Returning To The Scene Of The Crime

When I found out I had to go into my office this week, I had to decide if I was ready to return to the scene of the crime–the running route where I fell and fractured my rib and left hand seven weeks ago. I hesitated, but had to do it.

The Capitol behind fencingThe scene of other crimes in January …

Returning To The Scene Of The Crime

I did a few very short runs with Scooby last week (~ 1 mile each), but this was my first “real” run outside since January. The weather was similar, so I ended up wearing the same outfit–including the running tights my husband patched up for me after my fall.

Washington Monument at sunrise

This view is always worth it!

I’ve been running on the treadmill, so between that training and not falling I was able to do a longer route than I had before. I decided to run to the Capitol, and was debating whether I would run up Capitol Hill (it is a real hill), when I encountered the fencing sooner than I expected.

This map from my Garmin data shows how far the fencing is from the actual building–that loop marks where I was forced to turn around.

Garmin map of the Capitol

I had expected it to be at the next road.
As it is, it fences off the Botanical Gardens building.ย 

Weekly Wrap

This week I also tried more challenging strength classes. I still have to be careful with how I hold a weight in my left hand, but I managed to work hard enough to experience DOMS the next day.

Monday: Core + Glutes/Legs + Ride
The Peloton app has a lot of hidden treasures, and this 20 min BHM ride is one of them–the instructor works out of the London studio, so it’s from August instead of February. The playlist focused on Blues and was so fun.

view from my IC4I get so warm riding, I open my basement door no matter how cold it is outside!
I ride in the dark because the bare lightbulb that lights my gym is right over my bike.

Tuesday: Core + Tread + Arms/Shoulders
A frigid morning and high winds kept me on my treadmill. Not sure what I was thinking doing two arm workouts, but I made it through!

treadmill selfie

Wednesday: .75 Scooby Miles + 6.3 D.C. Miles
I ran with Scooby for part of his morning walk before I headed into D.C. for my run to work. ๐Ÿ˜‰

Thursday: Core + Run + Glutes/Legs
I couldn’t believe my eyes when the Weather Channel app showed 47F at 5:15 am. That made an outdoor run with Scooby irresistable!

Scooby selfie

Friday: Core + Ride + Strength
Chase has turned up the intensity of his workouts, and this full body strength program was non-stop. I took it easy on the push-ups, but was glad to learn that doing push-ups on my knees doesn’t bother my rib area. Plank reaches are still too much for my left hand.

basement gym selfie

Saturday:ย  Core + 6.7 Scooby Miles
It was only 32F at 6 am, but with no wind and plenty of sunshine, it was great running weather. Scooby didn’t miss a beat on our first long run since January.

Scooby selfie

Sunday: Core + Tread + Stretch
It was in the 20s, so I decided to let Scooby play in the yard (when it’s warmer, it’s too muddy)–aren’t I so nice? ๐Ÿ˜‰ Ended with a nice stretching class that had us holding each stretch for about 45 seconds.

treadmill selfie


Thanks to Deborah and Kim for the Weekly Run Down link up.


Have you been hesitant to repeat a route or workout that didn’t end well the last time?ย 

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24 Responses to Returning To The Scene Of The Crime

  1. Darlene S. Cardillo says:

    Thatโ€™s funny that you say that. Yesterday I ran on the trail where I fell and broke my ankle. I felt queasy when I passed the exact spot.

    I do love your DC pix. And I do miss travel for work only because I donโ€™t get to run in NYC.

  2. Wendy says:

    Good for you. Gotta get back up on the horse, right? Plus that view…

  3. Cari says:

    Glad for an uneventful run. You know I love those DC pics. I had no idea that’s where the Supreme Court was. Thanks for that geography lesson. I thought I found everything when I walked the Mall after Cherry Blossom, but clearly not.
    Love your basement door pattern

  4. Kim at Running on the Fly says:

    Itโ€™s nice to get that first run (after a setback) done. I was so nervous on my first run after the stress fracture…and it was only 1/4 mile, and on the treadmill. Great job with all your workouts!

  5. kookyrunner says:

    Good for you for going back to the scene of the fall. I definitely would have been a little bit nervous, but always good to get the first run back done ๐Ÿ™‚

    I have also enjoyed the BHM classes from last year. I also love the stretch classes where you hold the stretches for a long time – it always feels so good!

  6. I am so proud of you for going back to the scene of your fall and wearing the same outfit. Good for you! Nice week of workouts for you. I am loving the stretch classes right now

  7. Birchwood Pie says:

    It freaks me out a little bit each time when I pass “the scene of the crime” of the fall that I took which made me decide that I would never run in the dark again. My dog is loving the nicer weather as much as I am.

  8. Good for you for re-visiting the scene – I’m glad this run was far less eventful ๐Ÿ™‚ Also great news that you’re able to do more in the strength classes!

  9. Marcia says:

    I’m glad you got back up on the bike so to speak. That’s way too beautiful of a view to miss!

  10. Jenny says:

    Congratulations on your triumphant return! Sounds like everything is going well- Scooby must be happy.

  11. Good job facing that run — in the same leggings, no less! I think I would’ve gotten rid of them.

    Sounds like you are healing up well.

    Too bad about the fencing at the Capitol. Definitely too bad about the reason for it. ๐Ÿ™

    I would be super excited to see even 30 in the mornings here — I think we *might* this week, with a few warmer days forecast. About damn time, I gotta say!

  12. therightfits says:

    Way to face the scene of the crime! You are brave ๐Ÿ™‚ But now that’s done.

    47 in the morning! WOW. That’s quite a warm-up!

  13. runswithpugs says:

    I’m so glad you were able to face that route! It’s scary to return to the place where something not great happened. Heck, I don’t like going near my stairs in my house.

    I wonder how long they will leave all the fences and barricades up?

    Scooby must be so happy.

    • Coco says:

      Iโ€™ve been careful on my stairs after you fall! Unfortunately, they want to keep the fencing up for a while. ๐Ÿ™

  14. good week for you and very brave of you to go back to the scene of the crime!! I guess we all eventually have to face those spots – I’ve done it before with bike falls and then avoiding certain areas for a long time, but at a certain point you just need to deal with it!

    love Scooby’s face on the Thursday photo ๐Ÿ˜€

  15. I am sure it wan’t easy going back to that route. But it is a great view! Well, I love all of the DC views. Last year is when I had my last big fall. Afterwards whenever I had to run by there again, I would walk instead of run. Now, I can run but just pay more attention to the ground so I don’t trip again.

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