Working on the run...

Warmer temps have arrived.  Green is bursting from the trees.  Flowers are blooming.  Spring is in the air!  That means it's no excuse time for getting outside for a nice run. 

Today for the fitness challenge, we were asked to post a picture of ourselves outside...breaking free from the walls that have penned us in throughout the winter.  What better way to celebrate Earth Day!  So I decided it was time for a semi-annual "Stacie in front of the Capitol" pic.  Enjoy!

As you can tell, this was a "worktime" run.  Sometimes this is the only way to get it done if you work full time and have a family.  I'm often asked how I manage to exercise during the work day.  Tongue in cheek, but total reality, my response is "with my blackberry in hand."  I run during my "lunch break" so I'm not missing the real action.  But I do stop at red lights to keep current with what's happening on the blackberry.  And, rest assured, I am responding throughout my runs to any incoming actions. 

Doesn't that make it hard to get in a worthwhile workout?  Well, no.  My lunchtime runs are almost always base miles.  I save the effort workouts (when I get them in) for a time when my training can be uninterrupted by the outside world.

Base miles are important building blocks for all runners.  There is a training progression that every runner goes through with each new cycle. 

Base miles always on the front end...and throughout.  Which is lucky for me.   Because my work also has me on the road a lot, I tend to spend those weeks focused on base miles.  It can be difficult to schedule much more than that when you are worried about making it from one location to the next or the weather or altitude causes physical changes to your body (like my recent travel through New Mexico, Nebraska and North Dakota where we had altitude, high heat and low heat all in a course of hours).  The one thing that keeps these runs fresh is the every changing scenery.

So, if you are like me and don't like to use work or family as an excuse for not taking care of your training needs, then embrace the base miles.  Happy trails!

Stats -

Miles:  3.1 (Thursday); 4.11 (today)
Time:  26:00 (not a road run); 43:06 (average pace of 10:29)
Location:  Minot North Dakota; Capitol Hill
Feeling:  a little tired

Your friendly PSA...

As a runner, I am pretty conscientious about following the rules of the road.  Safety is always a big concern.  I stick to sidewalks as long as they are available.  I wear bright colors if I'll be running on the road.  I watch before crossing.  I only wish drivers paid half as much attention to following the rules of the road.

So here's your friendly public service announcement this week...drivers, when you come to a red light or even just a stop sign, stop where indicated.  No, the crosswalk wasn't put there to get you closer to the intersection, it's actually for pedestrians...or runners like me trying to use sidewalks to stay out of your way.  Tonight I had to battle and swerve around at least three cars that decided to stop on the crosswalk.  It was a close call with one crazy driver who obviously didn't see the runner crossing, appropriately in the crosswalk, and nearly drove into me.

Law breaking drivers aside, I enjoyed the chilly dusk run.  No lunch time today, so I hit the pavement after work.  It was quiet, the legs were moving and, aside from a few drivers, no obstacles to a good run.  Top off the fact that all my muscle groups have decided to work together again, who can be in a bad mood finishing up a run in the shadow of the Capitol Dome lit up against the night sky. 

In all, February didn't turn out to be a fantastic mileage month, but looking back at last year's log it was a lower month then too.  Maybe I can turn February 2014 into a Feburary where I hit my mileage.  Until then, I'll just plan on more miles (and hopefully getting back into my speed groove) in March.  I can do it.  Lots of opportunities.  Happy trails!!!

Stats -
Miles:  5.66
Time:   50:43 (average pace of 8:57 per mile)
Feeling:  the blister on my left big toe from the 1/2 marathon rubs a bit after a few miles, but the hamstring is finally stretching out a bit

Spiking the football...

My end zone dance looks a bit like Ickey Woods, but who the heck cares...I hit 1000 miles today!  Slam dunk!  Goal!  Move over second rate college quarterbacks, I'm taking home the Heisman this year.  Did I get a little too carried away?  I don't think so, after all I took down my new year's resolution a whole month early.

It wasn't easy today, that's for sure.  Due to a crazy work schedule, I lost two days of running this week.  Getting home from work after midnight and getting back up at 5am meant I was tired to begin with.  It took a lot of drive to get out the door and put in enough miles to cross the finish line, but the pull to claim victory over one month earlier than I calculated as doable last January was greater than the exhaustion...and the blisters forming on my feet.

