#23 and 24 - the Washington State Tour

#23 Richland Run Fest Half Marathon (2/22/14) Family and dog went to Richland, WA last Friday afternoon. We stayed in the Red Lion Inn at the start of the race. I loved getting up in the morning and being at the start of the race!! I didn't have to use a port-a-potty because I just went back to my room to use the toilet! They have a cool band stand in the park. Here is a lovely educationally video about "the fingernail" band stand. http://richlandwa.swagit.com/play/09032010-58  I demo'd some Hoka shoes and ran the first mile in them. (My friend runs in Hokas so I sent her the picture below.) I was so glad to see Andy on the route with my Asics in hand. I switched shoes and I felt 10 pounds lighter! At around mile 2, I started running with a gentleman from Spokane who was doing the full marathon (out and back twice). We ran a really good pace. I knew I could break 2 hours, and then I finished in 2 hrs and 15 seconds. So close!

#24 Hazel Dell Half Marathon (2/23/14) After the Richland race I showered in the room and then we headed to Vancouver, WA. We did some letterboxing along the way. (see letterboxing info at http://www.atlasquest.com/ ) We checked into a hotel in Vancouver and the next morning I ran the Hazel Dell Half Marathon with Hero. This race was to raise money for an animal rescue group. It seemed fitting to have Hero along since he is our very own rescue dog. We ran in Salmon Creek Park and it was relaxing. Can you say relaxing when you are talking about running?? They served red velvet cupcakes at the finish!

Whew, February was a hard month. I finished 9 halfs in 4 weeks.

#21 and 22 - heading up north

#21 Woolley Trail Runs (2/15/14) I did 2 races last weekend. The first one was Saturday in Sedro Woolley along an old railroad grade that was turned into a bike path. It was a bit blustery--windy and wet. The shirt was a little entertaining (see below). After the race I found a health club and paid the day use fee of $10 so I could take a shower and clean up. Then I want to the mall in Burlington and saw Frozen at the theater.

#22 Birch Bay International Half Marathon (2/16/14) Tami drove up Saturday evening. We went to Christine's house in Bellingham for the night, and then further north to Birch Bay the next morning. The weather was nicer on Sunday. I thought the course was going to be more breathtaking but maybe I was just too tired to look around. It was nice to have Tami's company on the road!

#20 of 52 - NWTR Frost Eagle

It was dry but cold today. The race was at Soaring Eagle Park. There are a lot of races there! The ground was frozen and that made the trail more difficult to run. There were ruts from mountain bike tires. Tami decided to join me for this race last minute. She was planning to do an 11 mile run this weekend and decided it would be more fun to do 13 with me than 11 by herself. I heart you too, Tami!

New running attire!

I got my new sparkle skirt today.
I decided I needed something to spice up the races before I get too bored!
I ordered it from SparkleAthletic.com for $25 and free shipping.

#19 of 52 - West Seattle Half Fat Ass

Ran a 25K today. It was an out and back in my neighborhood. Tami and Baxter joined me and Hero at mile 3 and did 10 miles with us. It was a small race without much support and I really like these. Some folks were going out and back twice to do 50K. Beautiful views of downtown today!

 

 

#18 of 52 - Geoduck Gallup

Ha, ha. This race was at Evergreen State College. My sister says she doesn't think this place is even a real accredited college. It was a place where hippies could hang out together in the 1970s. The mascot is a geoduck for goodness sake! Have you heard their fight song?
Go, Geoducks go,
Through the mud and the sand, let’s go.
Siphon high, squirt it out,
swivel all about, let it all hang out.
Go, Geoducks go,
Stretch your necks when the tide is low
Siphon high, squirt it out,
swivel all about, let it all hang out.

 

The grounds are beautiful. Acres and acres of forest with paths.
And the Seahawks are heading to the Superbowl! I dressed to rep the home team.

 

On a more somber note, while I was running my sisters and husband were moving my mom's things to an Alzheimer's home. My dad has finally decided he can no longer take care of her at home. It is heart-breaking. My dad loves my mom so much and he keeps apologizing for moving her. Although my mom often doesn't know who my dad is, she stills clings to him for comfort. Somewhere in her subconscious, she still has a bond with him.