Teddy's Island

Time: 71:27
Distance: 16.31 km
Pace: 4:23/km
Map

Meagan and I were out the door for a run from Jilane's house to Teddy Roosevelt's Island. It's a must see if you're a runner and spending time in DC. Unfortunately, Meagan is sick and was a champ the entire conference but today was not her day. We got to within about a half mile of the island when she said she was going to have to turn back. I know she had a rough one, so rough that she later ordered us both Road IDs.

I on the other hand looped the island feeling fairly good. I held a decent clip off the island and back into DC and up the Mall to Jilane's. There were lots of runners out this morning and it was nice not feeling too rushed after a fun awards banquet last night. Fun way to end my time in DC.

Solo Double and Pickups

Time: 34:39
Distance: 8.13 km
Pace: 4:16/km
Map

I was able to head out the door and get in a quick run on the National Mall. There was no playing around with this run. I was out the door and needed to be back in time for the awards banquet. I would have been in a foul mood had I not gotten in some added time on the feet so I was out in a hurry. It was boiling hot along the exposed dirt but I was feeling pretty good minus the fact that I had to use the bathroom. Note to the runners out there running on the Mall, there aren't many bathrooms around! I struggled to find somewhere to go and the thought of using a tree on the Mall is completely unacceptable. I finally found a porto that was approximately 190 degrees. Forget warm oven setting, this was hot enough to cook a turkey!

I ended up doing a few pickups towards the end of the run to open the stride. I think it ended up being 4-6 of them in the 130 to 200m range. It was nice to inject some speed in the heat and feel fluid. The stride feels pretty nice things days but not overly comfortable at ripping true speed work.

Morning Run Plus Hob Knob

Time: 68:12
Distance: 15.47 km
Pace: 4:25/km
Map

I was lucky to get in the time on the feet this morning with Dan Kittaka and Jeff Caron of Saucony because it nearly turned into what I had feared it would be. The Fleet Feet conferences are great because you get to meet lots of people, see new product, build relationships and put a good foot forward for your respective brand. However, running conferences in general are terrible for running. Lots of times the group runs turn into 2 hours away from the hotel but only 45 minutes of actual running. Terrible inefficient use of time if you ask me.

The run started with everyone getting a lottery ticket scratcher that we were supposed to give to a person we saw on the run. It was a great idea except if you held on to your ticket in the DC humidity until 30 minutes into the run like me. Regardless, we all ran from the hotel to Fleet Feet DC being led out by Shawn Fenty (former mayor of DC's brother) and he talked about the store once he got there. It was a bit of fun running as a group as we looped down Rock Creek Park back to the hotel. However, we were only 30 or so minutes into the run and the course was only going to give us maybe 40 minutes. I asked around and grabbed two guys who were willing to make the run a little longer despite the conditions.

We ended up heading up to the Capitol and looping the reflection pool. I was feeling pretty good but not great. I was happy to make the run a bit longer as were Dan and Jeff. We all had a good time talking about the approaching US Olympic Trials and stuff we saw at the expo.

Loop the Capitol Reflection Pool

Time: 32:52
Distance: 7:21 km
Pace: 4:34/km
Map

After working the Fleet Feet Sports expo today the crew of Meagan (Karhu/Craft superstar), Nate Price (rep in GA, TN, KY, AL) and yours truly headed out for some fun on the Mall. We were supposed to have Karhu CEO with us but he was off making deals and didn't arrive down in the lobby in time. He's also terrible at running in the heat and humidity so maybe we got lucky.

The three of us headed up the Mall and did a quick loop around the reflection pool before heading back to the hotel. We had just enough time to finish the run, shower up and make it to the DC Tri Club where the three amigos (me, Nate and Karhu CEO) presented to the group.

Running with DK from Chi

Time: 57:57
Distance: 13.05 km
Pace: 4:26/km
Map

It was an early rise for the crew at the Fleet Feet conference. We didn't even beat the heat getting out the door a little before 6:00 AM. I headed out with Meagan, Dan, and Dan Kittaka from Fleet Feet Chicago. We ran past many of the sites like the White House, Washington Monument, Lincoln Memorial and onto the bike path that goes into Rock Creek Park. It was good to catch up with the Dans and get in some distance before working the expo for the day.

Fleet Feet Long Run?

