My view for 15 miles
Saturday morning, I was all dressed and set to head out the door for my 15 mile run. While chatting with hubby, he suggested that maybe I could wait until Sunday for my long run and run with him. I knew 15 miles with the stroller would be tough, but our training schedules (he’s training for a half) are rarely at close to the same mileage so I couldn’t pass up the chance for a run together.
Our running route: Bethesda to Georgetown and back
I had the brilliant idea to run somewhere else since hubby always just runs in our neighborhood. We decided to go to the Capital Crescent Trail which runs through Maryland and DC. When we lived in Bethesda for the last 2 years of college, I frequently ran on the Capital Crescent Trail so I was excited to run there again. I haven’t been back to run on the trail since I graduated in 2006. It was fun to see the familiar sights along the part I used to run on.
A gorgeous place to run
We started in Bethesda at mile 4 of the trail (it’s 11 miles total). We loaded up Zain in the stroller with the weather shield to keep him toasty; it was in the mid-40s. I thought he’d be more comfortable with the shield on since we were going to be running for so long.
Running through a really long tunnel
Hubby says peace and please slow down
We ran over bridges
The C&O Canal
Port-a-pots! Since we had to drive to trail, we couldn't use the bathroom before running. Hubby and I both had to pee for the first 4 miles so this was a welcome sight!
As we got started, I was so excited to be running on the trail that hubby had to repeatedly tell me to SLOOOOOW DOWN. He only had to remind me like 8 times in the first few miles. Our turn around point was in Georgetown at mile 11 of the trail which was mile 7 for us. The whole way there was awesome. We both felt great and really enjoyed the scenery. I started to wonder if maybe we felt a little too great. Maybe this nice flat path was actually ever so slightly a decline.
Running under the Key Bridge as we got to Georgetown
Arriving at the waterfront in Georgetown was really cool. It was beautiful with the sun shining; we had to stop to take some pictures.
Pretty waterfront in Georgetown
Action shot!
I could get used to this
Running buddies
These guys were stalking me as I refilled Zain's snacks
As we turned around to make the journey back to Bethesda, I knew I was in trouble right away. The path was definitely a slight incline and the wind was against us. These factors aren’t terrible when you’re running alone. However, try pushing a 30lb kid in a 20lb stroller with enough cargo loaded in the stroller for 2 running adults and 1 child who likes a lot of snack options.
Zain was still in a good mood on the way back. He just needed his snack tray and sippy cup refilled a few times. I ended up going ahead of hubby because I needed to power through at my pace – not that I was going fast, but I needed to go a little faster.
Snack time
Hubby only planned to run 12 miles, but ended up deciding to run to 13. I was so proud of him. The most he has run so far in his training was 10 miles so it was a big jump for him. He did great.
Back to the tunnel
The picture doesn't do the hill over this bridge justice
The last 5 miles were really tough for me. I felt like I had to fight for every mile. The resistance of the wind and the slight incline with the stroller was killing my legs. When my watch hit 15 miles and I stopped running, my legs were screaming at me.
So I was right about that downhill on the way there and uphill on the way back thing
I’ve been on many short stroller runs with Zain. I’ve taken him on a handful of long runs – a few 10 milers, a 12 miler, one 13.1 miler, and the epic 20 mile run. Fifteen miles is the second longest run he’s been on. The run felt like 2 separate runs. The way to Georgetown was amazing and I felt like I could run all day. The way back was agonizing and I was praying for it to be over. Long stroller runs make me feel very accomplished when they’re over, but they’re painful while I’m doing them. It was awesome to have the change of scenery and run along such a pretty trail. I look forward to doing it again!
I wanted nothing more than to just lay down in the parking lot when we were done, but I settled for sitting in the back of the car. Hubby said I should caption this "my recovery tent."
Hubby's request was a recovery meal at Chipotle...Zain approved
Happy running!
You really are amazing. rough run at end. stroller. wind. but you made it. and yeah I love how you pray’ed it too
xo
Thank you
Awesome run! I love the pictures of the trail. It looks like a beautiful space to run in. Zain is such a trooper!
Thank you, Karen!
I love that you made running together a priority….and with a jogging stroller. Not sure I would have done the same.
LOL
Haha, I wouldn’t always do the same either I admit
.
WOW. 15 miles alone is impressive.. but with a stroller? i am amazed. no, really.. you are amazing. Love the recovery tent
Probably cleaner than the ground, haha.
Just a little cleaner than the ground
. Thank you!
What a great run! Looks like all 3 of you had a fun time!
We did! It was tough, but it was fun.
I’m just so impressed with Zain! Faith would never sit quietly for that long.
Also, you kick some serious butt with your stroller power!
Thanks, Kara!
what a beautiful run! Not to mention your kid was so well behaved, lol!
I’m lucky he’s such a good kid!
Hats off to you! That which does not kill me…
You’re going to have a great marathon!
Thank you, Amanda!
Holy cow! SO impressed! The longest I have taken Emmie on is 7 miles … and the hubs and I split pushing her haha.
My husband isn’t very good at pushing the stroller while running – probably because he does it so rarely!
good job guys. you are a great team!
Thanks, Ceyda!
Wow!!! Awesome run! My son would never have sat in the stroller that long. I might have to try something like that right before his nap. I’m hoping to get some stroller runs in this spring since I do most of them on the treadmill when DS is napping. Kudos to you and your family!
Thank you! I do a lot of treadmill runs during naptime too. You gotta do what you gotta do to get it done!
You rock! I recently returned to running with my double stroller. I forgot how much harder it is. I was cursing the wind, inclines, and cracks in the road after 2.5 miles. The longest run I’ve ever gone on with my kids was 8 miles. Hopefully I’ll be able to work back up to that since I’m training for a 1/2 marathon and marathon and the weather is getting warmer.
I’m jealous of your route! Perfect for running!!
Thank you! I cannot imagine running with a double stroller. It must be so hard! Good luck with your races!
Nicely done! I haven’t run with a running stroller in ages, so I’m totally impressed at 15 miles with one! Even with my older son who liked riding in the stroller, I don’t think I could have managed that.
Thank you!
I invite you to continue running on the Capital Crescent Trail and try the opposite direction, through the Bethesda Tunnel and on to the Rock Creek Trestle. Our organization, Friends of the Capital Crescent Trail wants to preserve this section of the trail as a park without 45 mile per hour trains running every 3 minutes. The tree canopy is threatened by the Purple Line train coming to fruition. We want to maintain green space for visitors to the Trail – hikers, children and running moms. Please visit http://www.SaveTheTrail.org
Wow, I didn’t know about that! Thank you for the information!