Rain Run Ride Rap

Friday afternoon STEB got picked up by RBug
Off to NOMA Junction for the #DCBR2016 packet pickup
Scored front row parking - it was perfect
Got through the lines, lickety split!
Then for the camera they did mug...
And got free custom sunglasses at the REI Village!

The REI custom sunglasses were fun!

Rain rain go away!
It didn't ruin STUR's weekend she must say!
But her Saturday run was all in the rain-
She was the only one out - it was insane!
She got it done since the pool was her next mission -
Her friend the Beast has a lot of ambition.
Second time back in the pool and she rocked 1800 meters...
Regular sessions in the water now-it's a keeper!
After a fun party with her Team Rabbit friends -
Off to bed, BRab she would send.
Because in the morning he had a bike ride -
Even though raining they wouldn't stay inside.

STEB spent Saturday doing an indoor chore....
Finishing up the kitchen back-splash with friends isn't a bore!
While playing oldies on the jukebox
Singing those tunes really rocks!
So STUR decided to be HIS Sherpa this time -
That's exactly what BRab had in mind!
Found parking and walked up to the start corral
Were able to find a couple of their pals!
STEB and RBug were lined up and ready to go...
They both looked like cycling pros!
RBug had picked up STEB at the crack -
They headed over to the East Potomac

Easy access parking again!

Park that is - where they parked the car
And pedaled to the start - it wasn't too far!
First mission was to hit up the porta potties;
Next up they took a couple of corral selfies:

RBug and STEB are ready and waiting!

Ready to Roll...War Eagle!

Watched the area fill in with all the riders
Then here comes BRab with his STUR!

BRab is smiling before the start...

Spent a few minutes chatting and such
Was it raining? Not too much....

This got all filled in with cyclists!

Then BRab found his spot and before long cycled away-
"Have a safe ride!" STUR would say!
Next she ran up to the three mile mark-
She hopes that when BRab saw her it gave him a spark!
STEB and RBug were a little bit chilly
And STEB tried to forget she had to pee....
They knew once they got going they would warm up
And were thinking ahead to the hot Starbucks!
Some of the areas were a little tight and slow
But then it would open up and start to flow!
Running some more past the White House -
Here at mile 9 she was still looking for her spouse.
Got a glimpse of STEB and RBug-
They were going too fast to give them a hug.
STEB and RBug also saw STUR and they rode on by
They both shouted out a big, loud, "Hi!"
Then BRab came by and stopped for some aid-
Just to get some water - he wasn't delayed.

None of the riders fell down that STEB and RBug could see -
At one point they saw BRab and he was smiling with glee!
And STUR tried to see BRab again by the Air and Space Museum -
"He must have already gone by" she did reason.
Next thing you know STUR received a call -
He was done and told her he having a ball!
STUR ran back to meet him at the Canadian Embassy -
So cool to see that BRab did splendidly!

Hooray for BRab! All smiles at the finish!

STUR finished her weekend with her fourth swim day in a row-
She's still training for a long swim don't you know?

Another #ironride in the books!

After they finished STEB and RBug rode back to the automobile
Changed into try clothes - then that Popsicle stand they did blow!
Then - finally - they got their hot lattes,
And STEB was dropped at home you see.
She wasted no time headed to Home Depot for some grout
Then back to finish the kitchen tile project without a doubt!

Kitchen Tile Project - Check!

Later she and her son headed to RBug's for a meal
Yummy dinner then Cards Against Humanity was the deal!
Meanwhile, RBud did a 10 miler in Georgetown
It was almost like a Tough Mudder - but she didn't frown!

RBud in the mud!

The riders got a view of The Exorcist stairs there...
If you ever run up them - there's only 75 - beware!
The inaugural DC Bike Ride was organized and a lot of fun
Despite the bottle necks and crummy weather and lack of sun
STEB and RBug would do this ride again
Maybe make it an entire Rabbit affair then?

Half Cap Rap

Friday evening STEB picked up RBug 
They headed to Richmond they weren't going to be slugs
Had a bit of traffic but it wasn't too bad
Got a good night's sleep of that they were glad! 

