Last Philly post & then I can move onto the holiday posts and wrap things up for the year. I feel so behind- all the other bloggers already have NYE posts up and everything! In case it’s not crystal clear, I have fallen in love with Philly. It’s such an amazing city & I always have such a great time there. Since I’ve ran the Philadelphia Marathon & the Philly half, much of this run was through familiar territory, just without the crowds of a race.
From my hotel, I knew I wanted to head down Ben Franklin Ave by the museums & towards the park. Supposedly, Philadelphia has the highest concentration of museums outside of DC. I really wish I had the time & patience to visit the more, but maybe somebody I will.
Ran all the way to the most famous of all Philly museums, the Philadelphia Museum of Art for a beautiful view back towards downtown. In running gear & faced with the stairs, I had to bound up them a la Rocky since I let hubby climb to the top last time.
The museum exterior is just stunning with two wings that have ornate decorations and designs.
Yea, there was nobody here at 8AM on a Monday morning- it was neat to have the place all to myself.
There is an enormous Washington Monument sculpture at Eakins Oval in front of the museum that I’d never seen before- usually covered up with race gear.
I ran all the way out a few miles along the Schuylkill River before getting too cold & turning back to run by the museums along the other side of the boulevard.
Just before my hotel, there was this adorable little alley all decorate for Christmas & I found it just charming.
Since no visit would be complete without a friends jog, Tuesday night Stephanie & I went out with Ginger around Society Hill & along the waterfront for a few miles.
I was actually in town for work & that’s how I managed to score a long weekend visit with my best friend. My work too me across the Delaware River on Wednesday & this was the gorgeous view I captured with my iPhone.
GOOD NEWS OF THE DAY: Officially signed up and entered in the 2012 New York City marathon in November, my only traveling race (so far) this year.
What a fun run through the city! I like running through new places when I’m on vacation, too. You see things differently than when you’re in a car. Yay for NYC marathon and running 1K in 2011!
Thank you! My running gear is always packed for vacations- most people just think I’m crazy for exercising while I should be R&R’ing!