ROCK CREEK PARK, Gem of D.C., back on the trails....

                           I have been missing MY Rock Creek Park, although I did not know just how much until I was hugged by the trails once again and I was like a fish in water. I got a rare opportunity to run during the day, after work and I took it. Ran home, changed out of my long earring and fancy work dress into my shorts and t-shirt. Filled my water bottle and out the door I went....to run in shorts in almost-November is also a gift. Feeling so grateful I can't even put into words how great it felt to be out in nature, all alone once again. 

                 All by myself in the woods....to have all this minutes from my apartment is a blessing. 

                      The creek is on the left, with water gently rolling. for this one hour, THIS is all mine.

                                       It was almost 6pm and darkness closed in quickly. I went home and made dinner for the family and felt amazing the rest of the night. 

My 5 Mile Trail Run/Walk.....my taper....

     I know, I know I am supposed to taper before a race, but the anxiety was getting to me and I decided to get out on the trails and run/walk for 5 miles....it was so fun!!

This bridge was sitting quietly amongst the trees....

Deer jumped away as I came near and stood and watched me as I passed.

Gravel trails are fun to run in...

Nothing like walking in the shade of the trees...

My new trail shoes.....doing great...

View of bridge again....see the underpass?

The canopy above...

Bridge over water,,,

The bridge again...

wonder what all this rock is for?

Look what stupid people think the trails are for.....how awful!!

Here on the ground, the sun does not shine..

Streams

I am in love with trail running!!

                         This past Sunday I ran 10 miles, most of it on trails and I come out of this experience a changed woman. I can't imagine a better running scenario than this one.  It was 65 degrees, misty rain coming down. The best part of the experience though was the fact that I did not experience any pain or discomfort right after. The rest of the day was like I have not run 10 miles at all. Not to mention that I was not excited about going that morning. My bones felt heavy when I woke up, I had watched a movie late the evening before, so I was operating on little sleep and not in the best of moods. Nonetheless, it was an awesome run!! The experience also made me feel sure I could finish my trail-based race in 2 weeks well within the 4-hour cut-off. If anything, I will not be a PR at this half-marathon, my pace is at least 2 minutes slower in the trails, but the workout overall felt much more comprehensive. Every part of my body was sweating while trekking up and bounding down like a child down these steep hills but I had a smile on my face the entire run. I can say with no doubt that this was the most fun I've had so far on a run. Can't wait for next weekend to go back and discover more of Rock Creek Park. 

My First Ever Trail Run

                          In preparation for my trail race in two weeks I have been meaning to do some practice runs in some trails, any trails. The one that is most convenient to me is Rock Creek Park, literally, a few blocks east. For those of you who do not know Washington, DC, Rock Creek Park is where Chandra Levy disappeared right before 9/11. In attempts to get ready for my run, I searched online for advice and safety tips on running in Rock Creek alone, etc. What I discovered were lots of posts from women stating how they are afraid to run Rock Creek. So with some trepidation I arrive at on of the the parking lots of the park at 6am. The sun had just come up, it was 62 degrees, and no one was around; all I see are green luscious trees and all I hear are bird chirping in a warm spring morning. I had my pepper spray in one hand and my water bottle in another, my phone strapped to my hip with a timer set and MapMyRun app ready to record my coordinates and time my run. I was so blown away by my run that I think I want to have part of my weekly miles to be on trails from now on. Below are pictures I took form the trail.... 

Up a hill....

Looking down at a creek below...

and run back down a huge hill......to water level.....the stream was so calm...

And looking down from way up high....

I wanted to bad to take my shoes off and soak my feet in the cool water.....maybe next time...lol

Oh what fun!!

This path is like an obstacle course...

Down by Pierce Mill.....

A view of the sky from below

Roots, roots and more roots....picking up those feet...

Just bought a Map of Rock Creek Park

                            I have been wanting to get my hands on a map of Rock Creek Park now for ages. Today I went to Potomac Appalachian Trail Club and through them ordered an $8 map of the park....can't wait to begin exploring. To order your map go HERE.