An Epic Run with Two Things Missing….
It’s Christmas Eve, as the sun rises over RVA it’s a great day for a run. I bagged all the different group runs and decided to run solo and without a plan. The goal was about 12 miles and I had no route in mind. As I was leaving Shockoe Bottom heading west, it hit me. Let’s see how many “parts” of Richmond I could run in twelve miles. This would be great, while I wanted to see as much as possible, quantity was secondary. It had to make sense too. I also decided that crossing the three downtown bridges would be cool too. I started in Shiplock Park and picked up the Virginia Capital Trail (by the way - tell the City to get movin’ on this. How embarrassing) and caught the Mayo Bridge southbound to the Virginia Slavery Trail. At the top of the hill you can almost spit on I-95. Through the Citgo Tank Farm in Manchester and over to the Floodwall. Running on top of the floodwall with the river raging is quite the sight. The overlook at the top of the Mayan Steps is worth the climb.
Next was the Manchester Bridge as the sun was lifting over the east end. Seeing everything from Shockoe Bottom to Hollywood Cemetery as the light hits the city is very cool. Climbing 9th street to the Capital is not so cool but the big Christmas Tree and the Washington Statue are worth the climb.
Broad Street was quiet but then again it is Saturday, a couple of turns and I’m in Jackson Ward. Lots of revival is good to see in this historic area of Richmond. Heading south to Monument Avenue and Stuart Circle and following Lombardy to Cary to run in the Fan for a bit. Cary to Laurel to Oregon Hill Parkway. A nice jog through Oregon Hill and a beautiful view of the river from the top of Oregon Hill.
Down the Parkway to hit the Lee Bridge southbound. Okay, so I am not technically running on Belle Isle but at least I am directly over it. Over the bridge and down Semmes to 7th Street and Legends Brewery. Followed by Hull Street and another pass through the flood wall. A quick trip on the Canal Walk to Brown’s Island and another great view of the river.
Looping Brown’s Island and heading back to the east along the canal. Cutting through the Canal Club parking area to East Main and the Main Street Station. Back in my ‘hood. Past the 17th Street Farmer’s market and Poe Museum and up the hill to Lucky Strike. A truly great run “around Richmond.”
So at the end of the day I crossed three bridges, ran in numerous neighborhoods, saw too many things to list. I ran on Broad Street and Lombardy, Monument and Cary among many others. I said hello and Merry Christmas to more people than I can count. I waved at cars and buses to spread some Christmas cheer.
Oh, the two things missing? One was a Santa Hat, the other? It’s a secret that only one other person knows….
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