It seems fitting to put to bed the goal around the city that has played such an influential role in many running firsts for me...Though several years ago, it's still the first city in which I ran a 10 miler and a marathon...several since both those.  It's also provided me with the routes to shed my stress through running when life becomes too much.  On this particular run I headed for some familiar sites and some new pavement.  From Stanton Park, to Lincoln Park, to RFK Stadium, to Eastern Market, past many Smithsonian museums - dodging a gazillion tourists - to the Washington Monument and finishing up near the US Capitol, it was a beautiful day, beautiful weather, and the run felt awesome.  To cap it off, I finished while Colbie Caillat's "Brighter than the Sun" was blasting through the ipod....kindof perfect.

As I was running, and knowing I was going to pass this milestone, I began thinking about what I learned over the past 11 months of pushing myself out the door on days I couldn't wait to run, and days I needed a bit more motivation than seemed to be available to me.  This really was a journey of self-discovery.  Here are just some of things I learned this year, the good, the bad and the ones that need more work:

• I am capable.  Capable of setting a goal and figuring out what I needed to do to finish it.
• I am strong.  Strong enough in body to muscle through the weak days and strong enough in mind to push myself when necessary.
• I am committed.  Committed to making sure I know the value of goals.  Committed to keeping myself fit in mind and body.  Committed to setting a positive example for my family and friends, but most importantly my daughter.
• I am crazy.  Yes, I am willing to do some things that others deem crazy - crazy distances, crazy times of day for runs, crazy to get up and go out for a jog in a blizzard.  I am crazy to ignore injuries in pursuit of goals, when those injuries could become so much worse.
• I am sensitive, but bullet proof.  I am sensitive enough to get my back up when people flippantly say to me "1000 miles?  I bet I've done that.  That's pretty easy."  But bullet proof because I've learned to let the silly comments of others roll off.
• I am self-conscious.  I have body image issues and I recognize it.  It's hard to listen when a friend tells me I look strong, when inside I'm telling myself I need to lose 15 more pounds and tone up this and that muscle group.
• I am thankful.  Thankful for my own perseverence.  Thankful for all those who helped me throughout the year by putting in the miles with me and always willing to provide moral support.
• I am blessed.  Blessed with good health.  Blessed with great friends and blessed with great family.
• I am awesome.

Who knows what I'll be able to achieve in the next month, but I'm looking forward to it. Happy trails!!!

Stats -
Miles:  11.02
Time:   1:39:46 (average pace of 9:03 per mile)
Location:  all about the greater Capitol Hill neighborhood
Feeling:  VICTORY!!!

Jingle all the way...

US Botanical Gardens all lit up for the holidays

NOTE:  There were no live jingle bells engaged in this evenings activities...that will wait for closer to Christmas.

There is something special about that first evening run after the Christmas lights begin to deck the halls - or the outside facades - of the homes and building around Capitol Hill.  It's fun, festive and provides new interest while circling the streets in my mad pursuit for miles and fitness. 

Tonight was that night.  First of all, I had to run tonight.  Just absolutely had to.  It's a super busy week, which means my runs because that much more important to break up the stress.  Today I didn't get a lunch break, so by 3pm I was emailing my husband saying I was going to go insane if I didn't run after work...would he be okay with the diva.  Check.  Not sure what I would have done if the answer had been no.

After I finally broke the chains from my desk, I headed out across the East front of the Capitol.  It was cold and I was stiff, so it was a slow start (and end if I'm honest).  Since it was dark and (a) we've established I'm clumsy after dark and (b) you don't want to head into the darker neighborhoods...just in case...I decided to stick very close to the Capitol and engage in circles.  Really more like a figure eight.  I'm glad I did.  My first circle took me around to the West front of the Capitol building and the lovely view of the Botanical Gardens all lit up for the holiday.  It's strange, I've been in DC for more than a dozen year but never visited the Botanical Gardens.  The lights make me want to go, and I bet the diva would love it.

My second loop came back across the East front and then headed down Independence Avenue toward 3rd Street SE, up East Capitol toward Lincoln Park, back down East Capitol and across the front of the Capitol building back to where my car was snuggly parked behind the Russell Building.  Thank you to the festive residents along East Capitol.  I love your style and spirit and hope more will join you.  While none of you sported the grotesque displays of blow up figures or plastic Christmas lawn ornaments (thank you and thank you), your lights provided a delightful tour of an otherwise too familiar route at this point.

I never quite warmed up enough to greally get moving on this run.  That's okay, it was about stress rather than speed or other training accomplishments.  It was also fun to see the first of the holiday decorations and I can't wait to see more.  Happy trails!!!

