The Lonely Half Marathon - 13 miles

Doug:

Several years ago my family decided that we should all run a half marathon together, so I signed up for the Rock and Roll Half Marathon in Virginia Beach. That was my first (and only up to this point) long distance race, and I was blown away by the number or supporters lining the entire route. Rock and Roll did a great job filling every mile marker with the bands and cheerleaders. The rhythms and lyrics could be heard a quarter mile away, so very little time on the course was left without sometime to pump you up.

Yesterday I ran that distance again, only this time without all the support. There were no signs telling me to keep going, no cowbells giving me a jolt of energy, and no Bon Jovi cover band as I turned the corner past the 10 mile mark. It was just me, the road, and the knowledge that I'm several miles from home without money or a phone, so I'm left with no choice but to keep running.

But I did it. Maybe a little slower than I had originally set out for, but I left the house towards Dupont and didn't return until I had another 13 miles on those shoes. The fan support and medal at the end sure would have been nice, but my eyes are set on a larger goal. Even if it is a little lonely along the way.

NY Times - "Running in the Rain"

New York Times Article
Running in the Rain

By By Liz Robbins

Published: June 4, 2009

A group run with Olympian Deena Kastor made the dampness almost disappear.

http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/06/04/runnin-in-the-rain/

Caught In The Rain - 5 Miles

Doug:

Tonight I got caught in the rain. I've slacked a little this week, trying to 'let my knees rest', so I was pretty excited to get back out for a run today. I had dinner plans at Gloria's this evening, so I rushed home from work and threw on the shorts. I figured it best to be a little late for dinner, than try to run 5 miles after stuffing myself. Lord knows I can't turn down Gloria's delicious Pupusas. About 3 miles in to the run, I heard a few loud claps of thunder and within seconds the heavens opened up. I'm not sure why, considering the forecast for storms all week, but it really caught me by surprise. Immediately my body perked up and I took off up the hill beside Meridian Park. I don't know if all I needed was a little wake up, or if the fear of the rain ruining my MP3 player took over, but I was booking it back the last few miles.

I guess getting caught in the rain can be a good thing sometimes. Nature's shower sure kept the legs moving.

Getting Started

Justin and Doug:

Ok, so over two months ago my roommate and I decided that it might be a good idea to run a marathon. Why? Looking back on it, I'm not really sure - and that is an unnerving thought. Because a marathon, as it turns out, is a lot of work! One night, maybe after a drink maybe not - I don't recall - Doug (my roommate) turned to me and said, "Hey, you want to run a marathon?" And I was like, "hell to the yeah, let's do this thang!" So after trying - and failing - to register for the Marine Corps Marathon we settled for the less-well-known Baltimore Marathon. And thus our journey began.


At the time my roommate would not have self-identified as a "runner," I don't think, and I would have self-identified as a "casual runner" (3-7 miles, 2-3 times a week tops). We have come a long way since then! Doug is currently running around 30 miles per week and I am up to 35 or so; my long run is currently at around 15 miles and Doug's is around 13. We are awesome!

But we still have a long way to go....and that is what Running Northwest is all about. It is a venue for us to vent about our struggles, brag about our accomplishments, and solicit advice. We know that we are not the only DC residents that run the streets of Northwest, so hopefully we can come together to share our favorite routes and complain about all our aches.