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Training Runs
The Dickey Ridge Trail in the Shenandoah National Park
THIS IS THE PLACE to obtain information about training runs. Unless otherwise noted, you don't need to be a member of the club to participate in a training run.
This page lists "organized" training runs. The runs mentioned here do not encompass or replace the many more informal, ad hoc runs that members take by themselves, with a buddy, or with small groups. Information about some of these runs is often on the VHTRC Listserv.
Upcoming Runs
- Veteran's Day Run -- November 11
- Is a VHTRC training run for me?
- Directions to common meeting points
Veteran's Day Run
Tuesday, November 11, 7:30 a.m.
Iwo Jima Memorial
This run is not on trails, not very long, and not very fast. We start at the Iwo Jima Memorial and then tour the D.C. monuments stopping occasionally to pay our respects. We generally stay together and don't run very fast. All are welcome, vets or not. We meet at 7:30 a.m. No RSVP necessary but if you have a question, contact Anstr.
Parking: Park on Meade Steet south of the Memorial or in the neighborhoods near there. Do not park at the Memorial itself as it's only one or two hour parking. If you don't know where the Iwo Jima Memorial is, ah, we are not sure how to help you.
Note: It would be good for participants to know what happened on the "eleventh hour, of the eleventh day, of the eleventh month."
About VHTRC Training Runs
While you can get in over your head at a training run, you need not be prepared for the Eco-Challenge. Runs in Rock Creek Park, on the Bull Run Trail, or elsewhere close in offer opportunities to run varying distances. These runs will be from three to six hours long but you can usually turn back at various points. You should start with one of these runs. You can keep up most of the time if you can move at a running pace. Hikers or people who run as fast as hikers will not be able to keep up.
Some of our training runs are in the Shenandoah National Park or the Massanutten Mountains. The trails out there can be very rough. We usually car pool and do loop routes of 15 to 25 miles. That means that when you start, you have bought in for the entire way and can't bail out early. These courses will likely:
- Have many rocks and roots. Are your ankles accustomed to this?
- Will have little, if any water or aid. You must carry water and be prepared to go long distances without aid.
- Will be a long way from help if you need it.
- Could be very wet, dry, snow covered, icy, slippery, hot, cold, etc.
- Do you like to crawl over or under trees? Do you like briars? Poison ivy? Ticks? Snakes? Bears?
We try to keep track of people but we do not always run together. Usually, there are both fast and slow people on a run, but that is not guaranteed. Also note that, given the driving time, these runs blow most of the day. We can get back home by 3 pm, but don't count on it. Tell your loved ones that you will be "gone all day."
So, is one of these runs for you? You will never really know if you don't try. Come to a local run and check it out. If you have experience on trails, come on out to the mountains. We would love to have you join us. We take care of newbies, but we don't coddle you!
John Dodds's story of his first VHTRC training run
How to Find the Trailhead
Here are descriptions on how to find several of the meeting points we use for runs.
- Bull Run Marina: A trailhead in the middle of the Bull Run Trail. You can go either way on the trail from here.
- Centreville Park and Ride. This is a meeting/carpooling point for runs in the Blue Ridge and Massanutten Mountains. It's not a starting point for a run, unless you like to run on pavement! It's the "new" Vienna Metro.
- Centreville Road Trailhead for the Bull Run Trail. Probably the closest way to this trail for most people.
- Fletcher's Boathouse: Starting point for runs in Rock Creek Park.
- Fountainhead Regional Park: One starting point for running on the Bull Run Trail. This is on the southeast (downstream) end of the trail and is the best point to check out the infamous "Do Loop."
- Hemlock Overlook Regional Park: This is another starting point for running on the Bull Run Trail. This is good to do the northwest (upstream) end of the trail. This is the start/finish of the Bull Run Run.
- Manassas Battlefield National Park: There are good running trails in the park. It's flat and there are some open fields though it is mainly wooded. The main loop is said to be 15 miles long.
- Potomac Overlook Regional Park: A great place to run! You can do about three miles in the park and get to the Potomac Heritage Trail for a lot more. 2845 N. Marcey Road, Arlington, VA 22207. Potomac Overlook Regional Park web site.
- Signal Knob: Here is a great profile of Signal Knob, which is located on the PATC site. No directions there yet.
- Vienna Metro: This is a frequent carpooling point for runs in the Blue Ridge and Massanutten Mountains. It's not a starting point for a run, unless you like to run on pavement!
Virginia Happy Trails Running Club
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