Stats -
Miles:  3.35
Time:   32:38 (average pace of 9:44 per mile)
Location:  Capitol Hill
Feeling:  holiday cheery

Only in Washington, right?....

Thanksgiving is an interesting time of year, but the week is even more interesting when you get outside the office for a run through the streets of Washington, DC.  That's right...today provided plenty to look at but I'll focus on three interesting things.

So we're experiencing a bit of warm up, but not so much to get back into the summer running clothes.  I split the kitty by wearing one of my favorite pairs of red running shorts and a long sleeve black Brooks running shirt that was a Celtic Solstice 5 miler premium from four or five years ago.  Not my most stylish running apparel.  Why is this important?  Well, because I got to play a small role in an on location shoot at the Capitol building as I ran across the East front of the building.  For the life of me I have no idea why a news crew was shooting in front of the Capitol on perhaps that second most dead week of the year for Congress...but anyway they caught me in all my stylish and swift glory.

Second, on this still chilly but slightly warmer day as I'm cruising along enjoying a nice cleansing run, I almost trip over a a bag piper in full regalia walking along.  Really?  Umm, don't these guys travel in packs and generally have an obvious reason for being in a specific place?  I couldn't figure out what he could possibly be doing where he was at that time, alone and looking cold....don't they go pantiless? 

Third, if you've been through DC lately you know the Supreme Court has been in the process of getting a bit of a face lift.  Nothing unusual in a town of historic buildings for sure.  I've watched the scaffolding rise up and envelop the building as I've run over the past few months.  What caught my eye today - as I was really attempting to keep my eye on the real prize of laying down a speedy run - was the fact that apparently the Supreme Court is concerned with appearances.  Oh yeah, while the scaffolding is up they apparently didn't want to deprive our great tourists of seeing the facade, so they had a life size canvas facade of the front of the building hung to hide the scaffolding.  Hello, we know that isn't real...

In all, I really enjoyed my run today.  My legs are really feeling great, my speed is picking back up, and I found plenty to be amused by.  Thanks DC for keeping it lively.  Happy trails!!!

Stats -
Miles:  4.25
Time:   36:06 (average pace of 8:29 per mile)
Location:  Capitol Hill, Stanton Park, Lincoln Park
Feeling:  better than I have in a couple months and loving it

Recovering in the dark...

Running in the dark?  Isn't that against my rules?  Well, yeah, but it was the best I could come up with for a busy Friday.  Actually, it was still dusk when I hit the streets, so technically it became full dark after I started...and I was wearing the vizipro so folks could clearly see me coming from several miles away. 

Now that doesn't save me from my own two clumsy feet on uneven sidewalks, so I hit the most crooked, pocked sidewalks on the front end of the run when there was still a smidgen of light in the sky.  I made certain, knowing my own ability to trip over my rather large feet, that I was cruising down Pennsylvania Avenue and the Capitol complex when the last of the light disappeared.

It was a good, longish run.  Still sorting out the stiffness from Wednesday.  I'm really convinced that is from lack of use and I just need to put more miles on my legs.  Sound logic right?  Ha, anyway, as I'm getting closer and closer to putting to bed my resolution for the year (not that I will stop running once I hit it of course), I started thinking about what targets to set for next year.  Six miles gives you plenty of time to think about things like this.  I've got a few ideas stewing, but feel free to provide advice.

All good things must come to an end, of course, and so after crossing the East front of the Capitol all lights ablaze (a very awesome image if you haven't seen it in person), I headed back toward the car, and, low and behold ran into one of my Capitol Hill favorites!  After catching up on his personal life, the inner workings of Capitol Hill and exchanging sundry pleasantries, I finished up my last half-mile and packed it in for the day....gotta save something for my run tomorrow with Brie and Bryson.

Happy trails!!!

Stats -
Miles:  6.02
Time:   55:32 (average pace of 9:13 per mile)
Location:  Capitol Hill, Stanton Park, Lincoln Park
Feeling:  easy going, but still a little stiff

 

Running for office...

Oh no, not me, at least not today.  While I run for fitness and to achieve personal goals, though, there were some minor elections occurring today in the US (said with a bit of understatement).  Since today is kind of a big day, I decided to shake it up a bit and take my run through Washington, DC for a little bit of a lesson in elections.

First and foremost, I will preface this post with the fact that I work in politics.  That's right, if you didn't already know or hadn't figured it out, I work in the Senate so I've watched these elections up close and personal for the past decade.  Therefore, you may get a little coloring throughout this lesson. 