Time: 81:58
Distance: 17.93 km
Pace: 4:34/km
Map

After the run this morning Meagan and I got our stuff together and headed to the airport. We are spending the next few days in our favorite running city of DC. The annual Fleet Feet Sports conference takes place this week and Craft and Karhu has a kick ass booth to show gear for the coming seasons. After setting up our booth and getting all our stuff in order, I set out for a run with my man Dan Matena. He is now working my old territory for TGA and doing a great job.

We headed out the door and covered some time around the National Mall. It was good to catch up with him and here what's going on in my old territory. I got back to the hotel sweaty but feeling good. When I headed up to the room I spotted Meagan getting ready for a run so it was back downstairs for me. We bumped into Mizuno's east coast sales manager whom we know from living in Charlotte. The three of us set out and covered 45 minutes of running in the humid DC summer. When it was all said and done I had covered a much longer run than I was expecting. I only started feeling a little dehydrated the final 10-15 minutes but I survived.

Silver Springs' Paint Branch Park

Time: 79:47
Distance: 17.45k
Pace: 4:34
Map

Meagan and I had a lovely time at the Residence Inn just outside of Washington, DC where we decided to stop last night. Don't tell authorities that we sneaked our cat into the room simply to avoid a $75-$100 fee. She's de-clawed! In the morning we ventured off to a trail I spotted on Google Maps. I wasn't sure how far the path would run, but it was going to be better than running loops in a random neighborhood. Loops in a neighborhood were unfortunately a part of this run as we look for extra distance, but fortunately we found the better side of the Paint Branch Park path.

We ultimately ended up at the Martin Luther King Recreation Park which unlike most MLK Blvds across the country was quite nice. I don't want to come off in the wrong way, but in my experience (SF, OKC, Dallas, LA, DC) when you see MLK Blvd. you become a little more cautious of your surroundings. In contrast, this park was quite nice with ample running/walking paths, lots of trees, ball fields and a lake. We should have come in this direction in the first place, but that will have to wait until the next time we stay at the Silver Springs Residence Inn.

Running with Chris Farley

Time: 60:40
Distance: 12.79k
Pace: 4:44
Map

I ran with Chris Farley this morning. Not the Chris Farley that you are thinking of, but the one who owns the Pacers Running Stores in DC. He ran at UVA back in the day and still finds the time to put in some miles. Meagan and I met him at his place in Rosyln for a loop of his choosing. Just as we arrived he ran back inside and didn't come out for several minutes. Turns out that he was snagged by Matt Centrowitz Sr. because Jr. was running in the semi-finals of the World Championships. I was a little disappointed that I missed the race, but was happy to hear the US 1500m champ made it to the finals.

Our run was a great way to bond as this was really first time I got to chat with Chris. We talked all things in the running industry including the news that Finish Line purchased another big running store chain. I had little where I was on the run but occasionally noticed familiar sites. Meagan and I wish we could run with more store owners like this as it truly is the best way to connect with an account. If you're a store owner out there and you're looking to get in some miles, give us a buzz.

One-Shar, Tushar, Three-Shar

Time: ~68 minutes
Distance: ~15-16k

Meagan, Tushar and I left the house this morning for a run that first took us through the National Zoo. Tushar is still relatively new to DC and doesn't know many runs, but that is no excuse. Meagan and I who only visit once a month know way more places to run than One-Shar. It was a good way to catch up and show him a few more potential routes near his house.

My foot managed fine but didn't feel fantastic. That's just where it is right now. It's all about pain management and continually doing all the small things to help it heal.

DC Tow Path

Time: 91:56

Distance: 20.02k

Pace: 4:31

Map

Is it "toe" path or "tow" path. I like the first better, though I think the second is correct.

Meagan and left Jilane's house a little later this morning and headed out through the National Mall and over to the bike path that would run into Rock Creek Park. We made the decision to head toward Georgetown and jump on the softer trail of the tow path. Unfortunately, we only got to run about 20 minutes total on the dirt as we were only looking for 20k and not more.

I was feeling pretty good on this run this morning and wanted the pace to start clipping along, but Meagan was not having the best of days. She was taking it pretty easy in preparation for a workout tomorrow with Paul and Spada.

The rest of the day was spent traveling back to Charlotte and driving through no less than 5 thunder storms. Awesome.

Teddy Roosevelt Island

Time: 77:37

Distance: 15.97k

Pace: 4:51

Map

Meagan and I made the drive up to DC yesterday with a brief stop in Richmond, VA to visit Disco Sports. They are all about their Orthaheel sandals which is awesome to see. Our friend Jilane made a great Mexican dinner in honor of my presence and I got to see some friends that live in our nation's capital.

