Motivations: The views

I have great respect for anyone who runs without a beautiful backdrop.  I have two normal outdoor running routes.  One is along the east river in Brooklyn where I have wonderful views of the Brooklyn and Manhattan bridges along with Manhattan to the north and the Statue of Liberty to the south.  This route takes me down the Brooklyn Promenade and through Brooklyn Bridge Park.  It is especially nice at night.  Occasionally, there will even be fireworks over the river as I run.

My other favorite route is in Manhattan along the Hudson river south toward lower Manhattan.  The views aren't as spectacular as from Brooklyn but looking over at Hoboken and Jersey city as well as watching construction of the Freedom Tower makes the miles go by fairly quickly.  

Throughout the year the routes naturally change.  Flowers come and go, leave change colors, and there is an occasional (very occasional this year) bit of snow.

Do I think I'm lucky to be a runner in New York City?  Heck Yes!