Quick Visit – Grand Hyatt NYC – Part of a Perfect Running Day

Today was “my kind” of day.  Others may not get it, but after a hectic work week (yes, I have a demanding job in real life), I cherish spending a day in running and goofing off.

This is the second of three weeks known as Summer Streets in New York City.  Essentially, Park Avenue is closed off to vehicular traffic on the first three Saturdays in August from 7am to 1pm, from 72nd Street to Foley Square.

Summer Streets, August 2012

 
I like any opportunity to run on the streets of New York City when they are closed off to traffic.  That may explain, at least in part, why I like the New York City Marathon as well as the Fifth Avenue Mile so much.  There was some cool public art on Park Avenue (I need to find out the name of the artist, but these figures kept reminding me of the extra few pounds I need to shed…) .

So, I ran from the 80s down to about Union Square, then deviated and stopped in at the Paragon Store (hello, yes, I like to shop!).  I looked around then continued on my way: running around the streets of New York City.  I meandered back to Park Avenue and rejoined Summer Streets. Unfortunately, by this time, the bicycles seemed to take control of  the street (whatever happened to sharing the road?), and I took to the sidewalk much of the time.

After about 6 or 7 miles (or was it 8 or 9 miles?), heading uptown, Park Avenue, at Grand Central Station, winds up and around the Met Life Building (once upon a time, the Pan Am building).  Well….. there it was.  The love of my life (OK, I exaggerate a bit……).

There was the entrance to the Grand Hyatt.  Hot and tired, it presented a perfect opportunity to cool off.  So, I walked in and introduced myself – and asked for a Jogging Map as well as a possible tour of the fitness facilities.  Even though a pool of sweat was forming around me, the Hyatt personnel couldn’t be nicer.

Justina, the hotel’s “Guest Experience Manager” (is there really such a position?), who was new to New York from the West Coast, happily escorted me to the fitness room so I could look around.  The room was rather narrow, and not extremely bright, but it served its purpose.  I am spoiled – having visited the “Stay Fit” facilities at so many of  the Hyatt facilities, including, among others, the Grand Hyatt Seattle.  Don’t get me wrong: the facilities were good – there was enough equipment, it was in very good shape, and the room was clean and smelled just fine.

  I would definitely visit the gym, if I were staying at the hotel.  It just wasn’t particularly memorable. It didn’t wow.  Anyway, lets face it, who has the time or desire when visiting the Big Apple to spend extensive time in a gym?

Justina also gave me a jogging map for the Grand Hyatt – that will be uploaded on a separate “Cuckoo for Jogging Maps” post. 

I continued along on my jog stroll around New York City.  Temperatures were climbing, so when I neared Bloomingdale’s, I decided to cut through the store (going from Lexington Avenue to Third Avenue).  I spritzed a few pretty new colognes on me (which I’m sure didn’t mask the hour or two of running).  I also stopped at the Bobby Brown makeup counter.  I liked this lipstick (Hollywood Red) and nail polish (Turquoise), but restrained myself from purchasing them (I’m sure I’ll go back for them….). 

And so ends the perfect day in New York City.  Time for the laundry and to figure out my evening plans. 

Please note: Will Run For Miles may have a financial relationship with some of the merchants advertised on the blog, and may receive minimal compensation if consumers utilize the links located on this site and generate sales therefrom