I loved my nighttime usual in Riverdale. It was a hilly, well-lit, four-mile loop along Fieldston Road. Long enough to feel legitimate, but short and straightforward enough to manage at the end of a long work day.
Since we moved 10 miles up the Hudson River to the Village of Dobbs Ferry, I've been struggling to find a good night run. Many of the suburban roads are narrow and dark--I even bought a goofy handheld light, which has proven useful and is not too annoying to carry.
I was close on Monday night with the loop below. The run south along Broadway is pretty safe, and the same is true for Warburton. The climb up Pinecrest is a nice challenge, right in the heart of the run. But the section along Broadway from Pinecrest was pitch-black, narrow, and treacherous.
Tonight's route seems like a promising base for late-night runs. Not too many turns, a nice climb up Ogden and Beacon Hill in the back half, and minimal time on busy roads. (The section north along Broadway was relatively quiet at this hour and there's a nice sidewalk, if needed.)
More than anything, I run to explore. Getting to know this new place has been enjoyable, and even once I establish a usual or two, I know I'll always be modifying from the base and seeking out new nooks and crannies.
