May 8, 2012 (Updated November 14, 2022)

A Trail 6 Miler

by Anne Mauney, MPH, RD

26 comments

Hello, hello!

I had a fabulous 6 mile trail run with my friend Ashley this morning!

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When we had dinner on Sunday night, Ashley was telling me about this cool trail she found that branches off from the W&OD trail in Vienna, near where she lives. I was excited to check it out and we made plans to meet there this morning. It was a bit of a debacle for me trying to find the place (I got totally lost), but once I did, it was well worth it. 🙂

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As you all know, I’m doing the Reach the Beach Relay in a week and a half, so I’ve been trying to keep my mileage up to train for that. This was the perfect training run — hilly and rocky, so the 6 miles were a lot harder than 6 miles on pavement would have been!

We had a lovely run — the trail was beautiful and we had fun chatting and enjoying the fresh air.

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As you saw on my watch above, we ran the 6 miles in 56:47, for an average pace of 9:27 minute/miles. We had to go a bit more slowly than usual in some parts because of all the rocks/roots and little hills — didn’t want to face plant or twist an ankle! 🙂

Splits:

  • Mile 1: 9:57
  • Mile 2: 9:52
  • Mile 3: 9:20
  • Mile 4: 8:54
  • Mile 5: 9:40
  • Mile 6: 8:59

Great run! My legs feel like they really got a great workout from all those small hills and the extra effort it took to keep me stable on the rocky trail. I always find trail running to be so fun and challenging — great to mix it up from the road.

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And now, I’m packing a few last things, eating a quick lunch, and racing out the door! I’m taking the bus up to NYC today for a Fitness Magazine blog event tomorrow. From there, I’ll head up to Boston for a Reebok blog event. It should be a busy but really fun week. Stay tuned! 🙂

Are you a trail running fan? I’m thinking of signing up for my first trail race (a 10k that Ashley is doing near Richmond) just for fun — I’ve never done one before!

- anne

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26 comments
  • Love the trails around Northern VA. We are so fortunate to have such natural beauty so close by and easy to get to. That is a fantastic time for the trails.. you ladies are fast!
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  • I did the Maymont 8 Mile XC race two years ago-- my first trail race since my High School Cross Country days! It was definitely challenging, but still fun! you should check it out :) http://www.sportsbackers.org/events/erie-insurance-james-river-loop-8-mile-trail-run
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  • Sounds like an awesome run :). I signed up for a trail run for my first half marathon and totally didn't know what I was getting myself into! It was so hard (I definitely didn't train on trails) but sooo much fun! It was also incredibly beautiful and I'd run it again in a heartbeat. I highly recommend running one.
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    • Oh man we were just talking on this run this morning how hard a half on a trail would be! Good for you!
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  • Hi Anne! Longtime lurker, I run on the Vienna portion of the W&OD at least 3x a week. Where did this trail branch off? I've been trying to find some alternative places to run especially since W&OD repaved their trail and removed the side gravel/shell portion. Thanks!
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    • We parked at the intersection of Hunter Mill Rd. and Hunter Station Rd. - the entrance to the smaller wooded trails are right off the W&OD there - just past the portapotty. I hope that makes sense :)
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      • Thank you thank you for this post! I have lived in DC about a year, and have really missed my California trail-running. Can't wait to try this one out. Have you found any others? I've mostly only been on the Capital Crescent/Rock Creek trails. Thanks again :)
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        • I also love the C&O canal - not hilly/rocky, but still a gorgeous trail! :)
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  • What a beautiful trail. I haven't done any trail running and need to start!
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  • We have lots of trails around here and they are a blast! I hike them as much as possible, but I don't have many trail running friends yet. I have gone several times, just not as often as I would like or as regularly. Your trail looks awesome, especially the "bridges!"
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  • Do you wear different shoes for trail running? I'm in the market for new hiking shoes, but I was looking I thought I should maybe get trail running shoes instead. I typically run in the city, but am in need of a change of scenery and a new challenge!
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    • I don't, but if I do it more often I should probably wear special shoes so I'm less likely to twist an ankle!
      Reply
  • I love trail running! I do a 5k every year that is in a state park close to where I used to live, sadly this year it is the day after my 30th birthday (so not sure I will do it). I think I should stage my own 5k and take a ride up there for a run :)
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  • I love trail running! It is way more challenging than pavement running for sure. You can't just zone out. You have to be constantly aware of each step or you'll get a face plant or sprained ankle.
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  • I've never gone trail running before, but it sure sounds like fun! I think my biggest issue would be not tripping over anything in the woods, I tend to be a bit clumsy sometimes! Lol
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  • The only trail run I've ever done was a 5K race in Michigan, right when I started to get into running! I really want to get into it though, but it's hard when I live in Chicago without a car!
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  • I am fan and I really enjoy it! The views are simply beautiful in every season.
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  • I used to run on this trail around campus, but now I power walk! If we are really quite sometimes we can see deer!
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  • Wow, neat trail, Anne. Well done! There sure are great paths and trails in the Washington/N VA area. Look forward to discovering them through your blog!
    Reply