5.31.14 and 6.1.14: In early June we traveled to the edge of the Poconos for the Black Bear Triathlon. While my husband competed in the race, I took the opportunity to see some of the surroundings and do some running of my own.

The race begins in Beltzville State Park, with the swim on a reservoir framed by the foothills of the Poconos. Not too far from this park is the town of Jim Thorpe, PA, named as such because Jim Thorpe is buried here. The town was originally named Mauch Chunk (rolls right off the tongue, right?) but renamed itself in the 1950s once Jim Thorpe was buried here, in the name of attracting tourism to the area. There are numerous outdoor activities to do in the area, including kayaking, white water rafting, and cycling. Along the Lehigh River, an old railroad bed is now the location of the Delaware and Lehigh Trail, which runs north from the center of town. I enjoyed an eight miler along the crushed stone surface of the D&L Trail, taking in the sights of the surrounding gorge. It was a beautiful day for a run!