Packet Pickup - Check!

Saturday morning was the Cap2Cap half ride
Century that is, or 50 miles to take in stride 

The Cap 2 Cap Half Map!

They arrived in the morning and parked at the satellite lot. 
Then rode to the start to give it what they got! 

Not too windy!

There they ran into RBug's co-worker's spouse
They conquered the cobbles with her last fall then went to an alehouse

A little back light!

Finally it was time to get lined up to go
Went with the C group don't you know 

STEB and RBug ready to roll!

After the first two miles they opted to jump on the trail 
Always amazing knowing they used to house rails. 
Rest stop one was around mile fifteen 
Parts were a muddy mess from all the rain it would seem

You can't see the mud from this angle!

There STEB spied a sign with one of her favorite sayings
She took a picture because that's what rides also bring 

Appreciate the scenery, dammit!

She and RBug kept a steady pace. 
Which was good cause next day STEB had a race! 

Bikes need rest, too!

Rest stop two was at a church
Having to use the bathroom almost put them in the lurch 

The nice lady at the church kept them out of a lurch!

Then a nice church lady offered the ones inside 
Then they replenished for the rest of the ride 
Several times they were passed by century pace lines
Those peeps were really flying on by
The last part of the ride brought out the wind
Just had to put their heads down and be thick skinned! 
The last five miles put them back on the trail 
And the finish was up a steep little hill, oh whale! 

Hey, this monument looks familiar!

After they got settled they had a cool photo op
In front of the old courthouse where the race stopped

Finish area fun!

After that they got their BBQ and beer
STEB recognized the location when she did the Century with STUR, never fear 

Flashback to the 2013 Cap2Cap Century!

The ride scenery really was quite nice
STEB was happy to not have doubled the distance to be precise. 
WUDoc and STUR took a rabbit road trip - mini version!
Were they doing a running race? For certain!
It will be the Historic Half in Fredericksburg town -
It's not THAT far to travel - they didn't frown.

Hospital Hill = YIKES!!!

They left on Saturday in the middle of the day -
Managed to mostly avoid I-95 - no way?!
Made it to the expo - lickety split!
Next stop would be VA Runner - they just wouldn't quit.

Fun motivation!

And what doesn't kill you makes you stronger! 

But first they posed in front of some vans with cool sayings-
Would they have a good race? Hoping and praying!
Once at the store three pairs of shoes were purchased...
Would WUDoc wear her new shoes on race day? She was nervous!
You'll have to keep reading to find out what happened...
For now you'll just have to imagine!
Next they checked in at the swanky Super 8 -
A room on the third floor was their fate.
Headed to dinner at Ledo's then a trip to Target -
Where they each bought a new garment.
Bedtime and a movie Pitch Perfect 2 -
WUDoc hadn't seen it yet - it's true!
The morning dawned windy and chilly -
Going to be interesting on a course that is hilly!

WUDoc and STUR ready to run!

Nothing left to do but get in their corral and take off-
Starting off nice and easy- don't scoff!
Highlight for STUR was running through Fredericksburg's heart -
The cheering and crowds was off the charts!
Also at one point they ran right by the  Rappahannock -
Just a little more than two to go - nobody panic!

Nobody panic - it's just the Rappahannock!

But just around the corner is good old Hospital Hill -
For the seventh time STUR has paid for this thrill!
Made it up said hill with zero problemo -
You must tell yourself no walking then GO!
But what did STUR see with  about one mile left-
A person with a scythe and as the Grim Reaper was dressed.
The sign he held said "The end is near."
Seems that the finish line soon would appear!

Patriotic start / finish!

She finished and got her shiny sharp bling-
Time to have a snack and sit down - that's the thing!
Found WUDoc and they settled down on the pavement...
STUR asked if  her feet were in torment.

Smiley finishers with big bling!

