What ever it takes!

Had an early work start today so I knew I only had time for a quick short run.  I set out to do 8 and push it from the start.  I managed about a 6:20 pace for the first 3 miles but then the humidity got to me.  Also at that point I got a little bit lost, I knew how to go back the way I came but that would only give me 6 miles so I explored across the bridge into Georgetown.  Really neat place to run, but the intersections slowed me down.  I eventually ran into so other joggers and asked them the best way back, they pointed to a trail that took me right back to the Lincoln Monument.

From there along the pond the length of the national mall is almost exactly 1 mile so I decided to do a fast mile, started out at a 5:30 pace but had to slow down at about 3/4, ended up running the mile in 5:50.  needed to go another 2 miles to get my 8 in so I ran up to the Capitol building and back to the hotel, ended up going 8.4 in 53:00.

7 Mile Recovery run, kind of an exploritory run.  I wanted to try a new route but only had 45 minutes to do it in.  I had noticed on the map that there was a botanical garden on the other side of Capitol Hill, I wasn't sure how far it was so I just started running in that direction.  I started running into some areas that looked a little iffy and there was a lack of other runners in the area so I turned back before making it to the Gardens.  Looking at the map I was only about 1/4 of a mile away, but I needed to get back to start work anyway.

7 Miles in 47:39  6:50 min/mile pace.

Made an executive decision to take the day off of running. Went down to the hotel Gym and did some leg workouts and some core strength.  Then sat in the hottub for 15 minutes, Not quite as invigurating as a nice hard run, but I think I needed the break.

I decided this was worth logging, last night I went and met some friends for dinner up in Georgetown.  I took a cab there and between going to the CVS to get some cash for the cab, waiting in line for the cab, and then the actual cab ride there it took me 45 minutes to go 3 miles.  So after dinner I thought, I'm just going to run back to the hotel, so with my wallet in one pocket, iPhone in the other and some other various items I had bought from CVS so I could get cash for the cab I started running.  It was quite an experience to actually run to go somewhere instead of running in place or one big circle.  With traffic, tourists and other destractions I was still able to make the 3 mile trip in 22 minutes.  1/2 the time the cab took me.  I think I will try this more often.

Woke up nice and early to get 10 miles in before work started, Ran across the Arlington Bridge along the trail to Rosevelt island, ran the complete circle around the island, up to Georgetown, back to the Lincoln monument, back to the hotel.

10 miles in 1:10.  Had a hard time getting my legs to go this morning,  very humid here and lots of bugs, ready to get back to Utah.

http://connect.garmin.com/activity/34722665

Quick 7 mile run before work, to Georgetown and back.  Much better temperature for running today.  7 in 47:22 6:45 pace.

Well a long 2 weeks in DC, finally get to go home today.  Before heading to the airport though I woke up early and threw together 2 weeks of exploring DC into 1 big GrandTour loop.  If you're ever in DC be sure and try it, it has a good mix of trails, scenery, and history.  15 miles in 1:42:45, it would have been 16 miles but Roosevelt island was really muddy so I turned back.

http://connect.garmin.com/activity/34914104

Dedicating the next 3 weeks to speed work before official TOU training begins.   See y'all back in Utah.