Beaver Trail

Despite the unlimited amount of possible running routes available to runners in urban/sub-urban settings, I think we often settle into a routine, with a few go-to routes close to home. This is especially true of weekday runs. For example, I have my usual 5-mile and 8-mile loops that I alternate between. I also have a short 3-mile loop for tapering weeks and that 10-mile loop when increased weekly mileage is necessary. For the most part though, I stick to the 5 and 8 loops. Needless to say, we get very familiar with these routes. We use the same sidewalks over and over again, we know the timing of the traffic lights, we know which hill gets our heart rate up, and we even get to anticipate who we will see running or walking, depending on the time of day. Sometimes we get bored with these routes so we run them in the opposite direction and they feel like new! These running routes develop a life of their own and we develop relationships with them.

Eventually, these relationships evolve to the point where a name must be adopted for the regular routes. It is no longer acceptable to call it "5-mile loop" and something more personal is needed. As my relationship developed with my 5-mile route, I began to notice things happening around a pond I run by. I first noticed several trees down, all around it. Further investigation revealed tree stumps sharpened like HB pencils! Then came the large pile of branches in the water, a few feet from shore. Over the weeks, it seemed like more and more trees were being chewed at and that's when "5-mile loop" became "Beaver Trail"!

Despite the signs and the new name, each run on the Beaver Trail left me hanging, with no actual beaver in sight. However, I doubted that the geese swimming around the pond were capable of such feats so I remained hopeful that I would one day see Mr. Beaver. That day came last Saturday morning, running with Christina and my mom. As we got closer to the dam, we noticed movement in the water, and there he was, just outside its home, enjoying the morning sun! Another running victory.

This is why I run.

p.s. My brother in law Andrew, who is training for a marathon, recently saw Mayor Rob Ford on one of his runs. He blogged about his Rob Ford sighting. We now share the special experience of running into Canadian icons (Ford and the Beaver) while running!

Awkward Cramps

Have you ever had one of those cramps where all of a sudden the entire back side of your leg stiffens up with intense pain? If you've had one, you probably know exactly what I am referring to! When I was younger, I would often get them during basketball tournaments and now sometimes from running. During exercise, there are hints that it's coming but it usually doesn't. It waits until you forget about it, like in the car on the way home, sitting at the dinner table, or in your sleep, and then BAM! It feels like Dr. Ho just snuck one of his gizmos on your leg and turned it on EXTRA HIGH.

I was in an interview this week, sitting at a desk with the interviewer/hiring manager. I felt it coming. I've heard that if you put your foot flat on the ground it will go away. Not working...still coming...then BAM! DR HO!!!! Of all the times in the world to get a cramp, this was definitely my most awkward one ever. I wish I could see a replay of the whole thing. Did she notice? I'm still waiting to hear back from her!

This is NOT why I run.

Look who I found at mile 8!

Cherry Blossom 10 Miler Race Recap

This morning was the Cherry Blossom 10 Miler in Washington, DC. Being held during the National Cherry Blossom Festival, this race goes around most of the monuments and is a great way to see the cherry blossoms lining the tidal basin. The trees are blossoming a little late this year but we did get a sneak peek. Although it was a little chilly, the sun was out and the wind was down, which made for perfect running conditions.

I hadn't done a 10 mile race before so any finishing time was going to be a personal best. Nevertheless, I ran a solid race and was happy with my time of 1:07:49 (6:46/mile pace)! As an added bonus, I met a beautiful young lady at around mile 8, who was just coming out of a porta potty. She kept me company for the rest of race. Thank you! 

My goal is to one day finish another race with her, but this time she won't have to slow down or stop for me to catch her.

This is why I run.

Rockville =PR= DTP Group after Cherry Blossom 10 Mile Race