Runners vs. Cyclists: Can't We All Just Get Along

One of the things that makes the DC metro area great are all of the fantastic places to run. From the WO&D trail to the C&O Canal and Hains Point, there is something for every runner. Of course, these designated areas are not without their hazards. Namely, cyclists.

Just yesterday, I was running along Memorial Bridge when a cyclist knocked into me with his handlebars! I yelled after him and he half-heartedly offered a quick, "Sorry" as he rode off with his helmet askew. Now, I'm the wife of avid cyclist so I don't want to lump all riders together but this is not the first time I've had a close encounter with the biking kind. Over the years, I've had cyclists buzz by going way to fast, cut dangerously in front of me and completely ignore the STOP and YIELD signs at road crossings. It's frustrating, but I've realized I can only stay aware and control my own actions.

Since we really do need to share the road with cyclists, I've come up with a list of etiquette/safety tips for your next run:

• If you're listening to music while running, keep one head phone out to listen for people coming up  behind you.

• Stick to the right side of the path so that cyclists or other runners have space to pass.

• If you're running with a group, be no more than two people wide and switch to single file when someone is coming the other way.  

• When running with your child, make sure they know to always stay to the right. I can't tell you how many times I've seen a kid dart across the path into oncoming traffic.

• If you need to stop, move off of the path.

• Wave or thank someone who alerts you they are passing, this let's them know you got the message.

• Stay off of your phone. Just like driving and talking or texting, it's just not safe. Plus, isn't part of the reason you went for a run to get away from the phone?

• When running with a dog, keep him/her on a short leash and to the right of you.

Do you have any rules of the road you follow or think cyclists need to follow? I'd love for you to share them!

Race Packet Pick-Up Party

Despite the fact that packet pick-ups usually involve little more than moving through queues organized by last name or race number to pick up the branded bag full of random samples, your bib, a handful of safety pins and what is usually a mediocre (except for Pacers events) commemorative shirt, I'm always excited to pick up my bib. It reminds me of the day uniforms were distributed for soccer or basketball or even flag squad. With a uniform or, in this case, a bib, the event seems more real and I feel like a legit runner as opposed to an former band geek trying to fit in with the sporty girls.

This morning I headed to Georgetown to pick up my packet for the Nike Women Half Marathon (NWM), check out the expotique and, of course shop at the brand new Nike Store on M St. The first sign of the event was  literally a sign hanging on the side of the Nike Store that read "We Run DC".  As the official hashtag of of the NWM, it wasn't a surprising but what made it very cool was that the sign was comprised of the names of all of the runners.

As you would imagine, the Nike branding didn't end there. I have to admit, I'm a huge fan of the green, blue and white palette and the fabulous female runner silhouettes used in all the various promotions like on the side of the expotique tent.

Once I got down to the Georgetown waterfront, the first order of business was to pick up my packet. The whole process was very smooth. I was in and out with my drawstring bag within 5 minutes. What was in the swag bag, you ask? Freebies from Paul Mitchell, Somersault and BareMinerals along with my bib, corral wristband, a "We Run DC"  hair tie and a map of the route (including a call out for the "Bureau of Engraving and Painting"?) The one key item missing? A t-shirt! Ina  twist on tradition, the shirt will be handed out at the finish line.You gotta earn it ladies!!

Inside the expotique tent was unlike anything I've ever experienced at a running expo. The over the top venue included everything a running girl could want. From a NUUN tasting bar to massage chairs to Bare Minerals make-up consultations and Paul Mitchell hair styling to a nifty map of the course, gait assessments and sport bra fittings the expotique had it all. Of course, there were also plenty of opportunities to check out Nike gear including shoes, studio wraps, watches and the intriguing FUEL band.

Each runner was given a code to try to unlock one of the three glass cases of Nike sneaks. While I was not a winner, winner, chicken dinner, I did overhear two ladies unlock the cases! There was a smaller prize to be had for anyone who could show the current mileage on their Nike Running app.

And that's how I ended up with my second bracelet of the day. Number three would come later as I checked out with entirely too much NWM gear from the Nike Store.

The piece de resistance was an over-sized "WE RUN" sign facing the potomac. If anyone in DC wasn't aware that Nike was in town for the weekend, they certainly will be now!  With all of my gear, not to mention training, I'm ready to go for Sunday! Because on Sunday........

Running Back In Time

With the Nike Women's Half Marathon a week away and my recent (slightly crazy) decision to run the Marine Corps Marathon, it seems like I am in constant training mode. I feel pretty ready for the Half but the thought of the Marine Corps honestly makes me a little nauseous. Today, however, my run is just going to be about the love of running. Just me, the pavement and my trusty iPod.

For these kinds of runs, my '80s playlist is the perfect soundtrack. It doesn't necessarily make me run faster but it does make me feel cool as I stride through the neighborhood. Not like bad ass cool, but like Marty- McFly-Skateboarding-To-School-On-The-Back-Of-A-Jeep-Cool.

Check out the playlist and let me know what retro-fabulous songs are on your running playlists.

• Back In Time (From Back To The Future) - Huey Lewis and The News
• The Power of Love (From Back To The Future) - Huey Lewis and The News
• Young Hearts (From The Karate Kid) - The Commuters
• You're the Best (From The Karate Kid) -Joe Esposito
• Cruel Summer - Banarama
• Born to Be My Baby - Bon Jovi
• The Final Countdown - Europe
• Heat of The Moment - Asia
• Eye of the Tiger (from Rocky) - Survivor
• Burning Down the House - Talking Heads
• Miami Vice Theme
• Dreams - Van Halen
• Pour Some Sugar on Me - Def Leppard
• Satisfied - Richard Marx
• We Got the Beat - The Go-Gos
• Fight For Your Right - The Beastie Boys

We Are A Community of Runners

I had planned for my first blog post to be about my running background, my challenges balancing training and mamahood and an overview of the gear, races and running routes in Northern Virginia.

That was my plan before the bombs went off at the finish line of the Boston Marathon.

For many of us, running starts off as way to get healthy, lose a couple pounds or just a way to get "me time" away from the kids. What  we all inevitably learn about the sport of running is that, no matter where you are or what your pace, running includes an amazing community.

It's this community that encourages us to get up at 5:30 on a Saturday morning to get a long run in before the weather heats up. It's this community that shows us how to bounce up hills on tip-toes or raise our arms in the air and wiggle our fingers to relieve that tingling feeling. It's this community that gives us advice on the best time to tear into a packet of Gu during a race or the best way to fuel up pre-race.

When we race, that community includes organizers, volunteers and the spectators who cheer us on with cow bells, screams and signs that say we're just training for the Zombie Apocalypse. When we race, the excitement, the adrenaline and the camaraderie of hundreds or thousands of our fellow runners is palpable. And when we race, we assume we are safe.

Despite what happened today in Boston, we will continue to run, we will continue to race and we will continue to support our community.

Today, please join me in praying for the runners, the spectators, the volunteers, the organizers and the first responders in Boston.

Tomorrow, and every run and race thereafter, please remember those killed, hurt or traumatized by this horrific event and dedicate your finish to them.