Pacers Fun Run

After feeling disheartened about not being able to run as fast a Daris from the Biggest Loser, I quickly got over it. I'm never going to get better if I just feel down on myself and don't run! So on Wednesday I ran a little over 5 miles around the Tidal Basin. Yesterday I did my Total Body workout class at noon and then ran 4 miles with my sister, friend, and fiance as a part of the Pacers Fun Run in the evening.

Pacers is a running store with a couple locations in the DC area. They organize free fun runs on certain days throughout the week. Check out their website if you are interested: www.runpacers.com

This was my first Pacers Fun Run, but it won't be my last. It was an out and back course. We started at the Pacers store, ran through Old Town down to a section of the Mount Vernon Trail, and back. There were different pace groups (from 7:15 to 11:00 and beyond if needed), but I just ran at a comfortable pace. Some people did 5miles, but we decided to do 4.25, and others stuck with 3 miles. Overall it was fun. Next time I will try to meet some new people.

My abs were cramping terribly for the last mile and for a couple hours after the run. I think it was caused by (1) working out earlier in the day, complete with ab work, and (2) only eating 3 crackers after work before the run, which started a 7pm. I will try to do better next week.

Happy weekend!

Cherry Blossoms

I stopped yesterday during my 9 mile run/walk to take a few pictures on my iPhone. The cherry blossoms were in their blooming peak. These pictures don't do it justice! It was way too crowded to run around the tidal basin, and I'm sure it will be even more crowded this weekend, so I'll stay away from DC for my run on Saturday. But I hope to spend some more time with the cherry blossoms this weekend.

9 miles in DC

Today I was supposed to run 4 miles, but my knees were hurting. I didn't realize how much I was favoring my right leg due to the blister on my pinky toe, and how much that would affect me. So I decided to take it easy today and do 40 minutes on the elliptical. I will run my 4 miles tomorrow.


9 Mile Route

I really loved this 9-mile route through DC that I ran a couple of weeks ago. If you live in DC or ever visit the area, check it out.

Start/Finish: Gravelly Point near Reagan National Airport in Arlington, VA. Here's the map. I think you can only access it from 395 North. There is free parking available and some sort of restroom facility, although it doesn't show that on the map.

Start by running up the Mount Vernon Trail. Continue about two miles and then cross the Arlington Memorial Bridge into DC. This puts you right at the Lincoln Memorial. Run down along the Reflecting Pool to the WWII Memorial and then back along the other side of the pool to the Lincoln Memorial. Take the Rock Creek Park Trails up towards Georgetown. Run past the Kennedy Center for Performing Arts and the Watergate Hotel. Run along the waterfront in Georgetown. Cross the Key Bridge back into Virginia and follow the Mount Vernon Trail south back to Gravelly Point.

This run is great because the paths are well travelled and much of the loop is run on paved running trails. During my run, there were other runners (good for moral support), and not too many bikes (didn't have to constantly get over so they could pass). The scenery is great and varied: the nature of Mount Vernon trail, the national monuments, and Georgetown.

You can easily extend or shorten this run to fit you mileage goals.

In the beginning and end of the run, you'll pass the Navy Merchant Marine Memorial in Lady Bird Johnson Park. Since everyone loves pictures, here's a couple pictures of me and my sisters circa 1990.

12 miles with a Clif Shot Blok

This weekend was my longest run yet, at 12 miles. And I ran it all!


THE ROUTE


We needed to run a route that would be free of snow. Many of the sidewalks and running paths in DC and VA are still covered in snow from the storms earlier this month. The last thing we wanted was to arrive at our starting point at 7:30 am and find that our path was snowy/icy. We knew Haine's Point would be the perfect place to run (and so did lots of other runners!). We made two loops around Haine's point, up towards to Lincoln Memorial, and back.

There is free parking on Haine's Point/ East Potomac Park. The road around Haine's Point is open to traffic, but no one drives down there unless they have a reason (maybe to picnic, play golf, or play at the park in the warmer months). So I saw maybe three cars over my two loops of Haine's Point. The road was pretty much taken over by runners, walkers, and bikers.

I will definitely keep this run in mind as an option during snowy winters.

PRODUCT REVIEW


I tried my first electrolyte supplement on this run. I had Clif Shot Bloks in Strawberry. I ate one piece at around 8 miles. I started to chew it, but then decided I'd rather suck on it. I didn't want little pieces of gummi stuff bumping around in my tummy. One piece lasted me at least 10 minutes, and I didn't feel the need to eat anymore during the remaining 3 miles. Their website says you can eat them every 20-30 minutes. That is too much for me, so I'm not sure I'm even getting any benefits by eating just one blok in 12 miles. But it tasted good and took my mind off running for a little bit.

PROS: Tasted really good. Lasted a long time because I sucked on it. (I tucked it in my cheek and was careful the whole time not to choke on it.)

CONS: One chew is too big. Next time I will only use half a blok.