OHIO

As The Enthusiast I like to show my support and enthusiasm for the fine state of Ohio. The buckeye state has been my home for most of my life and at times I can't help but gush - this really is a great place. Why, you may ask? Well, for lots of reasons. But today I just want to focus on the towpath in the Cuyahoga Valley National Park.

Yesterday I went for a run. I intended on doing 3 nice miles - but then the walnuts happened. I went back to the hills (glutton for punishment I guess) and started out on my nice jaunt. Right around the half mile marker I was going along nicely, enjoying the blustery weather, when I noticed a large patch of fallen walnuts on the trail. I specifically remember thinking "Look at me go! I can dodge any obstacle... " And then reality hit in the form of my foot landing funny on said walnuts and my right ankle rolling at an exorcist-like angle.

(An example of walnuts on a trail)

Needless to say, I cut my run a mile short and prayed my ankle would be normal sized when I looked down. Luckily, the ankle was fine. I RICE'd properly and I am now good to go - as a result I fear the fallen walnut much like I fear stepping on chipmunks.

This morning I decided that I needed to make up for that lost mile, and what better way than by dusting off my trusty bike! It has been a long while since I've taken the bike out for a spin. I figured a nice 1o miler would be a fantastic start to my day. I geared up for the 42 degree weather and hit the towpath. Not even a mile in my legs were screaming at me. They were tired and not used to pushing along the two wheeled contraption. The 10 miler was NOT going to happen- so I decided to bust out my fancy phone with a super duper camera and photo document my favorite stretch of the towpath.

This is the goose. He's a large, very vocal goose that likes to hang out on the towpath. The first time I saw him he scared the living bejesus out of me waddling onto the path as I was zipping by on my bike. I look for him every time I'm in this area and get quite excited when I see him. Why? I don't know - just like white geese I guess. I decided to give him a name today, it's Fester. He needed a name. (Note: After I took this picture he starting honking at me, it was kinda scary.)

Here is Beaver Marsh/Turtle Pond. I've heard it called both, though I've seen more turtles here than beavers. I'm not a betting woman, but I would bet my bike that in daylight hours there is always a photographer on this planked area. This morning there were three.

This is Szalay's Farm. They have the best sweet corn EVER. I kid not. They have a good selection of produce and most of it is locally grown, even better! Now that it's fall time there are pumpkins, gourds and haystacks all over the place. It's quite pleasant.

And a nice view after my turnaround point. It was a good morning for a bike ride, it was cool out but refreshing. If you're even in the Akron area I would suggest hitting this place up! And if you're super into running - like a marathoner, the Towpath Marathon is this weekend. It's quite scenic from what I understand and it's also very flat.

Good running and biking to all as I relax and enjoy my Thursday off! :-D