'Twas eleven days before Christmas
Wait what? Eleven?
Isn't this usually later?
Like closer to seven?
Well it's been a long year
And the calendar's to blame
So we'll do an earlier run
Of SLR fame
That's right it's the most
Joyous time of the year
The Christmas Tree Run
Finally, it's here
But first a warning
You should solidly heed
Parking will be tough
For the Laying of the Wreath!
The route of course
Is an SLR classic
A stunner, it's perfect
It's more than fantastic
Just for Mr. Beasley
Here's the GPS
And the Strava for all
And the map PDF
As a reminder
This one's all in good fun
We'll be going much slower
Than some of you run
A time for the club
To all come together
For a yearly tradition
And a route that's quite clever
We'll head out across town
To the Key Bridge
Waving to the tree in Rosslyn
Which we ignore just a smidge
Across to Key Park
Where there once was a tree
But to see one this year
Would be miracle indeed
Straight down M Street
and a downhill on Penn
Just like last weekend
For folks who ran CIM!
Finally! The first tree!
At the White House no less
a classic, a staple
but honestly not the best
But it's from Virginia
And has fifty-eight around it
Fifty for the states
and six territories surrounded
Plus a fun fact!
There's two for the schools!
For a couple Departments
And I found that quite cool!
Then up to the nutcrackers
Outside Old Ebbitt Grill
We won't stop for too long
Because the forecast's a chill
That's right bundle up!
It's a cold one this year!
Perfect for holiday sweaters
With Santa's reindeer!
After that across I Street
To the tree the most high
Towering above Tattee
A City Center delight
If we're lucky we'll see
A few corgis for Mark,
But probably not too many
(They've got quite a bark)
There may be a surprise
Of a new tree on Mass
We'll probably run by it
As it's not quite first class
On Zachary! On Shawn!
On Tyler! With Conviction!
Across to the big wreaths
Underneath Union Station
Then inside (yes warmth!)
For the station tree
With little Norway flags
Like Ingebritsen's jersey
From there just one loop
Around the Capitol
To the tree from Alaska
Which is looking quite full
Its journey much longer
Than ours will be tomorrow
We'll wave it goodbye
Filled with happy/sad sorrow
After that one last stop
At the Canadian Embassy
To my absolute favorite
Ornamented tree
For one last picture
Yes another quick shot
Then we'll be on our way
Along the Mall with a bop
We'll finish at the park
Another year finally done
And go our merry ways
Having had much great fun
But what's that you say?
You want some more miles?
And more trees and more fun?
And more friendship and smiles?
Well head down to the wharf
For a double tree situation
That'll gain you two miles
So don't forget your hydration!
"That's still not enough!"
You shout and you yell
Fine go loop around Hains
Til your legs turn to gel
There are no fancy trees,
But there may be some fitness
Depends if you've been naughty
Or nice for this Christmas
"I can't run ten miles"
You whisper solemly
That's okay! Really Fine!
It's just seven for the trees!
Then hop on the metro
At some of the downtown stations
Or stop by their pop-up
For their Christmas creations
For even less meet us!
At the White House Tree
Then run only four miles
To the embassy!
You're thirsty you say?
Well best bring some water
Because with the DC fountains
You always should aughtta
And you need a bathroom?
The Monument has a few
And Union Station
Newly renovated too!
Up next for the club:
The Resolution Run!
New Year's at high Noon
It sure will be fun
Sign up! Volunteer!
Come help out the crew
It's New Years after all
What else do you have to do?
Maybe listen to Pettis
Recommended by Big Guy
I hear he's got a party
And the outfits might be fly
"But wait one more thing!"
Says our membership Nate
Renewals were due last week
and now they are late!!!!
A great SLR year
Another trip 'round the sun
I guess we've still got two more
So we're not really done
But leading this crew
Is the best part of my week
Making routes making mems
With friendships to seek
Thanks for entrusting me
With your longest of runs
I hope they went awesome!
Or that at least some were fun!
May your December be merry
Your holidays be a blast
Your injuries be few
And your next races fast!
Now come, celebrate
Explore trees and have fun!
Happy Holidays to all!
And to all a good run!
Anna
