Fall Running

Today was a beautiful beyond beautiful day in Philadelphia. I had class in the morning, and then I had work, but the whole day I was literally dreaming about hitting that pavement on a nice long run.

When I got home from work, I took Jackson outside for a quick peeps, laced up my sneakers, and was out the door. It was such a nice day/evening, I decided to take my camera along with me for the run. I haven’t posted any pictures of my running route for a while (Check out some good ones here, here and here), so it was nice to be able to take the blogworld with me on this one. I hope you enjoy the ride.

I honestly don’t think I will ever get sick of my running route. I pretty much do the same run over and over again, but its just so nice and pretty by the water. It’s very calming and peaceful.

There are also parts of the route where I can “off-road” run on a dirt path. I like it because its easier on my shins, but its not without a few ‘obstacles’ –

The geese have clearly not flown South for the Winter yet. There must have been 30 (at least) that I had to dodge!

Outta my way birds!  

I also love all the bridges that I pass under. They are super old, but have tons of character. 

Oh beautiful Fall…how I love thee.

I totally snapped a quick picture of this couple having a romantical walk together along Kelly Drive. I love LOVE!

There is also always someone out on the water for me to watch while I run.  Keeps me entertained for sure!

So peaceful watching them glide along the water.

I couldn’t ask for a prettier route, and it’s right outside my door!

I hope there are a few more lovely days like this in the near future before winter creeps up on us! Here’s hoping!

   
My Garmin had no power when I got back today, so I had to go it alone, but sometimes I like running without having to look down at my wrist every 5 seconds to check out my pace. I know the mile markers on the route so it wasn’t a big deal. I just checked the clock before I left.

I did about 4 miles outside, and then when I was walking back into the apartment complex, I passed the gym and realized I wasn’t too tired yet. So I pounded out another 2 miles on the treadmill while watching TV. So all in all I did about 6 miles in under 60 minutes today. Felt pretty fabulous!

When I got home I had a ZICO! It was yummy!

And then I decided to do Attempt #2 of my Sweet Potato Fries.

Megan gave me the tip of doing the fries in the oven. I put the oven on 450 and put the fries in there for 15 minutes, moved/turned them over and left them in there for another 15

 

They turned out fabulously! Perfectly cooked throughout and crunchy on the outside. Thanks for the tip Megan! I love the subtle sweetness of sweet potatoes! I enjoyed these fries on a Halloween pumpkin plate, with a side of Chemistry homework.

Doesn’t get any better than THAT! Luckily I have another sweet potato in the fridge, so I see myself making these again very soon in the near future!

For dessert I had a Skinny Cow ice cream bar (love those!) and a Jack’s Pumpkin Spice Ale (Thanks Jill!) while watching the Phillies beat the Dodgers! All in all, its been a lovely evening!