The Sun Also Rises on Washington, D.C.

As previously declared in an earlier post on this blog, the run along the National Mall in Washington, D.C. ranks among my all-time favorite courses EVAH.  For a myriad of reasons, not the least of which is the majesty of the monuments.

But it's also a great place to clear one's head and let history put things into perspective, especially when passing by the monuments dedicated to the men and women who've served our country and lost their lives in one of our nation's wars.  It always boggles my mind that every time I pass by the Vietnam memorial, there is, without fail, some token or memento left behind for one of the fallen - sometimes a pack of cigarettes, sometimes a medal.

So that being said, what could possibly make that particular run better?  How about being up at the ass-crack of dawn and being there to catch the sun rising and casting its early morning orange blanket over  the nation's monuments?

Began the run from a different starting point than usual but ended up on the Mall around mile one.

First up for pics: the U.S. Capitol, still under construction.

Continuing down the mall past the Washington Monument.  Weren't many others out and about yet.

Took a minor detour over toward the Jefferson Memorial.  Didn't make the whole loop around the Tidal Basin.  Not for lack of want or ability, but time.

Got my first glimpse of the somewhat-new (2011) Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. memorial

The aforementioned Tidal Basin

Mostly in tribute to my father, James, a Korean Conflict veteran, I always make a point of passing through the Korean memorial.  Not running, mind you, just a slow and solemn walk through for an always-guaranteed moment of inspiration.

Over to the steps of the Lincoln Memorial, with a gaze down the Reflecting Pool

Abe gets ready to greet the day from his post

The Army training academy was there doing laps up and down the steps while I was there.

It doesn't matter what time of day you catch the monuments, they're always majestic and awe-inspiring.  A trip to our nation's capital is always a fun-filled take, but even more so when experienced on foot, regardless of your pace.

And with that, I'm ready to face what D.C. holds in store for the day!

"Never be daunted." - Ernest Hemingway, The Sun Also Rises

Mama always told me not to look into the eyes of the sun.

But mama, that's where the fun is. - Bruce Springsteen, Blinded by the Light