Was thoroughly impressed with Mike’s dominance over the hills in Saturday’s Hot Chocolate 15k, so I decided to “treat” myself to a challenging 5k. When you’re looking for hills in Arlington, there is no shortage of choices. For short repeats, I like the Custis Trail or Rosslyn, overlooking the Iwo Jima Marine Corps Memorial (also one of my favorite start/finish points for long runs).
I opted for the grueling…and seemingly never-ending, Lorcom Lane in North Arlington. I jogged down to Spout Run/66 and began the ascent, pausing only to take a photo.
And it begins…
Lorcom Lane is both steep and long; it’s the kind of run that, during the summer, I refuse to do without a waterbelt, regardless of the overall planned distance. When the weather is cool enough (like this week), I do the run without water…but still feel beat when I hit the top.
If you could see my face, you’d see the look of relief/exhaustion
I finished my hilly 5k in just under 30 minutes. Not an impressive time, but I wasn’t going for speed. What’s your favorite local hill?
My Run In Pictures 
Wow, that are some tough routes. I had to stop running the steepest hills in my neighborhood because of nagging ITB issues, but I still have plenty of other hills to choose from. The last mile to Mt. Vernon is a challenge but it’s shady at least.
You know, I’ve NEVER run UP that hill to Mt. Vernon. They two times I’ve done that course were for the GW Parkway 10 miler, and we were running DOWN! Great race, but I can imagine doing it in reverse! Happy running!