Yep, you read that right. I run D.C., son!
Well…at least I ran D.C. I absolutely loved it.
I attend DC at least once a year for a work conference. Around my hotel, I would see dozens of happy runners and bikers just doing their thing. I would be so jealous because there aren’t that many pedestrian friendly areas back home.
This year, instead of being jealous, I decided to join in! I took some of my leisure time to work in a run and a yoga class.
I wasn’t fully prepared for the run, though. I forgot my armband, so I ended up getting creative and strapping my phone to my hand with two ponytail holders. It was actually perfect! I didn’t have to stop to take photos and the bands held the phone securely to my hand. Ready to run!
The Rock Creek and Potomac Parkway trail-head was just a block from my hotel so it made the perfect starting point. I’m not exaggerating when I say that it was the most perfect run of my life.
What made the run so perfect? The weather was a balmy 60 something degrees, which was warm enough to be comfortable–this black chick DOES NOT do cold–but cool enough under the trees to keep me from over heating. I ran the entire five miles without stopping (unless you count slowing down for a photo). The changing terrain, beautiful scenery, the camaraderie of fellow trail runners…it all just worked together so incredibly well. I wish every run was like that one!
I saw a heron, I think, chillin’ in the river. I was happy to take photos until I noticed his little beady eyes staring back at me. Then I ran as fast as I could.
The Western Ridge Trail was the most exciting part of the run. It’s mainly uphill (die!) but the air near the river was so cool and fresh that I didn’t mind much.
Since evening was fast approaching, I turned around at Pierce Mill. There was a group of high school girls singing camp tunes at the top of their lungs, eating a picnic in the grass. I guess they didn’t hear me coming because when I emerged from the trees one girl yelped and they all stopped singing. They burst into laughter. Between laughs one girls said, “Here we are signing and stuffing pastries in our faces while that girl is running. I need a lifestyle change.”
That made me feel good! Good enough for a midpoint selfie 🙂
On the way back, they closed a portion of the trail because the sun had set. I worked my way through a tunnel to get back to the hotel. This dude in front of me slowed me down a bit. With so many cars speeding through the tunnel, I couldn’t pass him safely. At least the tunnel was clean and kind of pretty.
The big arches under the bridge let me know that I was nearly done. It was a beautiful run and I can’t wait to go back and do it again.
What’s your favorite place for trail running?