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Wednesday, May 16, 2007

Working on my Fitness

Jogging about 3 miles a day used to be part of my daily routine. I’ve been pretty slack for the past year or so, but want to get back on it. I have had trouble figuring out a good loop starting in Shaw that has relatively little traffic, scenic or interesting things to view, and few stops and starts. When I lived in the Adams Morgan/Dupont area, I would cut over to Rock Creek Park and incorporate a segment of its trail into my routine. I’ll still do that on my long runs, but I think Rock Creek is too far from my house to incorporate into my 3 milers. Any suggestions on loops starting in Shaw?

On a related physical fitness note, May is National Physical Fitness and Sports Month. To celebrate, DC Parks and Recreation will offer complimentary admission for DC residents to all fitness centers in recreation facilities throughout the city. Swimming at all aquatic facilities will also be free. Also, D.C. Parks and Recreation is sponsoring weekly family volleyball at the Kennedy Recreation Center on Wednesday nights. Children play from 6–7:30pm, and adults play from 7:30–9pm.

9 comments:

Anonymous said...

P St to 6th (along the Kennedy Rec Center park), down 6th (with the National Gallery ahead of you on the horizon, Historic Howard U on the horizon to your back) as your next turning point). Left around the Gallery to the Mall. Mall to 9th St and back up 9th past FBI home. Twice if you need more. Or loop the Mall and come back up 9th.

Shaw Rez said...

Oooh, fun... I like the idea of incorporating the Mall into the run. I take it that route's not too intense pedestrian/car/traffic-light-wise? Any clue how long that is?

si said...

Ledroit, definitely explore ledroit. you could do some nice routes thru there & bloomingdale...some really exceptional architecture and pretty quiet streets. take it up to the reservoir if you are so inclined...

I walk to dupont every day, N street is very lovely when im not on mass. nice to see you the other day!

Shaw Rez said...

I've never explored LeDroit or the reservoir--both great ideas!

Shaw Rez said...

And it was great seeing you, too, Si!

Anonymous said...

You can map out runs (or walks) and find out distances on this new website called mapmyrun.com

I like to run over toward Thomas Circle, down to the Elipse and back up to the circle and back over to Q & 8th, that's about 3 miles.

Anonymous said...

I'm in a similar boat on the running front in that I need to get back to it. Used to meet people to do runs in Arlington, but it got too tough to keep meeting them from Shaw in the morning before work.

I've tried 7th street south to National Gallery, looping the mall heading west to the Wash monument and then around to the Capitol, and finally heading back to Shaw up 6th. Nice run - can adjust it to be 3 to 5 miles easily - and is fairly traffic free early (before 7) in the morning. When you head for the mall though, be mindful that you're going to be coming home mostly up hill. It's not bad, but it is pretty steady climbing.

Also, don't miss walkjogrun.net nifty google map mashup with routes in DC:
http://www.walkjogrun.net

Have often wondered too if there would be enough interest around for a 'Shaw Runners' group. Nothing gets you out of bed on the trail like knowing other people are waiting for you.

si said...

one of our neighbors, carla, was doing a walking group that met at the kennedy rec center on saturdays at 10am. not sure if she still does it.

Anonymous said...

i would definitely be interested in running with some folks from the neighborhood. have done the Mall and ledroit for short runs and over to my old haunts up and down rock creek for long weekend stuff. have been mostly running in the evenings but could drag myself out of bed to do it with buddies.