Last night I did another 5K. This was called Glow Run, and it was similar to the Electric Run I did in August. Chewy joined me on this adventure, and I am so glad she did. I have been lazy, but she pushed me, reminding me that I am not so bad off as I think I am, and that Everett is coming very soon so I better get my butt into gear!
Glow Run was held in my hometown and starts in downtown. The route was one that I do frequently with friends as it cuts through the center of town, through a university campus, and along a river. It is a busy trail, but one that I know very well. Yesterday was the inaugural run of this race, and so much was learned by the race officials. There was not as much glow stuff as Electric Run, but this was also a local organization putting on a race, not a national group who travels around the country. For their first time out, this was perfect. Actually, I liked this one much more than Electric Run. While there was so much more to look at during Electric Run, the course is flat and boring. Glow Run was lacking in visual stimulation, but the path was fun and could be viewed as challenging for those on their first 5K. Small hills, uneven terrain, bridges, narrow pathways, but it was fun because it was not flat the entire time. I don't mind a flat half marathon, but I do like a 5K with some elevation changes.
Chewy and I decided that we would give it our all. We ran and walked the entire race. I did not know how well I would hold up on the running, but I did great! Chewy is in the middle of soccer season, so is in rather decent shape. I, not so much, yet I still walk a fair amount regularly. We figure that our 5Ks are going to start becoming more of a running type thing with less walking the more and more we do them. I am excited about this. I did not start the half marathon adventures with the intention of becoming a runner, but this is a perk.
I am not sure that we will have any other 5Ks together this year. I will say that Everett is in exactly 3 weeks! I am feeling good about it, although nervous. I have not done a half since June, and so I feel a little less prepared than I should. This will be great for me though as it will show me where I need to improve for the Seattle a month later.
Still taking suggestions for my birthday race :)
Sunday, September 21, 2014
Sunday, September 7, 2014
One Year Post First Half
September 2nd, 2014 came and went this year. For some people, this date marked the first day of school for their children. For others, it was just a Tuesday. For me, this was the one year anniversary of me doing my first half marathon.
I can remember the excitement leading up to this race, you know, for the whole four days leading up to it because I decided at the last minute to do it. I still wear those Keens, five year old sandals with no tread left, faded coloring, and very little cushion. If these sandals were tires, they would no longer be street legal. I still remember the heat of the race, dreadful and humid. But I also remember the heart: I finish what I started, and 13.1 miles later, no matter the time, I would be a half marathoner.
One year later, five half marathons under my belt from three different states. Shaving off time left and right. My determination is still there, but more so than ever. I still know that I will do a full marathon some day, but for now, the half half is the perfect distance and one I feel that I need to conquer even more!
I can remember the excitement leading up to this race, you know, for the whole four days leading up to it because I decided at the last minute to do it. I still wear those Keens, five year old sandals with no tread left, faded coloring, and very little cushion. If these sandals were tires, they would no longer be street legal. I still remember the heat of the race, dreadful and humid. But I also remember the heart: I finish what I started, and 13.1 miles later, no matter the time, I would be a half marathoner.
One year later, five half marathons under my belt from three different states. Shaving off time left and right. My determination is still there, but more so than ever. I still know that I will do a full marathon some day, but for now, the half half is the perfect distance and one I feel that I need to conquer even more!
Summer Slacking
So much going on, and so little typing. My last half was the Seattle Rock n Roll. My walking slowed down some due to taking some highly accelerated courses this summer, handling Chewy's softball schedule, and the blazing heat wave we had that made most days unbearable! But I did do a couple 5Ks to keep the summer fun.
Dirty Dash 2014 was great. I had done this race last year, in much worse shape than I am in now. How do I know I am in better shape? I was able to handle some of the obstacles with ease compared to last summer. We went as a group, and joined another group as well. Such a wonderful bit of fun for us, and a reminder to me that I am doing well to keep moving.
