36 For 36
Posted under: 36 Miles For 36 Years
Why? Why? Why? Why does time pass so quickly?
I cannot explain why time flies, but it’s time to face the truth. The truth of the matter is, I will turn 36 on July 3rd. This year there will be no lavish parties. I’ve notified the paparazzi that they can stay home on this date. Instead, I will welcome another year by walking 36-miles for my 36 years of life.
One of my BeltWalk goals is to tackle the Mount Vernon Trail from start to finish and return to my starting point. And I will do exactly that on Sunday, July 1st, 2012. On this day, I will walk 36-miles in one day.
Cool plate. Perfect sun. St. Asaph St, Old Town, Alexandria.
The Mount Vernon Trail is a paved trail that begins in Mount Vernon, VA and stretches 18 miles north to Rosslyn, VA. I will begin at the north end of the trail, starting my adventure in Rosslyn. I will walk south to Mount Vernon and return to Rosslyn for a total of 36 miles. Did I mention I am completing this trek all in one day?
The rooster will crow, cockadoodle doo, early this July morning and I will arrive at the trail at 6 am. I will have food, water, sunscreen, and a playlist with me. I plan to lunch in Old Town Alexandria. I will walk and gawk and talk along the way. I will finish around 9 pm.
The Mount Vernon Trail is nestled between the Potomac River and the George Washington Memorial Parkway. It is a National Park maintained by the National Park Service. The north end has wonderful views of Washington, DC including Georgetown, the Key Bridge, the National Cathedral, the Kennedy Center, the Lincoln Memorial, the Washington Monument, the Jefferson Memorial and the Pentagon.
The trail on a beautiful January day.
The trail’s north end is mostly flat and always crowded with runners, cyclists, and walkers. If you are a rollerblader this is a part of the trail to skate on. There are many points of interest to see along the way and I will share these in future posts.
After Old Town, Alexandria the trail becomes more woodsy and around miles 3, 2, and 1 the trail becomes more challenging with hills & curves.
Will you walk with me? I have many practices ahead before July 1st. During the week, I walk 2 – 6 miles each day and on Sunday I walk a minimum of 10-miles. I hope you will join me as I prepare for this trek.
See You On The Trail!!!
- Terry, aka TheBeltWalk.
I tore the cartilage in my left knee 2 years ago, but the pain has been steadily decreasing. I love to walk and appreciate your challenge. I will see if I can get back in some sort of shape by July (I need to anyway).
Hi Cliff! I am glad to hear that you love to walk and it would be great if you could join me for a ‘leg’ of the trek. Talk Soon! – - Terry