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

Study Concludes Intensity Beats Volume

If you walk, try to jog. If you jog, try to run. If you run, try running faster. Interesting study published in the British Medical Journal, "Intensity versus duration of physical activity: implications for the metabolic syndrome. A prospective cohort study." Researchers concluded that intensity of exercise is more important than volume in reaping health benefits.

GymPact Update - Earned $3.60!

Oh, I am rolling it in now. ; )

Pedaling Off the Pounds

If you are looking for an inspiring story of a man trying to get healthy, I have just the NPR article for you: Instead of Surgery, Man Pedals Off the Pounds. Ernest Gagnon is determined to get healthy by bike racing. Go Ernest!

Kefir and Driving Don't Mix

According to this WTOP article, Russia's top health official is suggesting people choose between drinking kefir (fermented milk beverage with less than one percent alcohol) and driving. Too funny... I love kefir!

Reflecting Pool Drained Again

The reflecting pool in front of the Lincoln Memorial was drained yesterday in an effort to address the algae problem. Apparently, the river water isn't being circulated or filtered enough. The pool will be closed for at least a week while they recalibrate and neutralize nutrients that feed the algae.

Reflecting Pool in front of Lincoln Memorial

GymPact Update...$4.30!

I did not receive an official e-mail with the payout information; however, the GymPact app shows I have a total earned of $11.90. I made a whopping $4.30 last week--I'll take it!

Deer and fog

This is not an unsual place to find deer. This morning it was muggy, mid-70s, and foggy.

Deer along 37th Street NW

National Gallery of Art Sculpture Garden

I found this while running down Constitution today--and what a great find!

The National Gallery of Art Sculpture Garden, is located on the National Mall at 7th Street and Constitution Avenue NW. Bring your lunch or check out the Pavilion Café; it is a beautiful day to be outside.



Fountain in the center of the garden



Thinker on a Rock

House I