Electric Run 2014 was also a repeat. I had done this race with Chewy, and we decided to go for it again. This course is flat and easy for anyone, no training required. The glowing surroundings were not as extravagant as last summer's display, but we still had a wonderful time. I could see myself jogging this race in the future. This race was the first 5K a friend of ours had ever done. We were very proud of him and his accomplishment. I also bought a brand new pair of shoes for myself the day of this race, using this race as a way of knowing if I liked the shoes for sure or not. I like my shoes!
So what is on the race docket? Glow Run is a 5K in my own town that is happening soon. I will be taking part in this race, with or without Chewy, but I will be joined by a friend. In addition, my half marathon schedule is starting to pick up. I am currently registered for the Seattle Half Marathon in November. I am also looking at doing a half in Everett in October. I was going to do the Spokane Half in October, but they have such a small group doing the race that I do not see this as a positive experience for me. I have learned that I enjoy the larger races. I feed off of people around me as participants or cheering. On another positive, the lady I met in Phoenix is doing the race in Everett, so we can meet again.
I am also taking suggestions for a March race. I feel that the birthday race needs to be tradition. It was a beautiful way to honor myself, and the changing of the seasons from Winter into Spring.
Dirty Dash 2014 was great. I had done this race last year, in much worse shape than I am in now. How do I know I am in better shape? I was able to handle some of the obstacles with ease compared to last summer. We went as a group, and joined another group as well. Such a wonderful bit of fun for us, and a reminder to me that I am doing well to keep moving.
Electric Run 2014 was also a repeat. I had done this race with Chewy, and we decided to go for it again. This course is flat and easy for anyone, no training required. The glowing surroundings were not as extravagant as last summer's display, but we still had a wonderful time. I could see myself jogging this race in the future. This race was the first 5K a friend of ours had ever done. We were very proud of him and his accomplishment. I also bought a brand new pair of shoes for myself the day of this race, using this race as a way of knowing if I liked the shoes for sure or not. I like my shoes!
So what is on the race docket? Glow Run is a 5K in my own town that is happening soon. I will be taking part in this race, with or without Chewy, but I will be joined by a friend. In addition, my half marathon schedule is starting to pick up. I am currently registered for the Seattle Half Marathon in November. I am also looking at doing a half in Everett in October. I was going to do the Spokane Half in October, but they have such a small group doing the race that I do not see this as a positive experience for me. I have learned that I enjoy the larger races. I feed off of people around me as participants or cheering. On another positive, the lady I met in Phoenix is doing the race in Everett, so we can meet again.
I am also taking suggestions for a March race. I feel that the birthday race needs to be tradition. It was a beautiful way to honor myself, and the changing of the seasons from Winter into Spring.
Saturday, July 5, 2014
Turning Down a Race
Wait, WHAT! Is the title of this really true? In fact it is. There is a half in my hometown tomorrow morning and I am turning it down. But why you might ask? Honestly, the medal.
I guess I should preface this with, I do not abstain from alcohol. I don't drink often, but I do enjoy a nice stout, a glass of dry red wine, or whipped vodka in pomegranate San Pelagrino on occasion. But when the half marathon medal is an overpriced beer bottle opener, I have to reevaluate my personal ethics.
I do half marathons for fun, and the health benefit is also a perk. Doing a long distance races are not an easy feat, even if it looks like it because I have done so many in a short period of time. I feel like this is a time to respect the hours of training, the careful attention to diet, and the dedication on both the mental and physical end to make it to the finish line. Each one of my medals was earned, and I proudly display them in my home so that anyone who walks in can see my accomplishments. The last thing I want is to taint this display with a beer bottle opener.
There is no mistaking this medal to be an opener. Outside of that part, it is a beautiful medal. It highlights some iconic places that are in a beautiful major park we have here in town. I would love to be able to have such a nice medal, minus the opener. In addition, this half is associated with a 5K. All participants in the 5K and the half, regardless of age and distance will receive this medal. Even Chewy would receive this same medal. What does an 11 year old need a bottle opener for? She doesn't even drink soda! While I could just get some metal cutters and cut off this portion, now I have deface my medal that I earned through sweat, some more sweat, and no tears, but maybe a blister.
