Running in new places
I spent the past few days in Washington, DC, with my sister who was receiving the National Distinguished Principal award for elementary schools in Texas. Whenever we travel, we manage to fit in runs and walks through the city, both as a way to explore the area and also to whip the cobwebs out of our brains after a day of meetings and sitting.
Two mornings we ran before 7:30 am through the streets of DC. We started running past the White House, which is peaceful and quiet early in the morning. No busloads of tourists or school groups are out at this time, and we had the view to ourselves - and the bike police. We ran past the Red Cross building and down the Mall toward the Washington Monument. The first morning we ran to the Korean and Viet Nam memorials, where we slowed to a walk to remember the men and women who served in those conflicts. The second morning we headed up to the Lincoln Memorial, where we walked up the steps. Alone with the two national park police who were getting ready for the day, we silently read the Gettysburg Address and walked around the quiet memorial.
Both mornings we continued on toward the WWII memorial, again slowing to a walk as we slowly circuled the fountains. Then it was on toward our hotel, fresh fruit, and bagels.
Saturday was wide open, so we started by taking the bus to Georgetown so we could run on the old C and O canal towpath. What a treat! The crushed stone path felt great on my legs after running on sidewalks in DC. The Fall colors were beautiful, and we could often see the Potomac through the trees. It was a peaceful alternative to running in the city, even when we had to squeeze past a couple of donkeys pulling an old-time barge loaded with tourists along the canal!
The next time you head to a new city, or on vacation, or maybe just to visit relatives or friends make sure to take advantage of the running, walking, and biking opportunities. Sometimes, like in DC, we just head out with only a vague idea of where we're going. Other times we have a route planned. Either way, you'll meet friendly people, see parts of the area you otherwise would have missed, and get an entirely different perspective on the area.
Enjoy!
Two mornings we ran before 7:30 am through the streets of DC. We started running past the White House, which is peaceful and quiet early in the morning. No busloads of tourists or school groups are out at this time, and we had the view to ourselves - and the bike police. We ran past the Red Cross building and down the Mall toward the Washington Monument. The first morning we ran to the Korean and Viet Nam memorials, where we slowed to a walk to remember the men and women who served in those conflicts. The second morning we headed up to the Lincoln Memorial, where we walked up the steps. Alone with the two national park police who were getting ready for the day, we silently read the Gettysburg Address and walked around the quiet memorial.
Both mornings we continued on toward the WWII memorial, again slowing to a walk as we slowly circuled the fountains. Then it was on toward our hotel, fresh fruit, and bagels.
Saturday was wide open, so we started by taking the bus to Georgetown so we could run on the old C and O canal towpath. What a treat! The crushed stone path felt great on my legs after running on sidewalks in DC. The Fall colors were beautiful, and we could often see the Potomac through the trees. It was a peaceful alternative to running in the city, even when we had to squeeze past a couple of donkeys pulling an old-time barge loaded with tourists along the canal!
The next time you head to a new city, or on vacation, or maybe just to visit relatives or friends make sure to take advantage of the running, walking, and biking opportunities. Sometimes, like in DC, we just head out with only a vague idea of where we're going. Other times we have a route planned. Either way, you'll meet friendly people, see parts of the area you otherwise would have missed, and get an entirely different perspective on the area.
Enjoy!
posted by Lynn Grieger and Mike Ryan at
8:54 AM
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