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Home » Fitness » Running

May 8, 2012 (Updated November 14, 2022)

A Trail 6 Miler

by Anne Mauney, MPH, RD

26 comments
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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
  • Lisa @ RunWiki
    May 8, 2012 · 12:17PM:
    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!
    Reply
  • Caitlin May 8, 2012 · 12:24PM:
    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
    Reply
    • Anne P
      May 8, 2012 · 2:32PM:
      Ooo. Sounds fun!
      Reply
  • Lindsay @ Running the Windy City
    May 8, 2012 · 12:26PM:
    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.
    Reply
    • Anne P
      May 8, 2012 · 2:32PM:
      Oh man we were just talking on this run this morning how hard a half on a trail would be! Good for you!
      Reply
  • Ashley May 8, 2012 · 12:35PM:
    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!
    Reply
    • Anne P
      May 8, 2012 · 2:31PM:
      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 :)
      Reply
      • Lexi May 11, 2012 · 2:33PM:
        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 :)
        Reply
        • Anne P
          May 13, 2012 · 5:48PM:
          I also love the C&O canal - not hilly/rocky, but still a gorgeous trail! :)
          Reply
  • Traci
    May 8, 2012 · 12:46PM:
    What a beautiful trail. I haven't done any trail running and need to start!
    Reply
  • Caroline @ After Dinner Dance
    May 8, 2012 · 1:03PM:
    I love trail running - I almost always run on the same trail. It's just so much prettier than roads!
    Reply
  • Shay @ Whine Less, Breathe More
    May 8, 2012 · 1:04PM:
    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!"
    Reply
    • Shay @ Whine Less, Breathe More
      May 8, 2012 · 1:07PM:
      Forgot to mention, I don't like to run trails alone here because of the bears and cougars. Just not a good idea!
      Reply
      • Anne P
        May 8, 2012 · 2:26PM:
        Haha umm yeah I'd be scared.
        Reply
  • Julia May 8, 2012 · 1:04PM:
    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!
    Reply
    • Anne P
      May 8, 2012 · 2:25PM:
      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
  • Shannon May 8, 2012 · 1:08PM:
    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 :)
    Reply
    • Anne P
      May 8, 2012 · 2:24PM:
      You should :)
      Reply
  • Krissy @ Shiawase Life
    May 8, 2012 · 1:36PM:
    Great pics!!! :D
    Reply
  • Angela @ Happy Fit Mama
    May 8, 2012 · 1:41PM:
    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.
    Reply
  • Jana @ Newly Wife Healthy Life
    May 8, 2012 · 2:07PM:
    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
    Reply
  • Katie @ Peace Love and Oats
    May 8, 2012 · 4:04PM:
    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!
    Reply
  • Ro @ Eat Live Move
    May 8, 2012 · 7:56PM:
    I am fan and I really enjoy it! The views are simply beautiful in every season.
    Reply
  • Sana
    May 8, 2012 · 9:29PM:
    I used to run on this trail around campus, but now I power walk! If we are really quite sometimes we can see deer!
    Reply
  • Adventurer May 8, 2012 · 9:44PM:
    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
  • Lexi @ You, Me, & A World to See
    May 15, 2012 · 2:16AM:
    Trail running is the best! So much more scenic than road running :)
    Reply
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anne mauney fannetastic food
Hi, I’m Anne! I'm a Washington D.C. based Registered Dietitian, mother, runner, and lover of travel, adventure, and the great outdoors. I've been blogging since 2009, sharing a mix of lifestyle content, recipes, and fitness tips. Come for the recipes – stay for the fun!
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I’m Anne, a Registered Dietitian and mother. I've been blogging since 2009 and love showing others that eating nutritious foods and staying active can actually be fun rather than overwhelming!

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