
Jen Maranzano is an attorney who writes a little on the side, starting with RunWashington in 2016. She stopped being an attorney for a little last year while to train full time. Read more of her writing here.
Name: Jen Maranzano
Self-described age group: masters
Residence: D.C.
Occupation: Attorney by day, runner by day and night
Volunteer roles in the running world: (as applies) Work with the elite athlete coordination for the Cherry Blossom ten miler
Why you run: I like the challenge of trying to get the most out of myself, and seeing the results of hard work and discipline. And I love how the process brings people together and creates such strong bonds. Plus, running gets me outside every day.
When did you get started running: High School
Have you taken a break from running: I’ve had a lot of injury imposed breaks. Other than that, I always take a couple weeks after a marathon to rest, recharge, and do little to no running.
Training shoe: I’ll wear anything that fits for training. For racing, only the vaporflies will do!
Coach or training group: Dojo of Pain
The hardest race you’ve ever run: I returned to my college for a x-country race that pitted the alumni against current students. Because I usually won x-country races while in college, I started the race hard, determined to recapture my glory days. And then I was struck with the reality of being 20 years older. It was a long 3 miles!
Most adventurous decision you’ve made with your running: Doing a trail race in New Zealand. Technical and terrifying, but an unforgettable experience.
Running mentors: Alan Pemberton
My favorite place to run in the D.C. area is: Hains Point (also my least favorite)
Favorite local trail: Towpath
My best race was: Chicago marathon
Favorite local race: Cherry Blossom
Ideal post-run meal: egg and avocado sandwich with a (very large) cafe au lait
Favorite flavor of gel, gu, etc: I hate gu! But I do think Maurten’s may have some magic in it.
Pet peeve: black ice
Goals: To run for as many more years as possible.
Your advice for a new runner: Be patient. Getting better is all about consistency.
Favorite running book: Running with the Buffalos
Song in your head during a run: It’s always changing. Most recently: Truth Hurts.
Have you dealt with a major injury: Way too many to describe in this format.
Running quote: “Keep showing up.” Des Linden
Why is the D.C. area a great place to be a runner: The running community!
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FONA Flowering 5K
Enjoy spring at the U.S. National Arboretum during FONA’s Flowering 5K. This run or walk will take you past garden collections brightly colored with spring flowers, over tree-lined rolling hills, and along streams winding their way to the Anacostia River.
Carderock Half Marathon
May 18th, 2025
7:30 AM Start
Race on the scenic C&O Towpath
$65.00 through 2/28
$75.00 – 2/28 through 4/30
$85.00 – 4/30 through 5/18 at 7:29 AM
Race Course and Finish Line will be open for 3 1/2 hours.