Hello Saturday Long Runners!
Unfortunately our run to the Arboretum that was originally scheduled for this week has been CANCELLED! due to the government shutdown. Fear not, we'll be circumnavigating arlington instead on a classic route that is a staple of marathon training in the DC area. Now let's get into it:
The Route: Over the [Custis] hill and through the Wood, that's right Honey, we're heading around the Arlington Loop (strava, gps, pdf) this week! It's Actually Romantic how we'll manage 17 miles with almost no stoplights or roads. Once we're out of Rosslyn we'll head down the Mount Vernon Trail, across Four Mile Run and the W&OD, and up Custis back to our starting point.
Want Something Longer? For more miles, just “Pour yourself a drink, put on some lipstick, and pull yourself together.” - Elizabeth Taylor and add on an extra out and back at the turn from the W&OD to the Custis trail (my preference) or the Mount Vernon Trail and Four Mile Run (another option).
Need a Shorter Route?Ruin the Friendship of these four trails is an out and back on the Mount Vernon Trail, though you can also make some loops out of a turn onto Walter Reed Drive or by heading back at the Crystal City exit.
Thirsty? Thanks to our resident Eldest Daughter Rae and Father Figure Brian for taking care of us this week! They'll be out at Barcroft Park and providing post run drinks as well. In order to not succumb to the Fate of Ophelia, it's also best to bring your own water, though the Friends of the Mount Vernon Trail have started to check off their Wi$h Li$t for more water fountains! There's one over by the airport, a plethora along the W&OD, and two on Custis that have never failed me.
Need a Bathroom? The best way to avoid the Opalite Porto-Potties is to use the ones along the W&OD at Bluemont Park, though there are also bathrooms at Gravelly Point and a few temporary bathrooms setup along Custis for construction.
The National Capital 20 Miler on Sunday could still use some volunteers! Knock out your long run at SLR and help out on Sunday, that's The Life of a Showgirl.
And, baby, that's showbusiness for you!
Anna
P.S. If you're confused by the capitalization and interjections, the unofficial artist of DCRR SLR, Taylor Swift, just released her twelfth album The Life of a Showgirl today.
