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April 3, 2013

Celebrating Spring with Running

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It’s been a beautiful week here in DC – perhaps spring is finally upon us! I celebrated with two great runs. The most recent of which was a post-work run yesterday evening with my college friends Sarah and Kathleen!

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The last time I ran with these ladies was at the Backyard Burn 5 Mile trail race last month, so it was great to be reunited. 🙂 We had such an awesome run – we met up at 6 p.m. and the weather was still sunny and beautiful. Light spring evenings are the best – I felt so lucky and happy to be outside enjoying it. It felt like it was the middle of the afternoon, not evening!

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We ran from Georgetown down along the water:

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Past the Lincoln Memorial and down along the reflecting pool trail – love this shot with our shadows:

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Up to the Washington Monument, which has some less than beautiful construction going on right now:

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Back along the reflecting pool path:

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Past Lincoln again:

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And along the water back towards Georgetown with some beautiful views of the setting sun to keep us company. In case you’re wondering, I carry my camera in my hand and just hold up my arm and take shots while we run – no stopping necessary! Sometimes they come out blurry but usually it works. 🙂

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By the time we finished, this was our view:

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Running is certainly easier when you get to look at that, huh? I spent the whole run feeling so happy. A sunny night, beautiful views, and chatter with good friends. That’s what life is all about. 🙂

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We ran the 5 chatty miles in 44:21, for an average pace of 8:51.

Splits:

  • Mile 1: 9:02
  • Mile 2: 8:46
  • Mile 3: 8:37
  • Mile 4: 9:00
  • Mile 5: 8:53

Thanks for the great run, ladies! We need to make that a regular thing now that the weather and the sun are finally back on our side.

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My other great run was on Monday morning. First run of the season that I got to wear shorts!

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photo via fANNEtasticfood on Instagram – follow me there!

I wore a long sleeved shirt on top but should have worn a t-shirt – that sun was warm! We did a speedy 6 miles, finishing in 51:20 for an average pace of 8:33 minute miles. Even better because it was a hilly run! The first mile was essentially straight uphill. That meant the last mile was downhill, at least!

  • Mile 1: 9:41 (straight uphill)
  • Mile 2: 8:30
  • Mile 3: 8:23
  • Mile 4: 8:32
  • Mile 5: 8:39
  • Mile 6: 7:32 (downhill!)

I love ending runs on a downhill – you can really light it up and let your legs see how quickly they can carry you to the end. I don’t know if it’s just the weather or what, but I’ve fallen even harder for running this spring than I usually do. Getting pumped for more races coming up this spring! To see a full list of the races I have on the docket this year, check out the “upcoming races” area of my right blog sidebar.

Has spring gotten you more motivated to run, too? Any great runs this week so far to share? Feel free to brag! And if you need some running motivation, check out my Brooks-inspired “Run Happy” board on Pinterest. You’ll be out the door in no time! This pin is my absolute favorite. 😉

