Wednesday, April 09, 2008

Ironic

I travel fairly often for business and I really don't mind it. I've reached a point in my life where it fits in nicely. My boys are old enough to leave alone and my wife is a confident, self sufficient woman. This week I happen to be on the east coast. I flew to Philly, visited a customer in Jersey, then drove through Delaware and Maryland to end up in Virgina to visit a couple more customers the following days. (I kind of got a kick out of being in 5 different states in the same day, something that is not possible in a car on the west coast).

The best part about traveling for work for me is the chance to try out some new running scenery. When I pack my bags for a trip the first thing in are the running shoes and assorted technical clothing. I even wore my running shorts under my jeans on a flight once so I could hit the park on the way to the hotel. When I make my flight and hotel reservations the very next thing I do is scout out potential running routes in the area, then I get around to finding the directions to the offices I need to visit.

All that was true up until this trip. This trip there are no running shoes in the suitcase and I never even looked around for a running route. It was OK, I've gotten over my initial bout of malaise and crabbiness. As we (I was traveling with a sales rep) were driving down the road, just as we made the last right turn toward the hotel I spotted it...a rails-to-trail path. Unbeknownst to me, the Washington & Old Dominion Trail ran right behind my hotel.

My first thought was - what kind of cruel cosmic joke is this. Then I decided to make the best of it and changed out of my "dress up and meet customer clothes" into my jeans and skechers and headed out for a little 3 mile walk down the W&OD Trail.

I took another walk this evening as well. I still can hardly believe that there is 45 continuous miles of asphalt and 32 miles of adjacent crushed gravel path route outside the back door of my hotel and I didn't plan it that way. I saw a whole bunch of runners this evening along with numerous walkers and bikers. I really wanted to be running too, but walking sufficed.

If I ever make it back to northern Virginia on business I know where I'm staying and I know where I'm running, God willing.

18 comments:

Wes said...

Taking a nice walk sounds like the best of both worlds :-) That's why I love the Silver Comet. 65 miles of walkers and bikers. It rocks!!!

Joe said...

Ironic indeed!! Oh my!!

Glad you are philosophical about it...might as well be. Wow, what a cool place to run that would be.

Hope all the sales calls go well...learn much about the clips!!

Backofpack said...

Sheesh. That's a bummer, but you certainly made the best of it. See you in a few weeks!

Sarah said...

I don't travel as much, but I'm the same way. Ironic, yes. But you'll get another chance one day I'm sure! : )

Unknown said...

The walk must have been nice nonetheless. Sounds like a great trail system.

Anne said...

I had this happen to me in Chicago once, where I ended up staying right across from the paths along Lake Michigan and cursed my failure to bring running shoes. At least you brought something to walk in, Darrell!

Ben G said...

I agree with Wes. If you can't run then walk.

Ryan said...

Unplanned downtime is very trying especially when there are miles of trails just out the back door but the walking is a great way to continue to enjoy the surroundings. Best wishes….I hope the going gets better!

Soo family said...

Are you keeping track of which states you've
*walked* in? : ) Perhaps you'll this 50 sooner than you think.

Anonymous said...

Isn't that how it goes? At least you were able to get out there and enjoy the trails in some way!

SoberMommie said...

Note to self: always pack running shoes!;) Happy Friday!

David said...

That was as nice a surprise as you could hope for.

Scott McMurtrey said...

walking is running's best friend.

Jenny, Maniac #401 said...

Sorry, It's been a while for me to catch up on reading blogs. Did you forget your shoes or are you in rest or heal mode?
Jenny

Jenny, Maniac #401 said...

Okay- I feel bad, I did know you were having pain, I just forgot. I remembered as I scrolled throught some of your earlier posts. Last year I had to take off about 9 weeks due to IT band and a badly sprained ankle. I vowed to keep myself to a run/walk and a slower pace for an entire year(similar to Joe). It's been working. I feel I can run faster now with no pain. Your staes quest is not gone! Heal up!
Jenny

Randy - Maniac #788 said...

Darrell, oh what misery that must have caused your mind....but like Wes says a walk is better than nothnig at all. I would have walked in my "dress" shoes and clothes if I had gone there with nothing else, or gone to Wal-Mart for some cheap shoes to at least walk or jog in...that sounds like a runner's heaven....

runliarun said...

I do believe all things happen for a reason.

Neese said...

your time will come. good for you for walking instead....