A nice little Sunday

Sunday March 18th was so many things. It was the day after St. Patrick's day. It was a beautiful sunny day in Washington. It was great day for a walk. With the spirit of Spring in our hearts, Kay and I decided that Sunday was an excellent day for a walking tour of Washington.

Our trek started in Chinatown, moved on to the Senate side of Capitol Hill, crossed to the House side, maneuvered down the Mall to the Tidal Basin across the 14th ST Bridge, along the Potomac, across the Memorial Bridge, up the steps of the Lincoln, down the steps of the Lincoln, along the Mall and back to Chinatown. The adventure was completed a little shy of 4 hours.

Sounds like a nice little Sunday stroll, right?

WRONG!

Around mile 6, we crossed the Tidal Basin and walked up to the 14th ST Bridge and at the same time a cloud moved ominously over the sun. With our hoods tied tightly around our faces, we stepped onto the bridge and into gale force winds. As we walked across the bridge, my hands began to turn a shade of purple, Kay's hair swirled upward around her headband, and the water of the Potomac began to form a rip current that looked a lot like the surf off the beaches of Waikiki. It wouldn't have surprised me to see a few surfers begin to fly down the river. As we walked along, the wind became stronger, and we began to wonder what would happen if a gust sent us flying through the air and into the frigid waters below.... we were cold, we were scared, and then we were in Virginia.

After about 30 minutes of fighting the wild wind and prayers to God reminding him that we had in fact made it to church that morning, we crossed the 14th ST Bridge.

I can honestly say, that I was never happier to be in Virginia.

best bathroom ever, moderate incline, wind, oh my!

Last Saturday, we had a record number of participants in our weekend group walk of 7.1 miles. Those in attendance: Lucy, Lilly, Shalini, Amber, Molly and Annie. I know I personally enjoyed (finally) meeting our Charlottesville, VA member Lilly... and it was great to see Shalini kicking all of our butts on her first group walk. Well played, Shalini my friend.

The walk started off poorly for me. I had to go to the bathroom more than I had previously thought, and that made for an interesting 2.2 mile journey to the Chevron bathroom. Yes, a gas station. But, no joke - it was the nicest bathroom I'd been to in a long time. And yes(!), I include those bathrooms in private homes. Chevron really knows how to do it up. Golf claps!!


After some much needed Chevron time, I was back in the game... and nothing was going to stop me. Not gale forced winds, not shoes that were 1/2 a size too small, not shin splints, not calf aches, not a lack of a camera, not runaway tires, not the super speed runner (the ladies know who I'm referring to), and certainly not our moderate incline that capped off the 7.1 miles.

I think I can... I think I can... I think I can...

After some post 7.1 mile stretching (did I mention we walked 7.1 miles?) it was time for the Chipotle reward... waiting for us mere steps across the street. I dare say Chipotle has ever tasted so good.


.THE END.