Top 5: Places to be Seen Running in Boston

I have had 10 months to live and run in Boston and here are my top 5 calls on the best places to be seen running. I didn’t want to label this as the top 5 places to run in Boston, because it’s all pavement and concrete, sidewalks and streets that can take you anywhere. So limit your running to the cool places to run in the city.

5. Charles St. Beacon Hill – Beacon Hill is one of the nicest areas to run in Boston, but what I really enjoy about Charles St is that it is great path from the Commons to the Charles. I recommend staying on the street while running through Beacon Hill, because the brick sidewalks can put some stress on your feet and legs after a couple miles into a run. Stop in the Starbucks on the right side of the street if you are coming from Beacon St. The baristas will gladly get you a cup of water so you are able to re-hydrate. Maybe you’ll run into someone you know as they are getting a Grande Espresso Frappuccino. That always makes for a good conversation. While you’re in the area, I also recommend running Mt. Vernon St., which is a quiet street with some wicked nice houses. It will take your mind off of the running, just thinking about what it might be like living over here.

4. State St, Boston Harbor side – State St. between Congress and the Surface Rd is nothing special, but on the other side, State St connects into the Long Wharf. If you grew up in any Boston suburb, Framingham to name one, you would probably remember this area from elementary school field trips to the Aquarium. On a nice day, running to end of Long Wharf and looking out onto the Boston Harbor is nice, and a good spot to feel like OK, I can turn around now. It reminds me of the scene in Forrest Gump, when Forest runs to the end of the pier and simply just turns around. And if you don’t mind the smell of Boston Harbor, then I would say make it to this area as often as you can.

3. Huntington Ave. Symphony – I like Huntington Ave between Mass Ave and Exeter or Dartmouth. This a good area to walk on a nice day, so running around here, you’ll know that a lot of people will get to see those cool running sneakers and your smooth strides. What I find is that most people will just be annoyed with you, because it is a busy area with the Prudential and Copley mall. I also consider this area a great place to change up my run from a route that I have become accustomed to. Huntington Ave. is just a few side streets away from either the South End or Back Bay. If you go as far as Dartmouth St, be careful making a move to a different street, because the traffic patterns can be confusing and cars won’t hesitate to honk loudly as you run by.

2. The Charles River – It is a bike/walk/run path so if you don’t like to run in cold weather, you’ll have to compete for space around the Charles with others. Therefore I think this rule applies, want to be seen—run in the summer. Want to own the path—run in the winter. I like to start in either of two locations on the south side of the river; by the esplanade or get off the bridge at Mass Ave. On a windy day I do not recommend running by the river, because the temperature can drop 5 to 10 degrees just by the river. I really made up that number, but it is tough to run with wind by the Charles. So why is the Charles River such a great place to run? The path is easy and a great change from a regular route on sidewalks. Stay on the path going east and there is a foot path across Storrow, which will bring you to Boston University. Sometimes it’s not all about being seen running, and I think it is really nice to run the river at night. The Hyatt reflects nicely off the river and on the Cambridge side, as well as on the bridges, there are good views of downtown. So I find that it is always worth the effort to make it to the Charles River.

1. Boylston St – Marathon Monday is the only day that you can go out running and thousands will be cheering you on as you finish a run. This run of course started 26 miles ago in Hopkinton, but definitely a cool place to be seen. A stretch of 385 yards, probably has never been more challenging to me, but something happened when I crossed the finish line. Regardless of the day you go out running, I think Boylston St is a great area to run. The sidewalks are wide enough that you won’t disturb walkers. It is also just under a mile, point-to-point, from Mass Ave. to Arlington. If you want to get off of Boylston St, avoid the temptation to run Newbury St because it is just a bad scene with all the shoppers. Therefore, continue to Comm. Ave. and run in the path that separates the two sides of the streets. But back to the marathon, Boylston is the Mecca for marathon runners. Therefore, some day take advantage of a holy pilgrimage from Hopkinton to Boston and get a space-age aluminum blanket to stay warm.

One final reminder; in these locations be ready to be seen so look sharp.