Hopping off my soap box. I know it is a trivial complaint. I am happy to wait for another race in my town that does not contain a bottle opener as the main prize. Especially with the registration price so high, I can buy 100 bottle openers at the dollar store and still cover tax.
I guess I should preface this with, I do not abstain from alcohol. I don't drink often, but I do enjoy a nice stout, a glass of dry red wine, or whipped vodka in pomegranate San Pelagrino on occasion. But when the half marathon medal is an overpriced beer bottle opener, I have to reevaluate my personal ethics.
I do half marathons for fun, and the health benefit is also a perk. Doing a long distance races are not an easy feat, even if it looks like it because I have done so many in a short period of time. I feel like this is a time to respect the hours of training, the careful attention to diet, and the dedication on both the mental and physical end to make it to the finish line. Each one of my medals was earned, and I proudly display them in my home so that anyone who walks in can see my accomplishments. The last thing I want is to taint this display with a beer bottle opener.
There is no mistaking this medal to be an opener. Outside of that part, it is a beautiful medal. It highlights some iconic places that are in a beautiful major park we have here in town. I would love to be able to have such a nice medal, minus the opener. In addition, this half is associated with a 5K. All participants in the 5K and the half, regardless of age and distance will receive this medal. Even Chewy would receive this same medal. What does an 11 year old need a bottle opener for? She doesn't even drink soda! While I could just get some metal cutters and cut off this portion, now I have deface my medal that I earned through sweat, some more sweat, and no tears, but maybe a blister.
Hopping off my soap box. I know it is a trivial complaint. I am happy to wait for another race in my town that does not contain a bottle opener as the main prize. Especially with the registration price so high, I can buy 100 bottle openers at the dollar store and still cover tax.
Tuesday, June 24, 2014
The Surprise 5th Half Marathon: Recap
My plans have been all over the place since the CDA Half in May. I was going to do the Windermere Half the weekend after the CDA, but with Chewy in soccer tournaments and her schedule so erratic, it didn't happen. Then I figured I would rest, do a lot of 5ks, and anything else until this fall when I plan to do more halves. That was until Chewy needed to go to Seattle for a job shadow, and everything changed.
The Seattle Rock n Roll was a race that has peaked my interest, and I considered it a goal. I needed to complete it under 4 hours as that is the race regulation time limit. I know that I complete halves around 4 hours, so it is possible, even if it is just barely. Cost was also a factor for me as the Rock n Rolls tend to be pricy. I had decided that I would save up and do this race next year, until I realized that I was already in Seattle the same weekend as this race. The universe was screaming at me, and so was my 11 year old cheerleader: DO IT!!! And so I did. This is how the surprise half marathon #5 came to be.
The Seattle Rock n Roll has many similarities to the Seattle Half. I still got to go down the I90 express ways. I still ventured through downtown. I was still racing in a city I love. This time we spent more time south than north, and I also ventured along the 99 next to the waterfront area. The amount of spectators were fewer in this race, but still many to keep one motivated. The part I loved had to do with all the bands. I lost count of how many groups were providing musical entertainment! This made the Seattle RnR one of my favorites.
A 7am start time at the Space Needle reminded me of December's half. This race began in waves. Being that I did not register until the last possible minute, I was in the group at the very back. I crossed the starting line 59 minutes after the first people started. I did not like this part, but it would be fine. I told myself that no matter what, I would finish by Noon. We followed the monorail track along 5th Avenue in downtown, ventured into the International District, and then began to move east for a bit until our long venture south. On this stretch, I was able to see a beautiful view of Mt. Rainier in the distance. Unfortunately for you, my picture taking was not as frequent during this race as it has been in the past, and the ones of the mountain did not come out well.