Come morning, it was time to lace up the shoes and head out for a run. Running in DC is one of the best urban venues for the sport. There are countless trails and bike paths to run along and it's always fun to sight see all of the monuments during the run. Today we decided that it would be cool to visit Teddy Roosevelt Island where our 26th President has his monument. I had never been out on the island's trails or seen the monument so it was cool to do both all at once. After running through the National Mall we made our way across into Virginia and onto the island for a single loop around the trail.

I gotta call out our host for her lack of fitness, but it was fun times being in the city with a great friend and touring Washington DC. Actually, it was good to just be running again in general. There were all sorts of tourists out walking from monument to monument which we did in less than 90 minutes: Washington Monument, Lincoln Memorial, WWII, Teddy Roosevelt, and some others I'm forgetting.

Pacers Alexandria

Time: 33:02

Distance: 7.00k

Pace: 4:43

Map

Meagan was having a Karhu and Craft wear test run from the Pacers Alexandria location which meant I got to play chauffeur. We arrived about an hour in advance to set up and soon people started arriving wanting to test a pair of shoes or try a shirt.

Once we were all assembled we ran from the store to a bike path that I first ran along my senior year of college. It was a simple out and back course in the heat and humidity of NoVa. Many people rocked white Craft baselayer shirts while I sported a flashy orange GORE Running Wear top. I hope they noticed.

This was my first double in many months and a fun group event. My right shin bothered me more than my left upper hamstring.

Day Off for Recovery and Travel

Time: none
Distance: none

Meagan woke up early this morning and got her but out the door for a run. I didn't. I slept in with injury. When I did get up my achilles was sore and I had a noticeable limp. Not good.

We drove from DC to Mason, Ohio today with an hour long stop in Columbus today. By we drove, I mean I drove because Meagan doesn't know how to drive a manual. It was a long day in the car but we were rewarded with a good visit with Kevin O'Grady at Frontrunner. I may not be the Karhu or Craft rep these days, but it's always good to make contacts in the running industry and those brands pay Meagan's salary. I still respect those brands and want them to do well.

The ultimate reward came upon arrival to Mason where I got to see family that I hadn't been around in over a year. We had a great lasagna dinner which started expanding my waistline. No running + holiday food = bad news.

DC Exploration

Time: 81:14
Distance: ~11.5 miles

This morning Meagan and I got out into a cold DC morning for some miles around the city. We both love running in the nation's capital because of all the monuments, bike paths and cool neighborhoods like Georgetown. The run started from Dave's and ran down Wisconsin to the bike path that leads into the mall. We ran by the Washington Monument, up the Mall, said hi to all schmucks on Capitol Hill and back the same way we came.

My achilles never felt good. I was trying to have a good time with the amazing surroundings but the lower right leg never felt right. I definitely shouldn't have gone 80+ minutes, but I thought things would have warmed up or my endorphins would have kicked in. This achilles business is not looking good and I'm going to have to monitor the situation a little more carefully.

I got home and immediately stretched, used the stick and iced. I may have even popped a couple Vitamin I's just for good measure.

Downfall in DC

Time: 43:58
Distance: ~5.3 miles

This morning Meagan and I left Charlotte and arrived in Roanoke, VA for an appointment. I showed Fleet Feet Roanoke my Orthaheel sandal line and then we grabbed a quick bite to eat at Panera. It was a nice way to break up the trip as we were ultimately destined for DC. Meagan has a Karhu and Craft wear test run at a City Sports location tonight which was the main reason for the trip.

The run group met up after dark for a jaunt from 19th St. to the National Mall, around the Christmas tree in front of the Capitol, past the White House and too the start/finish area. The snow that kept Meagan up in DC for an extra night had melted somewhat but was still on display in our nation's capital. I tried to avoid the slick stuff as much as possible, but at times I was running gingerly through ice. My achilles was tight the entire time running in a pair of my Karhu Racers. I had a hard time toeing off so I found myself sitting really far back on my heels. The cold, ice and hills didn't help my cause but I tried to remain patient during the run. Finally, around the 35 minute mark it felt like I was running normally. I didn't have any discomfort and was ready to start pushing the pace. However the run was almost over and I wasn't going to be that guy who kicks it in on training runs.

When I got to Dave Nightingale's pad I was sure to stretch, massage and ice the achilles. My only other real injury this year was back in February when my achilles gave me problems leading up to a spring marathon.

