My first DC run, in which I find out the Capitol really is on a Hill...

After moving to our Nation's capital city on Thursday, I decided to venture out on a run from my house. First off, let me tell you first about the house. It's an early 20th century brick row house in the neighborhood called, depending on the source, Capitol Hill North, Near Northeast, Atlas District, H-Street, or Murderer's Row (kidding). From what I hear, much of my neighborhood was destroyed during the race riots stemming from the assassination of MLK in '68. It remains in a decrepit state for about 30 years, until redevelopment (and the accompanying gentrification) began in the late '90's. I now live on a street that is slowly taking part in gentrification, the heroin user next door is gone, and BMWs, Mercedes, and other yuppie cars are slowly replacing the Broncos and Buicks of old.

Back to the run...

Going south about 6 blocks brought me to Lincoln Park. I headed due West on E. Capitol Street NE and, running past the Library of Congress and the Supreme Court, ran right onto and around the Capitol. It is all decked out for the Inauguration, which is only a week away! The bleachers are set up on the steps and two giant flags hang draped from the windows above. Porta-Potties are beginning to be lined up around the reflecting pool and on the Mall. I think they will need a lot more than are currently there, or the bowel movements of 2-4 million people will be severely under served. Not a good thing. After thinking about that subject, I did a quick loop around the National Mall and headed home. Total time, just under 50 minutes. I can't believe I can step out of my house and run past these famous landmarks! Perhaps the grandest revelation of my run was that Capitol Hill really is situated on a pretty big hill. Blame some of my hardship on being out of shape, but I think the grandness of the building overshadows the hill. I was really out of breath by the time I got to the top...