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Blizzards in November

27 Nov

Perfect 65 degree weather in the D.C. area today.  I can’t remember a nicer, more seasonable holiday weekend.  I got a late start to the morning, but ended up running almost 5 miles into the Shirlington neighborhood of Arlington….where I met up with this little guy:

Barney, my sister’s adorable little English Labrador puppy. 

After cranking out another 1.5 miles with baby Barney, my sister and I met up with the rest of the family for a rare treat:  Dairy Queen blizzards.   I love that they’ve introduced a new (read: more calorie conscious) “mini” size.   If I read the microscopic nutritional information correctly, my chocolate + Reese’s cup version weighs in at under 200 calories.   Sure, there are tons of healthful snack options out there…but after a nearly 7 mile run, don’t even try to talk me out of ice cream.

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Running +1

15 Nov

I love running with a partner or team.  It’s super source of motivation (especially on those early, pre-dawn runs) and a great way to squeeze socializing into a busy schedule.  

On those frequent occasions when a running partner of the human variety is not available, our Jack Russell-Bichon- Dacshund-mix, Winnie, accompanies me on jogs.

Winnie came to us three years ago, when my boss’s daughters’ dogs decided to fall in love and have puppies.   We got pick of the litter…and the price (free) for a fantastic, adorable little pup was perfect. 

Winnie Ratamore, as a young pup

As luck would have it, Winnie has the sweet temperament of a Bichon and the energy/stamina of a Jack Russell.  She routinely manages 2-2.5 mile runs, charging ahead of me the entire time. 

Tonight, we did exactly 2 miles in just over 20 minutes (nature calls for Ms. Winnie, hence the slower time). 

Like a speeding bullet. Look at that dog go!

Math for Running Parents

5 Nov

If you consider:

x =amount of babysitting time on the clock

y=number of miles we want to run

z=amount of time needed to sit and enjoy dinner

Then coming up with a solution set of potential destinations should be easy, no?

Someone, somewhere out there could probably plot our decision-making process on a map.   In simpler terms our concept was: Run for an hour, eat/drink for an hour, cab it back home to relieve the babysitter.   

We looked at destinations between 5-6 miles away, and settled on Sine Irish Pub in Pentagon City.  The chilly weather made for a terrific run, through Clarendon, down Columbia Pike (which is looking pretty darn good these days), around the Air Force Memorial, and into Pentagon City. 

Air Force Memorial

 
Our reward for a fast run into Pentagon City. Yes, I realize that I shouldn’t be drinking a Corona at an Irish pub.
 
 

Cheering on the Marine Corps Marathoners

30 Oct

Saturday was a rare (and highly anticipated) night out on the town.  Mike and I stayed at the Marriot Wardman Park (pricelined for 80 bucks!!) while Grandma watched the rugrats.  After an easy workout at the Wardman Fitness Club and a great dinner at Lebanese Taverna (one of my favorite local eateries…go and try the hummus sampler), we turned in early to be ready to catch the Marine Corps Marathon on Sunday Morning.   

Our home base, Marriot Wardman Park in Woodley

Here’s the view of our hotel as we ran to watch the marathoners.  Glad the weather improved from Saturday’s snow, ice, and 30 degrees temps. 
 
Things I forgot to pack for the run: headphones, sunglasses, earwarmers.  Things Mike forgot: long pants (he swears he’ll never do spandex.  You’re welcome).
 

Running Across the Connecticut Ave. Bridge

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Our running plans were almost derailed as we ran by a half dozen brunch destinations in Woodley.  Nothing like the smell of Belgian waffles.  We don’t spend a lot of time in this area of D.C., but I love it.   Next time we run here, we’re eating at Open City…the line was around the block, so it’s got to be good, right? 
 

Woodley Park in D.C.

We made it through Dupont and down to the Washington Monument in time to catch the Marine Corps Marathon 3:25 pace group and cheer on teammates from the Pacers Distance Running Program.   So impressed with all the runners who looked strong out there…especially in light of the wild weather we’re having.    And equally impressed with the creativity in Halloween costuming.  Highlights include:  Mrs. Claus, Lt. Dangle from Reno 911, and some crazy young guy running in a full 3-piece business suit.   Sorry…couldn’t get pictures, too busy laughing. 

Marine Corps Marathon!

 
 Our run (about 5 miles) pales in comparison with the 26.2 that others ran, but I think we’re sufficiently inspired for MCM 37 in October 2012.  
 
 
Here’s a shot of me after last year’s MCM.   At the time, I swore it would be my first/last marathon.   Of course, that feeling didn’t last and I’m already anticipating running the 26.2 with Mike next year. 
 
 

MCM 35 Finish

 
Congrats to all my fellow Pacers Distance Running Teammates who cranked out some amazing times today!   If you’re interested in results, check out: http://results.active.com/pages/page.jsp?eventLinkageID=34157 
 
 
 
 
 

Sunday Long Run

23 Oct
 
Foggy Morning on the C&O

Chilly start to this morning’s run, with fog rolling over the Potomac.   This first view is from the C & O Canal, right off the Key Bridge.

 
We ran along M Street, too.  I avoid Georgetown at all costs during the day, but early mornings (without the crowds) are fantastic for quick window shopping.  I ran by this blue box last weekend and again today.  Love it…but can only imagine the cost. 

Blue box I'm coveting from G'town gallery

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
I missed running over the Memorial Bridge this morning (we went out and back on the Key).  It definitely offers the most impressive views, from either direction: Lincoln Memorial and the Friedlander “Arts of War” sculptures as you’re running in, and Arlington National Cemetery and the Lee House as you’re running back out.  

Arts of War Sculpture, near the Memorial Bridge

Back in Arlington, after 6.2 miles. Please note that, despite the early start, I've managed to color coordinate my outfit.

16 Oct

Mike and I at the finish line.  Love this feature of the Arlington 9-11 5k…free downloads of your race pictures on the event website!

16 Oct

Yeah, my kids run, too.

16 Oct

Don’t worry, it’s just a medal for participation. Great 9-11 anniversary race, sponsored by Arlington County Police, Fire, and Sheriff departments.

16 Oct

8 miles done! Today (0700 start time) I ran through Hain’s Point, Jefferson Memorial, Washington Monument, National Mall, through Georgetown, and over the Key Bridge. 

Here’s the view from my finish: Marine Corps Memorial, in Arlington, VA.  It brought back memories of the MCM, nearly a year ago today.  Really looking forward to next year’s race with MikeRupert!