Hello Saturday Long Runners!
You have me for one more week, and it is another excellent fall morning (and another Spirit playoff gameday!) Let's get into it:
The Route: Bum bum bummmmm *insert menacing piano music here* it's Iron Triangle (strava, gps, pdf), a personal favorite of Anna's (and mine) and a personal horror of anyone who believes the mound in front of the Bureau of Engraving and Printing constitutes a hill. We'll head up Custis to Lorcom Lane and Military Road until we hit some more hills climbing Glebe and Williamsburg. After this we're treated to a lovely mile downhill into Falls Church before returning down Custis (yes! it's downhill coming east!). People tend to get a little lost on this route (including Anna once upon a time) so make sure to review the cue sheets ahead of time!
Want Something Shorter? For a few less hills and a few less miles, turn right at Military Road to do the Chain Bridge 10-miler. It'll allow you to be with the group for almost five miles before heading back in a much flatter way than how you came out. There are also excellent metro stops at mile 9 (East Falls Church) and 12 (Ballston-MU) where for a mere $2.50 you can be back to Rosslyn in a jiffy!
Need a Longer Route? The W&OD is a fabulous trail to add anywhere from 1 to 80 miles to your weekend long run!
Thirsty? Water fountains can be found at mile 3.5 in Zachary Taylor Park just off Military, at Fort Ethan Allen Park around mile 5, the Custis and W&OD interchange at mile 10, and along Custis at mile 12.
Need a Bathroom? Ethan Allen Park also has bathrooms around mile 5, and hopefully the ones at Westover Park (immediately after you turn on to Custis, take the first left after crossing under I-66) are not yet closed for the season. Otherwise there is always a house or two along this route that has some contruction going on and a portopotty in the yard, so keep your eyes peeled!
If you haven't signed up yet, the rescheduled National Capital 10- and 5-miler is Sunday morning. The Bunion Derby is coming up faster than you think, check the website for schedule and registration!
Happy Running!
Nate
