Halloween Decorations!

Halloween is Thursday and I captured some spooktacular decor on my afternoon run home.

Pumpkin carvings by Chris & Julia. The squirrels especially liked Julia's.

Congrats Marine Corp Marathon Runners

Runner's Club: What Happens in Vegas, Stays in Vegas

I am in Las Vegas, NV, for a work-related conference. I was so impressed to see on the itinerary the option to join a runner's club or yoga class each morning at 6:15 a.m. Now, I am not one to enjoy running in a group, at all. However, the idea of being able to follow someone else and not get lost was more appealing to me than the idea of running with a pack. 

Of the 1,600 attendees here, about 50 people showed up for the run. We then further separated into two groups; the majority (35-ish) going for the three-mile run. The rest set out for a five-mile run; only one other guy had earphones and an iPhone. Ugh. And even he ran with another guy and chatted (while keeping the earphones in). Whatever. I stayed at the front, listened to my podcast, and tried not to dwell on the awkwardness. And as for the ease of just following someone...well the leaders were not local and had planned on an out-and-back run. This is trickier on the strip than you think, with construction and walkways; we had to go through two hotels and over a bridge. 

Tomorrow, I will venture on my own--out-and-back. I don't have to run the same route and the Cosmopolitan is hard to miss. The weather is gorgeous here, sunny and low 80s.

Normal running attire for Las Vegas.

Even the Potomac Looked Nice Today

Today's weather was hard to beat. Many people were out enjoying the sunny, 60-degree day.

Potomac River with Kennedy Center

Bathrooms Open...and Monuments Too

It looks like everything is back to normal. Yay.

Lincoln Memorial exhibit open.

Lincoln Memorial bathrooms.

I thought he was protesting the Redskins, until I read his sign..."This used to be Indian Land, but everything went to crap." Hey now!

Installing Washington Harbor Ice Skating Rink

Yay! The Washington Harbor Ice Skating Rink is getting ready to reopen in November! I cannot wait to go skating with Steven and Julia. 

Georgetown Waterfront getting ready for winter!

Government Shutdown: It's Over after 16 Days!

I did not see signs of the government reopening this morning--but it was quite early. I did not enjoy my run in the dark this morning (although temp was delightful). However, I look forward to seeing happy park rangers, dodging hoards of tourists, and throwing trash into empty garbage cans.

Dark path along the Potomac River.

Captured a couple of crew boats and coach's boat this morning in the pitch black.

Government Shutdown: Day 15...Foggy with a Glimmer of Hope

According to a USA Today article, there is hope for a deal to reopen the government.

 

This morning, the temperature was perfect (low 60s) with plenty of fog and clouds. The slick fallen leaves are the only hazard on the early, dim runs.

 

After reading USA Today at the hotel over the weekend, I am reminded how much I like that paper.

Foggy shot of Georgetown Waterfront

Rain in Pittsburgh--ugh!

The rain is supposed to roll out by mid-morning; however, not soon enough for my last run in Pittsburgh. Great little city!

Carnegie Sleeping Bag Weekend

After a rainy drive to Pittsburgh, it was a mild, dry day. We enjoyed the info sessions at Carnegie. 

I ran a slow five-mile run in the afternoon. 

Enough Rain Already!

Washington, DC, has had enough rain this week--over three inches alone yesterday. This morning I ran through the mist. The Potomac was a mucky brown. Although the flood walls were up in Georgetown, the actual level of the Potomac did not look that high. There is actually an iPhone app to check the levels of the Potomac in addition to local paddling news.

Georgetown Waterfront

Georgetown Flood Walls

Government Shutdown: Blockades Hurting Tourism

The blockades are everywhere. The yellow warning tape is especially unattractive. I feel bad for our tax-paying tourists that come to experience our city only to find the major highlights--monuments and museums--closed. My run this morning was mostly in the dark until I reached the Lincoln...remained gloomy after seeing dozens of closure signs everywhere.

Blockade in front of Lincoln Memorial

Blocking path along reflecting pool.

Government Shutdown: Homeless Denied a Bath?

Usually on a morning run, I will witness one or two homeless people bathing or washing their clothes in the Georgetown Waterfront fountain. Not today... and there was one gentleman ranting and raving about it, which I didn't dare try to capture on camera. Not only do we have more trash around the park, but we have more dirty clothes and people too. Come on, government!

Georgetown Waterfront--Fountain Off

Government Shutdown: Trash=Rats!

According to local ABC New, WJLA, DC trash pickup is not affected.

Unfortunately, I noticed a lot of trash everywhere on my morning run--DC's jurisdiction and at the national parks. If you live in DC, you know that trash equals rats. I'm sure I'll be able to get a picture of a varmint invading the bins if this keeps up. Come on, government! 

Trash at 21st and Virginia Avenue 

Trash behind Vietnam Veterans Memorial, near Constitution Avenue

Georgetown Waterfront

Government Shutdown: Bathroom Lockdown

The lights may be on, but the doors are locked. This bathroom--no matter what time of day I've come by--is always open. Sad day. It looks like my long run this weekend will have to include a pit stop at my work (inconvenient!) instead of the nearest park facility. Come on, government!

Glorious weather for running this morning.

Bathroom along Reflecting Pool...closed.

Government Shutdown: What about the bathrooms?!

Yes, there are a lot of issues surrounding the government shutdown; however, I'm worried about how it is going to affect me personally...as a runner in DC. On any run over 5 miles and if I go too soon after coffee, invariably I use the public facilities along the Mall. I will be verifying the bathroom status tomorrow. Today, I enjoyed a beautiful lunchtime run around Georgetown, no bathroom necessary.

This sign was posted along the Georgetown Waterfront park.