Alexandria, VA – Walkers (and runners), on your marks! The indoor walking track is now open at the Mount Vernon Rec Center, a great addition to this beautifully renovated facility on Fort Hunt Road, at the corner of Belle View Boulevard in Alexandria.
The track runs 200 meters, or ⅛ of a mile, above the new ice rink. The space is airy and bright with sunlight pouring through the huge windows. The temperature inside is cool but not too cold (it’s much colder on the ice level below), certainly welcome on these hot summer days. There are two lanes – walkers on the outside lane and runners and joggers on the inside lane.
On Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, the walking direction is counter-clockwise. On Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays, it’s clockwise. This enables a balanced approach to participants’ knees and hips without too much repetition on the joints. It also helps reduce the wear and tear on the track itself.
Walkers must be 16 or older to use the track alone. Children age 12-15 may use the track with an accompanying adult age 18 or older. Proper athletic footwear and attire is required (no sandals, Crocs, or boots). Water in closed containers is ok, and active stretching or floor exercises are allowed in the corners. Because the track is above the new ice rink, the sounds of the players and their skates and sticks can be heard loud and clear.
Fairfax County Park Authority Rec Centers are offering a 15% discount on annual memberships (both new and renewals) during the month of September. Non-Fairfax County residents may join Mount Vernon Rec; the fees are just slightly higher. Visit https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/passes for more details.