Chrome Bags at Carolina Cup

Time: none
Distance: none

I wasn't in the mood for any running today. I wasn't even in the mood to run a beer mile this evening. That's how beat I was when I finally got back to Charlotte.

My day began in DC where I was on the drizzly road a few tics before 5:00 am. I needed to be in Greensboro, NC for the Carolina Cup which is apparently the 4th oldest bike race in the United States. I found that hard to believe but that's what the announcer kept saying. I realized earlier this year, the owner Cycles de Oro was also the race director for the crit race in Greensboro. I asked about partnering with the event because he was also a Chrome dealer. I suggested a one lap fixed gear or free wheel race which he liked and asked that I put up the prizes. Simple enough.

The drive to Greensboro was long (5 hours) and I was half falling asleep the first 90 minutes (not good). I rallied and got to North Carolina safe and ready to set up a table at the race with Chrome bags, shoes and apparel. It was well received even though there were 4 racers in the single speed race. I would like to grow the race into a 20+ person race, but it's early.

The table I set up with shoes, bags and apparel from Chrome.

Close up shot of the Chrome griffin logo.

Sweet bike, but the rider would end up out of the prizes in 4th.

The four racers lines up at the start. The winner would be the guy on the far left who is also a really good mountain biker.

Charlie Brown shortly after winning the masters race. He broke away early and held on for the win. Later in the Cat 3 race he crashed and split his bike frame in half. Not good.


Close up shot of the Craft custom skin suit that would later be wrecked in a crash.

The racers were really appreciative of the prizes and I had a good time chatting with spectators about the brand. I didn't leave Greensboro until a little after 3:00 pm which put me back in Charlotte around 5:00 pm. I had diminishing interest in attending the Charlotte Running Club's Beer Mile the entire afternoon. I tried to rally for the nth consecutive time but just couldn't muster the energy. I said hello to Meagan, watched her leave for the beer mile, drank a beer of my own, responded to a couple of texts for my absence and promptly passed out on the living room floor.

Slangin' Karhu Kicks

Time: 60:01
Distance: 8.51 miles
Pace: 7:03
Map

This was my first solo run since being in DC. I was in a rough place after last night, not due to the drinks but the lack of sleep. I've probably averaged 5 hours a night since being in DC which isn't ideal but is the way it has to be. I considered sleeping in and forgetting the run, but then I figured I would be in a grumpy mood trying to fit shoes knowing I had been a slackass.

I ran out of the hotel and headed down the hill. The streets were quiet and still. There is a fall chill in the air that brings memories of cross country season. I found my way down to the Arlington Bridge and ran across to the National Cemetery where I decided to turn around and run back along the bike path through Rock Creek Park. I had a general sense of where I was going and eventually came to the Connecticut St. Bridge that goes over the park. I was familiar with the bridge having walked across it with Jilane, Aja and Meagan a couple of years ago. However, to get to the bridge from the park, you have to run up this massive hill to a good eating spot called Open City. I had no time to waste and had to be back at the hotel so that I could clean up and get down to the expo that ran from 9 am to 7 pm. Woof!

The second day of the Nation's Tri Expo was a success. I sold more shoes and received great feedback from the participants. We had some good rushes where I was handling 4 people and answering multiple questions at the same time. It brought back memories of working in OK Runner on a busy Saturday. I was even visited and brought a coffee by Ms. Jilane Rodgers. Overall the day was a success. We sold lots of Craft apparel and I handled my own on the Karhu front. I would have liked to sold more, but some people weren't ready to pull the trigger.

The breakdown was super quick and we were off to a Thai restaurant for dinner. Corey, Kris (DC rep), Emily and I had a great meal at a small place just around the corner from the hotel (Hilton Washington aka Hinckley Hilton where Reagan was shot). Afterward we walked down to Dupont Circle and got a drink at some outside patio bar. It was fun to people watch but much too uptight for our style. Last night with the mustaches was a better laugh (you'll have to wait for that story since I'm posting recent to long ago).

Oh yea. It was 9/11 today. Very strange being in the nation's capital on this day and not really being able to take in the meaning since we were all downstairs building the brands.

Splits:
8:13, 7:25, 7:08, 6:53, 6:46, 6:40, 6:42, 6:59

Party Started

Time: 68:41
Distance: 9.60 miles
Pace: 7:09
Map

Mr. Owen Washburn rolled by the hotel a little after 7:00 this morning and we hit up the DC tourist sites. He took me on a route past the White House and onto the Mall. We ran by an Army unit on their morning pt which involved lots of shouting. We took a loop around the Capitol building, where you get to see the Supreme Court and Library of Congress. We headed up 14th St. and parted ways at Columbia Ave which took me right back to the hotel.

