Fun Fact: I’m A Runrise Runner

I’m speaking at a conference next week, and the moderator asked for a “fun fact” and associated photo she can include in her introductions. Since this legal conference actually has a fitness focus, I decided to go with “Courtenay is an avid runner and especially likes to chase after sunrise pictures.” I gave her a copy of the photo I think was worth the price of my fractured rib and lived up to my self-professed passion this weekend.

That’s the Jefferson Memorial on the left.

Runrise Runner

My husband had an early flight to Florida to visit his parents, so I took the opportunity to park near the airport and run on the Mt. Vernon Trail along the Potomac River. It was still dark when I parked, but just getting light by the time I got my gear on.

I was running northwest, so I had to look back to see the glorious sky, but it was worth every photo stop.

I was glad I made it to this spot while the sky was still pink.

Weekly Wrap

Aside from Saturday’s long run, my only other outdoor run this week was on Monday with Scooby. The rest of the week was similar to last week—including extra snoozing on Friday.

Sunday: Core + LB Strength + 20 min Ride + 10 min ALW
I realized one of my favorite Peloton lower body strength workouts got purged when they took down all classes with Kanye West songs. I don’t disagree with the decision, but I need to find a replacement. The class I chose Sunday was good—but not exactly what I wanted.

The class that is no more. 🙁

Monday: Core +  4.0 Scooby Miles + 1.0 tread miles + SFR
I chose to work on Monday because I needed to take time off on Friday, but I treated myself to a daylight run with Scooby first. Then I hopped on my tread to do the strides intervals from the MW training plan—I can’t really do those with Scooby! I did a bit of a warm up and cool down to round out the mileage.

Tuesday: CorePower Yoga

Wednesday: Core + UB Strength + 30 min Peloton Ride
I had to go to the office Wednesday and didn’t want to do my training run on the office gym treads—it’s so warm with no fans—so I decided to push my run to Thursday and use the Peloton bike instead.

So many post-ride stats

When I got to the gym on Tuesday after yoga (to use the locker room), there were people on treads, people on weight machines, and people using free weights. But when I was using the gym on Wednesday, I had the whole place to myself the whole time!

These two classes made a great upper body stack.

Thursday: Core + Barre + 4.5 Tread miles
I woke up at 3:30 am for no reason and tossed and turned until 4:45, so I had plenty of time to walk Scooby and then do the 30 min hill workout from the MW plan on my treadmill (using 3% and 4% incline). That deserved a cool down run, which is how I ended up with more miles.

Friday: 45 min FB Strength
This week I deliberately hit the snooze button a few times, figuring I need the extra rest after Thursday’s insomnia. I had a tight morning schedule, so I ditched the ride I planned to do after a Jess Sims 45 min FB strength workout—it was enough! 

Note to self: This one starts with a “human-makers” block
(renegade row/push-up/squat-thrust/clean/push press)

Saturday: 7.25  Runrise Miles
I had 7 miles on tap, and opted to do an out-and-back on the path by the river. I had stacked two Peloton runs— one of Marcel’s 45 min endurance runs and Andy’s 30 min HIIT run—both chosen for their playlists.

I loved this playlist so much I bookmarked it to take again.

After the spectacular sunrise, the sky was grey, but I thought this view of the Lincoln Memorial was pretty.


A huge thank you to Deborah and Kim for hosting the Weekly Run Down link up.

What fun fact would you share?

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22 Responses to Fun Fact: I’m A Runrise Runner

  1. Wendy says:

    Your sunrise photos are amazing! We had a red sky one morning last week, but like you, it turned to gray quickly. And stayed gray all week. I need to come to DC to run and check out all the sights!

    Fun fact: I’ve never been to DC, lol. Oh, a fitness fact? I too run to catch the sunrise. I can’t wait until it gets light earlier in the morning to start that up again.

  2. You do capture the best sunrise photos! Fun fact I never get up to see the sunrise unless I am doing a race. 🙂 Hope you have a nice trip to Florida! I miss Daniel’s Pelo workouts

  3. Darlene Cardillo says:

    I am NOt a runrise runner. But I think it’s because there’s nothing to see. Because when I’m near the ocean or lake I’m up at the crack of dawn.

    Love that photo.

  4. I have really been missing my sunrises!!!! If it’s not a run day, I get out for a walk or ride (in warm weather), so I’m anxious for the sunrises to get here earlier. Your DC pics are simply breathtaking!

  5. Smart plan to try to get some extra rest! Although my body wakes up when it wants to.

    That sunrise! It’s amazing! I catch some nice ones from our friend steps, but there really isn’t much of a view, LOL!

  6. Jessie says:

    The most beautiful pictures! What a morning. Love your fun fact 🙂

  7. Jenny says:

    Ugh, I never know what to say when someone asks for a “fun fact.” I guess I would say something about running as well, or maybe my cats. I have lots of good cat photos.
    Is your conference next week in Florida? If so you’ll be getting some beautiful, warm weather. About your gym day on Wednesday- my dream is to have the gym to myself! Mine is always so crowded.
    Enjoy your conference!

  8. Marcia says:

    Your sunrise pics are stunning! What a beautiful time of day to enjoy the best parts of DC. Some FL time sounds so good about now!

  9. Michelle says:

    Love your sunrise photos!

    It’s funny I had to give a fun fact for our staff meeting – part of a work anniversary acknowledgment. I gave the fact that I used to run an artisan olive oil biz.

    I’m not usually an Andy fan for runs, but I will check out that playlist.

  10. Susanne says:

    Those are some beautiful sunrises!
    How lovely to have the gym to yourself. When I went to regular gyms, I always chose the times or days when it would be as empty as possible. I enjoyed training in peace and quiet.
    Enjoy the conference!

  11. Debbie says:

    Chasing sunrises is a great description for many of us runners. And you certainly captured some pretty sunrise pictures on Saturday’s run!

  12. Catrina says:

    I just had a look at the topic of that conference. So interesting!
    With all of us on fitness apps, we are all affected by that topic.
    I hope you get to share some tidbits with us!

  13. Shathiso says:

    The last fun fact I shared when I was at a workshop in November 2022 was that I was a national ballroom dancing champion 🙂 I was only 11 so it was in the Junior Category. Sadly, I didn’t continue dancing after this but my partner went onto great things in the ballroom dancing arena in Botswana!

  14. Kimberly G says:

    I love the fun fact that you picked for the conference!

    One of my favorite Jess Sims class was part of the Kanye purge as well 🙁 Like you, I 100% agree with the decision but bummed that so many great classes were purged.

  15. Melissa says:

    WOW those sunrise photos are unreal! Unfortunately, I’m up before the sunrise and even drop off the kiddo at the bus stop before sun comes up these days. But the days are getting longer and soon I can join you in some sunrise photos hopefully! My fun fact is that I wrote a novel when I was in 5th grade. It was 97 pages and I had a book signing and everything 🙂 This was before the day of the internet, so of course I can’t find anything about it now. But I have the book!

  16. I love that fun fact! Those are great photos. I had no idea all of those classes were purged. I totally understand the reason behind it.

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