RSS FeedThe Loneliness Of The Long-Winter Runner
We treat our weekday morning runs (much to Mrs Columbo’s dismay) like the Post Office treats delivering the mail. Neither rain, nor snow, nor sleet, nor hail (well maybe sleet & hail) will keep us from our appointed outside run. We run with the morning crowds in the spring & fall, and hunt for the working water fountains and tree-lined paths in the summer. But winter, that’s when it really gets tough. Breaking out the CW-X leggings, the Under Armour shirts, the gloves (and glove liners), balaclavas, ear bands, hats, etc…
Outdoor running in the winter can certainly be lonely & miserable, but a race like this weekend’s National Marathon (and Half Marathon) can make it all worthwhile. We’d like to tell you we run for the sake of running, and that’s part of it no doubt. But another part, maybe a bigger part, is recognition that the early mornings were worth it when we complete a big race. That’s where a first weekend of spring race, like the National Marathon, comes into play. We spend our winter mornings braving the elements, and then get to put all of that training to the test.
And if it turns out not to have been worth it? Well, then we’ll be sleeping in come winter 2012.
DC Link Roundup: Heard In The ‘Hood
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There was a lot going on this last week and here’s what we were reading about neighborhood news in DC. Have neighborhood thoughts? Leave them in the comments!
Penn Quarter – We took in a sneak preview of Liberty Smith (photo above), a world premiere musical about America’s “other” founding father, at Ford’s Theatre and liked what we saw (photo above). The run between March 23 and May 21 includes a post-performance discussion evening (March 31), a family matinee day (April 30), and a Girls Day Out afternoon (May 14). [Ford’s Theatre – Liberty Smith]
Downtown – An update on the Clyde’s concept going into the former Border’s (and Garfinckel’s) storefront at 14th and F Streets NW. It’s called the Hamilton, the tagline is “Eat, Drink, Listen,” and they have a web site (and Twitter/Facebook feed) up so you can get a nice preview. Check out the rendering of the performance area (click on ‘The Venue’ at the bottom of their web page)…pretty darn awesome! [Citystream] & [The Hamilton website] & [The Hamilton Twitter] & [The Hamilton Facebook] HT: Cheryl
Chinatown – The Irish Channel bar reopens in the ground floor of the Marriott Fairfield Inn and Suites (formerly the Red Roof Inn). The hotel isn’t open but the Irish Channel sure is and The Triangle takes a look. [The Triangle]
Downtown/Farragut Square – Building a real tunnel between the Farragut Metro stations (North and West) would be very costly but a virtual tunnel allowing Metro riders to transfer above ground without paying a reentry fee is a good start for now. Look for it this fall. [Washington Examiner] HT: Cheryl
Downtown – First it was Ortanique. Then, it closed. Next it was Posh. Then, it closed. Next up is Sax at 734 11th St NW from the owners of Oya and Sei in the Penn Quarter. The venue will have its own dance troupe and the website is already up. [WaPo – Going Out Guide] & [Sax website]
Shaw – A new gallery opens on 9th Street NW within walking distance of the Penn Quarter. It’s the Lamont Bishop Gallery and one of our favorite ‘hood websites dedicated to the craft does a once over. [Renew Shaw]
Downtown – Ever partied at The Park at Fourteenth on Franklin Park? We have and if you ever wondered who’s behind the operation, it’s Marc Barnes. He was also behind the clubs Dream and Love, possibly the biggest nightclubs in DC since Tracks or Nation/The Capitol Ballroom were open off North South Capitol Street. Our town’s biggest daily renders a snapshot of his past, present, and future. [WaPo]
Bladensburg Rd NE – It’s official. DC now has a standalone production brewery inside its boundaries and it’s called DC Brau. Their first ale is called Public Ale, a pale ale, and we’ll assume it doesn’t taste like that other Brau, Meister Bräu. [CityPaper – Young & Hungry] & [Prince of Petworth]
Wagamama Confirms Penn Quarter Opening (Again)
In a series of events that mirrors the famed Balducci’s story that took place across the street, Wagamama has again confirmed (to DCist.com) that it will be opening later this year at 418 7th St NW in Penn Quarter. The space, which features window decals of “Wagamama 2010”, has been sitting vacant ever since Olsson’s bookstore closed in 2008.
We truly hope that Wagamama opens up this year in the Penn Quarter location, but we are all too familiar with the struggle to welcome Balducci’s into the neighborhood in the past. With years of flip-flopping, Balducci’s ultimately decided not to open a store in Penn Quarter. Does lightning strike twice?
Spaghetti On The Sidewalk
We feel like we might be late to the party. Since we’ve not been to Bibiana lately, not even near the 12th & H corner, we don’t know how long this notice has been posted. But we’re excited to see that Penn Quarter is going to get another outdoor dining option. Bibiana (1100 NY Ave) has posted a notice of application for a sidewalk cafe in their window (dated July of 2010).
The notice doesn’t list a hearing date so maybe this one is already a done deal. We certainly hope so, there is nothing better than enjoying a pleasant day outside at a great restaurant in PQ.