Hella

After the math exam this morning, I decided to take some time to myself and go for a long run. It marked my first in over a month and the first since I’ve been living in Philadelphia. I set out the front door and decided to try and make it a 5-mile out-and-back for a total of at least 10 (I think the route I chose was actually closer to 11?). The weather was decent, definitely not the hot Texas heat, and it was somewhat cool in the shade, especially when the breeze would blow. I had the iPod cranked up pretty good but I was extra careful at the street intersections. The course was ok, mostly flat, but I can see how it’ll get quite boring. Not nearly as many people run here as in Austin but that can be good since the trail isn’t so wide and bikes and rollerbladers use the same route. I’ll have to figure out a water stop strategy since the fountains are sparse. I’m thinking of taking a few bucks along with me and making a pit stop at a gas station for a refreshing bottle of Gatorade because I don’t really want to wear a Camelback.

There’s a lot of similarity in the scenery here and in Austin. It doesn’t always smell as nice here and the Schuykill isn’t quite as clean as Town Lake, but both areas are rather green and there are developed trail systems. A few of the vantage points bear striking resemblences to each other, particularly with the downtown backdrops and the 4-lane roads just near the trail. I do prefer the crushed gravel trail of Town Lake and my knees were telling me that the asphalt is a bit less forgiving.

Overall I was very happy with the run and surprised at the distance I managed. I’ll probably rest up a few days, bring the distance in some, and see how my training goes from there.

Filed under: Philadelphia, Running