'Twas twelve days before Christmas
when at eight or a bit after
DC Road Runners
romped down North Meade pitter-patter
But not before struggling
to find places to park
get there early, go to Courthouse
the difference up there is stark
Yes I'm sorry to say
the wreaths are laid tomorrow
expect tons of traffic
or face disappointment and sorrow
But back to the route
and info that you want
as we embark once again
on our best December jaunt:
The Route is a classic
yes it's one for the books
where we'll run 'round the city
and give seven trees the looks
It's the Christmas Tree Run!
Here's Strava and GPS
and a little cue sheet
so you don't find yourself in duress
But we'll be going on this one
as one big running group
so don't jet off too fast
don't try to fly the coop
Ten to twelve minutes
for each of those miles
it'll make everyone comfy
and fill this run with smiles
We'll head out down Lynn
and then across Key
through M Street, down Penn
by the Spanish Embassy
Next out to the White House
which is a bit lackluster
but we have to start somewhere
and it's a good rust buster
Then over E Street
to the Willard Continental
which we added last year
their decorations ornamental
Up to Old Ebbitt Grill
which has great reviews
and two giant nutcrackers
they yearly make the news
After that across H street
to City Center to see
many great window shops
and one giant tree
We'll zoom out on that one
just like the kids do
I think it's called point five lens?
maybe six-seven too?
Next across Chinatown
and into Union Station
which has a Taco Bell
a great mid-run snack location
After that we'll head out
back into the winter weather
hopefully the suns out
and the company makes it better
Around Capitol Hill
to their tree from Nevada
the first time from this forest
so see it you betta
Then across the parking lot
to the Botanic Garden
they've got a great train exhibit
and some sculptures carven
Rounding out our run
is Canada - best of the lot
we'll crowd under the dome
for one last quick shot
We'll go off on our ways
back to North Meade Park
down the Mall, up the hill
finishing our morning lark
I challenge you tomorrow
to ditch your usual crew
introduce, make a friend
try and meet someone new
This run is the best
and I could list on and on
but the community part's my favorite
it's to what I am drawn
When we all run together
yes we'll be one big pack
there's no more who is in the front
and who is in the back
"But I need more miles"
"And I want more trees"
"I don't want this to be over"
"Let's do more please"
You should go down south
past L'Enfant Plaza
the wharf has more trees
before we head back to our casa
That'll add two miles
and also some fun
bringing up the mileage
for a classic distance long run
"I want less miles"
"Ten is really too far"
"Yeah can we wrap this up?"
"I'd rather be at the bar"
Meet us in the middle
or start and then stop
you can turn around early
or on metro hop
That'll wrap you up sooner
in time for Old Hat brunch
no excuses Nate,
you'll be home before lunch.
We've got special post run drinks
provided by treasurer Zach
so don't go straight to your cars
as soon as you're back
He'll have coffee and cider
and pastries to share
hang out for a while
soak it in while it's there
Along the route for liquids
there aren't many good stops
unless you want an oyster shooter
or a baja blast on the rocks
Bathrooms are also
a limiting factor
though there are more options
both before trees and after
Washington and Lincoln
Union Station has them too
so you're not out of luck
if you need to hit the loo
The next club race of course
is the Founders Day Half
you'll go down the canal from Carderock
and then come straight back
A flat and fast route
the cheapest in the city
volunteer come help out
or race and show yourself gritty
Thanks again for a wonderful,
no, fabulous year
less running for me
but I'm happy to be here
You've entrusted me again
as keeper of the routes;
this one always reminds me
what it's all about
Making friends, sharing miles
finding new places to explore
SLR is the best
not just running; it's more
I've got exciting plans
for a great twenty-six
new routes and new faces
new opportunities for pics
So if you haven't come,
from SLR you've been away
know we'll always welcome you back
any of these Saturdays
We're a staple of sorts
and I hold that quite dear
thanks for all of the long runs
fifty-two just this year
I think that's all I've got
and this poem's been spun
Happy Holidays to all!
And to all a good run!
Anna