After our tour of the south end, we started a short trek east to the edge of Lake Washington. We ventured north along the lake and came to a steep portion which would be the worst of all the hills on this race. For me, the hill was fine, and no worse than 3 flights of stairs. At the top of this hill was the I90 express way. I really do find it nice to say I have gone down the freeway on foot, and without a car mishap. This is also where I met a fellow half marathoner who was very clearly slamming into "The Wall" with full force. This was her first race, she was walking it alone as her family had long finished. She was somewhat prepared, but not as much as she had hoped. I pushed her along for the next mile or so encouraging her to keep going. In the end, I did pass her, but she was frequently running to catch up to me, and would fall back again to her own pace. I knew we would not be doing the race together, but I am glad I could be there to help her past that hump. Everyone needs a cheerleader!
My own wall was not hit until mile 11. This was surprising to me in some ways, and not in others. I figured since I never hit it earlier on that it would never come. I do know that I came into this race ill prepared. I hadn't been eating well. I knew I was dehydrated. We won't even discuss that lack of breakfast I had that morning, and that two bananas and a goo were carrying me through the race. For what it was, I was doing great! The wall was short lived for me, and as soon as I saw the mile 12 sign, I was recharged and ready to finish strong.
Through the 99 tunnel, around the corner, down the under the bridge, back up the small hill, and across the finish line. All to the tune of: 3:48:58! YES! Under four hours. Four minutes faster than CDA, and before Noon! I did it! I was very proud of myself. And to think, I wasn't planning on doing this race until the last minute.
I do not know what my next race will be. There is one in my hometown in 11 days. I am thinking about doing it to say I have finally done something here. I am also doing two this fall: Spokane and Seattle half marathons. But until I decide anything, here is a very proud moment for me. Five half marathons in 10 months! I never would have imagined it would have turned into this!
The Seattle Rock n Roll was a race that has peaked my interest, and I considered it a goal. I needed to complete it under 4 hours as that is the race regulation time limit. I know that I complete halves around 4 hours, so it is possible, even if it is just barely. Cost was also a factor for me as the Rock n Rolls tend to be pricy. I had decided that I would save up and do this race next year, until I realized that I was already in Seattle the same weekend as this race. The universe was screaming at me, and so was my 11 year old cheerleader: DO IT!!! And so I did. This is how the surprise half marathon #5 came to be.
The Seattle Rock n Roll has many similarities to the Seattle Half. I still got to go down the I90 express ways. I still ventured through downtown. I was still racing in a city I love. This time we spent more time south than north, and I also ventured along the 99 next to the waterfront area. The amount of spectators were fewer in this race, but still many to keep one motivated. The part I loved had to do with all the bands. I lost count of how many groups were providing musical entertainment! This made the Seattle RnR one of my favorites.
A 7am start time at the Space Needle reminded me of December's half. This race began in waves. Being that I did not register until the last possible minute, I was in the group at the very back. I crossed the starting line 59 minutes after the first people started. I did not like this part, but it would be fine. I told myself that no matter what, I would finish by Noon. We followed the monorail track along 5th Avenue in downtown, ventured into the International District, and then began to move east for a bit until our long venture south. On this stretch, I was able to see a beautiful view of Mt. Rainier in the distance. Unfortunately for you, my picture taking was not as frequent during this race as it has been in the past, and the ones of the mountain did not come out well.
After our tour of the south end, we started a short trek east to the edge of Lake Washington. We ventured north along the lake and came to a steep portion which would be the worst of all the hills on this race. For me, the hill was fine, and no worse than 3 flights of stairs. At the top of this hill was the I90 express way. I really do find it nice to say I have gone down the freeway on foot, and without a car mishap. This is also where I met a fellow half marathoner who was very clearly slamming into "The Wall" with full force. This was her first race, she was walking it alone as her family had long finished. She was somewhat prepared, but not as much as she had hoped. I pushed her along for the next mile or so encouraging her to keep going. In the end, I did pass her, but she was frequently running to catch up to me, and would fall back again to her own pace. I knew we would not be doing the race together, but I am glad I could be there to help her past that hump. Everyone needs a cheerleader!
