Fires

This week we have had very high wind and unfortunately all around us are acres of burning brush, grass, and some homes. This has been a bad year for fires. Terry and I head out this morning for a shorter run as we have a long run tomorrow. The smoke yesterday was heavy in the air with ash falling like little flakes of snow here and there. The wind was so high it was miserable to go out. Today although no wind the smoke still hangs in the air. From the house it didn't look too bad but as we get further out the smoke is hanging. We can smell it and it burns the nose and the lungs. Obviously this isn't a good thing so we cut it short and head home. Tomorrow is a 14 mile run so we are hoping the smoke has cleared, but more than that we hope that the brave firefighters are able to put the fires out and that no more families lose their homes.

Cincinnati

Recently I had the opportunity to be in Cincinnati for work. One of the things I enjoy about traveling is the opportunity to run in different places. While it's difficult running when you travel, you are more tired, you don't where to run, and you have to do it really early or in the evening, it does provide a great change of pace as well. The first look at Cincinnati showed a very industrial city with the Ohio River being the focus. The river itself was dark and full of debris. However that view changes when you have the opportunity to run. I asked the hotel staff where to run and sure enough they had a route all mapped off! I love it when the staff is into running :). This particular route takes you from downtown to a bridge, not just any bridge, but a suspension bridge that was built in 1865! Amazing! 1865, so just what was going over the Ohio River in 1865? There were no cars and it's not a pedestrian bridge. Nope, street cars! As I ran over this bridge with it's glorious stone towers I tried to imagine what it would have been like to ride a street car this high over the river. Speaking of bridges there are many of them across the river, one what is just a pedestrian bridge, it's purple and so is called the Purple People Bridge. It is at least 3/4 mile long. Back to my run. As I exit the bridge and go right there is a bike/run path all along the river through amazing green space with two amphitheaters and beautiful gardens. Some of the path follows an old train rail and all long the path there are columns that house different pictures and text about all of the boats that have come and gone up the river. From show boats to war boats. Unfortunately I was running and didn't stop to read them, I will do that next time! The gardens are from all the different continents so as you run you feel like you are going from one country to the next. The vegetation changes, it's simply thrilling visually and the different aromas tickle your nose. You really have to understand that all of these gardens you are running through are surrounded by a city full of industry it's not as if you are out in the country, you are literally right in the middle of the city. And yet it's an amazing green space that transforms the city into a calming scene. And then in front of me under an underpass, of all places, is a playground! An amazing playground with beautiful green grass surrounding it. Amazing. Most cities underpasses are ugly and filled with graffiti and homeless persons junk. Instead I am looking at this playground that looks so inviting even I want to go down that slide. I turn to go back the way I came and so I am able to experience it all again, but this time going back I also pay more attention to the baseball stadium to my right before I go back over the bridge. What a great place for the stadium to sit. I run back over the bridge stopping to take a picture of the stadium from high up (have to show this to my husband). And run back to the hotel. I am exhilarated! You just can't get this experience in any other way. Thank you Cinci! I am looking forward to my next run in your city.