Along the Potomac in VA

Yesterday morning was my final run in Washington, DC (at least for this trip).  I started out heading into Georgetown with a plan to run along the C&O Canal Towpath.  This path extends for miles along the C&O Canal and is supposed to be a great spot for runners.  However, when I reached it I noticed a group of people standing around blocking the path.  It turned out to be the finish line for a half marathon and 5K that was going on that morning.  I had actually considered this race when we decided on DC.  But given how hot it was, I'm really glad we decided against doing it. 

I changed plans and instead headed across the Potomac into Virginia.

Rosslyn, VA from Georgetown

Once across the river, I followed signs for the Mount Vernon Trail.  I had no plans to make it all the way to Mount Vernon given the heat and humidity, but I thought it would make for a nice run.  The path took me along the Potomac with some good views of the monuments across the river. 

Lincoln Memorial and Washington Monument

I made it out to where the trail split off for Arlington National Cemetery before I turned around and started back to the city. 

Peaceful morning along the river

It was a good trip for running with different routes and sites each morning.  The weather was hot and humid and I was soaked after each run, but in cooler weather there would be no shortage of running paths to explore.  If we visit again, I would love to explore the C&O Canal Towpath as well as Roosevelt Island, both of which are supposed to be great places to run.

Rock Creek Trail

Yesterday I decided to avoid the crowds and traffic lights around the National Mall and instead seek out the Rock Creek Trail.  It was just a short run west to Georgetown where I picked up the trail heading north.  After a few minutes running in direct sun on the trail, it luckily got more shaded.  There were different paths I could have explored.  I ended up running toward the Zoo.  Lots of runners and walkers were out enjoying the sunny and hot morning.  I saw several members of the DC Frontrunners out wearing different versions of their DC Pride 5K shirt.

Peaceful section of the trail

I was soaked in the heat and humidity, but I do always enjoy running in nature along water.

Crossing over the creek

One of the reasons we picked our hotel (aside from the fact that it's really nice!) is that it is connected to an Equinox Sports Club that we can use.  So this is where our runs have ended each day -- with a little more cardio.  I have never been to an Equinox, but I'm very impressed with it.  It's a great club that I would consider joining.

Equinox next to the Ritz Carlton

Running on the National Mall

We flew to Washington, DC late yesterday afternoon to enjoy the long holiday weekend.  This morning we were up early and ready for our run.  We are staying at the gorgeous Ritz Carlton in the Foggy Bottom area of the city, so I planned for my first run in the city to be around the National Mall.

I got stopped at traffic lights several times this morning which made for a little slower run, but it was a sunny, warm morning and I got to see several of the city's big landmarks.  Not a bad way to start my day at all!  I entered the Mall on the western end near the Lincoln Memorial and proceeded to head east toward the Washington Monument. 

Starting at the Lincoln Memorial

Nice view from the Lincoln Memorial

The Washington Monument is currently closed for repairs but it is impressive nonetheless.  After running around it, I continued on toward the Capitol building.

Running around the Washington Monument

This was as close as I got to the Capitol before I turned around and started heading back.  I didn't feel like dealing with more traffic lights to get closer and I was worried it would be more crowded with tourists. 

Capitol Building

We'll see where I run tomorrow.  I will probably head back to this area but I'd like to include the Jefferson Memorial in my loop and maybe explore a little more along the river.  Hoping for continued beautiful weather!

PR at the Chicago Spring Half Marathon

This morning we were up early to head downtown to Maggie Daley Park for the Chicago Spring Half Marathon.  The forecast had been calling for rain, but luckily that changed overnight and it was mostly just overcast during the race.  However, it was much colder than we had been planning for -- especially for spring.  Temperatures were in the 40's, which isn't terrible for racing but is definitely on the cooler side.  The course itself was a fairly unremarkable out and back along the Lakefront Path.  The first half of the race heading south was fine, but as soon as you turned around and started to run north, you were running directly into the wind.

I went into the race knowing there was the potential for a PR but uncertain if I could pull it off today.  Once I started running, I felt pretty good.  My first several miles were at a good pace and I knew I was on track for where I wanted to be.  But after the turn around, the wind did slow me down a little.  It wasn't until I got to the clocks at miles 11 and 12 that I started to feel confident that I would get what I wanted.