My own wall was not hit until mile 11. This was surprising to me in some ways, and not in others. I figured since I never hit it earlier on that it would never come. I do know that I came into this race ill prepared. I hadn't been eating well. I knew I was dehydrated. We won't even discuss that lack of breakfast I had that morning, and that two bananas and a goo were carrying me through the race. For what it was, I was doing great! The wall was short lived for me, and as soon as I saw the mile 12 sign, I was recharged and ready to finish strong.
Through the 99 tunnel, around the corner, down the under the bridge, back up the small hill, and across the finish line. All to the tune of: 3:48:58! YES! Under four hours. Four minutes faster than CDA, and before Noon! I did it! I was very proud of myself. And to think, I wasn't planning on doing this race until the last minute.
I do not know what my next race will be. There is one in my hometown in 11 days. I am thinking about doing it to say I have finally done something here. I am also doing two this fall: Spokane and Seattle half marathons. But until I decide anything, here is a very proud moment for me. Five half marathons in 10 months! I never would have imagined it would have turned into this!
Monday, May 26, 2014
And the Rainbow Flies Again: CDA Half Marathon Recap
I have slacked on my blogging, but not on my walking. The Coeur d'Alene Half Marathon was yesterday. I was nervous at first, but this race was proof that I have been gaining much more endurance than I ever imagined. I also came out of this race with many friends, encouragement for the future, and so much more!
This race was very different than the last two I have done. It was tiny! Such a small field of participants: full marathoners, half marathoners, and 5Kers. Just under two thousand participants total, where the other two have over 10,000. Also interesting about this race, and discouraging was that the course was an out and back. This means you go so far out on the course, and then turn around and come back the same way you came. As a half, this wasn't so bad. But the full marathoners had to do the same loop twice. Let me just say now, when the time comes for me to do a full, this will NOT be the race I will do unless the course is changed. The nice part was that my partner was joining me again for a half marathon. You will recall that we did the first one together.
We arrived to the race a little later than I had liked thanks to my lead foot and some radar gun that was unfortunately positioned in my way. I was a bit excited to head to this race. Oops! We found parking right at the starting/finish line, and got lined up ready to head out. Once again I was wearing the rainbow flag. As Idaho recently issued a stay on the verdict on the ban of same sex marriage being unconstitutional, and the case will go to court in September, I felt it was appropriate to show visibility again. Many high 5's, and words of encouragement were shared at the starting line and along the course.
As I complain a lot about this course I must admit, it really is beautiful! Most of the race is along the east edge of Lake Coeur d'Alene. Thankfully it was not so hot yet that the humidity was kept at bay. I am a total water lover, so as I was going I kept imagining myself in a kayak enjoying the water. I have done that through this area of the lake with much enjoyment. Sadly, I do not own a kayak now, and race registrations take away from the chance of owning one soon. While I do not like out and backs, this one was filled with nature that kept me engaged.
We met a lot of people along the course. The purple people were marathoners, and requested that they take a picture with us. The interesting thing is that one of the purple people knew a friend of ours who met us along the course! Small world.
I also met another woman named Linda. She has been through her own extensive journey to get to this point. Her husband, friend, and her were always neck and neck with us. Sometimes we would be ahead, and sometimes, they would pass us. Every time Linda would go to pass us, I would speed up with her. She would walk faster, as would I. She would jog, as would I. Kendra would stay and talk to her husband. This was her first half marathon, and I am so happy she is able to do them :)
As for my race, it was great! I had a pre-race meal of a banana and peanut butter which seemed to be working very well for me. I ate a banana around mile 8 as I figured I should do so as I never did eat it at mile 5 like normal. I never tortured myself with goo. I learned that HEED is a decent electrolyte drink, so long as it is not the strawberry flavor. I learned that I like going uphill compared to downhill. I learned that I could run, and run much longer than just 10 seconds at a time. I also learned that I really like a little competition. The ladies with the black pants and skirts were never going to pass me again. The other ladies that we met and were also neck and neck with were not going to pass me at the end. And when you bond with someone and see them dropping in mile 12, you don't care about your own time, you make sure they are okay because if they aren't, you are going to be carrying them across that finish line no matter what! I also learned that I get in a zone.