- anne
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28 comments
  • Sarah April 3, 2013 · 1:21PM:
    Cute shadow picture. I had so much fun. Round 2 on Friday!
    Reply
    • Anne
      April 3, 2013 · 1:26PM:
      Yes, so excited for the 5k!
      Reply
  • Callie
    April 3, 2013 · 1:52PM:
    Looks like two great runs back to back! I totally agree...this spring weather is absolutely invigorating!
    Reply
  • Kim @ Cooking in the City
    April 3, 2013 · 2:04PM:
    Great minds think alike! Loving DC running pics today :)
    Reply
  • Kathleen April 3, 2013 · 2:57PM:
    Love the shot of our shadows by the reflecting pool. :) Great run!
    Reply
  • Deb @ Dietitian Debbie Dishes
    April 3, 2013 · 4:26PM:
    Love the views from your run! I'm jealous you were able to wear shorts earlier this week! It's still a bit to chilly in Chicago for that, but it will come soon enough! :-)
    Reply
  • Danielle April 3, 2013 · 5:29PM:
    How funny! I did that first run this morning on my way to work (and my office is even in the background of one of your pics!). It really is a gorgeous run!
    Reply
  • Jane @ Not Plain So Jane
    April 3, 2013 · 5:39PM:
    That sky is SO unbelievably blue! Gorgeous.
    Reply
  • Danielle @ Truffles n' Treadmills
    April 3, 2013 · 5:50PM:
    I love that picture with your shadows. The colors in the sky and grass just pop! I am so happy the weather here is starting to warm up. I can't wait to get outside. I heard its gonna be 60 this weekend and I have a 5k so I am super happy!
    Reply
  • Renie April 3, 2013 · 6:38PM:
    Beautiful scenery Anne. It's still on the cool side here in the Atlanta area. Suppose to be in the 40's on Thursday. Love the shadow pics.
    Reply
  • Erica @ For the Sake of Cake
    April 3, 2013 · 7:16PM:
    I'm jealous... it looks like DC has some beautiful places to run!
    Reply
  • Laura April 3, 2013 · 9:08PM:
    I had a great 5 miler tonight-44 mins flat! I'm getting pumped for the NWM in DC at the end of the month!! I hear it a flat fast course and I can't wait for a gorgeous run like you always post about:)
    Reply
    • Anne
      April 4, 2013 · 12:07PM:
      Yay for FLAT!
      Reply
  • Cara April 4, 2013 · 6:50AM:
    I live in Arlington and love seeing your DC running pics.. I ran the RNR half also and have been struggling to get back into running since. Last night I was discouraged by the wind and ending up quitting early.. but seeing your awesome pictures makes me want to get back out there!! Thanks for the inspiration!
    Reply
    • Anne
      April 4, 2013 · 12:06PM:
      My pleasure! Enjoy the runs!
      Reply
  • Healthy Eater April 4, 2013 · 6:53AM:
    Beautiful place to run, Anne! And, yes, two good hilly six-milers -- and biking outside today!
    Reply
  • Megan April 4, 2013 · 8:28AM:
    Anne, I need your advice! I know you love crossfit and I've been interested in it for awhile and one just opened in my area, the beginner class is TONIGHT! However I am really really out of shape and very intimidated to try it, what if I can't do the moves? My other concern is I have been suffering with plantar fascia issues for a month now and I've been doing some yoga moves which have been helping, but do you think I should try to do a little more excercising at home first and wait until next month to start the beginner class?
    Reply
    • Anne
      April 4, 2013 · 12:06PM:
      That's great you want to try CrossFit! I wouldn't worry about being out of shape - don't be intimidated! Everyone is at a different level and there's no shame in that. The coaches will modify the moves for you! Regarding the plantar fascia issues, I can't really give any advice on that since I'm not a medical professional. I'm sorry!
      Reply
      • Megan April 5, 2013 · 11:03AM:
        I went!!!! I'm so glad I got over my fear and went! The only thing I worry about is I dont want to get bigger arm muscles I tend to be more top heavy than not, did you find that happening?
        Reply
        • Anne
          April 5, 2013 · 12:30PM:
          Good for you!! :) I only do Crossfit a couple times a week and do running or cross training the rest of the week, so I haven't bulked up, but I think it would depend on your body type, how often you go, how heavy the weights you're doing are, etc. I wouldn't worry about it unless you're going like every day and not doing any cardio on the side. Have fun!
          Reply
  • Robyn @thereallife_RD
    April 4, 2013 · 8:59AM:
    I have been loving running after work in the sunshine since it doesn't get dark until 8pm! I'm so glad spring is here!! Have a great day :)
    Reply
  • Tara | Treble in the Kitchen
    April 4, 2013 · 9:50AM:
    How beautiful!!! I interned in DC when I was in college and would frequently run on those same paths...oh I miss it!! What a picturesque place to run and walk :)
    Reply
  • C. April 4, 2013 · 10:07AM:
    I am a loyal reader and enjoy so ( really so many recipes - these have helped me thru my first training in my 13.1 last sept). I have your blog as inspiration. I am 57 and look longingly at your 8 something minute miles- I think to myself where should I find my mile/minute ratio for my age? Where should I be? Do you have any advice for a post menapausal 102 # 5'2" foot woman? Or any advice as to where to read up on this? Also hearty congratulations on your recent wedding and your -R.D.---awesome.
    Reply
    • Anne
      April 4, 2013 · 12:04PM:
      Thank you for reading, C! Honored to hear my blog has been inspiring. Honestly, running split times are totally personal! I would just try to improve from where you are right now - there isn't really a specific time you should be running at any age. Just compete against yourself and try to get faster. And of course, have fun! :)
      Reply
  • Monique @ burpeestobubbly.com
    April 4, 2013 · 10:31AM:
    I have totally been feeling the "spring run fever"! Last week I ran a 5K and PRd with a 26:07!! This week I ran a slower 3mile run, but considering I am battling a nasty head cold, I was still pretty happy with a 26:30 time for that run! The nice weather makes it so inviting!
    Reply
    • Anne
      April 4, 2013 · 12:03PM:
      Good for you! Congrats on the PR!
      Reply
  • Claire @ Health Nut Claire
    April 4, 2013 · 11:42AM:
    DC is so pretty! I'd love to run there. Tomorrow morning I'll be on my way to Charlottesville, VA for my first half and I'm so pumped/nervous! VA has some serious hills, haha!
    Reply
    • Anne
      April 4, 2013 · 12:03PM:
      Good luck!!
      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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anne mauney

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!

When I’m not writing or cooking for fannetastic food, you can find me running, coaching nutrition clients, or on an adventure with my family. Feel free to reach out - I'd love to hear from you!

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