They weren't and she DID wear her new shoes -
This was certainly excellent news
However turns out the bottom of her shoe had somewhat torn apart!
Especially right along the heel part.
Was their store policy only ONE race per pair?
That certainly wouldn't be fair.
Alas she was able to get a full refund -
The people at the store were stunned!
Time for breakfast at the Cracker Barrel -
Even though they wore sweaty apparel.
Both WUDoc and STUR had a solid race experience-
So glad the weather was sunny and glorious!
Sunday morning STEB had a little 5k
The Annandale Atoms race again? No way! 
It was super windy out but the temperature was great 
Would her ears stay out? What would be their fate? 

It was windy everywhere on Sunday!

STEB lined up at the start feeling chilly 
But she knew she'd warm up fast, really 
With the Atoms marching band sending the participants off running 
After the National Anthem first and STEB wanted to sing!
She remembered the course from a few years before -
There were hills but not like Hospital - score! 
The main loop took them back by the school...
For another smaller loop then back. It's cool.
The finish brings the runners onto the track
Just 3/4 of the way around to the chute - it's not whack!

Ears intact!

In the end her ears stayed put with the help of pins
At times she had to hold her hat on but in the end a win! 
Ann in all it was a super fun weekend 
And a great way to start her staycation 

Derby Hundreds Rap

On Saturday STUR got up early to get her run done -
She was also excited to see a bit of sun!

STUR conquers the hills again!

She got in 8.5 miles all in all -
On those hills it was quite a haul.
STEB spent the the day hanging with her son
They may even looked at some guns!

STEB's new hat!

Saturday night all the rabbits gathered at Running Buddy's
To carb load for the swim and watch the Kentucky Derby! 

Those horses can run fast! 37.1 mph - wow!

They feasted on yummy chicken and stuff 

Chocolate chip cheese cake too! Did they get enough? 

Yummy cheesecake!

There were mint juleps going around for sipping
And Kentucky Derby Cabernet for the imbibing

Perfect wine to drink during the Derby!

Team Rabbit also enjoyed watching the antics of Mildred and Marvin -
They were eating lots of greenery - they must have been starvin'!

Team Rabbit watching the bunnies, Mildred and Marvin!

They gathered round the TV to watch the horses race
No one had a preference but it was a fun couple minutes in any case! 

Cheering for the Derby!

Sunday was Mother's Day and Team Rabbit did it again -
100 100s at the PG County Sports & Learning Complex for the win!
STEB, RBud, and STUR were the initial crew...
Don't worry, WUDoc joined them later, too!!
The first three rabbits jumped in the pool and got down to business;
This task before them would test their mental and physical fitness!
For STUR the first fifty felt the hardest -
So the halfway point became her target!
To keep it interesting she decided to "push" the sevens and nines -
However, the "push" became much slower over time!
But after fifty she discovered some magic:
The Coke and GU she had nearly made her manic!
100s 51 through 80 felt almost like a breeze -
But this second wind was only a tease...
The last 20 gave STUR more of a fit -
Getting it done would take some grit!!

The 2016 edition brought to you by swim toys!

STUR was grateful for her swim toys and her rabbit friends -
It all helped immensely to get to the end!

STEB really wasn't up to swim form.
Would she be able to make it through as the norm?
She took it by groups of 10...
Her fins were quite useful in the end!
She attempted to use her own hand paddles
But a little dry rot on one was not helpful.
STUR loaned hers out so STEB gave 'em a try -
Freestyle specific - STEB felt like she could fly!
She made through 60x100 in various ways
Then she dropped down to 50s for a little break

STEB also did a number of underwater 25s

She's not training for The Poseidon Adventure, we can't lie

Every 10th was a modified 100 IM

Because if you must know - it's tradition!
In the end she did a total of 8650 -
More than she expected so that's pretty nifty!
Hooray! Once they were done, time for a treat -
Some time in the hot tub and the curvy slide can't be beat!

Smiles after all that swimming!

Another treat after and also tradition:
Chipotle on the way home - that was their mission 

All that swimming works up an appetite!

