I took a different path.

James A. Garfield Monument

Q: Where is President James A. Garfield buried?

If you answered Lakeview Cemetery, you would be wrong.

When I want a scenic if somewhat challenging five-to-six mile run, then I head for Lakeview. It does take two miles to get there and two miles back, but the mile or more I spend within its ancient stone walls are more than worth the effort.

Founded almost one hundred and fifty years ago, this most awesome Cleveland attraction is the final resting place of such legendary Cleveland personages as artist Victor Schreckengost, Mayor Carl Stokes, inventor Garrett Morgan and yes, President Garfield.

Only Garfield isn't technically buried. He and his wife Lucretia lie in state in the crypt of the Garfield Monument. The Monument, open April through November, the highest point the cemetery and the observation plaza provides a wonderful view.

Personally, when running though I often take a moment to visit the stones for former Safety Director Eliot Ness and comic book author and jazz critic Harvey Pekar, who was and is a quintessential Heights persona. These two grave sites are actually about ten paces from each other, across the road from Wade Pond.

Here is the thing though, if you enter the park from Mayfield in Cleveland Heights with plans to exit onto Euclid Avenue in East Cleveland, that's fine. It's downhill all the way. For this five miler, however, I take a lap around the monument, downhill and back up again. The "up" part can be pretty steep.

If I chose to run eight miles, I would head out the Euclid Avenue gate and turn left into the Uptown neighborhood, swing around MOCA and head up through Little Italy and back home.

Distance: 5.42 miles
Avg Pace: 7:47
Duration: 42:15
Route: Lakeview Cemetery

The wind and spitting rain just trying to cross Euclid Avenue after rehearsal last night was insane! Today the rain has subsided and it's like a windy spring day, but apparently winter is blowing in. I'm glad I got to take this morning run. Feeling strong, feeling good, feeling grateful.

Temperature: 55°
Climate: overcast and a bit blustery
Pavement: wet
Weight: 162.5 lbs. (+0.5)
Mood: positive

2004 Playlist
Whatshername - Green Day
Breathe Me - Sia
Laura - Scissor Sisters
Mike Mills * - AIR
Suddenly I See - KT Tunstall
As The Rush Comes - Motorcycle
Ohh La La  - The Ditty Bops
Fit But You Know It * - The Streets
Golden Touch - Razorlight
Take Me Out - Franz Ferdinand
Short Skirts - Felix da Housecat

Sources:
Lakeview Cemetery
Wikipedia