My Run In Pictures

This little guy won first in his age!  

We’ve been involved in the Arlington 9-11 5k since 2003: first as volunteers, and later as runners.  The race is one of the most well organized around, and has raised over 600k for 9-11 related charities. 

This year marks the 15th anniversary of September 11th, so we decided to run the race as a family (missing our oldest, who had a prior commitment).

 It was nearly 100 degrees at the start line, but the race was well supported with a water stop around mile 2. 

We let our son run ahead of us (he’s super fast) and he ended up placing in his age group!  A wonderful and memorable race!

Starting to feel like fall…but still amazing flowers along the Potomac Heritage Trail. 

Gearing up for the Northface Endurance Challenge in a little more than a month.  My friends and I are doing the half marathon on trails from DC to Virginia.  This is my third long run: 8.1 miles (up two from last week). My hope is to get a couple ten milers in before the race. 

  
I ran from the Iwo Jima Memorial and  across the Key Bridge into Georgetown. Once in DC, I continued down the C&O Tow Path to Fletcher’s Boat House.  At the turn-around point, I jumped on the Capital Crescent Trail for the return jog past the remains of old homes and bridges.  So beautiful when the leaves are off the trees!  

Anyone else compete with friends or their spouse for monthly mileage totals? I’m less than a mile ahead of my husband. There’s no better motivation for running!

Spent time today with the family, hiking the beautiful Potomac Heritage Trail. Despite the heat and humidity, we made it nearly to the Key Bridge, then back to Windy Run Park.

I tried out a new hat from the fantastic Black Dog Salvage in Roanoke, VA, and used my brand new day pack from Georgetown’s Northface store. Great reviews on both, especially the pack. I was able to hold five waters, snacks, sunscreen, a wallet, phone, and keys…all comfortably for our 4 mile hike. Highly recommend-and it’s a steal at the sale price of just about $60!

View from the morning’s run. I love the smell of honeysuckles!

My upcoming trail half marathon is definitely not going to run itself…but this cold weather is not making training easy!

Today I set off with Winnie, the only one willing to brave the icy trails with me. Together, we did almost 3 miles: from home to the Potomac and back, via Windy Run Park. Not nearly long enough, but better than nothing! Happy Valentine’s Day!

Guess what I found in the ice on today’s run? Let’s hope all my 2015 runs are as lucky!

Celebrating the first day of 2015 with perfect weather and a free 5k in a beautiful Washington, D.C. neighborhood?  I can’t think of a better way to start the new year!

The “Fresh Start” 5k was hosted by D.C.’s new mayor, Muriel Bowser, as part of her inauguration festivities.  The race had a convenient 9:00 AM start time for those of us who were, ahem, “over served” on New Year’s Eve.   Starting and ending at the Oyster-Adams Bilingual School on Calvert, the 5k winded through some of D.C.’s most gorgeous (but hilly) residential streets.

We arrived early for the race and had a chance to meet Mayor Bowser – only the second female mayor in D.C. history!

I ran with  my daughter Anna…who, at 10, was thrilled to finish before both the Mayor and D.C. Councilmember Mary Cheh.  She’s a natural!  Lilly and Mike (our 7-year-old twins) finished soon after.

Water, juice, Gatorade, and fresh bananas were available for runners at the finish.  Super nice, especially for a free race!

I wish I could say that the race was my favorite part of Mayor Bowser’s festivities…but my husband and I attended her Inaugural Ball on January 2nd, and WOW!  What a swanky affair.  Here’s a shot of us celebrating D.C.’s new mayor!  Happy running!