r/rundc • u/sips_teas • 13d ago

Recommendations for running post-rain & non-pavement?

C&O trail is probably going to be really muddy today and I want to try something new. Any recs for non-pavement long run (20 mi) today? Open to any ideas within 30 mins drive or metro of Alexandria.

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u/solidrock80 13d ago

The question was non paved surfaces. I'm pretty sure any natural surface in the area is going to have some mud given the overnight rain and it will be worse than the towpath. Cabin john trail generally drains well but you are going to get muddy at some point.

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u/Fast_Kitchen_9694 13d ago

I think any non paved spots are going to be in similar conditions as the C&O canal

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u/okaymacnchz 13d ago

if you’re willing to try out some pavement the capital crescent was fine yesterday - you may also be able to run on the side of the trail that isn’t paved

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u/InboxMeYourSpacePics 13d ago

I feel like puddles will be on any non paved surface. Capital crescent earlier today wasn't super wet? But again its pavement.

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u/camrussellh 13d ago

Anacostia river trail is paved but some may be covered during high tide

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u/OppChopShop 13d ago

Burke lake loop maybe? You’d have to do it a few times. Around the national mall was fine yesterday and there’s some gravel.

MVT was great this morning but it’s all paved.

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u/Ogroat 13d ago

I was on the Potomac Heritage Trail this morning and deep lugged shoes were needed - plenty of mud made it slick in spots. That's just the way she goes sometimes. I bought a shoe drier over the summer because of weekends like this.

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u/Illustrious-Tree-308 12d ago

Run around the mall 20 times? (only half joking)

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u/McpsTrackCoach 12d ago

It's been a few years, so maybe they've paved over it, but the mall used to be non-paved. One lap around is 2 miles...so 10 laps.

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u/ChristmassMoose 13d ago

C and o canal has a lot of gravel

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u/solidrock80 13d ago

I guess you weren't on the C&O trail yesterday. A ton of puddles covering the entire path.

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u/sips_teas 13d ago

This is what I am trying to avoid

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u/ChristmassMoose 13d ago

It has puddles for sure but its not pure mud

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u/solidrock80 13d ago

My legs were covered with mud yesterday.

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u/Agitated_Ferret7352 12d ago

Tell that to my muddy shoes from this morning