Feeling strong heading out

I finished the race in 1:23:36, which is over 2 minutes faster than my previous PR!  Not only was I first in my age group (out of 207), but I was also the first male Masters finisher (out of 730).  What excited me even more than the new PR is that this time qualifies me for guaranteed entry into the 2019 NYC Marathon!  There are a limited number of spots available for time qualifiers, but I am hopeful this will get me in.

Finishing strong!

I was also so happy that Mike decided to do this race.  He finished his 4th half marathon and also set a new PR by almost 3 minutes!  I was so proud of him.  We both had great days, even despite the windy running conditions.

Celebrating our PR's!

Core class at Rogue Running

Early morning along the river

Having learned my lesson yesterday, I was up and out of the hotel by 6:30 AM for my run this morning.  The temperature was in the low 70's and still felt warm, but the sun wasn't beating down yet so it was much more manageable than yesterday's run.  The river trail was busy with runners this morning.  I stopped once to snap the picture of downtown.  I love how the skyline is reflected in the water.

First visit to Rogue Running

My plan for the day was to check out a free core strengthening class offered at Rogue Running.  The class is offered twice a week on Monday evenings and Thursday afternoons.  Being a regular listener of the podcast put out by Rogue Running, I knew that this was a serious place for runners in Austin.  I arrived early and walked around the store which was well stocked with all the running supplies you could need.

Our workout

The instructor for the class was Coach Ashley.  She had run the Vancouver Marathon a week and a half prior.  She was super nice and I was really motivated to give the class my all.  There were two other women at the class today, one of whom had just recently run the London Marathon.  Ashley asked what kind of runner I was and I commented that I had just run Boston, so there was some talk comparing the weather conditions of this year's Boston and London.

Ashley led us through the EMOM (every minute on the minute) workout.  Minute 2 was my favorite as I could quickly get through the 10 push ups.  Minute 5's burpees got my heart rate up the most.  I guess I need to start adding them to my routine because they are no joke!  We did 4 continuous sets of the workout and I was definitely sweating by the end!  When I'm back in Austin, I would love to check out this class again.

After the workout with Coach Ashley

Running in Austin's heat

A view of downtown Austin from this morning's run

Mike had to fly to Austin for work this week, so I tagged along for a change in scenery.  We flew in yesterday, and he was up early this morning for his run along the river.  I decided to wait until after I drove him to work for my run, which probably wasn't the smartest move.  It was already in the mid-80's when I went out and it felt so hot!  I knew this would be a tough one. 

Austin has a great multi-use path along the river, and there were plenty of runners, bikers and walkers out even at 10:30.  Although the path offers several shaded portions, I was quickly soaked and I knew better than to push my pace today.  My body still isn't used to the heat since there haven't been many warm days in Chicago yet.

I did about 6.5 miles outside and then went into the hotel gym for another 3.  I'm not a huge fan of the treadmill but wanted to get a few more miles in.  Tomorrow I'm planning to get out earlier in the morning for my run rather than waiting until the sun really starts to warm things up.  Hopefully it will feel a little cooler!

NormaTec recovery boots

On Monday, we were thrilled to receive our package of NormaTec recovery boots.  Having used these to help recover after marathons and longer distance races, I knew they could be beneficial to my running.

CARA members receive $100 off a new pair of the boots, which are fairly expensive.  I contacted NormaTec last week and told them I was interested in writing an article for the magazine about how the boots might affect (hopefully improve) my running.  They were kind enough to extend me the same offer I would have received had I purchased them in Boston at the marathon ($200 off).  I happily took them up on the offer.

The customer service at NormaTec has been amazingly friendly and responsive.  I emailed the representative several times and they were always quick to respond and extremely professional.  They even sent a handwritten note with the boots thanking me for my purchase and saying they were looking forward to reading my article.

I'm really looking forward to using these on a regular basis and seeing what effect they have on my running and recovery.  I have already used them the last two nights and am happy with how my legs feel after each time.

Mike trying out the boots the first night

Welcome to my blog

Spring has finally arrived in Chicago

Welcome.  Running has become an integral part of my life.  So much has changed since I started to seriously get into running over 3 years ago.  As spring finally arrives in Chicago and brings with it new beginnings and a new season of races, I felt that I needed to take the next step and chronicle this running journey -- to share the highs and lows of running and racing and the mundane everyday things that I think about.  I hope that you enjoy reading about my experiences...