Just because trees have started to lose their leaves doesn't mean that you should lose your fitness regimen. As appealing as it may sound, it isn't time to hibernate quite yet. Fall fitness options in and around the Valley provide vivid, constantly changing foliage as well as cooler temperatures, and there are some great places and events that allow you to take full advantage of autumn's exercise offerings. If you're looking for something a little more organized (and possibly a lot more intense) than a wayward walk in the woods, look no further—we've got you covered there too.
Get Outside (of the Valley)
Outdoor recreation not too far from home
Image courtesy of flickr.com
Nockamixon State Park
Boaters and fishers of the Lehigh Valley know that nearby Bucks County's Lake Nockamixon is a watersport enthusiast's dream. Three creeks feed into the lake, attributing to its 1,450 acre breadth. The tree-laden woods around the lake are home to over ten miles of trails to be used however you'd like (run, mountain bike, sniff around with your dog) and they provide a seasonally stunning atmosphere in fall. Nockamixon State Park is also a great pit stop for migrating birds, so don't be afraid to tie your shoe or adjust your paddles and look toward the sky.
Image courtesy of njecotone.wordpress.com
Sunfish Pond
If you have about 8 miles of hike in you (it's just glorified, exotic walking—you've got this) grab your dog, pack a lunch, toss your boots on and make the uphill trek to Sunfish Pond. Located within the Worthington State Forest (just past East Stroudsburg and over the Delaware), Sunfish Pond is a glacial lake that has so much to offer regardless of season. Every time that I've been there, I've experienced serenity beyond belief, interrupted only by the cordial and obligatory “Hullo!” to hikers passing by. If your leaf timing is on point and you hit peak reds, yellows and oranges, expect the quintessential fally experience.
Image courtesy of markvandyke.net
Ricketts Glen State Park
Someone much more important than me once said, “Don't go chasing waterfalls.” What follows may be a source of chagrin for the speaker(s) of those words. Ricketts Glen, not quite two hours northwest of Allentown, is worth each and every second of the drive. In autumn, everything there is falling. From the 21 waterfalls along the Falls Trail (7.2 mile loop) to the autumnal leaves delicately dropping from centuries-old trees, this park is home to an often forgotten sense of whimsy. Get your legs moving and enchant yourself here as soon as possible!
Don't Fear the Organized Pain
But if you do, there's still something for you.
Image courtesy of thisisitphilly.com
Spartan Race
Citizens Bank Park will become a veritable battle ground this November 14. “Gritty. Resilient. Passionate. Spartans aren't soft. Spartans overcome obstacles. And yes, Spartans burpee.” These hardcore, athletically challenging races vary from three to 13 miles and 20 to 30+ obstacles. The upcoming Philadelphia race will take you through the same stairwells and hallways that the Phillies use, but you may find yourself moving a little more quickly than the players do. If this sounds a little bit like the Tough Mudder that you (nearly died during) completed, you're not far off. The Spartan Race is for you.
Image courtesy of philadelphia.cbslocal.com
Tough Mudder
Speaking of Tough Mudders, one will be coming to Coatesville (an hour and a half from Allentown) October 17 and 18. You're surely familiar with the chaos that is Tough Mudder by this point—mud, climbing, freezing water, more mud—but have you done one? Here's your chance. Along with the breathtaking views of the Brandywine Valley (as if you're really going to be checking out the scenery), the Coatesville race will feature a bunch of new-for-2015 obstacles. Take a risk, grab an old pair of sneakers and sign up before the price increases—trust me, they're fun.
Image courtesy of Eventbrite.com
Run Like Hell 6K
If you're not a fan of mud and you're rejecting your inner Spartan's requests for release, the Run Like Hell 6K may be for you. Held October 24 at 6 p.m., it's safe to assume that this run will be a little spookier than any you've done before. Starting at Allentown's Cedar Beach, the run will take you over a relatively flat course in the dark—rain or shine. You'll also get some swag if you survive. A long sleeved tee and a glow stick or glow necklace are guaranteed, but run like the evening wind if you want a free beer, pizza or candy.
Image courtesy of mcall.com
Halloween in Emmaus 5K
Would you like to run in front of 20,000 people? I wouldn't, but no one asked me. On October 17, on the corner of 9th and Chestnut Street in Emmaus, you will find a slew of costumed runners stretching and prepping themselves to run 3.1 miles in under 40 minutes. What's with the crowd? Why the time limit? The answer: the parade, of course! That's right, participants of the Halloween in Emmaus 5K will be running along the same route that the Halloween parade will follow just 30 minutes later. Sounds zany—I'd love to watch. Maybe you'd love to run.
