Thursday Carderock Run
On Thursday nights (April 21 - September 8 in 2011) we run on the C&O Canal towpath and, if desired, nearby trails, beginning at Carderock. It's only minutes off the beltway - very convenient to down-county. (Consider the Needwood runs if you're up-county.) The Carderock scenery is great and the towpath is softer than asphalt. If you enjoy trail running, some of the runners veer off into the adjoining hiking trails by Great Falls (like the Valley Trail and the Gold Mine Loop) after about 2 miles on the towpath. These are excellent for running and have some gentle hills. Trail shoes are fine but not necessary on either the towpath or the trails, as there are no huge boulders that will spring up to surprise you - though geese and their goslings are an occasional obstacle on the towpath. Be prepared for puddles and mud during the rain - yes, we go during the rain, too!
We run at all paces, generally for an hour or slightly longer (usually 4-8 miles depending on pace). Runs are can be out-and-back on the towpath, so it's easy to shorten the distance if necessary. For those of you training for fall marathons, this can be a great way to get in your Thursday longish runs -- it is easy to extend the run to 10 miles if you want.If you want to run on the trails, there are a couple of nice loop options from 6.5 to 8 miles in length.
We meet at 6:30pm at the Carderock Recreational Area. Bathrooms are at the start/end and along the towpath. While there are water fountains at about mile 11.5 and at Great Falls (if you get up that far), you should carry water to keep hydrated - it can get hot out there.
Directions: Take the Beltway to the last Maryland exit ("Carderock/Great Falls"), go one mile northwest (up the river) and exit at Carderock, turn left after the Stop sign, and follow the twisty road into the park. At the T, turn right and then immediately left into the parking lot. Be aware that there can be heavy traffic on the Beltway at that hour. Another way of getting there is down Seven Locks Road to MacArthur Blvd -- turn right and go up to Clara Barton Parkway, turn left (back towards DC) and the Carderock entrance into the park is the first exit.
The run is coordinated by Bob Yarchoan; you can send an e-mail to Bob if you have any questions.
