Hill walker hurdling...

Hill walking is a time honored tradition for grassroots advocacy organizations.  Once a year, these organizations invite their membership to Washington, DC for a conference and then, armed with a folder of information, the membership visits their members of Congress walking from one Congressional office on Capitol Hill to another...aka hill walking. 

This tradition usually occurs en force about one month or so after the President submits his budget, so its the busy season.  That means us innocent, health-seeking runners have to squeeze by on the sidewalk in search of a mile or two over lunch time.  In fact, this week the sidewalks are so packed with Hill walkers, it was a veritable obstacle course, weaving from one side of the sidewalk to another, dodging well-meaning advocates....and a slew of Delta Sigma Theta members celebrating one hundred years of existence in their bright red suits.

So, by the time I reached the less crowded sidewalks of Eastern Market, I was finally getting into my groove for a comfortable, quiet backstretch.  The solitude of two laps around Lincoln Park is just what the rhythm doctor ordered.

I finally also seemed to find my speed again, mostly.  It's been a while since I've moved quickly.  Hopefully it lasts.  That said, I'm still feeling some pain where the hamstring joins near the knee.  I would really like this to go away before HAT in a couple weeks.  All I can do is beg the trail running gods to keep me whole until the finish line.  Happy trails!!!

Stats -
Miles:  5.51
Time:  47:14 (average pace of 8:34 per mile)
Feeling:  it's nice to stretch the legs, but I want my hamstring back and healthy