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

Spring, glorious spring...

Capitol Hill is beautiful in the springtime.  That's why after a week of no running (husband was out of town and I haven't quite figured out how to juggle two kids, my schedule and their schedules on my own...I'll be wonder woman next time), I was more than thrilled to be in DC running on this beautiful evening.

The air is warm, the trees are budding, the parks are full of people and dogs.  Perfect.  Though my legs felt heavy, my heart felt light and the 3.65 miles was very worth it.  I even made this an effort run and pushed a bit harder.

Here's to great running days, and the blooming of the cherry blossoms, ahead!  Happy trails!!!

Stats -
Miles:  3.65
Time:  40:05 (average pace of 10:59 per mile)
Location:  Capitol Hill to Lincoln Park
Feeling:  happy

Blown away...

Hey dude, don't blow your horn at me if I've got the right of way, like a crosswalk that tells me to cross.  Asshole.  Yep, that's what I yelled at the dude who had the gall to treat me, in the right, like I was holding him up and jaywalking while just getting in my lunchtime run around Capitol Hill.  That was somewhere toward the middle.

Today I did something I don't do much.  I ran on the national mall, for part of my run at least, just before the jerk with the car horn.  I won't bore with yet another retelling of why I don't like running the mall, rather I thought it would be a good opportunity to enjoy some of the great sites because it was massively windy.  Yep, that wind, gusting at 22 mph, stayed with me almost the entire time but kept the tourists from clogging up the paths around the great green expanse of grass stretching from the Capitol to the Washington Monument.  Who doesn't feel inspired by the great symbols of democracy and freedom?

I have to say, I've run in some windy conditions before, but today was really hard.  I think I should get credit for another 15 seconds per mile just because of the extra push I had to make through the wind.  There was no hiding from it and it really pulled on the legs after about 5 miles.  A couple times I had to wonder if I would stick to the ground or blow away.  Wow.

Finishing up, I have to say I was feeling good going into the weekend where I am going to try for two long runs.  Fingers crossed I hold up through Sunday.  Happy trails!!!

Stats -
Miles:  6.73
Time:   58:24 (average pace of 8:30 per mile)
Feeling:  hamstring is still bothering after a few miles

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

 

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

Getting things rolling...

Four days in....that's it, but I'm working to establish the right pacing routine for the year.  Mathematically, I need to lay down about 28 miles per week to hit my yearly mileage target.  That's about sixish miles per week more than last year.  It doesn't seem like much, but it can be challenging if you have a difficult schedule.  Nonetheless, I'm committed.

That's why, today, I went out for six miles on a weekday as opposed to four to five (that and this week is short in the grand scheme of things since the 1st fell on a Tuesday).

I have to say, if you are going to push more out of your weekday run, today was the day to do it.  It was beautiful out.  The sun was shining, the air temperature was a balmy 45 degrees and the roads from Capitol Hill to RFK stadium were nice and quiet.  My legs and lungs were working in concert and my ipod was pumping out motivation through my ear pods.  The road, or rather the sidewalk, was my friend, even though my left hamstring is still a little hinky.

I have to say, it took a lot of strength not to take a picture of an ornamental Woodstock (you know...Snoopy's friend), who seemed to have a little too much fun on New Year's and fell from his perch on a swing near Stanton Park.  Aside from that, I was really left to my own thoughts, which means I had work on my mind this week.  Oh well, still a cleansing effort.

This leaves me with nine more miles to do this weekend.  I can honestly say I'm really looking forward to it.  While I had many 25-30 miles weeks in 2012, they weren't necessary.  Changing the mindset to making them "necessary" is a great adventure...perhaps I can get to 30-35 miles per week.  Happy trails!!!

Stats -
Miles:  6.01
Time:   54:16 (average pace of 9:01 per mile)
Location:  Capitol Hill, Stanton Park, Lincoln Park, RFK Stadium
Feeling:  the attitude is great...the hamstring okay

New year, some old routines...

When embarking on the new (as in new goals or new adventures), sometimes bringing along parts of the old routine help bridge looking down the tunnel toward the finish line.  It's only the second day of the year, but I'm glad for old routines and old routes to get me through otherwise tough runs. 

The first couple months of running for the yearly goal mileage are always the toughest...early in setting out to meet new goals is the most vulnerable time. It's easy to say "I'm not really too far into this, so I'm not wasting much if I quit now."  Once you've hit, say, the 30% goal, you've just put too much into to stop.  At least that's how it is for me.  Those vulnerable days are when habits and routines help you puch through.

Today was a tough run.  My hamstrings were tight (some old habits and routines - such as not stretching right after a long run like yesterday - are not the good ones to fall back on) and the air was cold and slightly windy.  There was lots to be done and  time is always short.  I could have found a hundred reasons to put off running until I was religated to the treadmill.  Instead I put my big girl panties on and took that first step out the door.

