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...

A Dog-filled Run

                      I was running around the towns of Baldwin, Freeport and Oceanside, NY in Long Island this morning for my long run (10 miles) and I must have seen about 3 dogs who were not on a leash. One actually ran up to me while I passed his house and I got really startled. I could tell within seconds that it was a friendly dog, but it still made me stop out of fear. For a few blocks there I actually considered carrying my pepper-spray in my hand instead of in a little pocket inside of my arm-band, where I always carry it, but I was too lazy and trying to conserve energy.

                     I love dogs, but I would not hesitate to spray one that comes after me. A few years back when my sweet, gorgeous and super friendly German Shepherd dog, Duncan, was alive, a very angry dog ran out of his back yard and for many minutes attached his teeth to the back of my poor dog as I frantically called for help. Three thousand dollars later he was fine but it was such a traumatic experience that I could not do runs again for years. I tried continuing my running, but each time I would have this overwhelming fear that out of nowhere an angry dog would come running after me.

                      So now I carry pepper spray and I don't play. I also now have two kids and need to be home for my family. I believe every person, especially women, should carry pepper spray on their runs. It's much better to be safe than sorry. What do you do to stay safe?