So, from my starting point on Capitol Hill, I took off toward the National Mall (yes, I set aside my personal dislike for running the Mall in order to bring you today's post) to capture a shot of the memorial to the man who won the first election....You got it.  The Washington Monument.  This man declined to be the King of the newly independent United States (well it was a few years later, but you get the idea) and so launched the legacy of an elected head of state and government.  Thank you George for ensuring we didn't have a system based on hereditary succession or dictatorship.

Next on the run is the great house where that fine document establishing our system of government, the powers of the three co-equal branches of government (the President forgets this part quite regularly), and the Bill of Rights resides permanently - The Archives of the United States.  If you haven't been there, you should make a point of it once in your life.  It is a sight to behold putting your own eyes on the guiding document of modern democracy and the system for which so many fight today.

So onto the real meat of it....on the front of many minds are what will happen to the White House.  Obviously, this House is up for grabs. There are really only two primary candidates duking it out to lay their heads on the pillows in the President's bedroom (which incidentally is housed on the second - or residential floor).  Here's a bit of trivia for you...did you know that there is also a Queen's bedroom in the White House?  Yep, and its on the very opposite end of the hall from the President's bedroom.  Today there were no snipers on the roof, meaning the President isn't in residence.

After squeezing through the slew of tourists all lollygagging in front of the White House hoping they'll get a view of the man who isn't there, I turned back up the National Mall towards Capitol Hill (which really is on a hill that tends to kick my butt, especially on the back end of a run).  Next stop, the House that isn't up for grabs today....the illustrious Capitol building.  While earlier this year control over the two Houses of Congress looked to be in the works, we don't really anticipate any changes when it all shakes out tonight....or rather over the next several days (God willing it won't take months like one unnamed Senate election in 2008).  Most of the same folks with the plum offices in this building, will still be residing in those offices come January leading the same majority and minority...albeit somewhat tighter margins.

So what was my take away from today's run?  Well, I got a great workout with no pain, and I learned that you can run through all the important National Mall sites with a Park Ranger free of charge.  Isn't that cool?  Maybe I'll try it out in the Spring if its still going on by then.  I don't really need a tour guide down there after twelve years of roaming this town, but it seems like a great program to take advantage of.  Who doesn't like learning history while burning calories?  Well, maybe only a sliver of America, but I'll take what I can get.  Happy trails!!!

Stats -

Miles:  5.65

Time:   49:07 (average pace of 8:41 per mile)

Location:  Capitol Hill, the Elipse, Stanton Park, National Mall

Feeling:  all the muscles, bones and tendons are feeling pretty good...the rest has helped

Little diversions...

I'm on a mad tear to finish those last twentyish miles to hit the big half way mark.  That said, I also realize I need to get adequate rest so that I don't wear my body out and end up injured.  So, with that, I tried VERY hard to glue my rear to my chair today and not go running.  I tried everything I could think of and yet I still found myself lacing up the shoes and hitting the pavement for five miles.  And it was hot.

I knew, starting out, that if I was going to finish the run (since I started it I needed to make the most of it), I was going to need to divert my attention and find things I don't often see or locate new little novelties tucked away in the neighborhoods around Capitol Hill.  Well, to start with, I took off in a slightly different direction and decided to check out the West front of the Capitol building....I rarely go out there.  It also offers a nice view down the mall to the Washington Monument, and a phenomenal view of the big dig (anybody know what they heck is going on down on the mall?).

Then I headed back to one of my normal routes up Pennsylvania Avenue, but instead of turning toward Lincoln Park on 11th or 13th, I turned off on 12th.  And that's when I found the delightful little garden creatures that made me smile.  By then I was beyond my second mile, and once I've hit that point I'm basically in a rythym and can keep going for a while.  I can honestly say, the heat had me turning down the intensity a notch.  I didn't have my heart rate monitor on, but if I had I imagine I would have seen a couple marked spikes.  Ah well, only a few more miles to go (...read 20) until I hit 500.  I can slow down and take a break then.  Happy trails!!!

Stats -

Miles:  5.04

Time:   44:29 (average pace of 8:49 per mile)

Location:  Capitol Hill, Lincoln Park, Stanton Park

Feeling:  pretty decent, but sweaty

New running skirt...

