Back from Dallas . . .

. . . and had a great time!  The weather on Saturday was gorgeous.  High 80s, and sunny.  The hotel had a gorgeous roof top pool, so I hung out there all afternoon soaking in the sun.

Then came Sunday, which was everything Saturday was not, at least as far as the weather goes.  It was cold (at times really cold), cloudy, and even drizzling on and off.  But the race was still tons of fun.  The course was beautiful, and it was a fun way to see Dallas.  I was really sorry about running another half marathon so soon after New Orleans, but I think I did ok.  Somewhere around mile 8, I started to hurt a lot, but it actually passed, and I finished really strong.  So I was really pleased overall.  I'd definitely do this one again!

BTW, I stayed at the Joule in Dallas.  If you're ever in town and looking for a place to stay, it's one of my favorites.  Very boutique-y, which really appeals to me.  Plus there's that gorgeous pool.  Check out this AMAZING shot of it here.

Back From NOLA!

Well, the half-marathon didn't get off to the best start.  The hotel "forgot" about my breakfast, and the walk to the start was longer than I thought it would be, and it was colder than I wanted it to be at first.  So I was pretty grouchy at about 7:45 yesterday morning.  But things got better--they could only go up from there!--and the race turned out to be really, really fun.  It was scenic and went through a lot of different neighborhoods in New Orleans, ending up in City Park, which is just lovely.  The weather turned out to be awesome--sunny but cool, with a nice breeze--what they call a "no excuses day." 

New Orleans was also great for a weekend away--what a fun city!  I ate lots of seafood and loved taking in all the charms of the city.  It seemed like a world so far away from Washington, D.C. (which was exactly what I needed).   

I would definitely run this one again.  And check out these awesome medals.  I think the beads are super cool.  Perfect for a Mardi Gras race. 

New Year's Day 5K

Yesterday, I ran the inaugural New Year's Day 5K in Reston, Virginia.  It was a great way to welcome the new year.

I'm always a little bit skeptical of races that start in suburban shopping centers or office parks because they often end up being a tour of shopping center or office park.  And running past the Gap and FedEx is only so intreresting.  But I was pleasantly surprised by the fact that the bulk of the race was on the Washington and Old Dominion Trail, which is pretty scenic.  It was a little cruel that the first part of the race was largely downhill and, since it was an out-and-back course, that meant the last part of the race was largely uphill, but there's only so much the race organizers can do about the topography.  (They can, however, make sure that there's water on the course, and not having water was a significant flaw of this race.) 

We've been having a warm spell in D.C., so they weather was downright balmy, which was an added bonus.  And the 10am start time was positively genius.  All in all, I was glad I dragged myself out of bed and drove out to Reston.  I feel like I've gotten my 2011 off on the right foot, so to speak. 

Today I Ran To Canada

And back again, underwater.  The Detroit Half Marathon was really fun.  The weather was perfect for running, and the trip across the Ambassador Bridge at sunrise was as thrilling as advertised.  I particularly liked the stretch in Windsor along the river--so beautiful!  I ran a little slower than I usually do, but I felt "good" further into the race than in past half marathons.  Usually, by mile 8, I'm really starting to wonder if I'll make it through the back five, but today miles 7, 8, 9, and 10 flew by.  Mile 11 was even tolerable, which made me really happy!

I'm recovering in my hotel room now, and I fear I'll be feeling all 13.1 of those miles for the next few days, but it was worth it!  And check out that cool medal!

Happy Fourth of July!

The Fourth of July is quickly becoming one of my favorite holidays, probably because I've developed a Fourth of July routine that includes some of my favorite events.

First, I ran the Autism Speaks 5K in Potomac, Maryland.  I've run this race every year for the past five years, and I've watched it grow from a small, community race to a real event.  The course runs through a Potomac neighborhood and, while lovely, is really hilly.  Which means that it kicks my butt every year.  But it's all worth it because the race raises money for a great cause.  And they always have pizza at the finish line.  (Nothing like a slice of pizza at 9am after running three miles!).

After the race, I rushed home to make it in time for the Capitol Hill parade.  The parade is, hands down, my favorite Hill event.  It is not a sophisticated affair (more like festive chaos), but everyone comes out to see the parade and celebrate the holiday.

The Marine Corps band is the most polished part of the parade.  But in my opinion, cheering as the local boys' basketball team does its thing and collecting candy from the Girls Scouts is just as much fun.   To me, the parade epitomizes the community and neighborhood spirit that I love about the Hill.

The parade is not Mr. Bullet's favorite event.  I think the heat and noise and crowds are a little too much for him, but he tolerates it.  And he puts with the American flag and parade beads I make him wear at least through the end of the parade.

Later in the evening, Mr. Bullet and I walked to the Library of Congress to watch the fireworks.  It's a great place to see the fireworks without having to brave the crowds and security checks on the Mall.  I think they were better than ever this year!

Hope you had a happy Fourth as well!

Tim Harmon 5K

This morning I ran the Tim Harmon 5K in Fairfax, Virginia.  My running has been a little off-kilter lately, so in truth I walked much of it with ((very) short) bursts of running interspersed.  At around mile 2, I remembered why there are so few road races in June in the D.C. area, but overall it was a fun time.

This is the second time I've run this race.  It is sponsored by the Alcohol and Drug Services program of the Fairfax-Falls Church Community Services Board to raise awareness of Hepatitis C and substance abuse.  The race honors the memory of Tim Harmon who served as the Director of the Board's Alcohol and Drug Services Residential Services.

I appreciate being able to run road races like this one, but I also think they're important community-building events.  Every time I show up for a race, I'm amazed at the sheer number of people it takes to pull off even a small, neighborhood race.  The race directors and all of the volunteers deserve more recognition than they get.  So if you've ever helped organized and/or volunteered at an event like this--staffed the registration table, handed out water, directed traffic, or just sat by the side of the road and cheered for people you don't know, thank you!!

See you at the next race!