Park to Park Rap

Saturday though cool and cloudy -STUR and BRab headed to Prince William Forest Park -
For that bunny it was kind of a benchmark!
It was her longest run in almost 6 months...
And some hills to run she was on the hunt!
She found them and so did BRab -
Thankfully neither of them had to call a cab.
BRab was STUR's sherpa riding on his bike
Happy to help his rabbit out, anytime she likes!

Attacking the hills!

So 10.75 miles was the final tally -
But was she ready to stop? Gladly!
Meanwhile STEB went for a short swim
Just for 30 minutes and she almost wore her fins
Afterwards she had to get ready quick
And get to FedEx Field lickety split
For she was going to run the Draft Day Dash
And finish on the 50-yard line, what a blast!
She arrived with plenty of time to spare -
Parked right near a porta potty, pinky swear

Yay for porta potties!

Meandered around and there was a couple of photo ops
Including the start line inflatable helmet prop!

It was fun to run through the giant helmet!

Spun the wheel at the Dunkin Donut stand
Got a DD magnet and coffee, it was grand
Finally it was time to start the race
Wasn't late for this later start, in this case
Ran through the helmet while crossing the line
The Redskinettes cheerleaders were on the other side!
The course wound through the parking lots in a zigzag pattern
And it wasn't exactly flat,  not that that mattered

The parking lot is decidedly not flat!

Around the halfway point there was a detour
It was a pretty fun Play 60 obstacle course

Surprise obstacles!

Tackling dummies, little hurdles, a rope ladder, and logs to bunny hop
This was optional, but STEB tried it, happy she didn't flop
There was entertainment around the course to keep the runners going
The volunteers were friendly and helpful as the course was rolling
Some bands, a drum line, and cheerleaders were also there to assist
And some huge Redskins flags, those you couldn't miss
Speaking of the course, it wound into the stadium

FedEx Field!

On the concourse, down the ramp, and onto the field -  son of a gun!
Got the usual post race stuff of a banana and water
But received a "Great Milk Drive" bag to put it in so carrying stuff was no bother

See the blue strap of the Milk Drive bag?

After the runners got to meander around the middle of FedEx Field
Looking up into the stands was kind of unreal!

Views from the field!

The finish medal was a bonus, especially if you're a Skins fan
And there was a fan appreciation party going on too if you had the chance

The medal was pretty cool!

The finish medal was a bonus, especially if you're a Skins fan
And there was a fan appreciation party going on too if you had the chance
STEB didn't have time to hang out long
But she made a new friend in the Bud Light Party Pavilion

Fun to meet a fellow local runner!

The organizer of the event, Jane, did a fantastic job
STEB highly recommends this race and the good cause
The Washington Redskins Charitable Foundation - they do good work
Just like Team Rabbit's favorite, WARL of course!
Later on STEB headed to Richmond to hang with friends
For a movie and dinner the fun never ends
They saw "Keanu" and give it four paws up -
And STEB would watch it again as it was a total crack up!

#KittenPlease

Now STEB can't get a particular song off her mind
Here's a link to "You Gotta Have Faith," if you're so inclined!

Then on Sunday morning the friends headed over to Art in the Park
Even with the bad weather this was not on a lark!
They trudged around the booths in the mud and rain
But kettlecorn and lattes kept them sane

Also on Sunday STUR and BRab headed to the range -
For them the weekend was a kind of activity exchange!

STUR is feeling confident!

Saturday they did STUR's thing-
And on Sunday for target practice - BRab did sing!
After a stop over at the Beast's to see how she's doing-
Then over to the pool for some meters she was a cruising!
On both weekend days the WuDoc was kind of occupied
For she completed the AVON 39 - she would not be denied!

At 13.1 of 39!

For a really great cause she was doing 39
The Walk to End Breast Cancer saves lives

She did it!

This was WuDoc's second year at this
She is doing a really great thing - it is a gift

Year 2 - check!

CBun was in kayak training for the weekend
Over near the Lake Anna nuclear reactor -- oh what fun!

Just paddling around!

--

If you are interested in supporting WARL/WHS, please click on Team Rabbit's donation portal, here!