Not a stellar performace today.  The left hamstring is still a bit tight, but its getting better.  That said, my legs felt like lead.  Wow, where did that come from?  Over four miles of feeling like my legs weren't moving even though the stats were showing I'm driving back down toward my normal pace.  Is it fatigue and I just need another rest day?  Or is it something else?  Whatever it is/was, I worked through it and finished the run.  After all, I'm determined to hit the 500 mile mark before heading to Newport next week.

The leaden legs aside, I had running skirt issues today.  I started out looking forward to the new running skirt.  It was the same brand as one I've been wearing the past year (so much in fact it basically was worn through), just a slightly different style and material.  In fact, I liked the style much better than the old one.  So it was with sadness that I looked down at the skirt at about mile three to realize it seemed to be shrinking up...not shrinking but the material seemed to be catching together.  It was really weird.  I've never seen anything like this in any of my other running skirts, shorts, capris or pants.  I'll wash it once, see if the material works itself out a little, and if not I will disappointedly return it next week.  Sad.  Oh well, after all it didn't have the elastic catches on the legs so maybe it wasn't meant to be.  Better luck with the next one.  Happy trails!!!

Stats -
Miles:  4.53
Time:   39:39 (average time of 8:45 per mile)
Location:  Capitol Hill, Lincoln Park, Stanton Park
Feeling:  must figure out why the legs were so heavy

Divine intervention...

After a crazy weekend of strawberry picking, Blue Angel watching and War of 1812 commemorating that gave Adventures in Babysitting a run for its money (by the way, everyone survived), I got back to the pavement and my personal meditation today.  As has been the case with most of my plans lately, I did not end up completing the workout I planned.  This morning I woke up to rain, a long day of forecasted rain.  With that in the crystal ball I planned on hitting power yoga and the treadmill after work.  However, I got  a pleasant post-work surprise...no rain.  How could I not take advantage of that?  After all, it was clear that mother nature was listening to my complaints about the treadmill. Not one to look a gifthorse in the mouth, I laced up my running shoes and headed outdoors.

I decided to shake it up a little bit and hit my go to course in reverse...sort of.  I started out heading across the East front of the Capitol, then up Pennsylvania Avenue.  Instead of cutting up 7th Street and cruising past Eastern Market, I went on down to 13th Street before turning toward Lincoln Park.  I've never been down this section of the road before and was pleasantly surprised by the extensive Watkins Recreation Center (and pleased to see so many kids out being active in the various sports teams practicing on the fields).  It got me thinking about some of the great programs fighting childhood obesity like the White House Let's Move and Junior League's Kids in the Kitchen.  I love those programs.  The run was tough, my left achilles is a bit tight, but necessary.  I finished off the evening in the weight room at the gym.

My divine moment, however, did not come until I arrived home tonight.  You may recall my post last week about honoring the victims and survivors of cancer by running to raise funds.  Well, being the Christian gal that I am, I do believe in intervention and tonight was a fine case.  I guess I'm being called to put my money...or legs...where my mouth is.  Tonight's mail delivered a flyer to join the American Cancer Society DetermiNation running program to help raise funds for cancer research.  I love the back of the flyer that says "Nearly 12 million cancer survivors will celebrate another birthday this year, thanks in part to the lifesaving work of the American Cancer Society and people just like you: people with a spark of determination and the will to conquer this deadly disease.  Every mile you conquer could help someone else celebrate another birthday."  I've signed up to receive information on the Washington, DC area program.  After all, how can you say no to a great cause and divine intervention?  Happy trails!!!

Stats -
Miles:  5.25
Time:   45:07 (average pace of 8:35 per mile)
Location:  Capitol Hill, Lincoln Park, Stanton Park
Feeling:  Need to figure out the tight achilles but otherwise pretty good

Stacie's Top Five...

I don't often run on the National Mall.  Visit, yes.  Run, no.  Many ask me why.  While a history buff at heart, and a monument lover, the allure of the Washington Monument and Lincoln Memorial hardly overcome the reasons I choose not to run through this symbol of freedom and constancy.  Tonight, however, I decided to give it a shot since its been several months since my last venture in that direction and see if my reasons still held true.  In fact, they do, and for those who question the sanity of my decision to run through residential DC instead of this fantastic open space I am providing my top five reasons.

5.  Running all the way to the Lincoln Memorial on an evening threatening rain puts me 2.5 miles away from the shelter of my office building or car.  Running through the residential areas up by the Capitol means I'm never more than 1.5 miles away. 

4.  The run includes coming back up the deceptive hill toward the Capitol Building.  Its not called Capitol Hill for nothing.

