Morning!
I’m off to Boston today for the Massachusetts Reach the Beach Relay, which starts tomorrow! I’m hoping I’ll be able to blog while on the road, but either way, I’ll be all over Twitter — we’ll be using the hash tags #rtbrelay and #teamoffbalance. Please follow along on the adventure! (Just catching up? Click here to read more details about the relay race.)
On Tuesday night, I met up with the Lululemon Georgetown crew for one last run before the big race! We had a gorgeous run showcasing some of DC’s best sights.
The Georgetown Lululemon running group leaves from the store every Tuesday night at 6:30 p.m. My girl Heather is one of their run ambassadors and invited me to join in on the fun. I’m really excited to incorporate this into my weekly routine! All are welcome, so if any of you guys are local, please come join us! Their runs are even more awesome because they recently started incorporating a mini-bootcamp into them, courtesy of another Lululemon Ambassador, Chris McQuilkin, who works for Crossfit Dupont!
His shirt says: “It’s not conditioning… it’s getting’ SEXY.” Love it.
This week, the bootcamp took place before the run — sometimes it’s incorporated into the middle of it. Chris was nice enough to take some photos for me of us in action! I told him I had just visited Reebok’s Crossfit ONE last week and he was excited. :)
We started the bootcamp at the famous Exorcist stairs in Georgetown. I used to do these stairs as part of a morning boot camp class I did back when I was working full time in DC, so I knew what we were in for. They are VERY long and steep!
The workout (or WOD, in Crossfit lingo) that Chris had for us was done in pairs — obvi I snagged Heather as my partner. :) I’ve missed her!
First up — jog up and back down the stairs to warm up. These stairs will raise your heart rate FAST!
Then, one team member does a wall sit while the other team member does 20 squats. When the squats are complete, you switch!
Then, run up with your teammate to the first level of the stairs, and come back down.
Next up — one team member holds a plank while the other person completes 20 pushups. Then switch!
I love how I’m looking over at her like, let’s hurry this up, please
After completing that, we ran up to the second level of the stairs, and back down.
Up next was the final round — each team member does 10 burpees (at the same time).
Final hurrah — run all the way to the top of the stairs and back down. Whew!
DONE! Clearly I was pumped
And then, it was time for the run! This whole pre-run workout only took maybe 10 or 15 minutes max, but our heart rates were definitely up — a big thanks to Chris for leading it!
The group of us set off towards the waterfront to begin our run. Gorgeous views.
This picture is my favorite — we just missed the thunderstorm!
And soon we arrived at the monuments! Usually, the running group splits into two groups at this point — one that turns around at the Lincoln Memorial for a total of 3.5 miles, and one that goes on to loop the Washington Monument for a total of 5.5 miles. Last night everyone was on board for 5.5, so we charged onward!
This run made me really feel like I’m officially back in DC. So cool to see sights like this in the middle of a normal weeknight run!
We looped on back towards Georgetown and ended overlooking the canal. Stunning.
5.5 miles — check! Average pace: 8:58 minute/miles.
I can’t wait for next Tuesday night. :) Let me know if any of you all think you might join us next time — I’d love to meet you!
Catch you guys later from up north — please wish me and my teammates good luck tomorrow and Saturday at the relay race in Massachusetts! :)
So fun! Although I couldn’t imagine a run right after the mini-WOD! Also- I want his shirt!
What a great warm up! :) I love merging 2 workouts together. I wish I had some serious steps like that in my area!
These action shots are the BEST. Hah, I am cracking up. We’re both like “hey, c’mon! hurry up, this hurts!” ;)
That pic with the storm clouds + sunset is simply stunning. Look at you, DC – so gorgeous.
…’til next week!
Can’t wait!
Can’t wait to get back to run club hopefully I can start coming in June. Work has me scheduled Tuesday nights for now :(
I am SO interested in Cross Fit, it looks so fun, but it will have to wait until after my big race next month. Have fun with the relay!!!
The mini-WOD looks like so much fun!
I wish I had been into running when I lived in DC. You really can’t beat running around the monuments on a beautiful spring day in DC! Jealous!
such a great workout! i used to run those stairs weekly in college…memories :)
That looks like a fun workout! And I love watching thunderstorms roll in!
Aw this makes me miss DC! I used to run down 23rd St to the Lincoln Memorial, across the Arlington Bridge, across the Key Bridge, and through Georgetown- best run ever, especially at sunset!
This looks like so much fun! I love the idea of a crossfit-style workout that you can do outside without any equipment. Very cool. Good luck at the relay! I can’t wait to read everyone’s recaps.
Best of luck! I know you ladies will do well!
Good luck this weekend!
I finally made it to DC this past weekend! Fun to see the sites and think…I remember Anne posted a pic running past here!
Good luck to Anne and her teammates in the relay at Boston. Those steeps are steep. Marta Station at Peachtree Center in Atlanta is steeper than that. I have to hold on for dear life with both hands and not look down or I will have vertigo.FAIL
Have fun girls
I <3 bootcamp!
Looks like a really fun workout!!
Awesome post! I have plans next Tuesday, but I think I want to start joining the group! Look forward to running with you :)
Please do! :)
Good Luck ANNE! You go girl! Had a great time running with you :)
Great running with you, too! :)
Oh my gosh, LOVE THIS post – I recognize those views from my usual running loop in Gtown. My favorite is running that route firs thing in the morning – gorgeous! I’ve never attempted the exorcist stairs though – just looking at them makes me tired. ;-) I may have to come join the Lululemon group though!
You should!
That sounds like a great workout!! I really want to experiment more with crossfit style workouts when I get done with my Ironman in July! Glad you are enjoying your time there. ;)
Ahhh I’m headed back to Georgetown in mid June and will definitely check that running club out! I think Lulu has free yoga on some days as well?
Yes, all the stores do free yoga once per week I think!
Looks like so much fun! I just signed up for my first 1/2 marathon today! Now I need to find a local running group here, something like this would be awesome.
Good luck tomorrow!
Good luck with your training!
That looks like a killer workout!
I love your workout top! Where is it from?
It’s Reebok brand! They gave it to us last weekend at the blogger retreat, I love it.
Good luck on the relay. I’ve run 4 Hood To Coasts (Oregon version of what you’re doing) and I’m totally hooked. Such an incredible experience. My tip – make sure you have some pepto with you. A lot of people get upset stomachs and our van always makes sure to be stocked up. Have fun!
Imodium seriously saved my life yesterday!
Welcome back to DC! That run looks fabulous. I think I’ll try to come next Tuesday. It would be great to meet you!
What a great route! I’ll be visiting DC for the first time next year for work. I hope my conference includes a Tuesday night!
I am definitely interested in joining one week! I live around Clarendon so it would be close! How far do you all run?
Last week we did 5.5 – I think sometimes they do shorter options too!
Hey Anne – quick question. I really want to try to join this running group, but on the Georgetown Lululemon website it says the running group is every Thursday. Is that a mistake? I just want to make sure I don’t show up tomorrow and find nobody’s there! Thanks!!
Don’t worry – it’s definitely Tuesdays! It used to be Thursday until a couple weeks ago but they just changed it. I’ll tell them to update their website! Hope to see you tonight if this rain holds off!