This is the life

If only this view could welcome me every morning!

I knocked out my 6-ish miles this morning all on my lonesome here at the beach. I charted a course up through Fenwick Island and back. Lucikly I had my iPod to keep my company.

I checked out the beach on my way back. Here's a pix from 142 Street. The view was made more lovely by the pod of dolphins that were cruising along the coast.
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I've always wanted to be in the movies

On Wednesday night we headed up for an alternative track workout since Yorktown was closed. Who knew that by alternative, they meant the Autobots would be in town!

You see, Transformers 3 is filming in DC and as I approached the Lincoln Memorial to do laps around the reflecting pool, I noticed all the people, trucks, wires and lighting. The film crew was in town to film some scenes.

Luckily we were able to run a bit before the film crew told us to get lost.

A few of us ended up running back to toward our offices and then headed home. As I ran along the Mall, past the White House and along Pennsylvania Ave I was again reminded how beautiful this city really is.

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Please pass the sunscreen

It's early October and I'm driving down the street with the windows down and the smell of suntan lotion is still lingering through the air.

I wasn't the only one enjoying this unseasonably awesome weather --- everyone seemed to be out walking, running, biking, tanning, picnicing, swimming and just lounging around.

This afternoon I headed down to Hains Point for a leisurely run/walk around the 5k loop, over to the Jefferson Memorial and eventually over my nemesis...the 14th Street Bridge.

Afterwards, I hooked up with some Snapple Tri Clubbers for an informal swim clinic in the uber-fantastic Hains Point 50-meter outdoor heated pool. Me likey!

We started out doing a handful of freestyle drills and then did a couple sets of 100's. Overall, it was great to be outside and even better to focus on improving my stroke with some fun folks. More swimming please!

Hitting The Mall

...the National Mall that is. There may not have been racks of new Fall fashions, but there was lots of activity and camaraderie this Saturday morning as the Army 10-Miler group headed out of Georgetown for a 9-mile loop around the Supreme Court.

I hung with the 12 minute mile folks today.

We enjoyed the sites, the tourists, the fantastic weather (80 degrees in October!!) and treated ourselves to treats at Dean & Delucca as a just reward for our efforts.

Foolish Girl

On Monday night I found myself at the gym and faced with a new trainer. Luckily he had my chart --- which clearly says, "Please crush her; she wants to get her money's worth for the full 45 minutes" and I foolishly told him to "bring it."

I had a lovely circuit workout. Proof was found the next day when I could barely put my arms over my head. Excellent!

Welcome to Fall

This morning I headed back to Georgetown to meet up with the Snapple Tri Club for their weekly Sunday morning run out of GRC.

While the heavyweights hooked a left and attacked an 10-mile loop to the zoo and back, the lighter-weights hooked a right and hit the toe path for a 4.5 mile out-and-back. After yesterday's 11 mile adventure with the ATM trainees, that distance was just fine for me.

It was an absolutely beautiful morning in DC --- cooler temps, leaves changing color and sunshine peeking out from behind the clouds.
We started out at a casual, conversational pace on the way out and then picked up the pace during the back half of the run. It actually felt good to stretch it out and run a more varied pace.

After the run, the Snapplers hooked up with some of the DC Road Runner Army 10-Miler folks for some treats at Dean & Delucca.

Nothing says victory like a large chai latte.

Just shy of mighty 11

Everyone knows I have a terrible sense of direction, so it's pretty funny that I lead folks out on runs around the city.

I prepared myself for this by reviewing the map, carrying printed instructions and giving out copies of the route to the folks in the 10+ mile groups. I like to call this insurance against losing folks along the way.

On Saturday we headed out for our longest run yet --- 11.4 miles! Or at least that was the plan. All was going well until we headed back down Independence Ave and over toward VA. We (meaning me) somehow missed a turn and ultimately ended up cutting a mile off our route. Oops!!! Luckily the crew I was leading out today --- the 12-13 minute mile group --- was very forgiving.

Overall, it was a beautiful day for running. Temps were in the upper 60's and the sun was shining bright.

I started out leading the 11 minute mile group, but then dropped back to hang with the 12+ minute mile group. This is such a great group who has been together since the Jump Start Program. Each week has been an incredible milestone for them. It has been an incredible privilege to hang with them.

Still feel a bit terrible for jipping them their 11 mile mark. :(