Not fast, not slow, but one foot in front of the other and after a half mile or so I was glad I didn't make an excuse to skip my daily one on one time.  The streets of one of my most regular routes were quiet and comfortable, mucle memory kicked in and - though the hamstring never loosened up...must hit the icy hot tonight - I got it done. 

Tomorrow (or the next day) will feel as awesome as January 1...they can't all feel great.  Happy trails!

Stats -
Miles:  3.81
Time:   33:52 (average pace of 8:53 per mile)
Location:  Capitol Hill, Lincoln Park, Stanton Park
Feeling:  one of these days I will get a hamstring transplant...in the meantime, muscle tightness feels just like old times

Ringing in the new year...

Let's be honest, 2012 rocked and I'm determined to make 2013 even better!  But before we get to goal setting for 2013, I've got some recapping to do in order to close the books, once and for all, on 2012.

First, let's talk about December.  I haven't blogged in December. Not once.  It's not because I didn't run.  In fact I'll get to that in a second.  It's because my blog served the purpose I set out for it in January of 2012 - to log my running goal to hitting 1000 miles.  Anything beyond that was just icing on the cake.  So tonight I'm writing one last post to recap the year and set the stage for 2013 when I will launch back into blogging with gusto and new goals to track.

As far as running goes December was a bit of a rest month.  Over the course of the past year I've pushed off giving my body a real break to heal injuries and refocus my mind.  So that's what I've been doing.  While running a few miles in the process - almost 46 to be exact (low mileage, I know).  

Though low in numbers, the December miles came with a few high points.  It started with a great run with friends through Annapolis to see our Christmas tree all decorated for the holidays and to spend some quality time on the playground with kids and the camera.

December also was great for getting out and viewing the Christmas decorations all around Washington, specifically Capitol Hill.  I fancied myself a judge of sorts, looking for the best decorated houses - or at least good decorating features.  I found a few that were good enough to stop and take a photo of.  Some gave me new ideas for my own decorating and others gave me ideas of what to avoid.

Then came the real icing on the cake...a new 5 mile PR at the 2012 Celtic Solstice 5 mile run in Baltimore.  My previous PR was 42:19 set in November 2011.  Now I'll be chasing 40:38 for the next year!  I wouldn't have been able to have hit that time without my CS sidekick - Sophia - who prefaced the race with "I'm not feeling great today...so we'll have to go slow."  I think we both really surprised ourselves when the race finally started and it just felt right.  There's nothing you can't do when you've got motivation and good friends.

Who can complain finishing off a year that way?  Not this lady. 

So here's how 2012 went...I set out to run 1000 miles (check in the box November 2012), to complete my second master's degree (check in the box April 2012) and sell one of my two rental properties (didn't happen...just too much going on to put the necessary effort into it...so I'll roll that one over to 2013).  Not just icing....but cherries (GREAT BIG CHERRIES)...was a goal I didn't set at the beginning of the year because you can't predict these things...but I became the mother of a gorgeous, smart little girl from China (a journey we've been working on since 2007).  She's been running with me since August, and I think she'll be a big part of my running in 2013. 

Now to looking forward....here's what I want to reach for in 2013:

• I will run 1245 miles in 2013...this is 200 more than 2012, and I believe well within my reach.
• I will reach new time goals for myself - 4:30:00 marathon, 1:50:00 half marathon, 1:22:00 ten miler, 39:30 five miler.
• I will pay more attention to strength training and aim to do more than 3600 push-ups, 3600 squats and 12,000 sit-ups in 2013.
• I will try to unload one of my other properties in 2013.
• I will become a RRCA certified running coach in 2013.
• As a family, we will seek out and try one new family-friendly activity for the diva in our area each month in 2013.
• As a family, we will learn about and incorporate at least one Chinese tradition into our family traditions in 2013.

One last entry on the ticker - check out those miles - before resetting it in 2013!!!

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

Prepping for turkey...

Oh cold snap...its starting to get chilly out and today required a bit heavier clothing for my run.  Luckily I enjoy running in cooler weather and am totally prepared for the onset of winter.  Here's my rule of thumb when dressing to run in cooler temps...add 15 - 20 degrees to the actual temperature and that's what the run will feel like a mile or so into it.  So, if its 30 degrees, your core will think its 45 - 50 degrees and so on.  I've found this keeps me from over or under dressing too badly.

Today was about 40 - 45 degrees, so no hat for me (those come out around 30 degrees), but I did sport the running capris and long sleeve half zip with a shirt underneath.  It was comfortable and kept me appropriately toasty throughout my jaunt. 