3.  You run the risk of being pelted by a kick ball or softball during the late spring and summer months when the competitive season is in full swing.

2.  The bicycle rider who is not only riding on the sidewalks of this relatively "bike on the road" friendly town, but weaves all over the sidewalk so that runners are restricted from passing for fear of finishing the run with tire tracks over their midsection.

1.  Tourists who walk five abreast on the narrow paths and refuse to yield to a single runner trying to squeeze out a foot of space to the right or left of the gaggle. 

So as you can see, this obstacle course - which rivals the best obstacles Warrior Dash or Spartan Race can put up - definitely does not allow me to find my meditative zone, which is one of the primary reasons I run.  I think I'll just keep the Mall for visiting the sites instead of running.

Looking forward, I'll be on planes most of the next two days, so I will be taking a break from the road.  Actually I could use the days off.  For one, I've been suffering through one of the perils of running in the rain last Sunday in the form of blisters caused by running in wet socks.  For another, my muscles need some time off.  Since I've already hit my goal miles for the month, this travel-imposed break won't set e back.  Yay.  Happy trails!

Stats -
Miles:  7.3
Time:   1:02:30 (average pace of 8:33 per mile)
Location:  the National Mall, Capitol Hill, Stanton Park
Feeling:  Pretty good, no stress relief though thanks to the tourists

The nanny brigade...

It must have been that time of day. The perfect hour between lunch and the parents coming home from work. When the parks are populated by the under 5 crowd and their paid caretakers...and the sidewalks are clogged with strollers. That's when I was running and had to swerve and leap in order to find my few inches of pavement without being run over by an errant stroller wheel. But you know what? It's kind of cool. Whatever the reason, these kids get some outside play time. Fewer kids today are getting the real kid time they need and we thrived on when growing up.

Aside from that, day's like today are becoming more rare as we inch our way to summer. Sun shining high in the sky, the azaleas bushes glowing with color, the temperatures manageable. That said, I have come to a recent conclusion - the air in Washington is heavier and more pollen-ridden than that in Annapolis. Lately I feel like my lungs are clear when running at home, but I'm breathing harder at work. Here's my theory...Annapolis is surrounded by water, yes, but has a very wide bay that gathers and pushes air through town and cleans out the rough stuff. DC on the other hand, while flanked on both sides by water, is also a bowl that holds the air in place. Sounds about right doesn't it? Perhaps, in the meantime I'm going with it.

In two days though, the strollers and the heavy air won't matter. I'll be dodging the raindrops falling from the sky during the Mulligan Metric Marathon along with my great running pal to celebrate my 36th birthday. Happy trails!!!

Stats -
Miles: 4.53
Time: 37:37 (average pace of 8:18 per mile)
Location: Capitol Hill, Lincoln Park, Stanton Park
Feeling: A little tight across my back from yoga, but otherwise good

Looking for a scary good time...

Continuing my post from last night...the universe got one laugh after another at my expense. After insanely running in the middle of the day so that I could go to yoga last night, I get to the gym with 15 minutes to spare before class only to find a sign at the check in desk stating that the 7:30 class was cancelled. Are you kidding me? That's just how it went. Luckily today was not a collosal repeat of yesterday.

First of all, let's chop a whopping 15 degrees off the temperature at run time. God that makes a huge difference when you aren't yet adjusted to summer temps. Second, run 6 hours later...ahhh, nothing like washing the day from your brain with a nice 5 mile jog. So, overall, there are NO complaints from me today. I even felt decent enough to really cruise (for me) during the run. It's also a big boost to pass several other joggers on the sidewalk...especially those of the male persuasion. Makes a lady feel good.

After my jog, I was checking out my facebook page and was scared into shape. That's right, the runDisney status update told me that the Disney Twilight Zone Tower of Terror Ten Miler was 95% sold out. Yikes, I really wanted to get in on that action this year. A) I love runDisney events (go back and check out my post on the Disney Princess Half Marathon back in February if you want to know the antics that take place on Disney courses), and 2) who wouldn't want to run around Disney World at night with glow sticks (I may just be compelled to fashion a running costume made of multi-colored glow sticks) followed by a midnight bash at the Tower of Terror with Disney's most famous villains? This girl is jumping up and down waving my arm with enthusiasm like a school girl with the answer to the question. Tonight I rectified the situation and you are now acquainted with at least one of the 20,000+ runners who will be at that start line at 10pm on 29 September. Who's going to join me? Until then, happy trails!!!