Today is the start of the Nation's Tri Expo and it's my job to "sell the shit out of Karhu." The prices were right and people were buying. I had some negotiators, but I held firm to our bargain prices. Conversing with the participants was great fun and I tried to talk to as many people as possible even if they weren't trying on shoes. As any rep would attest, expos are one of the most tiring aspects of the job. It's a lot of time on the feet, long days and little time to eat. However, I'm of the opinion that you have to make the most of the situation and it might as well be fun. I try to joke with those passing by and wish as many people good luck.

I was definitely tired at the end of the but was ready to rally for a fun night in DC. I met up with Owen, Katie, Ben Stern, George McArdle, Nark, and some others at Bedrock Billiards after having dinner at Bistro du Coin with Emily, Corey and a couple others. The dinner was great and it left me full of steak for the second night in a row. The papas frittes were on point too.

I had a fun time catching up with the boys at a dive bar that only Owen could find. When we arrived half a dozen people were running around with fake mustaches on. I had no idea what was going on but it definitely lightened the mood. A guy came up to me and offered me a fresh mustache straight from the paper backing. How could I refuse. I promptly attached it to my face and immediately felt like an asshole. Sorry to all those mustachioed readers out there, but how do you do it?

Drum roll please... I would like to introduce you to Pancho Kinley and Emily Sanchez.

Don't mess with this couple mang.

DC Tour

Time: 74:22
Distance: 10.20 miles
Pace: 7:17
Map

Owen and I started out the run in Rock Creek Park running south and then took a spin through Georgetown. He showed me the newest Apple store that had to fight to join the community. Next we ran down to the Washington Monument where we ended some pickups that started near our buddy Abe Lincoln. We ran halfway up the Mall before hooking a left on 14th and running straight north back to his home.

My work day started off back at the Pacers Logan Circle location. I got to meet the manager Robbie Wade who is an Irishman that knows a lot of the same people that I do. We weren't able to chat long because the store was super busy with an apparel showing, customers and a policeman who would have loved to stay all day and talk track. I believe his name was Reggie Harrison and back in the day he ran 44 point in the 400m for George Mason. (I just did a quick google query and can't find anything so I might have the name or school wrong, but Robbie confirmed it). Anyway, we narrowed our shoe choices down from everything on the wall to a pair of New Balance, Adidas and Karhu. In the end which did this guy pick? Karhu! That's right the former 44 point guy came through with a pair Forward Rides.

That made my morning and in the afternoon I went over to the Hilton Washington to help set up the Karhu/Craft booth in the Nation's Tri Expo. We got a good jump on the event and will be able to finish up in the morning. Dinner tonight was at the F Street Bistro where Corey's former athlete now manages. The manager hooked us up big time with a great meal and discount.

DC Fun Run with Owen

Time: 78:22
Distance: 9.56 miles
Pace: 8:11
Map

Yesterday evening I arrived in Washington, DC and immediately walked over to a bar with Owen to play some trivia. The team competition was close and our table was in the hunt for the win going into the final round which we absolutely tanked. The music round was not for Owen, Ben, myself and their two friends.

We were up relatively early for a run from Owen's house to Rock Creek Park. It was good to catch up and chat about all the people we do and don't keep up with these days. The weather was a plus too as it felt a bit like cross country season. Our average pace wasn't so hot but considering some of the hills and relaxed early pace it turned out being fine. After my run yesterday I'm not concerned about getting in quality runs, but just the stuff that will allow the body to recover.

After dropping Owen off at the Brookings Institute I headed over to Pacers' Arlington location. I found a money parking spot behind a building under heavy construction which allowed me to avoid the street meters. I had a great visit with the staff at the store and helped out as much as possible. From what I could tell, Karhu will be a success there. Later in the day I drove over to the newest Pacers store in Logan Circle which is right next to a Starbucks that I lounged at the last time I was in DC. This location is no more than 5 minutes from Owen's work. My parking spot this time was found across the street at Whole Foods.

I just missed the manager Robbie, but had a good chat with former American University runner Steve Hallinan. He is now one of the key members of the Pacers Elite Team. I half invited myself to their workout in the morning, but ended up not going because they are ready to start their intervals at 6:00 am and I was already going to have a long day.