More Bikeshare Stations in Georgetown

Two new stations are proposed to be installed between January and March 2013.

•  34th and Water Streets NW
• Wisconsin Avenue and O Street NW (east side) 

Read the full list of new stations via the District Department of Transportation (DDOT) press release.

Currently, there are five stations in Georgetown. Here is a map showing all of the current (red dots), first round proposed (green), and second round proposed (yellow) stations. 

New Year's Resolution Run

Participate in a virtual race--love this idea! The proceeds go to seriously ill children. The runners can choose the best day to run for them (Dec. 30 - Jan. 1), and the route. And to seal the deal, you get a tech shirt and snazzy medal!

Go to www.fortheloveofthekids.com  for more information.

I Won the Lottery... for Cherry Blossom 10 Miler!

Great news! I have been chosen in the lottery drawing! It has been years since I ran this race. I cannot wait--April 7, 2013!

For more information: www.cherryblossom.org.

Gym-Pact and Kiip Rewards--I'll take it!

Strangely enough, I received a notice from Kiip Rewards that I had earned a free packet of Propel Zero powder for "doing so great on Gym-Pact." At first, I hesitated to click on the "Redeem" button. But I love Propel! So I filled in the form and apparently, they will be mailing this prize in two to four weeks and swear they will not use my email or mailing address for malice.

It is a great idea--Kiip lets any app reward users for various accomplishments. Here is TechCrunch's review.

Gym-Pact Update: Earned $3.29

Thank you Gym-Pact participants!

Gym-Pact Update: Earned $2.52

Belated Gym-Pact update... earned another $2.52. Hip-hip, hooray!

National Christmas Tree & Cookies!

High of 64 degrees today--great opportunity for a long run and to see the new, national Christmas tree. Also below, pictures from Julia's annual cookie decorating party.

First Canine Offers White House Tour of Christmas Decorations

The Obama's dog, Bo, gives a preview tour of the White House Christmas decorations.

Sunny and 70 Doesn't Deter Ice Skating

These photographs were taken yesterday, 12/4/12, at the Washington Harbor Ice Rink in Georgetown. One skater was in a tank top.

More Georgetown Lights

Georgetown does a great job decorating for the holidays. I CANNOT wait to run home this afternoon--it is supposed to be 70 degrees!

Intersection of M Street NW and Wisconsin Street

Update on Construction Outside of White House

Remember my post from 11/12/12 regarding the mystery construction... well mystery solved--it is in preparation for the inauguration.

 

 

 

Holiday Gift Market at National Museum of Women in the Arts

The building is beautiful inside. There was a variety of jewelry, purses, and clothing vendors.

Gym-Pact Update: Earned $3.13

Over the $3 mark again--yay! I thought it might be a bit more difficult for people to squeeze in workouts over the Thanksgiving holiday.

Gym-Pact updated their app. The interface is new and the amount earned is no longer rounded up to the nearest tenth. Unfortunately, in addition to multiple crashes, it automatically published my workout to Facebook--which I had previously blocked on the older version. I'm still a fan, however, since they are paying me to do what I would normally do anyway. :)

M & Pennsylvania Ave Tree

Nice to see the decorations in Georgetown, including a 6 a.m. sighting of the tree at M & Pennsylvania Ave.

'Tis the Season for Decorations

Near the corner of MacArthur Boulevard and Arizona Street, there is a house that is going all out with holiday lights.

Not quite as quick as the neighbor below, we'll be bringing out the holiday trimmings this weekend and attending my mom's annual gingerbread house decorating party--FUN!

Yes, Yogurt in a Crockpot!

I have a niece who is an excellent chef well beyond her 14 years. She shared some of her crockpot Greek yogurt with us over Thanksgiving--it was delicious! I found a doable recipe online and...it worked!

Crockpot full of yogurt!

Gym-Pact Update: Earned $2.80

Earned enough for a regular coffee with a shot of vanilla flavoring at Starbucks.

Running at Northwestern

Happy Thanksgiving! It was 65 degrees in Chicago today. Besides the pleasure of a delicious meal and precious time with family, I had the best run through Northwestern today! Below are some pictures from the run and our official tour.

Beautiful views of Lake Michigan from campus.

Welcome Nails Chic to Georgetown

I was actually on my way to another establishment, when I saw a sign promoting a new nail salon, Nails Chic. They were offering promotional prices for their grand opening, which was last week (1519 Wisconsin Avenue, 2nd floor, 202-333-8033). I headed upstairs to check it out and was pleasantly surprised by a beautiful salon--all new chairs, stations, etc. It was very serene and clean. The two women working there could not have been nicer. They made my first experience with Shellac a pleasant one. The prices are reasonable (even without the promo) and I will definitely go back.

Ice Rink Grand Opening December 1

Almost ready to go... Check out this Georgetown Patch article for more information on the "Winter on the Water" celebration. We cannot wait to skate!

Gym-Pact Update: Earned $2.70

Hmm... it appears more people are either making their pact or getting smarter about quitting. This is the lowest amount I've made for a week.

Nine Secrets to Live Long

Author of Blue Zones, Dan Buettner, shares in USA Today nine secrets to live a long life.

1. Move naturally. 

2. Know your purpose. 

3. Kick back. 

4. Eat less. 

5. Eat less meat. 

6. Drink in moderation. 

7. Have faith. 

8. Power of love.

9. Stay social.

Art Display at Carnegie Mellon

Mystery White House Construction Site

I tried to find more information about what they are doing in front of the White House, but to no avail. Thankfully, they didn't close off the whole road.