Stats -
Miles: 5.14
Time: 41:24 (average pace of 8:03 per mile)
Location: Capitol Hill, Lincoln Park, Stanton Park
Feeling: Fast, legs were really good, now if I could only get the upper body back in muscles to carry me through times when my legs are less than great

Weak stomachs and offended sensibilities...

First off, if you can't stand reading about someone yakking, do not read on.

Okay, it's been a light week for me, running wise, unfortunately. Tuesday had to be an off day because I needed to finish and turn in my final assignment for school. Wednesday ended up being an off day because my great friends threw a surprise celebration for me. And Thursday, well this is where the yakking comes in. It seems my legislative correspondent at work brought a little bug with him, that spread to at least two other folks in the office, myself included. Yesterday I had every intention of running five or so miles...and then breakfast came back up. In the end, I had a spectular fever spike and spent most of the day in my bed sleeping.

Today I NEEDED to get in a few miles or risk falling woefully behind this month. I was determined, come hell, highwater or vomiting on the side of the road, to get in that five miles. Luckily everything seemed to cooperate. The weather was pleasant, I hit a nice moderate pace, and everything stayed where it was supposed to. I've still got a monster headache, and a slightly weak stomach, but I'm not going to complain.

Okay, I am going to complain, just a little. Here's where the offended sensibilities comes in. If you know me, you know I have a ton of respect for jigsaw puzzles. I love jigsaw puzzles and can spend hours putting them together without getting bored. When leaving out an unfinished puzzle, I take great pains to protect it from the cat. So, at mile 2.5 today you can imagine the horror of seeing puzzle pieces strewn across the sidewalk on North Carolina Avenue without a care in the world. Someone should be arrested. Hopefully the offender(s) will rectify their errors and carefully place the pieces back in the appropriate box lovingly. I'll check it out Monday. Happy trails!!!

Stats -
Miles: 5.1
Time: 44:10 (average pace of 8:39 per mile)
Location: Capitol Hill, Lincoln Park, US Capitol
Feeling: A little lightheaded but otherwise good

Go Speed Racer...

Tonight I was feeling peppy. I had a limited amount of time after work for my run tonight, about enough time to do a 4 miler, before I had to cruise back out to Annapolis to check in my stuff for the spring Wee Sale (if you aren't from the Annapolis area, you should check it out...pretty cool kids consignment sale held twice a year). So I hit the pavement as soon after 6pm as I was able.

I decided to do one of my regular routes (sort of) backward, by heading across the East front of the Capitol before heading up to Lincoln Park. Since I was feeling so peppy, I decided to run my first mile (which is usually my slowest) for speed...well wouldn't you know, good ole Stacie turned in a 7:32 mile! That felt pretty good. While I haven't run many single miles to see just how fast I could do it without over-exerting (I probably could still have carried on a decent conversation), I know I haven't put forth a mile this fast in several years.

On to the rest of the run - I generally choose my route based of where the lights are green and tonight this led me toward Tortilla Coast. Since I had a friend in town, and I knew she was going to be hitting the happy hour at Tortilla Coast, I prowled the outside to see if I could find her through the windows....no luck, so off we go. The remainder of the run was fairly par for the course. Great weather, lots of other joggers to smile and nod at, dog hurdling, trash can weaving and even waving at a few work colleagues strolling in the sunshine. Why would anyone complain about that though? Certainly not me, I love it! Happy trails!!!

Stats -
Miles: 4.07
Time: 33:18 (average pace of 8:10 per mile)
Location: Capitol Hill and Lincoln Park
Feeling: Peppy and super fast!

Tis the season....

No, I'm not decking any halls and I got rid of that darn prickly holly bush last summer. Perhaps you've guessed? Oh yeah, it's allergy season. How can I tell? I could not get a deep, ful breath in for several miles. The flowers and trees are beautiful, but the pollen does a number on my respiratory system. Time to start carrying around the back-up inhaler for long runs until we get a few good rain storms.

