For Fenty, slowing down not an option

Most politicians run for office. D.C. Mayor Adrian M. Fenty runs in office — that is, when he’s not biking or swimming.

“I just don’t think he could do what he does and have the degree of energy and discipline if he didn’t have this fitness regime,” said acting D.C. Attorney General Peter J. Nickles, a longtime Fenty family friend and veteran of the three-day Ultraman race in Hawaii. “And he’s good. You’re not talking about a guy who just sort of lazes out there and does a little walking or jogging.”

Mr. Fenty’s pedal-to-the-metal workout regimen animates his style of government.

It’s a routine and race docket that takes Mr. Fenty, 37, through the trees of Rock Creek Park and along the Potomac River, near the Whitehurst Freeway and around the area’s myriad landmarks - even outside the District’s borders.

As mayor, he is known for crisscrossing the city to be at the scene of fires, shootings and groundbreaking ceremonies, and pushing for a results-based government to improve D.C. services.

But Mr. Fenty’s hard-core habits result in much more than physical fitness. His routine also provides serenity through sweat.

“It’s a great release from the normal hustle and bustle, and also keeps your heart pumping,” Mr. Fenty said.

Approaching the close of his second full year in office and nearing two years shy of 40, Mr. Fenty shows no signs of letting up, his persistence reminiscent of a door-to-door mayoral campaign that helped him win all of the District’s 142 precincts in 2006.

During the summer months, the mayor still rises early twice a week for hour-long runs and spends one morning each week doing speed training.

He still blocks out time during the week for swimming and cycling - part of his more recent focus on competing and excelling in numerous triathlons held around the D.C. area and elsewhere.

And he still can be seen taking a swig of Vitamin Water on occasion.

“It tastes pretty good and is a good source of vitamins and electrolytes,” Fenty spokeswoman Tracy Sandler said.

Mr. Fenty’s love affair with fitness can be traced directly back to his childhood. His brother, Shawn, recalled playing sandlot football and riding bikes with his younger sibling, who showed his competitive edge by pedaling up a hill that others preferred to walk.

“He would just refuse to quit and let the hill beat him,” said Shawn Fenty, 43.

The mayor ran competitively in high school, but also fostered a love for running out of necessity. As a 10th-grader, he got off work at a local ice cream store too late to catch a bus home.

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