And for my jaunt?  I'm really trying to hit the 1000 mile mark before the end of November without overdoing it on my body.  In fact, its quite obvious I've actually scaled back over the past couple weeks quite a bit.  My current plan is to hit my mark while still going into the 2013 running season healthy as a horse. 

This week I'm starting out small to save some miles for turkey day (gotta earn the pumpkin pie and mashed potatoes).  So today was a nice, easy, uneventful cruise through my usual areas around DC.  The cooler temperatures mean I'm alone on the streets...er sidewalks...and it was completely quiet.  Just me and my shoes slapping the pavement.  I'm delighted to not have any injuries nagging me right now and so I am finally starting to stretch back into my pace a bit.  Score.  I ended the run sweaty and feeling great.

God willing my speed will be up and ready for the Celtic Solstice 5 miler in December. In the meantime, I'll just keep working and adding up the miles.  Happy trails!!!

Stats -
Miles:  4.1
Time:   35:41 (average pace of 8:42 per mile)
Location:  Capitol Hill, Stanton Park, Lincoln Park
Feeling:  putting it back together to close the year on a high note

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

Political trees....

It's only a few days before the election, so of course that's what occupies the mind at the strangest times, right?  Perhaps only if you are me...and running through Washington DC where elections mean everything.  That being the case, it should come as no surprise that I saw politics in the most mundane of things.  That's right...even the trees are political. 


Check out this Republican tree..or is it a Democratic tree?  I guess it depends on your perspective...like much of the country.  At any rate, about the only thing truly productive about this run (aside from my brain clearly needing a break from campaigns), is that I logged a few more miles.

Here's to get beyond the elections...happy trails!!!

Stats -
Miles:  4.16
Time:   36:58 (average pace of 8:53 per mile)
Location:  Capitol Hill, Stanton Park, Lincoln Park
Feeling:  A little shin pain but nothing untolerable

Getting my Army Ten Miler on...

Today I hit the pavement for my sixth or seventh running of the Army Ten Miler.  (I'm still trying to figure this one out....through all the runnings under other names, I've truly lost count.  But I like this race!  It's one of the few races I will venture into DC for time and time again.  It celebrates the heroes, it celebrates the survivors, it celebrates running and it celebrates achievement.  Who wouldn't want to be a part of that?


The start of the race was slightly different from previous years.  The race coordinators doubled the number of corral starts, which I think was a good idea.  If you've run this race, you know that there is a tendency toward a crowded course, jockeying just to maintain a reasonable pace.  With the added corrals, it was a little better.  Folks still ran with faster corrals, but they were few and far between.  It was easy to hit my pace and maintain it.

Let me backtrack....I didn't hit my pace, really, until the second mile.  Why?  Well shortly after the start, I ran into Patty Schloesser walking on behalf of the Fisher House Foundation.  Who, might you ask it Patty?  Only one of my favorite wife's of a former commanding general of the 101st Airborne Division at Fort Campbell.  I had the great pleasure of working with Patty for a couple of years while her husband was the commander.  I've rarely known a milspouse to work so tirelessly and take more of the stress of the military families on her own shoulders than Patty.  So of course I had to walk with her for a little bit to catch up.  That was awesome.

That was probably the high point of the race.  Much of the remainder was typical Army Ten Miler.  Bands at regular intervals, people with their motivational signs spread throughout the course, lots of water stops.  There was a funny new jiggle on Capitol Hill.  It was rather sad not to run in front of the Capitol building for the first time on this course, not sure why the change.  But it did make up for it by stretching the distance on the other side of the bridge to regain motivation after the life sucking bridge crossing.

Another strange occurance....in my humble opinion....the crowd seemed quiet.  This is usually a loud race with spectators pushing you through even the toughest sections.  Not the case this year.  Usually roaring sections were so quiet you may have been able to hear a pin drop.  It wasn't too quiet to break concentration, but still notable.

Anyway, when the finish line finally appeared, I pushed forward and dug deep to find the burst that would get me across the finish line for a new ten miler PR. So what were the results?  Overall I finished 6536 out of 21,912 runners.  Among all women, I finished 1436 out of 9747 runners and within women age 35-39, I finished 249 out of 1806.  My best Army Ten Miler finish yet.  I can't wait to make it even better next year.  Happy trails!!!

Stats -
Miles:  10.11
Time:   1:26:58 (average pace of 8:35 per mile)
Location:  throughout Washington DC, Pentagon
Feeling:  everything worked well, no pain

Countdown and pain...

Tomorrow morning the diva and I leave for Florida.  It will be her first trip to Disney World - and first race period - and my third Disney race in the past two years.  Today is about putting miles on the log and not making my shin any worse than it already is.  Too bad that isn't really going to happen.

