ABSTRACT
Introduction: The Loop For those New Yorkers too sedentary to use their boots for walking, and for those non-New Yorkers among you, I want to tell you about the loop in Central Park. I lived and worked blocks from the Park for twenty years before I had a stroke and discovered a drive to push myself to walk longer, walk further, and walk faster. After I left the hospital I started by walking five frightening, icy city blocks with a cane. Gradually, I built up my strength and was able to walk to the Park and begin to explore it. I didn’t know the loop existed. I happened on the loop at 79th Street, where I entered and kept going, on the road, which is like an inner circumference of the Park. I went upwards and west to 110th St., then across, then downwards and east back to 79th and sometimes all the way to 59th Street, and across again. If, like me, you’re out of shape, it can be hard to make it. Unlike the cyclists and runners who pass through at all hours, I had to build up to it, especially the hillier sections. Before my illness I hadn’t wanted to walk, but after I knew I had to. Then I started to appreciate it. As it became easier, the rhythmic pace and a little exertion provided a soothing mental bubble to mull over residues of the week I didn’t know were bothering me, including my interactions with patients.
