Hello Saturday Long Runners!
Finally! A not miserably hot Saturday is coming tomorrow before what looks to be a pretty yucky week next week. Kick off your shoes tonight and watch the opening ceremony to get pumped for a route fit for an Olympian (which I know of at least a few who have run it before). Now let's get into it:
The Route: Ross Drive (strava, gps, pdf) is such a crowd favorite that it's the only route we're doing twice in this cycle and is such a great loop. We'll head up Rock Creek through the Zoo Loop then up Beach Drive before heading back down via Ross Drive and Ridge Road. As a reminder, Beach Drive is closed to vehicle traffic but Ross Drive and Ridge Road are not, keep an eye out for cars (though I usually only see one or two a run, and they know who really owns those roads).
Want Something Shorter? An out and back through Rock Creek Park is the easiest way to cut mileage off. If you're looking for a different route back, you can also come down to the waterfront instead of the trail when leaving Rock Creek Park (though that does add a little bit of mileage, so keep that in mind).
Need a Longer Route? My favorite option for adding mileage is something I like to call "A Ross Drive so Nice You Run it Twice" aka run a second loop of Beach-Ross-Ridge for a little over 3 miles extra. As of this morning, Rock Creek Trail down through the Kennedy Center was still closed to foot traffic (though supposedly will reopen later today), so keep that in mind if you're planning on going into the city for your extra mileage.
Thirsty? Thanks to Julie Powell for providing post run drinks this week! Other than those there aren't a ton of options for water, so be sure to bring some if you need it. The only really reliable stop is at Peirce Mill (yup, it's spelled like that) in Rock Creek around miles 5.3 and 9. I've also had recent luck with the fountain down by Baked and Wired on the canal, which we don't technically pass this route but is short bit away if you're feeling parched.
Need a Bathroom? Peirce Mill (my copy editor complains about this every week) is also your best bet for those as well at miles 5.3 and 9! There aren't a lot of other options, so keep that in mind for tomorrow!
Need a Wardrobe Refresh? DCRR just unveiled their new logos after a ton of work from Mari and Steve (and the rest of the board)! We've got the New Balance Store open for red (and new white!!) singlets, shirts, and shorts until August 4th! Get yours today before time runs out and have them ready to race in for your fall races!!
The next club race is the Paul Thurston 4.5 Miler around Burke Lake on August 13th! Jerry still needs plenty of volunteers to help out, get your Bunion Derby credit out of the way and enjoy the trails!
Happy Running!
Anna
