I may be super behind with posting due to the holiday craziness (i.e., multiple parties, Christmas recitals, shopping,”baking” 8 dozen cookies* for work cookie exchange, etc. ), but I’ve luckily managed to get in some super runs.
First things first, though: CONGRATS to Joe L for winning the December “Small Business Running Swag” Giveaway! I’m sure Joe is anxiously awaiting the arrival of his women’s size medium running shirt, headbands, and organic lotion bar. I guess a random drawing is just that: random. Enjoy, Joe!
Joe’s Loot!
So back to running: this weekend’s long run traversed the very challenging and scenic Mt. Vernon trail. For those of you who are unfamiliar with the area, the Mt. Vernon trail runs 18 miles alongside the Potomac River, from Teddy Roosevelt Island right up to the Mt. Vernon estate- the gorgeous and historic home of George and Martha Washington.
Morning View from Riverside Park
My husband and I met up with Pacers “fun run” group on Saturday morning at Riverside Park (right off the GW Parkway). On the drive up, we actually spotted a bald eagle perched in the trees overlooking the river…it was amazing, and I wish I’d been quicker with the camera.
After a quick warm up, we ran just over three miles in the direction of Old Town Alexandria. Closer to Teddy Roosevelt Island, the Mt. Vernon trail is relatively flat and fast…but in Alexandria the trail turns hilly; definitely a challenging course.
After the turnaround, we picked up speed, stopping only briefly for water at our Riverside Park starting point before making the way up the final hill to Mt. Vernon. I’d been warned about this hill by a reader after my recent post on hill work. Previously, I’d only run DOWN the hill (during the Pacers GW Parkway Classic 10 miler). I’ll spare you the details of my grueling/exhausting ascent, but what I will say is this: if you’re looking for a tough hill workout, run this course!
Mt. Vernon
But seriously, you can’t complain when you end up at a place like the Mt. Vernon estate. We arrived before the crowds and got to enjoy a few moments before heading back to Riverside Park. 9 miles, total! Happy Running!
* And by “baking” I mean convincing Heidelberg Bakery to make me a very homemade looking tray of their amazing Mexican wedding cookies. 8 dozen of these tasty treats only cost me 16 bucks!
My Run In Pictures 
I usually start my runs at Belle Haven park, then I don’t have to face THAT hill, but once in a while it dares me! I grew up in Old Town and remember a teary bike ride as a child, when I thought my parents were trying to kill me by trying to make me ride up that hill!