The maps aren't going to make themselves!

This morning was the first of a number of Wednesday morning 8-mile runs in my training schedule for the marathon. I ate a little more than I probably would have otherwise for dinner last night but ate it early so as not to have it come back to haunt me in the morning. I rolled out of bed, ate a Powerbar, drank a glass of water and headed on my merry way. I'm really enjoying running in this chilly weather. I did two of my regular 4 mile loops so as to circle back by our building in the middle, in case I was having any need to stop in. I didn't though. The run went well as I was hoping it would. This is a lot for a weekday morning. In the past I would never run more than 5 or 6 before work. I was definitely tired when I got into the office this morning despite a protein packed breakfast (Kashi Go Lean Crunch!) and mid-morning snack (greek yogurt). I would have loved to take a nap around 11:00am but I'm actually really busy with requests these days. I know that my body will build up to these distances and not set me back so much for the early part of the day but I will admit I was a little surprised at how fatigued I felt. When I made the jump from regular 4 mile morning runs to more 6 milers I went through the same thing so I know it'll just take a couple of weeks. Not every Wednesday is an 8-mile Wednesday, some of them are less and every 3rd one is a rest Wednesday.

The fine crew from WJLA, our ABC affiliate, were set up and filming at the park at the end of our street. Prospect Hill park, as it is named, was the former site of part of a fort as well as a historic mansion, both now gone. Today it boasts one of the best views in Arlington of the Air Force Memorial and various DC landmarks, as well as the not-as-lovely 395. I think they film here because it gives a good backdrop for traffic reports among other things. I always do well to steer clear of their camera as my sweaty face doesn't need to be captured on film. If you haven't checked out this little park I recommend doing so in the early morning or in the evening for the best views. There are some scattered benches as well as parking right on Arlington Ridge Road.