Hello Saturday Long Runners!
It seems like this will be an ongoing trend for the summer, but the air quality issues are back once again. It would appear the fates have spared us again and SLR should have decent air quality (putting on my amateur meterologist hat, I'd approximate anywhere from 80-110 which is rounghly "safe to run outside, but take it easy" range in my book). As always be safe, missing a long run isn't worth major health impacts. Otherwise be prepared for a warm one, this is a shorter route but temperatures are still estimated to climb from around 70 to 75 from 7 to 9 AM. There are a couple very nice and dependable water fountains, but as always bring extra if you need it. Now let's get into it:
The Route: This week we're doing my all time favorite loop, the Chain Bridge Loop (strava, pdf, gpx), or as Jack and I nicknamed it, "The Hilly Loop". We'll start by going up the Rosslyn Hill and then following Military Road up four very nice climbs (that's only five hills total! You can do five hills!) before a nice run back down the C&O Canal. Need something to look forward to on the hills? There's a church on top of the second one on Military with a bunch of cell towers on top and a cute little rainbow drawing on the sidewalk on top of the third one!
Want Something Shorter? This route doesn't have a lot of great ways to shorten it, but an out and back on Military Road is never a bad run.
Need a Longer Route? This route is easily extended by going over any of the other bridges to return back to the park at North Meade Street. Taking Memorial Bridge back and going straight to the park will make it 12 miles and taking memorial bridge and going up through Rosslyn will be 13. The 14th Street Bridge makes for a convenient 14 miler if you come back up by the cemetery and 15 miles if you go through Rosslyn. For any more than that, throw in a loop of Hains for 18+.
Thirsty? The water fountain at mile 3.5 at Zachary Taylor Park has been a lifesaver on many, many summer runs. Additional water can be found at Fletcher's Cove Boathouse, just take a right off the canal and head down the steps and it's on the left. Hungry? It's finally wineberry season on the C&O Canal! These are delicious and make for a great summer snack (just be mindful of poison ivy if you go foraging for any). Thank you to Gina for pre and post run drinks this week! As an added incentive, we're offering a special opportunity! If you volunteer for post run or mid run drinks at least once between now and September 16th, you will be eligible for a chance to win free entry into the National Capital 20 Miler and 5 Miler race taking place on September 24th. Even if you are unable to participate this year, this free entry can be used for the 2024 race! Don't miss out on this exciting opportunity to contribute and potentially earn a compilementary race entry!
Need a Bathroom? There's a portopotty around mile 4.3 at the Nature Center and working bathrooms (with indoor plumbing!) at Fletcher's Cove! I've also had a lot of luck with construction sites in front yards, so keep an eye out.
The DC Road Runner Red Singlets are still available for purchase until 7/16, guaranteed to make you faster and more fashionable for your fall races! The next club race is the Age Handicapped Four Miler on the fourth of July! Come for the chance to break the tape in this age-graded event, stay for the unique and zany prizes that people provide every year. If you can't run this year, please consider volunteering!
Happy Running!
Anna
