Disappointment

One of the things I enjoy about running is not only running in different places but checking these places off as having been run.  I am big into states, having run in six of them, and having one run transverse two states (more about that later).  The middle of last week saw the opportunity to not only check off another state in Virginia but the District of Columbia as well.  Things seemed to line up very well, but then.......

My wife and I decided to take a trip to Greenville, SC to visit our daughter who was speaking at a medical conference in said city at the end of the week.  Our itinerary had us flying into Baltimore, renting a car and driving to Alexandria, VA to stay until early Thursday morning.  We planned on spending some time with my aunt, uncle, and possibly my cousin, who live in the area, then driving to South Carolina on Thursday.  Our hotel was very close to the Woodrow Wilson Bridge Trail, which crosses the bridge into Maryland, provides a very slight pass through the District of Columbia over the Potomac River, and at about three miles provides a very manageable length.  Perfect, let's go.

The first sign of trouble comes at the rent a car office in Baltimore.  The attendant offers us an upgrade to a larger car or an SUV, he suggests that this might be a good idea due to the impending winter storm that is expected to hit the area tomorrow.  Huh?  My weather check had informed me that the about an inch of snow was to be expected Wednesday and that temperatures would be around freezing.  Not ideal running weather, especially when only minimal foul weather gear was packed but certainly more than manageable.  Wait and see mode activated.

We arrive at the hotel at about 2:30, and upon contacted my aunt, she says she would like to meet at a restaurant at about 5:15.  I did not want to be too tired for our get-together, so I forgo an outdoor run and opt for a quick couple miles on the treadmill.  The rest of the day goes very well, we make plans to get together tomorrow, "depending on the weather."

I wake up the following morning, and yes, there is snow on the ground and in the air.  It is very heavy snow, and I am finding that the sidewalks and pathways are not being cleared very well.  I make a quick assumption that if that is the case, then the trail is not going to be cleared as well, and my Virginia run is canceled.  I do, however, put in a few more miles on the treadmill.

Our visit to my aunt & uncle's home is wonderful, except that my cousin is sick and can not join us.  The snow has turned to rain, making everything wet and sloppy.  I am in a strange sort of running panic mode, considering my emergency options on how to get in even a small run by tomorrow morning.  Maybe the trail will be open?  Maybe I could run around the hotel parking lot?  Maybe a quick out and back along the main drag?

In the end, it's just too miserable to go for a run, and I have a long drive ahead.  I even consider stopping on route to check off the state (yes, I did look up trails that go through Virginia and North Carolina) but in the end, we just drive straight through.

Disappointing to be that close, with no results.  Here's hoping that I'll get another chance to run in Northern Virginia.  We'll see.