News - RunWashington

Just a Run Before I Go

Published March 9, 2015 at 11:55AM

Photo: Sara Alepin

I rolled over on an air mattress in my empty apartment and glanced at the clock that read 4 a.m. I couldn’t fall back asleep — my entire body ached, chills ran through my bloodstream and I had severe nausea. I was just hours away from a 15-hour car ride to Wisconsin and there I was — grappling with the flu. But the car ride was the least of my concern. In just a few hours, I was supposed to lace up my shoes to go for my last run before I moved to Madison.

The sky got lighter but my body still ached. The nausea had only gotten worse and the thought of going outside exacerbated my chills. Nevertheless, it was my last opportunity to “run the District,” the phrase I’ve used throughout the years as a Washington running blogger, and I planned on taking full advantage. So I layered up and stepped out the door.

So you want to run long, two days after eight inches of snow

By Charlie Ban

Published March 6, 2015 at 8:12PM

Generally, the best bets will be, once again, to stick to Beach Drive, Hains Point, the Custis Trail and parts of the Capital Crescent Trail. Word is that the Montgomery County section is clear, but I’ve heard nothing about the D.C. section.

I’ve taken most of the unconfirmed paths off the map. Comment or tweet @RunWashington if you have something to report.

Matthew Hua Can’t Slow Down

By Katie Bolton

Published March 4, 2015 at 10:36AM | Updated January 13, 2020 at 3:26PM

Matthew Hua. Photo: Dustin Whitlow/DWhit Photography

Matthew Hua relished his first season of cross country at J.E.B. Stuart High School. With no prior athletic background, his 24-minute three mile time is a point of pride. Lifelong health problems have been an obstacle in his running career, but they haven’t stopped him from fully participating as part of the team — except maybe in the team dinners.

Matthew’s gastrointestinal system has never functioned normally. He is unable to eat at all and drinks very little. In fact, virtually every one of his bodily systems is compromised. He is deaf in his left ear and his left vocal cord is paralyzed. Underdeveloped lungs have led to chronic conditions such as tracheomalacia (softened cartilage around the trachea) and asthma. He has ongoing orthopedic problems and his immune system is compromised, leaving him susceptible to infection and illness.

St. Pat’s runners race in weather fit for neither Irishman nor snake

By Jacqueline Feldscher

Published March 2, 2015 at 9:31AM | Updated August 18, 2015 at 12:37PM

Sleet pelts the faces of runners during the St. Pat's 10k. Photo: Bruce Buckley/Swim Bike Run Photography

On a morning so unpleasant the air horn refused to work when it was time to start the race, runners still filled the icy streets around the National Mall for the St. Pat’s Day 10k.

Under constant snow and freezing rain that almost cancelled the 10k, thousands of runners sported green tights, shamrock t-shirts and some even bared their legs to the cold in traditional kilts.

The lion on the long run: what trails are clear as we roll into March

By Charlie Ban

Published February 27, 2015 at 3:11PM | Updated February 27, 2015 at 5:03PM

(I completely had the wrong month in mind in the original title)

With Spring marathons approaching fast and people needing their last long run for the Rock ‘n’ Roll and Shamrock marathons, trails that aren’t in direct sunlight probably aren’t going to improve much before tomorrow or Sunday morning.

Off the Beaten Path

By Charlie Ban

Published February 9, 2015 at 6:38PM | Updated February 11, 2015 at 10:31PM

McNab, Laskowske place first in Love the Run You’re With 5k

By Elton Hayes

Published February 9, 2015 at 11:19AM | Updated August 18, 2015 at 12:37PM

Kevin McNab nabs the win at the Love the Run You're With 5k. Photo: Brian W. Knight/Swim Bike Run Photography

Georgetown Running Club runner Kevin McNab’s pre-race ritual is quite unorthodox, to say the least. Some runners prefer to get a quick warmup the morning of the race, while others load up on carbs and water for sustenance. McNab, however, said he is lucky if he arrives to the race venue more than 10 minutes before start time.

Sunday was no different.

NPS pulls entrance fee proposal for C&O Canal Park

By Charlie Ban

Published February 8, 2015 at 12:27PM | Updated February 9, 2015 at 6:44PM

The C&O Canal Towpath, looking west from Hancock, Md. Photo: Charlie Ban

Midway through a month of public meetings, the Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park has withdrawn its proposal in begin charging entrance fees to the park outside of Washington, D.C.

This is despite a recent 10-percent budget cut and nearly 20-percent staff reduction, mainly at Great Falls Park. Existing entrance fees may still be increased.

Running shorts Jan. 12

By Charlie Ban

Published January 12, 2015 at 12:29PM | Updated February 9, 2015 at 6:15PM

Nora McUmber Photo: Dustin Whitlow

Three local cross country coaches were honored by the U.S. Track and Field and Cross Country Coaches Association as Cross Country Coach of the Year in their respective states. They included Anthony Belber (D.C.: Georgetown Day School boys), Kevin Hughes (D.C.: Georgetown Visitation School girls) and Mike Mangan (Va.: Lake Braddock Secondary boys).

According to USTFCCCA, State-by-state winners were selected based on their teams’ performances throughout the 2014 cross country season. Among the factors taken into consideration were team score and placement at the state championships, margin of victory, performance against rankings if available, individual championships, and how their teams’ performances stacked up to previous years (e.g. first title in school history, consecutive titles, etc.).

Cast your votes for the Best of Washington Running

By Charlie Ban

Published January 12, 2015 at 12:21PM | Updated January 20, 2015 at 9:48AM

Photo: Brian W. Knight/Swim Bike Run Photo

Vote for the Best of Washington Running 2015, now through the end of March! The finalists each were among the top six most frequently nominated races, stores, programs, etc. in our monthlong nomination period. Winners will be announced publicly in our Summer issue, due out in early May.