Thursday, October 8, 2009

National Mall Loop

OBJECTIVE
run

ACHIEVED
5.56 mi.@ 9:20/

5:46 PM 65° 52% 3 mph

Finished meetings at the Ritz Carlton. On my way in this morning, I noticed a very small sign that said "Welcome Runners". Wasn't sure if there was a marathon in town; didn't think so and further didn't think runners would be staying at the Ritz. On further investigation, the hotel had small runners' maps with 4 routes from the hotel ranging from 2 - 8 miles. I eagerly grabbed one looking forward to blowing off a happy hour reception this evening for a run. My ankle and legs weren't feeling all that great but I wasn't going to let the opportunity pass.

My run took me through the campus of George Washington University. Urban running is much different than I'm used to due to the stop-and-go dodging of traffic, lights, construction, etc. By the time I got down by the White House it was getting dark. The Washington Monument was lit up. Then I circled around the Jefferson Memorial and along the Potomac River to the Lincoln Memorial. I stopped there and climbed the stairs, read the Gettysburg Address and Lincoln's second inaugural speech. Then I slowly worked my way back to the hotel. It was an inspiring run even though my legs and ankle weren't quite right to fully enjoy it physically.

Embassy Row Run

OBJECTIVE
run

ACHIEVED
2.26 mi.@ 8:59/

6:33 AM 52° 71% 2 mph

Woke up in Washington DC this morning. I'll be here for work for a couple days. Got in late last night so I didn't have much time. Took off from the hotel for a short run. After a bit of meandering, took off northwest on Massachusetts Avenue. Passed several foreign embassies along the way. No wonder this is called Embassy Row. My legs are still feeling the marathon and my right ankle is pretty tweaked right now.