June 13, 2010 (Updated November 29, 2022)

6 Mile Fun Run

by Anne Mauney, MPH, RD

30 comments

This morning, I did something I haven’t done since January. I went running… just for fun. 

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Heather and I met up with the aim to do 6 miles — no training for distance, no working on speed… just 6 miles.

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It was the first time I’d run since my half marathon last weekend, and we had a blast 🙂

We stopped to take photos of the beautiful scenery…

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I showed her my favorite part of the trail — this awesome hidden baby ferry (remember when it was covered in ice?):

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We spied on mansions set up in the woody hills above the water, deciding they would be our future homes:

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We stumbled upon a big kayaking competition:

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(Apparently a former Olympic medal winner in kayaking was even there coaching!)

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And we stopped to take even more photos 🙂

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How amazingly reflective and beautiful is this water?

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We even sprinted at the end of the run… just cause we felt like it 🙂 

I think I’m really going to enjoy this whole “running for fun” thing again.

- anne

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30 comments
  • Marilou @ Mostly Healthy
    Wow! What an amazing scenery to run! I wish I had access to a trail like that! Are there a lot of mosquitoes?
    Reply
    • Anne P
      Didn't notice a single mosquito!
      Reply
  • jenny in new york
    wow i'm jealous. I did a 6-miler today and it was NOT for fun haha. it was definitely not enjoyable. That however, sounds really cool. Trail running and exploring. Love it
    Reply
  • Lindsay @ Summit Sandwiches
    Beautiful trail! That water is so still and clear....trail running is my fav. I'm glad you had a nice time running for fun again.
    Reply
  • Heather C
    These pictures turned out so good!! And, on that note, I think it's worth saying how glamorous we look at 8 a.m. ;) Can't wait for round 3! p.s. we're getting those sprints to sub-6 next time. Uh huh.
    Reply
  • DHP
    There are few joys in life greater than a nice run on a lovely trail with a good friend and fellow runner. You had every one of those elements today. Very nice!
    Reply
  • Dorry
    Gorgeous pics - what a great thing to do on a Sunday :)
    Reply
  • Bekah
    Sounds and looks like a perfect way to spend part of your Sunday. Glad you had a fun and relaxing time.
    Reply
  • Jackie (Peaces of Earth)
    That looks like an awesome trail! It definitely makes running much more fun to have scenery like that. :)
    Reply
    • Anne P
      It's the C&O Canal :) Love!
      Reply
  • Chase (TheChaseProject)
    You'll have to tell me where you access the trail. I'm moving to Ballston in 2 weeks and need to know the great local running spots!
    Reply
    • Anne P
      Sure, just email me when you want the info!
      Reply
  • Gabriela @ Fro-Yo Lover
    Wow - congrats on the amazing run, Anne! Such beautiful pics :) Wish you a lovely week! Brazilian XOXO´s, Gabriela
    Reply
  • Nicole @ Geek Turned Athlete
    I love running for fun! Like you, I don't get to do it very often, but sometimes it is just good to go out there sans garmin and headphones and just run. You are so lucky that you get to run in the area that you do!
    Reply
  • Jenny
    What a wonderful fun! And the path is absolutely beautiful. I'm kind of having the opposite experience right now. I've almost exclusively done my runs "for fun" and would love to do a race at some point! I'm thinking of trying to seek out a half marathon or something when I move to Taiwan...I was inspired by your recent race!
    Reply
  • angie
    That's is such an awesome view for a run! That's why I like running.... the adventures of what you get to see while on the run!
    Reply
  • linda
    Hi, I'm wondering where you got your running shorts from? ~linda
    Reply
    • Anne P
      They're by Brooks, but I got them years ago so I'm not sure if they are still available?? Try their website! :)
      Reply
  • Houda K
    Hi! where is this trail!?! it looks gorgeous!
    Reply
  • Grace
    Could you tell me where you access the trail too please? (Also if you happen to know directions from a metro stop and also any others that you might recommend?) I recently moved out to Alexandria out near the Holmes Run Trail, but I'm so sick of it. I'm dying to check out the other great trails in the metro DC area! Thank you so much. :)
    Reply
    • Anne P
      Sure! I access this trail at Chain Bridge (you can walk down from the footbridge on the actual Chain Bridge). It's not metro accessible, unfortunately. But I also love the Mt. Vernon Trail that goes along the Potomac - you can access that from the Rosslyn metro stop - just Google "Mt. Vernon Trail Potomac". The W&OD and Capital Crescent Trail are also great - again, just Google :) Have fun!
      Reply
      • Grace
        Great! Thanks so much!
        Reply