Pat Benatar once sang, “Hot child in the city, runnin’ wild and looking pretty.”  Well, we were running, but looking pretty is up for debate--considering we emerged from our run dripping in sweat and appearing as if we had been swimming, not running. Let’s just say the “before” may have been better than the “after.”  Last week’s rains produced thick humidity which lingered through the weekend and I’m sure they will continue to permeate our summer runs at times.  A large crowd nonetheless gathered at Aldrin Elementary School including new runners Amber and Wendy from the Women’s Training Program.  Dennis presided over the remaining announcements�"he appeared only slightly moist as he rode his bike to the run�"which included a reminder by Bill D. to sign up for the pool party so there will be enough food for all, and a reminder by Al R. to attend his Injury Avoidance Seminar following the run.  

The course today was a wonderful display of the rolling hills we have here in Reston (sarcasm, anyone?).  Several runners, including course-marker Will F., attempted to create a breeze by riding their bikes to the run.  Members of the Interval Training Program (ITP) have also had to endure their sprint workouts under hazy conditions this season as Coach Cindy attempts to make us more fleet of foot and strong of limb (**Trivia question: From what movie is that phrase from? Answer at the end of the column…I can hear the theme music playing now).  Some say that interval training is ineffective if you are not at the brink of puking.  I made this very point to new-ITP’er Nate M.(long-lost little brother of Ms. Donna Miller, perhaps?), who was attempting to encourage me to run an even number of intervals, rather than an odd number.  Although I stopped while I was ahead, in the future, I hope Mr. Miller and other runners would be available to be gentlemanly and hold my hair back if I do indeed puke.  Water and stopping a workout too early are for wimps, anyway. Coach Cindy does attempt to help us “beat the heat,” however, by offering water and popsicles after not only running fast, but twisting ourselves in compromising positions (but only if they are available to you, as she says).

One way to perhaps escape the heat and humidity of the East Coast is to take a vacation.  However, Reston Runner vacations often involve a race or two, or at least keeping up with your weekly mileage, so as not to appear slothful upon your return.  Karen L. agreed with this point over breakfast as she relayed to me several “cons” of attending a so-called “race vacation” (in this case going to Vermont with Keith for the Vermont 100-miler).  Turns out, no escape from the heat in VT, as the temps were around 90 or so as well.  Ellen M. will be off with the fam in Swiss Mountain Lake, and Tim C. has now returned from a voyage to Martha’s Vineyard.  Donna R. and I joined him for a long July 4th weekend there, and yes, there was a race involved�"the Murdick’s Fudge Run the Chop challenge.  We were informed by Tim that winners would indeed receive fudge as prizes.  In a field of four hundred runners, Donna claimed first prize in her age group and received fudge.  Tim claimed third in his age group and received a medal.  I claimed the prize for the injestion of the most fudge and received happiness (eating copious amounts of fudge is part of the JTP after all�"Jenny Trojan Training Program). Screw medals, Donna just wanted that Vineyard-famous fudge.  Tim has also claimed that I am featured in an ad for Murdick’s fudge, yet I have not seen the ad presently, and later he has somewhat retracted his statement by saying that I am “only in the background.” Sigh.  My dreams of fame have been dashed.  Perhaps I can still behave like a diva anyway�"by wearing oversized sunglasses at the runs, demanding only Perrier water at the water stops, throwing tantrums during hilly runs…..Nevermind, we tend to frown upon this behavior in kindergarten. *The phrase is from Chariots of Fire.

Joe F. called a slightly-smaller-than-Saturday group of runners to attention Sunday morning at Lake Anne Village Center.  New runners Peter from Fairfax, and Dave from Oak Hill, joined us on this morning, which was a wee bit cooler, but not by much.  John N. made an announcement reminding everyone about the pool party, which is on July 24.  Jodi announced that she is a Pilates instructor and is has now opened a Pilates studio in the Lake Anne Village Center.  Moshe made his plea for water helpers (sign up with a friend�"lots of fun).  I believe the course was marked by Will again. Today Reston Runners (“the people’s running club”) offered a plethora of options for everyone.  There was the usual 10-mile course, an 8.5 loop, and 17 miles for the heat-tolerant, marathon-members.  Ken W. ran 8.5, I believe, and I had recalled not seeing him for a bit.  He has now returned from a brief running hiatus, but he had still been biking.  In fact, we have quite a few Reston Runners who are no one-trick ponies.  Pat B. and Jack T. were discussing the swimming portion of triathlons just as I joined them at breakfast, and I believe Chris D. was participating in one this very morning!  Holly T. was not running with us this weekend because she had gone on a 16-mile hike in southern Virginia, and Pat B. regaled us with stories of his recent climbing trip in Yosemite.  He remarked upon the changes in geology there, that which have made the climb much harder for him than it was ten years ago!  He climbed the East Buttress of Middle Cathedral, which using his logic, has less sun in the morning, but darker in the evening…oh dear!  These stories of adventure and exploration over mountainous and rugged terrain, for some reason, then spurred a conversation regarding races, or running activities, involving alcohol.  I would divulge said conversation, but this is a family website after all… Speaking of adventure and exploration, much conversation, text messages, and e-mails today were abuzz regarding our friends participating in the Vermont 100-miler.  Mary K., Tammy B., Jim A., Tammy M., Keith W., and Jim N. all participated, and I believe most of them finished.  Spectacular job guys and gals!! I greatly admire your running prowess.  Eat, drink, be merry, get a message, take an ice bath, drink a margarita, etc. Some runners who complete their workouts in the morning, who dub themselves the “Morning Stars” (Tim N.’s bootcamp?) also participated in the Rockville Twilight Race.  Awaiting a race report from Selemon (who btw, reported to Saturday’s run looking fresh as a daisy with two very cute children in tow).

BEAT THE HEAT!!! PS Rockville Twilight Race�"Mij P. came in 5th in age group, Kim E. was 28th lady overall, and Tim N. crossed the finish line in a blazing 31:59….hot stuff! You guys are heating up the course.