event kicked in, and I started running everywhere… to the bank (and not the closest one!), to my soccer game, to the climbing gym, etc - usually with detours through Prospect Park.

 I went for a couple of hikes (including Breakneck Ridge, which can be accessed by train!), and started focusing on improving my range of motion and strengthening my lower back and legs to protect my knee.

For a while, none of my runs were more than 4.5 miles, but I was able to sort out my back and knee troubles without feeling the pressure of running a particular distance. Now I’ve completed a 7 mile run (10k equals 6.2 miles), and I finished feeling great!

I’m really glad that I took the opportunity to sign up for the NYC Trail Festival - it’s gotten me back into running, and I’m confident that I’ll continue to improve! This time I’ll just focus on finishing injury free and feeling good, but maybe the Cold Feat 10k Trail Run, also on the Staten Island Greenbelt trails, will keep me motivated through the winter to work on speed. Hopefully I’ll see you there!