Construction Site in front of White House

It was a beautiful morning to run--mild mid-50s with no wind.

Washington Monument

Glow in the Dark 5K

If you enjoy a short distance and a party atmosphere... this 5K might be for you. The route was around the RFK Stadium parking lots. However, to their credit, they had stages, tunnels, spray paint tents, etc., along the way to make it more interesting. Free beer at the after party.

Check out the pics!

Gym-Pact Update: Earned $3

Thank you Gym-Pact!

Run to the Polls!

The DC polls are open 7am - 8pm!

Georgetown Running Guide

Thank you Georgetown University running club for the great running guide. There is good information on where to run and how to get there. One thing I learned: the Georgetown track at 39th and Reservoir is not the standard 400m--it is only 320m.

Gym-Pact Update -- Earned $3.20

Hmmm... now they are almost a full week behind in updating the earnings. I'm not complaining; earned another $3.20.

Ice Skating in Georgetown

On this morning's run, I was happy to see the workers getting the rink ready for the grand opening sometime in November. Yay!

Georgetown Patch has more info.

Georgetown Waterfront Ice Rink Construction

Happy Halloween!

Washington, D.C., is back to normal, but NYC and N.J. are not. Here are some unbelievable photos.

Typical, barely 50 degree day for Halloween. I did not run outside today... but tomorrow, bright and early, I will face the cold air.

Georgetown Halloween Spirit

Georgetown Ghost

Sandy Aftermath... Georgetown Survived

The floodgates are up in Georgetown to protect the waterfront; however, so far so good. Apparently, this evening will be the real test with the cumulative saturation and rain fall.

I had a picture of the Papyrus store boarded up, but my iPhone crashed after taking the picture. There were not a lot of people out walking around, but the restaurants that were open were full. Shops were open and empty.

It looks like we will be back to work, school, etc., tomorrow.

Hurricane Sandy and Gym-Pact

The federal government, the International Monetary Fund, schools, shops, etc., are closed today. The worst of the wind and rain is likely coming around 5pm. Through the night and morning, it has been a steady rain with some gusting wind.

I did not want to run outside...so instead I used the treadmill. However, this home gym equipment doesn't count for Gym-Pact, so I put on Julia's rain boots and LL Bean raincoat and walked the small neighborhood loop (32 minutes). Despite the best of gear, I was drenched.

Sandy Could Bring 'Catastrophe,' Impact 60 Million

ISL Championships, Marine Corp Marathon, & Hurricane Sandy

Busy weekend! Yesterday, we went to Derwood, Md., for the Independent School League (ISL) XC Championships. The girls had a great attitude and tried their best--Yay!

Holton-Arms Cross-Country Team 2012

Today, the 37th Annual Marine Corp Marathon weaved throughout the area. I'm happy the weather remained moderate, 50s with slight breeze and no rain. The winner was Augustus Maiyo, 2:20:17, a Kenyan native. The first female to cross the finish line was Ethiopian Hirut Guangul, 2:42:06. There were 30,000 registered runners.

And then there is Hurricane Sandy... http://www.washingtonpost.com/local/hurricane-sandy-marches-north-toward-mid-atlantic-coast/2012/10/28/af5af5f0-2114-11e2-ac85-e669876c6a24_story.html?hpid=z1. Flights, schools, events--many cancellations in anticipation of the "Frankenstorm."

Gym-Pact Update -- Earned $3.15

The app finally updated with last week's earnings!

Indian Summer

Gorgeous weather for running! It was ~77 degrees on my way home from work yesterday when I took this shot below. Today promises another sunny, mid-70s day.

Georgetown Waterfront

XC 39th Georgetown Invitational & Baby Squirrel

Attended another fun cross-country event with 47 schools in attendance, the furthest was from the UK! The course was hilly--gorgeous campus--but the weather was perfect.

I met a new friend, this brave, little baby squirrel. He climbed up several legs and was making this cute little grunting noise.

Neon sneaker blocking squirrel from going past my knee. 

Gum for Motion Sickness--Please Rush to Market!

Revealed at the annual meeting of the American Association of Pharmaceutical Scientists this past week, scientists have formulated an effective gum to relieve motion sickness symptoms faster than pills, chews, or liquids. The absorption of the active ingredient dimenhydrinate was measured through the buccal cavity (inside of your cheek). Biggest hurdle appears to be masking the bitterness of the drug.

Reference:        (2012, October 18). "New Medicated Chewing Gum Can Prevent Motion Sickness." Medical News Today. Retrieved from http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/251638.php.

GymPact Update - Earned $3.60

Each week I am amazed that people are not making their pacts, but instead are making me money. Another $3.60!

Incorporate sprints!

If you are looking to cut down on the amount of time you spend working out--which I am--then you might be interested to hear that another study was published stating short bursts of high intensity intervals burn mega calories. Incorporate 2 1/2 minutes of sprints for an extra (up to) 200 calories. Besides, in order to run faster, you need to... run faster. The speed work will do me good.

Reference:    : n.p. (2012, October 11). "Minutes Of Intense Exercise Cuts Work Out Time In Half." Medical News Today. Retrieved from
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/251413.php.

Visiting Latvia through Art Exhibit

What a treasure to see on my way home yesterday--an invitation to view the artwork of Latvian artist/scenographer Evalds Dajevskis. I have until November 18 to make it happen! The exhibit is open 12-6pm, Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays and on the last day, Sunday Nov. 18.

Embassy of Latvia, 2304 Mass. Ave NW