Monday, April 02, 2012

Springtime, Bridges, and Friendship

I love springtime, especially in DC.  In fact, I've been checking the National Parks Services' Cherry Blossoms webcam on a daily basis.  This is the time of year when the city comes alive and everything feels new again.  I miss it.  Springtime in Denver is beautiful, as it should be, but not quite as vibrant.  I love it regardless.

One of my favorite ways to enjoy the outdoors while I lived in the DC area was by running the "Bridges." The route starts at Roosevelt Island, crosses Key Bridge, drops down along the canal in Georgetown, passes diners on the waterfront, goes past the Kennedy Center and Lincoln Memorial, then crosses the Memorial Bridge (here's where you push yourself - one step per square).  Then it crosses the GW Parkway (yikes!), and the final sprint is done along the Potamac under the trees where the path turns into a wooden one just before Roosevelt Island.  

I've put hundreds of miles in on that route, most of which were enjoyed with my dearest friend, Amber J (a co-founder of the traditional "Bridges"route), and other friends.  I am ever grateful for the times I had on that trail where problems were pounded out, secrets were shared, goals were accomplished, excitements were celebrated, and where, no matter what, life simply felt good for 45 minutes.

The other day, I vicariously enjoyed the Bridges with Amber - she ran it  while we chatted on the phone (heavens knows this prego baby-mama couldn't run a half block right now).  Considering the distance, it was almost like old times.  She sent me a few pics along the way so that I could enjoy the scenery as much as I did the conversation.  I loved every minute of it!


3 comments:

Erika said...

Missing you, and missing our runs together! Thanks for the reminder of great times!

Amy Lovell said...

I didn't discover that run until I was back there last August, and I do have to say, I'm sad I didn't discover the greatness of the bridge run before!

I'm with you on missing DC this time of year, I know I've been gone for almost two years now, but I'm pretty sure, I can be gone from there for 10 years and I'll still miss DC in the spring time.

ANJ said...

Love you! So glad you could join me on our tradition from far away :)

xoxo