Alrighty, complaining aside, the weather this week has been beautiful for running. Almost hot. It's conducive to working up a really good, cleansing sweat that makes you feel accomplished. This evening was a pretty easy run, though it started out pretty tough. My first two miles through Stanton Park and up toward Lincoln Park felt like I was pulling a weight sled, the wind was blowing so hard. The last couple as I headed back to Capitol Hill and in front of the ever-inspiring domw (do you get tired of me talking about the dome?) presented more calm air to cut through. All in all, though, a pretty decent adventure. Lots of runners out, dogs strolling and good old car horn honking through DC :)

Oh, and I almost forgot, I believe I figured out what has caused the back pain the past several days. Tonight I noticed a rather decent-sized bruise on my right lower back - about 3 inches long and 2 inches high. I've got my annual physical tomorrow morning, so I'll have the doctor check it just to be sure and I'll ask for a referral to the physical therapist to make sure it didn't affect the SI joint again. I've got too much to do this year to be sidelined by injury! Happy trails!!!

Stats -
Miles: 4.43
Time: 37:54 (average pace of 8:33 per mile)
Location: Capitol Hill, Lincoln Park
Feeling: A little sore and wind blown, but otherwise trudging along

Working through it...

Warning - this post lacks my usual wit and somewhat interesting storytelling...My run tonight was about as inspired as Ron Paul's supporters knowing he wouldn't win a single one of the states in Super Tuesday. But it needed to be done. I've taken the past couple of days off because my back is bothering me. Luckily, this pain is not associated with my back injury, so I can only assume I've slept in a bad position the past few nights. But it really hurts...

Anyway, after giving in to the pain the past couple days, I pushed myself out the door after a long day at work to put in a few miles. I figured 2-3 miles would be good considering the level of pain I was in. Honestly, though, running was the first time it has not hurt since Saturday, so I pushed out 4 miles. I was also overdressed, so it was a good sweaty, cleansing run. I don't know about you, but running clears my head to think about the tough questions, and I've got more than one of those that needs answering now. Hopefully hitting the sidewalks today - and surviving - will pave the way for an even stronger, longer run tomorrow. Until then, happy trails!!!

Stats -
Miles: 4.04
Time: 33:41 (average pace of 8:20 per mile)
Location: Capitol Hill and Lincoln Park (need to change my direction of choice while in DC)
Feeling: Better than standing or sitting, or well, anything really.

Ouchy...

It's been a few days since my last run...thanks to that cranky hamstring and a heck of a lot going on at work. (super excited I got to use the words "recalcitrant" and "scorn" in the same letter about Iran today) In fact, its been super crazy, so not a really bad time to need a few days off for recovery in the legs. That said, the weather has been so fantastic, I've been dying to tie on the shoes and I wanted to start playing catch up in the miles I missed during February. Today finally gave me my window of opportunity, so I hit the road for an easy paced jog.

After work I took off to stretch my legs out a bit. It was kind of windy in DC tonight, so I almost wimped out and headed for the treadmill. I'm glad I didn't though. The streets were full of other runners, especially Lincoln Park where I had to battle a couple of guys running in my direction and showing no sign of moving out of the way for a lady. Then there were those few bikes that decided to basically run the runners off the sidewalks. It was a regular traffic jam...and wouldn't you know, there was absolultely no traffic on the streets.

Anyway, I finished up my run facing the Capitol Dome glowing against the dark night sky. Love it! Too bad my hamstring hurt the entire run. Ah well, maybe I'll have better luck with that tomorrow. Happy trails!

Stats -
Miles: 4.12
Time: 35:41 (average pace of 8:39 per mile)
Location: Capitol Hill to Lincoln Park
Feeling: Still a bit sore in the hamstring which pushes a discomfort down into the calf to take the pressure off.

DC at night...

I love Washington DC at night. If you've never experienced, you are really missing out. Washington looks quiet and majestic by night. All the white

marble glowing against the dark sky is inspiring and cleansing. It's even better when you've got the adrenaline pumping on a fast, hard run.

That said, I violated one of my own rules - don't run outside after dark. This rule isn't about safety from the bad guys...6pm is certainly not the time of day you have to worry about the muggers who may occasionally target Supreme Court Justices, the random member of Congress or just your average Joe. No, this rule is about my own clumsiness, my own inability to effectively put left in front of right once the sun goes down and not trip. Now, DC is decently lit at night...I wouldn't go running through dark alleys. But my night vision suffers something horrible, and tonight was no different. I managed to trip over roughly three tree roots (at least) while traversing the edge of Stanton Park...and the ground was lit. Yes, I am my own worst health problem...but boy were the results worth the effort (and momentary twisted ankle) tonight...check out the pace per mile below! Happy trails!

Stats -
Miles: 3.14
Time: 25:35 (average pace 8:09 per mile)
Location: Capitol Hill and Stanton Park
Feeling: Totally on!!!