Hey everyone!
Summertime is upon us and with it brings us our first SLR of the year at our new 7 AM start time. Even with the early start, it still looks like we may get some rain, which will provide a nice reprieve from the warm temps. For folks travelling from Crystal City or Alexandria, note that there's a 5K happening at 7 tomorrow that will close portions of 110, Columbia Pike, and Washington Boulevard so plan ahead for getting to the park at North Meade Street. Now let's get into it!
The Route: This week we'll be running Catholic MBT (strava, milermeter, pdf, gpx), a 14ish Mile loop that takes you up the Metropolitan Branch Trail, across the city via Columbia Rd. NW, and down the Rock Creek Trail. Be sure to check out the murals and metro stops along the MBT and the largest Catholic church building in North America at the Basilica!
Want Something Shorter?ÂÂ The MBT makes for an easy out and back from 10 to 12 miles depending on where you turn around. Alternatively, looping the Capitol instead of going towards Union Station will give you a nice 9 mile route.
Need a Longer Route? For some extra hills and another big church, combine this route with Cathedral Clintons for a nearly exactly 18 miler (continue straight on Calvert Street and pick up Cathedral Clintons from there). If you've had enough hills for one day, going north on the Rock Creek Trail instead of south gives you an easy way to add any number of miles.
Thirsty? Rejoice! The water fountains on The Mall are working and give plentiful water opportunities in the first four miles. On the MBT there are also fountains at the Eckington Dog Park at mile 5.8 and at mile 6.5 near the Rhode Island Avenue Metro Station. For a stronger drink (or a great Sunday afternoon activity), check out the plethora of breweries along the appropriately nicknamed Metropolitan Beer Trail. Unfortunately after the MBT fountains are few and far between, so bring water. Thank you to Christie for providing Post Run Drinks for the finish!
Need a Bathroom? The bathrooms at the Washington Monument are open (however the men's room has no doors on the stalls). Union Station also has restrooms located in the back by the main train hall/waiting area. There's also a Starbucks on the corner of Monroe and Michigan at mile 7.5 that I've used in a pinch.
The next club race is the Women's Distance Festival and Run After the Women 5K on Sunday June 4th! It's also a great time to start reading "For the Glory: The Untold and Inspiring Story of Eric Liddell, Hero of Chariots of Fire" by Duncan Hamilton for the next book club meeting on June 25th!
Happy Running!
Anna
ÂÂ