A friend of ours met us in mile 12. I realized how unfriendly I am when in a race. Not intentional, but I was not my normal self. I was on a mission to finish. I was focused and driven. Once I crossed the finish line, received my medal, and had a moment to relish in the moment of knowing I had completed another race, I looked at my friend and explain, "Okay, now I can be me!" Lucky for me, she understood. I never realized how much of a difference from race me and normal me there really is until now.
And for my time...I dropped more time: 3:52:33
I got under 4! I was thrilled with myself! Kendra was thrilled to have done her second race. I was thankful for everyone who was there to cheer us on. But now it was time to cheer on Linda and her crew.
I talked to the people handing out medals. They allowed me to hand Linda her's, and Kendra handed Linda's husband his. She made it! She is a half marathoner! She helped push me, and I learned that I helped push her. Some pictures of us all taken, a sharing of contact information, and a desire to do this together again was all had.
We also took pictures with the two people that were also neck and neck with us that I wasn't going to let pass at the end. They, too, wish to do this again with us. It was like we were making half marathon family as we went. As small as this race was, the energy was so high, and the support was even more grand than could ever be expected.
Stay tuned for Wednesday when I will announce my next race. If things go as I hope, and I throw caution to the wind, it might be much sooner than anyone expects.
This race was very different than the last two I have done. It was tiny! Such a small field of participants: full marathoners, half marathoners, and 5Kers. Just under two thousand participants total, where the other two have over 10,000. Also interesting about this race, and discouraging was that the course was an out and back. This means you go so far out on the course, and then turn around and come back the same way you came. As a half, this wasn't so bad. But the full marathoners had to do the same loop twice. Let me just say now, when the time comes for me to do a full, this will NOT be the race I will do unless the course is changed. The nice part was that my partner was joining me again for a half marathon. You will recall that we did the first one together.
We arrived to the race a little later than I had liked thanks to my lead foot and some radar gun that was unfortunately positioned in my way. I was a bit excited to head to this race. Oops! We found parking right at the starting/finish line, and got lined up ready to head out. Once again I was wearing the rainbow flag. As Idaho recently issued a stay on the verdict on the ban of same sex marriage being unconstitutional, and the case will go to court in September, I felt it was appropriate to show visibility again. Many high 5's, and words of encouragement were shared at the starting line and along the course.
As I complain a lot about this course I must admit, it really is beautiful! Most of the race is along the east edge of Lake Coeur d'Alene. Thankfully it was not so hot yet that the humidity was kept at bay. I am a total water lover, so as I was going I kept imagining myself in a kayak enjoying the water. I have done that through this area of the lake with much enjoyment. Sadly, I do not own a kayak now, and race registrations take away from the chance of owning one soon. While I do not like out and backs, this one was filled with nature that kept me engaged.
We met a lot of people along the course. The purple people were marathoners, and requested that they take a picture with us. The interesting thing is that one of the purple people knew a friend of ours who met us along the course! Small world.
