Excited for my long run tomorrow with the Pacers Distance Running Team. We’re doing 7 miles, following this course from the Iwo Jima Memorial, over the Key Bridge, through Georgetown, then back into VA and down the Mount Vernon Trail.
With temperatures in the low 40’s tomorrow morning, I plan on wearing (and reviewing) my new Patagonia Better Sweater cap. I generally use headbands to keep my ears warm on runs, but am definitely looking forward to trying something new!
One of the area’s best kept secrets is Potomac Overlook Park, just one of the many regional parks managed by Northern VA Regional Park Authority. I took advantage of the last bit of daylight this afternoon to squeeze out a couple of miles (2.54, to be exact). Gorgeous weather and serene settings….I’m kicking myself for forgetting my camera (but it’s a good excuse to get back there soon).
Back to the park: it’s not huge…but there’s something for everyone: several miles of trails, a small animal sanctuary featuring birds and reptiles, a learning center, community garden, playground, and tennis courts.
If you plan your trail run for a Sunday, be sure to check out the park’s afternoon workshops. You’ll learn about everything from electric cars to reptiles, courtesy a team of well-trained and super enthusiastic staff members. Fantastic exercise and fun for the entire family!
See you there!
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!
Still a bit sore from last night’s track workout, and with the rain/cold I almost passed on running this evening. Want a know a great motivator? Pinkberry. So here’s what I did:
Did I mention it was raining? I am totally addicted to this fro-yo.
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
I know many out there believe in running over lunch. I’m fond of running to lunch.
Today I did just over 3 miles, ending up at the new Rabbit Salad and Grill in the Clarendon section of Arlington, VA. Had the steak and potato salad (I swear, it was a lot healthier than it sounds…tons of spinach) and devil’s food cupcake (ok, not so healthy). Both were fantastic. The made-to-order salad was oversized, fresh, and flavorful, and the cupcake was so decadent I had to leave a bite behind.
An added perk for the running crowd…complimentary cucumber-flavored water. Super refreshing and a great touch. I’m already looking forward to my next visit!
Running a fast 5k on Thanksgiving morning is like adding money to your food bank. Every mile down = an extra serving. Ok, my caloric calculator may be a bit off…but you get my point. Running is fantastic way to start a day that involves non-stop eating.
This year I’m excited to once again participate in a local Thanksgiving Day Turkey Trot, benefitting SOME (So Others Might Eat) in Washington, D.C. SOME is an interfaith organization that provides food, healthcare, clothing, and shelter to the poor and homeless. The race is expertly managed…and a true deal at $23 bucks (long-sleeved t-shirt included).
Another local race I love is the Arlington Turkey Trot. This race (in its 6th year) is sponsored by Christ Church of Arlington, and benefits the Arlington-Alexandria Coalition for the Homeless, Doorways for Women and Families, and Arlington Food Assistance Center. It’s a great community event with one of the best post-race goody tables I’ve ever seen. Seriously, participate in this race and you won’t be hungry again until dinner. It’s awesome.
For those in Maryland, participate in the 29th Annual Turkey Chase. This event, benefitting the YMCA, features two different race distances: 2-miles and 10k. Think about how much you want to eat, and register appropriately.
Do you have a favorite local race in November? Let me know!
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
Running Across the Connecticut Ave. Bridge
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!
MCM 35 Finish
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.
Blue box I'm coveting from G'town gallery
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.
Stairs are out on the C&O Canal trail. We didn’t let that stop us. Here’s Mike ignoring the caution tape. I did the same thing, only looked far more graceful at it.
My Run In Pictures 