Philadelphia

I'm in Philadelphia for the week. One time I was here about five or six years ago was great for running since I was within walking distance of Valley Forge. That was just a gorgeous setting for a run. Where I am now is not so scenic - a major east-west thoroughfare, packed tight with concrete, asphalt, and the accumulation of several centuries of urban sprawl. The lady at the front desk suggested Nashiminy State Park as a destination for running, and I took the opportunity to give it a try.

The park abuts the Delaware River, which I found out is at sea level. It's not a river at this point in geography - it's an ESTUARY. I actually found that out from the pamphlet for the park. Anyway, the trail I ran is part asphalt and mostly trail. Dirt and a little bit of sand composed the path. It was a nice change of pace. The day was overcast and somewhat cool so there wasn't a big crowd out for the day. Multiple times I saw a pregnant woman who looked like Anne Hathaway (with a bigger belly, of course), a guy with a halter to which his dog's leash was attached, a lady with a toddler in a stroller, and at the last three guys who were discussing cross country.

The park wasn't in the greatest shape, but I still enjoyed it. The outer loop is a little less than two miles around. I wanted to run at least 4 miles, which I did, but I had to run up a spur and back on the second lap in order to get to the distance. It's no Valley Forge, but I enjoyed it nonetheless. More to come from eastern Pennsylvania this week.