I also met another woman named Linda. She has been through her own extensive journey to get to this point. Her husband, friend, and her were always neck and neck with us. Sometimes we would be ahead, and sometimes, they would pass us. Every time Linda would go to pass us, I would speed up with her. She would walk faster, as would I. She would jog, as would I. Kendra would stay and talk to her husband. This was her first half marathon, and I am so happy she is able to do them :)
As for my race, it was great! I had a pre-race meal of a banana and peanut butter which seemed to be working very well for me. I ate a banana around mile 8 as I figured I should do so as I never did eat it at mile 5 like normal. I never tortured myself with goo. I learned that HEED is a decent electrolyte drink, so long as it is not the strawberry flavor. I learned that I like going uphill compared to downhill. I learned that I could run, and run much longer than just 10 seconds at a time. I also learned that I really like a little competition. The ladies with the black pants and skirts were never going to pass me again. The other ladies that we met and were also neck and neck with were not going to pass me at the end. And when you bond with someone and see them dropping in mile 12, you don't care about your own time, you make sure they are okay because if they aren't, you are going to be carrying them across that finish line no matter what! I also learned that I get in a zone.
A friend of ours met us in mile 12. I realized how unfriendly I am when in a race. Not intentional, but I was not my normal self. I was on a mission to finish. I was focused and driven. Once I crossed the finish line, received my medal, and had a moment to relish in the moment of knowing I had completed another race, I looked at my friend and explain, "Okay, now I can be me!" Lucky for me, she understood. I never realized how much of a difference from race me and normal me there really is until now.
And for my time...I dropped more time: 3:52:33
I got under 4! I was thrilled with myself! Kendra was thrilled to have done her second race. I was thankful for everyone who was there to cheer us on. But now it was time to cheer on Linda and her crew.
I talked to the people handing out medals. They allowed me to hand Linda her's, and Kendra handed Linda's husband his. She made it! She is a half marathoner! She helped push me, and I learned that I helped push her. Some pictures of us all taken, a sharing of contact information, and a desire to do this together again was all had.
We also took pictures with the two people that were also neck and neck with us that I wasn't going to let pass at the end. They, too, wish to do this again with us. It was like we were making half marathon family as we went. As small as this race was, the energy was so high, and the support was even more grand than could ever be expected.
Stay tuned for Wednesday when I will announce my next race. If things go as I hope, and I throw caution to the wind, it might be much sooner than anyone expects.
Wednesday, May 7, 2014
Bloomsday Recap
On Sunday was a 12K in my city, and I was blessed to have my partner and Chewy join me for it. Great time had by the three of us. This was technically Chewy's second 12K, but her first done on her own two feet, and her longest race to date. She did great, and as you will read, is already making plans. As for me, this was my 8th time doing this race. It was much better this time around compared to my last Bloomsday experience with the broken stroller.
The time was 745am, and it is well known in my town that Bloomsday means 50,000+ runners take over the streets of downtown, and then wind their way around the west side of the city. This also means that roads are closed, parking is horrible, and if you can take mass transit, you should! We opted to take the city bus which was running a special from a mall near us to the race starting point. This started to feel a lot like Phoenix since I took a bus there, but this time it was sunny and warm, and I wasn't being dropped off at the edge of a desert.
Bloomsday has a staggered start. The wheelchairs leave before 9am. Elite runners leave at 9am. Everyone else just starts in 10 minute intervals for about an hour or so after the elite. By the time we started, the elite runners were crossing the finish line. I will not be running a 12K in 34 minutes, and I am just fine with that. But they really are amazing to watch. We did get to see the awards ceremony, and it was so interesting to hear the accomplishments of these runners.
This is the race that reminded me of how much more training I need to do with hills. I have gotten a little lazy with hill work. Spokane is a tough place to race because of all the hills, and Bloomsday has its fair share of them including one hill lovingly called Doomsday. It is a 3/4 mile climb! Guess where I will be spending more time. But one of the best parts of this race was at the bottom of this hill. A woman filled a wagon with bananas of every color (some green, some yellow, some browning), and was selling them for $1 each. The top of the hill is the 5 mile mark, and if you have kept up with me, you know I eat a banana at 5 miles. $3 later, we each were munching on this quick energy source, and Chewy was expressing how grand it was to have this. Perfect bit of energy before tackling this hill. On this hill, we found Waldo...
This is somewhere along Mile 6. Clearly Chewy is similar to her mother, always smiling in race photos.
