Wednesday, September 09, 2015

Labor Day away

Last weekend I took a quick but fun trip up to DC. My original plans for the weekend changed a bit, and at the last minute I invited my aunt to go with me, which turned into both she and my grandpa joining me. Saturday I went to Richmond and spent the evening with them, and the next day around noon we drove north.

When we got to the hotel (Kimpton's Madera near DuPont Circle) our rooms weren't ready yet, so after they brought us a bottle of wine to appease us we hung out in the hallway outside our room drinking and playing Go Fish on a suitcase. After the rooms were finally ready the two of them rested while I headed to the Phillips Collection to look at art. It's a pretty great museum.

Go Fish.

Art!

That evening Uncle Richard and another friend joined us for dinner at a Chinese place my family really likes. We ate lots of good food and had good laughs.

Sunday was also my mom's birthday, so we stopped outside the restaurant to call her up and sing.
The next day I got up early to go for a run. First I wandered outside to find some breakfast, and was really happy to find a Le Pain Quotidian nearby. I sat outside and it was lovely. I also found a pistachio near the hotel!
Parfait and Coffee

Sidewalk sighting!
After breakfast I geared up and headed out. I ran by the Lincoln Memorial and then all the way around Hains Point, returning by the Washington Memorial and up past the White House. It was the farthest I've gone in several months (8.5 miles), but I also took several breaks to walk or take pictures.

Jefferson Memorial

Washington Memorial selfie
After my run I showered and packed up, then joined Grandpa for brunch at Firefly (the hotel's trendy restaurant). I had pork belly with eggs and pureed sweet potatoes, and it was delicious. Then we loaded up the van and headed back to Richmond.

It was a great weekend with family, and I really enjoyed my museum visit and DC run.

Friday, September 04, 2015

back in the saddle

I'm finally biking again you guys! Since last October's century ride I think I got on my trainer once (when snowed in), and didn't really touch the bike again until late summer. But I'm training for a tentative October triathlon, so I've been riding twice a week. Most of the riding has been on the trainer (and watching TV), but the last two weekends I actually went outside.


The first weekend I was in Richmond, so I rode a familiar route from my Grandpa's house. I did 28 miles, including several hills. It wasn't easy, but it felt good to be out on the road again.


The next weekend JoAnne and I went for a 28-mile ride in Greene and Albemarle counties. I tried to pick a route that wouldn't be too hilly, but I failed. We survived though, and the area was really pretty. Once again, it was good to be riding again.