Weekend in Washington D.C.

Adam and I love to run. You all know that. We especially love when we can run together, but that doesn't happen very often with four kids. And like most couples, we love a weekend away from our kids. And we do love our kids. You all know that too! So when we registered for the Marine Corp Marathon in Washington D.C. way back in March, it was the best of both for us--a marathon and a weekend away together. Grandparents Pete and Nancy arrived in Wheaton to care for the kids and we were off!

Once we arrived in D.C. we hit the marathon expo to pick up lots of goodies, including our necessary race numbers.


After picking up our race stuff, sampling many yummy (and healthy) foods and juices, I took a few minutes to rest outside the Brooks tent. Adam enjoys running with the Brooks Inspire Daily program.


One of the highlights of our weekend was connecting with friends. The day before the race, we met up with Jessica Karazsia, a high school friend who I played tennis with. She lives in D.C. and has become an amazing runner. We loved the chance to catch up with her and share about our lives.


The marathon was Sunday morning and it was a great race. Though I missed my goal time by a few minutes, I ran well and felt great. Adam had a decent race, but is newly motivated to run a dozen marathons in 2011! Like I said earlier, a highlight of our weekend was seeing friends and we saw one of our closest and dearest friends, Kristen Rendall, on marathon day. She graciously drove 4 hours from her home in Raleigh to cheer us on in the marathon and then spend the rest of the day with us. We loved our time with Kristen!


After a wonderful afternoon with Kristen, we headed to church. Not our usual marathon day routine, but Capitol Baptist was recommended to us by one of our pastors so we visited. As we pulled up to the church, we saw our friend Sarah Rotman standing outside! Remember that friend highlight? Well, here was another one! What a joyous time we had reconnecting with sweet Sarah! She lives in D.C. and attends this wonderful church.


Here is Sarah on the Metro-the easiest way to navigate D.C.!


Now a trip to D.C. would not be complete without visiting the monuments. Sure, we ran past many of them during the race, but running by does not afford one the chance to really enjoy the sights! After our late dinner, we enjoyed a visit to each of our favorites. First, Adam's favorite--the Washington Monument.


And Cindy's favorite--the Lincoln Memorial.



All in all, it was a wonderful weekend away. A neat city, great race, fun friends, and most importantly four days with just each other!