These pictures were taken in Jersey - SHOCKING, I know

1. I'm from New Jersey. Not the Jersey shore.

2. Where I'm from, we don't have a zip code, we didn't have a ShopRite until I was at least 10 years old and we have about two local bars to drink at on the weekends. (But bars are overrated anyway when you live on a lake. We party on islands.) 

3. I know Newark sucks, Camden is the armpit of the world and I agree - the turnpike IS hell, however, "Dirty Jersey" is not all dirty.

I've never been fooled into thinking I could actually convince people of this and once Jersey Shore graced my life with it's presence I knew I never would. The nickname I adopted in Syracuse, Jwoww, still sticks a little too well. 

Yes, I went to prom weekend at Sleazeside and I get it, we're a little rough on the road. (Not bad drivers, just aggressive.) But, this post is all in defense of Jersey because I was fortunate enough to live in one of the best communities and most beautiful places anywhere. Forest Lakes. 

From when I was 6 to 18 I had a circle tan on my back, and was swimming, life-guarding, coaching and rarely wearing more than a bathing suit. Again. Not Jersey shore. No poofs, situations or hair gel. This is Forest Lakes.

So, after running around my lake more times than I can count, I finally decided to take a camera. Naturally, this has become one of my favorite runs. Though the hills can hurt, I still find it beautiful in every season, especially fall...

See that - GREEN acres

The park down the road from my house growing up.

Not too bad.

Our lake is too small for big boats. 

Armpit? I think not.

Boardwalk beach: Where I spent endless hours...bored.

Quiet.

Serious color.

Peeking through.

I swear we're still in Jersey.

Love this island.

<3

Burlington baby

Before I say a word about this run, I'd like to thank my Professor from JMU, Eric Fife, for an interesting contribution. Apparently I'm not so far off with my beer and running workout combo. Finally! I can defend myself!

But back to Burlington...

I was lucky to have a better run on the second day of my stay. Though the waterfront is strikingly beautiful in all weather, I was happy to trade in raindrops for sunshine. It made for a more comfortable run...and some awesome pictures.

With my head in the clouds...

Fantastic.

The sky seems bigger in Burlington.

The dark side of the same sky.

Jekyll and Hyde.

Boats are big in Burlington.

This is why.

These sailors were making me nervous. They almost tipped a few times. But they've got nothing on these paddlers. That's right! Another reason to love Burlington - they paddle pumpkins every year for the Great Pumpkin Regatta. Look and love this awesome video on 7 Days writer, Lauren Ober's blog.

Down the coast.

The water is wide.

I took the one less traveled by...

...and that has made all the difference.

Run to the water.

These next few aren't actually from a run - they're from a drive - but I couldn't leave them out. There were so many picturesque places to photograph, I had to take some shots while I drove. Safe. I know. But there were a few worth pulling over for.

This is taken on a dirt road just off the highway with only two houses and all this land. Magnificent.

I had to get proof of the camel. 

Couldn't help it.

And again. 

The drive away was bittersweet. I was hoping to find a way to stay, but unfortunately Burlington didn't have enough to keep me close. However, I'm hoping my return trip won't be about sun and rain...it'll be all about the snow.

Waterworks

I've heard a lot of hype about Burlington.

Two close high school friends of mine relocated there and have told me for years all the reasons I should join them. It's a beautiful city, nestled against Lake Champlain, and seems to boast the best of every world. The modest downtown is alive with music, shopping and food. College students are a prominent population with UVM buildings scattered about. Skiing and snowboarding are easy addictions with mountains like Stowe so close by. The people are friendly. The city is clean. And the beer is great. 

However, I like to balance my beer at night with runs in the morning (good logic, I know) and Burlington was an exceptional place to explore. 

There are paths nearly everywhere in Burlington and South Burlington, connecting every part of the community. It was especially refreshing for a runner who has lived her life in a constant state of fear running in streets and woods, afraid of cars or bears. Pick your poison. So, like Charleston, to have clear sidewalks and paths where other runners and bikers joined me in enjoying the outdoors was a dream.

Unfortunately, my first day of running was cold and wet. But naturally, it didn't stop me. Unlike the warm rain of Charleston, this was bitter and cold with a nice, strong wind off the lake to help keep me cool...or numb.

Cold, but beautiful.

Grey Blue Skies

Sittin' on the dock of the bay...

...wastin' time.

My long, lost sailor.

I came back later to give him a kiss.

Luckily, my second day of running was much brighter. Check back to see what it was like. 

Welcome (back) to the Jog Blog!

For those of you unfamiliar with the original "Jog Blog," it began as part of my graduate capstone course down in Charleston, SC. Though we were there to cover the events of the Spoleto USA Festival, we were encouraged to branch out and explore the city of Charleston and the stories there.
Though I hated running most of my life, I came around to it when I studied in Florence, Italy and suddenly didn't have much of a choice when it came to exercise. Why would I join a small, expensive Italian gym, when I could run around and explore the streets of Florence?
I ditched the gym. Good choice.
Ever since, I've been a pretty dedicated runner, going out nearly every day for several years. Charleston has become my favorite city to run around, however, others are sure to catch up as I make my way around the world.
This blog will capture my runs through different places and seasons, different routes and weather and perhaps as winter hits, it will become "The Things I Ski (or Snowboard) Into"...we'll see.
If you didn't follow the original Jog Blog, I encourage you to catch up! Charleston has a lot to offer and I'd like to think I caught a good part of it. Check out the original here. 

Wake up! Let's run :)