Hains Point

Had an awesome 8-miler this morning before class. This week is my first "drop" mileage week of my BRM training program, so eight is actually my long run for the week. This morning I ran out to Hains Point, through East Potomac Park. I've run there before, but this morning felt particularly special.

I started in downtown DC at rush hour, surrounded by buzzing engines, honking horns and angry commuters. As I ran out towards East Potomac Park, traffic became spare and pedestrians few and far between. I soon found myself virtually alone, running along the river, just me and the geese. I was immediately struck at just how quiet and peaceful it was. There was a constant rumble of planes coming and going from Reagan, but besides that, no traffic, no honking, no sirens...just quiet. The weather was perfectly chilly with fog rising off the golf course and snow still hiding in the shadows. I settled into an effortless lope and just ran, not really caring where I was or how long until I got "there".

The run this morning was perfect. This is why I run. Wonderful moments like these can be hard to come by, and are even harder to describe to someone else. But once you find them, you'll understand why people run. Why this hobby that seems so strange and so boring can be oh so amazing.

Let it Snow

Today I felt like the biggest meanie ever. The poor Mollie-dog was left at the apartment all day by herself, and the look she gave me when I left the house this morning was absolutely pitiful. Luckily, we got out of school a bit early today, so I was able to make it home sooner than usual to rescue the stranded dog. She went OFF THE CHAIN when I opened the door to the house. I can't really describe how it feels to have an innocent creature be so SO SO excited to see you when you get home. In her simple little dog-world, I am the cat's meow.

It has been snowing on and off all day and we actually got an inch or two of accumulation...the first real snow of the season! Mollie and I bundled up and headed out for a fun run/play out in the snow. We only actually "ran" for about 3 miles, stopping frequently to run around in circles, roll on our bellies, and bite at the fluffy white stuff (well, Mollie more so than me). It was so fun to see how excited she was. And of course, I absolutely love running in the snow, with the quiet "crunch crunch" underfoot and cold snowflakes slipping underneath an exposed collar.

Even though it wasn't much of a run, Mollie and I still had a great time romping and playing around. Definitely special moments.