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!
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!
We ran from Georgetown down along the water:
Past the Lincoln Memorial and down along the reflecting pool trail – love this shot with our shadows:
Up to the Washington Monument, which has some less than beautiful construction going on right now:
Back along the reflecting pool path:
Past Lincoln again:
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. :)
By the time we finished, this was our view:
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. :)
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.
My other great run was on Monday morning. First run of the season that I got to wear shorts!
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. ;)
Cute shadow picture. I had so much fun. Round 2 on Friday!
Yes, so excited for the 5k!
Looks like two great runs back to back! I totally agree…this spring weather is absolutely invigorating!
Great minds think alike! Loving DC running pics today :)
Love the shot of our shadows by the reflecting pool. :) Great run!
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! :-)
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!
That sky is SO unbelievably blue! Gorgeous.
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!
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.
I’m jealous… it looks like DC has some beautiful places to run!
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:)
Yay for FLAT!
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!
My pleasure! Enjoy the runs!
Beautiful place to run, Anne! And, yes, two good hilly six-milers — and biking outside today!
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?
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!
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?
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!
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 :)
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 :)
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.
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! :)
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!
Good for you! Congrats on the PR!
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!
Good luck!!