Start time: 4/1/10, 6:30pm
Location: W&OD Trail
Distance: 5 miles
Average pace: 8:35min/mile
Total Miles For April: 5 miles
Total Miles For 2010: 186 miles
That was a nice run. Spring has definitely sprung, and after work I did a run up the W&OD Trail from marker 3.5 to 6 and then back. I ran into Pam Riker while doing my pre-run stretch, which was definitely the high point of the evening, though! But yeah, definitely a keeper.
(8:30, 8:58, 8:26, 8:38, 8:21)
What mile mark do you start for these runs on W&OD? As I ramp up my silly 5K plan, I think I’m going to need to push down from my house (mile 7.5) rather than up and over 66/495.
I usually start at marker 3.5, so that I can start the run with a (mostly) gentle climb as the numbers go up, and end up with a slightly easier descent on the second half.
There is no way around it, the hill in-between markers 8 and 8.5 is easily the worst one on the entire trail, unfortunately. The good news is that the stretch between markers 7.5 and 5.5 is fairly flat. The one bad thing (or good thing depending on how you look at it) is that it crosses several roads, most notably Lee Highway/Rt 29 between markers 5.5 and 6. (Although at least there you get a stoplight.) I know some people really dislike the potential for starting and stopping between markers 6 and 7, but with the exception of Great Falls Road everyone is good about stopping and letting you through. I’d say going down on the numbers from 7.5 should do you well.
Also, and this is probably counter-productive, but right past the bridge going over Route 7 (at mile marker 7!) there is a great ice cream place, Lazy Sundae. For when you feel like going for a nice summer evening stroll with the family!
Yeah, we live right there by marker 7, by the mini “train station” benches where Railroad Ave parallels the trail for 300 yards. So, we know Lazy Sundae quite well. It’s a good day when her ice cream distracts her long enough for a full game of Simpson’s pinball.
Yesterday when I went out with Annika in the jog stroller, we had to stop at the park by the bridge first, and then the the party supply store for a balloon resupply.
Running with helium balloons in your face is really annoying, btw.
Gah! I used to joke that I wanted to run a marathon with 26 helium balloons, and to then let one go at each mile marker. Fortunately I then thought about it in depth and decided that would be the most annoying thing (to myself) in all of creation…
Going to try and take the bike on the W&OD tomorrow with a friend. This should be entertaining!
Ring ring that little bell! Passing cyclists who announce themselves area social highlight of my week.
Definitely! Ryan was in front so it was a lot more “passing on the left” than bell-ringing, but the few times I was in the lead (or far behind) I definitely rang mine. Been nearly clipped too many times otherwise…