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April 22, 2013

Run Happy Is… Rock Creek Park on the Weekend

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Yesterday, I was finally introduced to the awesomeness that is DC’s Rock Creek Park on the weekends! 

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Earlier in the week, I was emailing with my friend Karen making weekend running plans, and she suggested we run in Rock Creek. We could not have had a more beautiful day for it!

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It’s hard to believe that all this is a mere few miles from downtown DC, huh?

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The coolest part is that part of one of the roads in Rock Creek, Beach Drive, is closed on the weekends to cars and left open only for bikers, runners, and hikers! How awesome is that?!

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I felt like I was in a race or something, running in the middle of the road!

The trails around there are stunning, too.

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While on the run, I tried out some fun new gear that Brooks sent me this month as part of my Run Happy Ambassadorship with them. First up was the Glycerin Capri III – running capris with a cute asymmetric printed waistband. Mine are black with a polka dot waistband – so cute! Love the other color options on their website, too. I’ve worn them a few times now for runs and they’re really comfortable, breathable, and they passed the two big challenges I have for running pants: they didn’t ride up or slip down! Win.

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On top, I was wearing the Essential LS 1/2 Zip, which Brooks sent me a couple weeks ago and I’m now officially obsessed with. It’s lightweight, comfortable, fits well, and I love the color. Two BIG thumbs up for this jacket if you’re looking for a lightweight running top. I love it so much I’m thinking of buying another one! It has thumbholes and I love the half zip neckline.

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I’m not sure about you, but for me Run Happy Is… running with a friend on a beautiful day with views like this.

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I love running with Karen – she’s the best. As always, we chatted away the whole time and the miles flew by. 🙂

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Before I knew it, we were done! It was one of those days where I could have gone forever if I didn’t have anywhere else to be. 🙂

Splits:

  • Mile 1: 8:44
  • Mile 2: 8:54
  • Mile 3: 8:42
  • Mile 4: 8:20
  • Mile 5: 8:21
  • Mile 6: 8:53
  • 0.64 mile nubbin pace: 9:09 (proud of this – it was a REALLY steep hill!)

Total distance: 6.64 miles. Total time: 57:45. Average pace: 8:42 minute/miles.

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This was my last longer run before the Nike Women’s Half Marathon this coming weekend! I’m excited for it and hoping the weather stays cool. As of now, it’s looking a little warmer on Sunday – fingers crossed the forecast takes a turn for the cold. Hot weather running is NOT my friend!

I hope you all had great weekends, too! Just for fun, complete the following sentence: “Run Happy Is…”

—

p.s. Thank you for all the enthusiasm and wonderful comments on my Albion Fit gift card giveaway! The comments you’ve all been sharing are amazing and so inspiring – thank you for sharing. I’ve decided to extend the giveaway until tomorrow, so please keep those entries coming! I also added another entry option – check out the bottom of the giveaway post for details if you’d like another chance to win. Good luck! 🙂

