As I write about often, I travel quite a bit for work. I’ve figured out how to run while I’m on business travel and often look forward to running in new cities. However, sometimes I have a trip that reminds how lucky I am to live in a city that is built for runners. While I was in Los Angeles recently, I tried to go out on a quick training run. I knew that I would be running on streets before I reached a trail, but once I was about a mile from my downtown hotel, things started to look a little sketchy…so I turned around and headed back to my hotel. I was really frustrated by my inability to get to any great running trails without a car.
It made me think about how lucky I am to run in DC and how much I appreciate my city. I take it for granted that I can be almost anywhere in the District and by foot (or bikeshare or metro) be at a great running trail in less than thirty minutes. I can run past monuments and museums and memorials all in one loop. I sometimes take the sights I see during my runs for granted, and I shouldn’t. Even while DC and the nation is in the midst of a terrible political divide, I can put on my shoes, run through this city (ahem – even on the “closed” National Mall) and clear my head. For that I am grateful.
The Capitol at night during my run. I love DC.
View as the sun rises along the Anacostia River.
And I’m not alone in my thinking — check out this, this and this as confirmation that DC is a great city for runners.
What’s your favorite city to strap on your shoes and run? Ever run in DC? Do you love it as much as I do?
You are really lucky to have great places to run. I ran in DC for the Cherry Blossom last year and I LOVED it! There are a couple of good rail trails/greenway systems here in Raleigh/Durham, but they can get a a little old sometimes when that is all you run,
I’m looking forward to the Bull City Run Fest 1/2 in Durham next weekend 🙂
Yay for running in DC! I love it.
Me too – I am so appreciative of all the options we have here!
Minneapolis/St Paul are also fantastic cities to run in. I didn’t realize their uniqueness until I moved to Vegas. 🙁
I’ve never run in DC, but I bet running by all the monuments and whatnot would be amazing.
I’ve heard great things about MSP running! I have never run in Vegas — how long have you lived there?
I’ve been in Vegas just a little over a year. I love it here, but the running is just not as good as MSP. Yet. I’m discovering new trails all the time, though, with marathon training and all.
That’s great! Good luck with your training 🙂
It really is a beautiful city!! Our city is really made for running too. =)
I agree! Do you think I can sneak in a run along the mall early Saturday? 😉
Oh definitely! I ran on the mall this week with no problem 🙂
Yes, yes and YES!!! Love running in this city 🙂 grateful every day for it!
Amen, lady! So thankful for being able to run here!