I knew the second I hit the pavement that this was going to be one painful run.  Not 100 meters in I was already feeling the pain radiating up my shin.  Why oh why?  I can't figure what I could have done to cause this.  Hmmm, or maybe its the shoes.  They are rather overworn at this point.  I've been meaning to buy a new pair for a while, but have just been lazy.  Running shoes should be changed out every 400-500 miles...these have more like 600 or so miles on them.  Or maybe my leg just can't bear the weight any longer?  Nah, I'm going with the shoes. 

Note to self - scour the race expo for a good sale on New Balance 1080v and just buy them.  Happy trails!!!

Stats -
Miles:  4.17
Time:   35:59 (average pace of 8:37 per mile)
Location:  Capitol Hill, Lincoln Park, Stanton Park
Feeling:  ouch...my shin hurts

A glutton for punishment...

Alright, I'm going to share a secret.  I'm not fantastic at taking a break when I need to.  What?  You already knew that?  Huh...I thought I hid it well.  Today was one of those days I needed to take it easy, but I'm racing this weekend in Florida, and I've not been putting in the number of miles I usually shoot for as a minimum.  So I laced up the shoes to head out for a lunch time run.

Washington is Washington.  The nanny brigade walks the children through the park for the afternoon fresh air, the dog walkers ply there trade throughout the side streets and the suits look important as the hurry toward whatever important meeting they have with important people.  And I just keep on running.

What's interesting about today, however, is not the scenery or the goings on around the Capitol, its the change in my physical condition.  My hamstring has bothered me, well, basically since college.  So when it is tight or screaming, it doesn't mean a whole lot except provide me with a reminder to replace the empty tube of Icy Hot (yes, I swear by that stuff...it should be in every gym bag).  That said, my hamstring actually feels decent today.  Instead I have intense pain radiating up my shin.  Shin splints?  Stress fracture?  Totally random?  Who knows.  All I know is I have no time for this and will just have to push through for the foreseeable future.

Minor injuries don't get me down, but I'll have to watch this one.  After all, the back injury a couple years ago that sidelined me for most of 2011 started out as just a minor injury.  I'm not about to go there again.  Happy trails!

Stats -
Miles:  4.03
Time:   34:09 (average pace of 8:28 per mile)
Location:  Capitol Hill, Lincoln Park, Stanton Park
Feeling:  my hamstring is okay, but I've got pain radiating up my shin

Shirtless rollerblading...

I've been sick the past few days.  I rarely succomb to a fever, but fever it was on Monday and Tuesday.  Total sucksville.  I was bed bound and forced to hang up the running shoes.  That probably wasn't a bad thing in some ways.  I'm reluctant to take time off from pounding the pavement, though I really should following races. 

Today I could sit still no longer.  During my lunch break I broke out the shoes and headed out the door to enjoy the good weather and a few miles of meditation.  Mostly it was a normal run around the Capitol Hill neighborhoods...until I hit Lincoln Park.  Why is it that all the interesting people circulate around Lincoln Park?  I don't know the answer to this, but time and again I always find my strange stories in that area. 

As I pulled onto the dirt track on the inside of the sidewalk I was streaked by the shirtless rollerblading guy.  Okay, some folks can get away with this....definitely not this dude.  Maybe I admire his self-confidence, but I was nearly compelled to give him the shirt off my back.  It was just too much.  Admittedly though, it did keep my mind off the fact that my lungs were screaming from the remnants of being sick and that I was sweating buckets from the same.

Sitting down writing this entry, I still can't get the vision out of my head.  Here's to hoping the change of seasons and cooler weather will find that guy wearing a shirt in the future.  Happy trails!!!

Stats -
Miles:  4.05
Time:   34:52 (average pace of 8:36 per mile)
Location:  Capitol Hill, Stanton Park, Lincoln Park
Feeling:  everything is working really well since taking off three days this week but the lungs are bad

Sequestered running...

Today OMB issued guidance on how the legislatively-mandated sequestration would hit each account funding fovernment activities.  Sounds like a good day to be running doesn't it?  I think so. Especially when you need to think about things. Today the remains of the four Americans killed in the Benghazi attack also returned, and the reception at Andrews Air Force Base was emotionally overwhelming.  I needed to work out the emotions.  

I took off on my normal route, paying attention to life bustling as if nothing negative was happening in the world.  And to most it wasn't.  Running was the best thing I could do for my brain at this time.  It was also good for my legs, which I seem to be neglecting these days.  I don't feel like I'm getting in nearly as much running as I could.

Things felt good, the sun felt great, and the movement cleared the brain.  Now I'm back to my desk to figure out sequestration again.  Happy trails!!!

Stats -
Miles:  4.25
Time:   36:14 (average pace of 8:31 per mile)
Location:  Capitol Hill, Lincoln Park, Stanton Park
Feeling:  tight hamstring, but dealing with it