- anne
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36 comments
  • Caitlyn @ City and the Cubicle
    April 22, 2013 · 8:56AM:
    That zip-up looks awesome! I like the color and it looks so comfortable. That trail looks awesome as well. Love this weather!
    Reply
  • Liz
    April 22, 2013 · 9:06AM:
    I am pretty sure that zip-up is identical to one they were selling at RnR USA. I bought it & love it!
    Reply
    • Anne
      April 22, 2013 · 9:07AM:
      I'll have to look for it at my next race expo because I'm obsessed! And expos always have good deals on gear. :)
      Reply
  • Hayley @ Running on Pumpkin
    April 22, 2013 · 9:07AM:
    I really need to sign up for a trail race and start running on them more often. I looove hiking on trails and the surroundings are so much more beautiful than a normal road! For me, Run Happy is in the sunshine with country music playing on my iPod :)
    Reply
    • Anne
      April 22, 2013 · 9:10AM:
      Ooo yes - sunshine + country music = total happy place. Makes me miss my UNC girls and Chapel Hill!
      Reply
  • charlie@therunnerbeans
    April 22, 2013 · 9:07AM:
    Are those Brooks Ravenna's that you're wearing? I just bought some, so so comfortable!!
    Reply
    • Anne
      April 22, 2013 · 9:11AM:
      Yes, I love them! I used to wear the Adrenalines until recently when this Run Happy Ambassadorship started and I decided to mix it up and try the Ravennas. Big fan of how they feel when I run - and I love the neon laces!
      Reply
  • Victoria
    April 22, 2013 · 9:14AM:
    Isn't Beach Drive the best for running? It's especially nice in the winter, since it gets salted so it's safe to run there without worrying about ice after storms, etc.
    Reply
    • Anne
      April 22, 2013 · 9:22AM:
      It really is amazing. I can't believe I hadn't been there on the weekend before yesterday! Definitely going back - I want to bike there, too!
      Reply
      • Victoria
        April 22, 2013 · 9:30AM:
        Let me know when you go bike it. I live at the top of the hill near the park entrance and can show you all the good bike loops.
        Reply
        • Anne
          April 22, 2013 · 10:05AM:
          Sweet - thanks!
          Reply
  • Shel@PeachyPalate
    April 22, 2013 · 9:15AM:
    Love the Brooks gear! Just bought a similar top except it's a light purple and doesn't bear the tagline but other than that it looks identical! Super soft!
    Reply
  • Chris @ www.idratherbesweating.com
    April 22, 2013 · 9:17AM:
    Run happy for me is running with my daughter in her BOB stroller. She loves the outdoors and I get to spend time with her!
    Reply
  • Lauren K April 22, 2013 · 9:20AM:
    That top is adorable! I totally want one!
    Reply
  • Vicky L April 22, 2013 · 9:35AM:
    It needs to be pretty warm all week. After the Mud Dog on Saturday it can cool off for your run. The water in Israel Creek is going to be pretty chilly if it doesn't warm up real quick. I love the outfit and your blog. I made your Pumpkin muffins for my friend and Dad this weekend and they loved them. I am going to make the Chocolate Chip Cookies for my husband next.
    Reply
    • Anne
      April 22, 2013 · 10:04AM:
      Okay we'll say warm on Saturday, cold on Sunday! :) Glad you liked the recipes!
      Reply
  • Roadrunner April 22, 2013 · 9:50AM:
    Running happy is running with a friend at a good pace that nonetheless allows conversation on topics of mutual interest, thereby making the miles fly by!
    Reply
  • Logan @ Mountains and Miles
    April 22, 2013 · 9:51AM:
    That zip-up looks super comfortable! For me run happy is any run with my dog on a trail where he can be off leash. It's when HE is at his happiest, and he just radiates pure joy....reminds me of why I love to run, too!
    Reply
    • Anne
      April 22, 2013 · 10:04AM:
      Dogs can teach humans a lot about what matters most in life, huh? :)
      Reply
  • Jane @ Not Plain So Jane
    April 22, 2013 · 9:53AM:
    Pants riding up is my biggest challenge with work-out gear. Capris do better than shorts in that department! I remember being a little kid going to Rock Creek Park on the weekends. My Dad ran, my Mom walked and my sister and I biked.
    Reply
    • Anne
      April 22, 2013 · 10:03AM:
      I love that your whole family went to work out together - even if you weren't all doing the same things!
      Reply
  • Jacquelyn @justjacq
    April 22, 2013 · 11:11AM:
    Run happy is... running through the woods feeling like a wood nymph! I love finding a good wood trail to run on!
    Reply
  • Laura April 22, 2013 · 12:42PM:
    My friend and I will be in DC for the half this weekend and I cannot wait!! We want to carb up the night before with some pizza. Do you have any recommendations of a nice pizza place to try? We don't want something like pizza hut, domino's, etc. Thanks!
    Reply
    • Anne
      April 22, 2013 · 1:13PM:
      I would check out either 2 Amy's or Pizzeria Paradiso! Both are great. I have more restaurant recs on my FAQ page! http://fannetasticfood.com/faq
      Reply
  • Elizabeth @ Positive Change
    April 22, 2013 · 12:44PM:
    Run happy is running with my husband and talking about our future running goals!
    Reply
  • Dana @ Conscious Kitchen Blog
    April 22, 2013 · 12:46PM:
    Beautiful views! I always think new scenery makes runs go by faster and definitely makes them a bit more enjoyable. The sunshine helps too. I love the top. It looks like one I'd wear for more than just running. To me, run happy is the sun shining on my face, breathing in fresh air and getting away from the rest of the day.
    Reply
  • Lindsay
    April 22, 2013 · 1:06PM:
    What a gorgeous place to run! That just makes the whole experience that much more awesome :D
    Reply
  • Bryanna Gondeiro
    April 22, 2013 · 1:36PM:
    Trails look amazing. D.C. is so beautiful. Run Happy for me is blue skies and sun shining!! In the inland northwest when you see big blue skies and sun, you can't help but want to be running all day. I love brooks gear!! The top looks super cute and comfy.
    Reply
  • Anel Perez April 22, 2013 · 4:26PM:
    Run happy is running in the great outdoors , with amazing scenery around! What a great run you had!!! I would want to keep running too :) Run happy is to run with an open heart!
    Reply
  • Marilyn
    April 22, 2013 · 4:48PM:
    Rock Creek Park IS gorgeous. When we lives in MD, I loved walking/running there. Thanks for the lovely pics to remind me. :-)
    Reply
  • Jan @ Sprouts n Squats
    April 22, 2013 · 6:18PM:
    That park looks beautiful. Good luck with the half :)
    Reply
  • Emma April 22, 2013 · 7:10PM:
    Wow that looks like a beautiful run! I need to get out and do more trails, so relaxing. Love the top, I was curious how the sizing runs on it. I need some new tops but haven't purchased much brooks apparel.
    Reply
    • Anne
      April 22, 2013 · 9:07PM:
      It runs very normally - I'd just order whatever size you usually do in tops!
      Reply
  • Coco
    April 22, 2013 · 9:24PM:
    I can't believe I've never run there. Gorgeous!
    Reply
  • mary @ minutes per mile
    April 23, 2013 · 6:22PM:
    I run there almost daily! Ha. I actually moved to Adams Morgan/Woodley Park just so I would be closer to RCP.
    Reply
    • Anne
      April 23, 2013 · 6:36PM:
      Jealous! :)
      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!

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