While writing this, I’m eating a big ol’ fat donut from Shoppers Food Warehouse.

However, I don’t feel too guilty about the calories because I participated Saturday in Waterford’s fourth annual Landmark Cross 10K Run-Hike-Walk.

Residents participate in the annual Waterford race. (Photos by Erica Garman)

It all balances out, right?

Ok, so I didn’t actually run the 10K. But I did hike the 6K portion of the race, which traversed through some of historic Talbot Farm’s 340 acres, owned by Ginny Friend.

The race challenge wasn’t the weather (beautiful!), the grueling hills or the uneven terrain waiting to twist an unsuspecting ankle -- the real challenge of this race was having the dexterity and fortitude necessary to jump the many cow patties (mostly fresh) that dotted the fields.

Frank Sprtel, of Maryland, had dexterity, fortitude and stamina, and easily won the 10K in 39 minutes, six seconds. He said it was a tough course -- more difficult than some of the USA Track and Field races he’d endured in his earlier running days.

Runners participate in the 10K Run-Hike-Walk

One hundred percent of the 130 paid entry fees benefited the Waterford Foundation and the Briggs Animal Adoption Center.

Now back to the donuts …

Broadlands residents and those in adjoining neighborhoods are elated to see that construction has resumed on the Dunkin' Donuts/Baskin Robbins on Truro Parish Drive. After the building's foundation was poured last summer, work on the site stopped. Dunkin’ enthusiasts have been waiting 2 ½ years for these donuts and coffee.

Ashburn resident Kiran Gunnam, the former franchisee, told me this morning that a new franchisee has taken over -- no word on an opening date. Construction is a good sign though, eh?

The frame is up for the new Dunkin' Donuts building.

The Fractured Prune, a chain that touts hot, handmade donuts, is scheduled to open two locations in Loudoun: one in Leesburg on South King Street in the South King Street Center, and one in the Dulles 606 Shopping Center on Overland Drive. The Dulles donut and coffee shop is opening the first week in June, says franchisee Troy Parkins -- the Leesburg location will open soon after. Parkins said he’d e-mail me about his “beta-opening” so Living In LoCo readers can run over and sample his goods ahead of time.

Maybe we can make a 10K out of it? I’d run that far for a good donut. ☺