I am all about the holiday themed races! Need someone to join you to run a Valentine’s Day, Thanksgiving turkey trot or Jingle All the way race? I will be there with bells on (literally bells on). So when I discovered one of my running besties’ birthday fell on St Patrick’s Day, it was kind of a no brainer to sign up for the Four Courts Four Miler in Arlington, Virginia.
Four Courts Four Miler
This is a very popular, smallish local race that ends at the Four Courts Pub. Because everyone likes to drink beer at 9 am right? What makes the Four Courts Four Miler so much fun is well, the free beer, the St Patrick’s Day themed costumes and the crazy hills.
About those hills…The Four Courts Four Miler starts at the top of a hill where the pub is located. The first 2 miles or so are all down hill and then you turn around and run up hill for the last 2 miles. You run through Rosslyn, Virginia and by parts of Arlington Cemetery. This is a four mile race that feels like 6. It is by no means a PR race but it is ridiculously fun.
You may recall that I have had some ankle tendonitis the last few weeks and this would be my first run in about 10 days. Go big or go home right? Starting off going hill is very confidence building. I looked down and saw some speedy paces I have not hit in a while. Yup, all was well and good until the turnaround. Those 2 miles up felt like 4 for sure. We had some of our crazy March headwinds to spice it up a bit. I walked a few times and I am ok with that. My goal was to make it through without any ankle pain. Goal accomplished!
Perfect way to spend a beautiful spring morning with the best of friends.
Time for brunch! Celebrated our friend’s birthday with a delicious brunch at Green Pig Bistro. I had the yummiest Huevos Rancheros. Will run for food anytime.
Holiday themed races are always my favorites! Are you a fan of dressing up for holidays?
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What fun! We don’t seem to have so many themed runs here though there are a fair few santa dashes and at least one Easter Egg one. I’m with you on the hllls – I’ve just been away and our villa was up a steep hill from the local town and running promenade – argh!
Hills gotta embrace them because they are not going anywhere!
So fun! So many St. Patrick’s Day races end with beer which just fits the holiday haha. I hope your friend had a great time with her birthday celebration
We all had a great day it was a fun relaxing race day
I am also a huge fan of themed races – they are so much fun! I enjoyed seeing the sea of green and you all look so festive.
Love that you celebrate with a post race brunch!
The holiday races are low key and just for fun which really reduces my race anxiety. Brunch is always a fun way to finish
That looks like such a tough course! It may not be a PR course, but since I’ve never run a four mile race it would definitely be a PR! Nice job. I’m glad your ankle survived the hills too.
Well yes that is true that a new distance is always a PR!
I am sorry to hear that you have been having ankle tendonitis. That is no fun at all. I love the idea of themed races just never seem to make it to any. The idea of dressing up is fun!
I love dressing up for races! Ankle is feeling a lot better already thanks
That sounds like lots of fun — except for the same hills on the way back. I hate that!
I am not a costume person. What can I say, I’m really rather a dull person! And barely have room for my regular clothes. 🙂
That’s wonderful that there was no pain — something must be working because I’m sure those hills could’ve been painful.
I do hope the ankle pain is on it’s way out! thanks
Congrats! I’m so glad you were able to run this one pain-free. Looks like you had nice weather, too!
It was a gorgeous day and I am so happy that my ankle is feeling better thanks
I LOVE holiday-themed races! I also am a big believer is dressing for the theme. Glad the ankle is feeling better 😉
Theme races are the best! Are you working on your cherry blossom outfit 🙂 yet?
Wow, that sounds like fun! What a great way to celebrate someone’s birthday. I can see, why it felt like 4 miles instead of 2…
It was 4 miles but felt like 6!
I love the sound of an event that starts and finishes at a pub!!
Cannot really beat that huh?!
Free beer? My kind of race! 🙂
People seem to love that perk!
Looks great to get out with all your friends and drink so early beer! Lots of fun!
I am always surprised by how many people enjoy beer at such early times of the day
I have been wanting to do this race for the longest time! Four miles is probably my favorite distance! Awesome job!
It’s a fun distance and hope you have the chance to do it next year
Holiday races are so much fun! I do enjoy seeing all of the different costumes people wear, especially at the Disney races!!
Yes I love to check out all of the fun costumes. I have yet to do a Disney race
How fun! I also ran a St. Patrick’s Day themed 4 miler the weekened before and the course was hilly just like yours – the two miles are the way back were HARD.
They sure are!
What a fun way to spend time with your friend for her birthday!
I am all about dressing up for holiday races! So fun!
That brunch sounds so yummy!
How has your ankle been feeling post race?
My ankle is feeling much better thanks! Fingers crossed for the my long run this weekend