I’ll be visiting DC (actually across the Potomac in Arlington) sometime in the near future, it looks like there’s a hike/bike trail around the Potomac, is it easy to get to from nearby hotels? any other running suggestions. Thanks beforehand.
There is the Mt. Vernon trail that follows the river, and it is essentially the same trail as the Custis Trail, which travels through Arlington, shadowing I-66. Both are popular running trails (along the river is flatter) and is easy to find from Arlington. If you are staying at the Marriott, the trial is at the sidewalk just outside. You can also visit Potomac River Running/Contes in Ballston for information on running clubs/non-bike-trail routes, etc.
Ahh, Jim_n_LA, DC is Tri-Mecca! If you’re staying in Arlington near Roslyn, try the Pacers running group on T/Th @ 7:00 pm. DC Road Runners do their long, slow run from the Iwo Jima Memorial every Saturday morning at 7 or 8:00 am. Unless, DCRR is throwing a $5 race for the winter Snowball Series. Read about the Snowball Series here: http://www.examiner.com/x-19867-DC-Sports-Travel-Examiner~y2009m12d26-New-Years-Running-Resolutions
The paved bike trails are nice. Head down to Ntl. Airport for a nice flat run along the Potomac River. Or west on Custis for some moderate hills for the first 4 miles. Or over Key Bridge to Georgetown and the C&O canal trail. Over Memorial Bridge to hit the Mall and monuments.
Take Roosevelt Memorial Bridge over the river and onto the National Mall at dawn, and run past the Lincoln Memorial as the light begins to shine in on Lincoln. Awesome.
Take the Mt Vernon trail to Roosevelt Island and run the perimeter trail. A nice run through the woods and you might even surprise some deer!
Gravelly Point right off the end of the Runway at Raegan airport on the GW parkway. You can run from there on the vernon trail to roosevelt island.