Aside from the hills, this race was easy for me. Short distance which didn't leave me feeling worn out at the end, or even through the rest of the day. Good reminder of what I need to work on. Excellent way for me to evaluate what I need to do for my next race. And most of all, it reminded me about my need for people. Bloomsday has such a large community following here. People throw parties at their homes just to cheer on runners. Chewy also commented on how she enjoyed the community support. She found it energizing and encouraging. As tired as she was (double header soccer games the day before, plus everything else soccer and running related during the week), she was able to keep going thanks to the crowds.
The time: 2:21:09. 18:55 mile.
Perfect! Not so slow that it was dreadful. Not so fast that I was exhausted. No soreness. Great pace as we just followed Chewy's lead and she was worn out before the race ever started. If I was to keep that same pace, a half would be completed in my normal 4 hours and a couple minutes time. I consider Bloomsday a success. Chewy is already asking that we make this a family tradition every spring. I suspect that we will jog some of it in future years. Medals are not given after this race, but we do get lovely shirts.
So what is the future plan of racing? Chewy and I have a couple 5Ks this summer. But the next race for me is in...
18 Days for the CDA Half.
The time was 745am, and it is well known in my town that Bloomsday means 50,000+ runners take over the streets of downtown, and then wind their way around the west side of the city. This also means that roads are closed, parking is horrible, and if you can take mass transit, you should! We opted to take the city bus which was running a special from a mall near us to the race starting point. This started to feel a lot like Phoenix since I took a bus there, but this time it was sunny and warm, and I wasn't being dropped off at the edge of a desert.
Bloomsday has a staggered start. The wheelchairs leave before 9am. Elite runners leave at 9am. Everyone else just starts in 10 minute intervals for about an hour or so after the elite. By the time we started, the elite runners were crossing the finish line. I will not be running a 12K in 34 minutes, and I am just fine with that. But they really are amazing to watch. We did get to see the awards ceremony, and it was so interesting to hear the accomplishments of these runners.This is the race that reminded me of how much more training I need to do with hills. I have gotten a little lazy with hill work. Spokane is a tough place to race because of all the hills, and Bloomsday has its fair share of them including one hill lovingly called Doomsday. It is a 3/4 mile climb! Guess where I will be spending more time. But one of the best parts of this race was at the bottom of this hill. A woman filled a wagon with bananas of every color (some green, some yellow, some browning), and was selling them for $1 each. The top of the hill is the 5 mile mark, and if you have kept up with me, you know I eat a banana at 5 miles. $3 later, we each were munching on this quick energy source, and Chewy was expressing how grand it was to have this. Perfect bit of energy before tackling this hill. On this hill, we found Waldo...
This is somewhere along Mile 6. Clearly Chewy is similar to her mother, always smiling in race photos.
Aside from the hills, this race was easy for me. Short distance which didn't leave me feeling worn out at the end, or even through the rest of the day. Good reminder of what I need to work on. Excellent way for me to evaluate what I need to do for my next race. And most of all, it reminded me about my need for people. Bloomsday has such a large community following here. People throw parties at their homes just to cheer on runners. Chewy also commented on how she enjoyed the community support. She found it energizing and encouraging. As tired as she was (double header soccer games the day before, plus everything else soccer and running related during the week), she was able to keep going thanks to the crowds.
The time: 2:21:09. 18:55 mile.
Perfect! Not so slow that it was dreadful. Not so fast that I was exhausted. No soreness. Great pace as we just followed Chewy's lead and she was worn out before the race ever started. If I was to keep that same pace, a half would be completed in my normal 4 hours and a couple minutes time. I consider Bloomsday a success. Chewy is already asking that we make this a family tradition every spring. I suspect that we will jog some of it in future years. Medals are not given after this race, but we do get lovely shirts.So what is the future plan of racing? Chewy and I have a couple 5Ks this summer. But the next race for me is in...
18 Days for the CDA Half.
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