Prospect Park Runners Offer Tips to Newcomers

Runners pound the pavement in Prospect Park, embrace the natural surroundings and leave their cares behind. “I used to be overweight and out of shape,” James Kurtz recalled. “I never thought running was something I could do.” The thirty-six-year-old, like other park runners, tries to push himself to new limits and enjoys the camaraderie of fellow fitness enthusiasts. Whether they’re training for a race or simply seeking a respite from the stresses of daily life, these runners seem to find solace and inspiration in the beauty of the park’s trails.

The park in the heart of Brooklyn offers a natural opportunity to run and is a popular destination for runners of all ages and abilities. Many find running in the park is more than a way to stay fit. “It’s a way of life. It’s become a part of who I am,” Mark Locke, another runner said. “I feel like I’ve found my tribe out here, and I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else.”

Some runners, like Kurtz, like to start out early in the morning because they find the meandering paths and open fields have a calming effect. The run helps them to prepare for the tasks of the day and allows them to focus and be more productive at work and in other parts of their lives.

“Running here helps me clear my head and there’s something about being surrounded by nature that makes me feel alive,” Kurtz said.  He has been a familiar face in Prospect Park for over six years. But it wasn’t always that way. In fact, he never thought he’d be a runner at all.  “I’ve learned a lot on the running path over the years. One of the biggest things is the significance of listening to your body. Running can be hard on your joints and muscles, so it’s key to pay attention to any aches or pains and take the necessary rest and recovery time. I’ve also learned that running is as much mental as it is physical.

Kurtz and other runners point out that there is a reason to have a regular running routine. He explained, “Another important lesson I’ve learned is the value of consistency. Running regularly, even if it’s just a few times a week, can make a big difference in your fitness level and overall well-being.”

Now, Kurtz logs miles on the park’s winding trails, lost in thought or chatting with other runners. He’s completed several half marathons and even a full marathon, something he would never have thought possible just a few years ago.

Mark Locke also wasn’t a natural runner. It was tough at first, but Locke kept at it, gradually building up his endurance and speed. As the pounds melted away and his health improved, he found himself falling in love with running and the park became his second home.

“For me, it’s all about the health benefits. Running is a great way to stay in shape, and I feel so much better after a good run. Plus, there’s a real sense of accomplishment that comes with pushing yourself to run further and faster,” Locke said.

Devon Mazzone, 32, found the trails in Prospect Park provided a way back to running for him.  The marketing director at a tech startup lived near a park when he was a child and loved the endurance sport. But he gave it up in his teens and returned to it ten years later. “I started running to improve my health and to challenge myself physically. But over time, it’s become a way to clear my mind and relieve stress too.”

Mazzone also competes against himself in marathons. “I’ve run in several half marathons and one full marathon. It’s always an amazing feeling to cross the finish line and achieve a goal that I’ve been working towards for months,” he said.

The regular runners welcome newcomers and suggest that you don’t push too hard at first. “I would say start slow and gradually build up your endurance. Don’t be too hard on yourself if you need to take breaks, and listen to your body if it’s telling you to slow down or stop,” Kurtz said. “And most importantly, have fun with it!”