When I moved to Washington, DC two years ago I never thought I'd find a running route as great as the ones I've run in Boston, NYC and (believe it or not) Salisbury, MD. But here in DC, I accidentally found a route that's not only scenic, but inspires me to run longer every day. It's called the Glover-Archibold Trail (I've fondly dubbed it "my path" because it's rare to see many other people on it). At first, I thought it was a park with a short trail to Mass Ave.

Then each day I found it taking me further and further into deep woods. Eventually the day came when I arrived on the banks of the Potomac River. What a prize!

The route is a six mile round trip from my apartment. I can add to it by tacking on some miles along the C&O Canal. But whenever I don't feel like running at all, and if I don't have access to a DRS posting right away, I seek inspiration from the rewarding view of the Potomac. It makes me go further than I would otherwise.

Friends think it's odd that I run the same route all the time, but I've really grown attached to my path. My feet know exactly where all the rocks and roots are. I actually have fun on the hills that take

A L S O :

Potomac Appalachian Trail Club

Capital Crescent Trail

Sidewalk - Glover Archibold Park

Sidewalk - Rock Creek Park

NPS - The Rock Creek Park Page

The C&O Canal Page

me up from the stream to some of DC's quiet streets. Sometimes I see deer prancing away. It's always an adventure. Especially when a tree has fallen over the path and forces you to "create" a detour.