Dizzy Daze

Three years ago, I ran Dizzy Daze. It was a great way to do some distance training with other runners, and with an aid station every 3 miles. So, I decided to do it again this year.

The morning started out with rain. The rain stopped just long enough for the puddles to start receding. And then it started raining again. Rain finally stopped again around lunch time for good. The food at the aid station was great again this year. Betsy (race co-director) made bacon and pancakes all morning. And then she made pizza all afternoon in a portable brick pizza oven! Kicking Horse Coffee has a trailer with a couple of fellows traveling the country and giving away free cups of coffee. We were lucky to have them set up their trailer at the aid station. I don't drink coffee but I decided to have a half a cup to get me wired up and running.

Race co-director, Matt, giving last minute instructions before the start.

At the start line, in the rain.

Betsy is making bacon!

The aid station. Behind it is the Kicking Horse Coffee black trailer giving out free coffee.

Daffodils are a sure sign that spring is coming!

I went 32 miles in 7 hours. That mileage was my goal for the day. Then, I headed to the stable to ride my horse.

St. Patrick's Day Dash

It's a Seattle tradition! We signed up last night and ran the 5K this morning. The St. Patrick's Day Dash is a very festive event. EVERYONE dresses up for it.

 

We ran in the second wave, the red wave, but there were a lot of walkers walking 3, 4, or 5 abreast. It was hard to get around them and keep running. We have agreed to sign up for the first wave, the green wave, next time.

 

The streets were full of runners!

The last time I ran this 5K was in 2015 with my daughter. It was a wet day that year and much different from this year.

Hot Chocolate 15K

Oh, why do I keep running the Hot Chocolate? This was my 5th year in a row. As a result, I joined the Silver club! They sure know how to lure me in with the bling. In addition to a delicious finisher's medal, I received a 5 year medal and some other bling, most of which I threw away.

Because I have run the Hot Chocolate 5 years in a row, I received this beautiful medal and stocking hat.

 

Green River Half Marathon

The Green River Half Marathon is a nice out and back run on the Interurban Trail. It's nice and flat, and it's scenic! Bonus: the sun was out.

Hero is putting in some serious miles with me. He absolutely loves it.

 

At the turn around.

Aid station at turn around.

Beautiful new bridge that the city built, but we didn't run across it.

Finish line!

Northwest Trail Runs - Winter Series

This season, both of my kiddos participated in the Northwest Trail Runs Winter Trail Series. It was a great way to keep them running after the fall cross country season ended. There are boys and girls 12 & under divisions that they competed in. They had to run at least 4 of the 7 races to be ranked. The girls division was more competitive with some fast girls. My daughter took second in the series--no cigar. My son took first in his division and won an awesome nylon and fleece blanket!

 



November 4, 2017 - Carkeek Cooler 5K

 

 

Photo credit: Taryn Graham

Photo credit: Taryn Graham

 

I was on a different course, doing the Green River Marathon that morning with Hero.

 

November 19, 2017 - Ravenna Refresher

 

While I was working on the Quadzukilla races, the kids were doing their second run in the Winter Series.

 

Photo credit: Yutaka Suzue

Photo credit: Yutaka Suzue

 

December 16, 2017 - Seward Solstice Run

 

This course was 2 laps and I ran the second with my daughter.

 

Photo credit: Takao Suzuki

 

Photo credit: Takao Suzuki

Photo credit: Takao Suzuki

 

February 3, 2018 - Interlaken Icicle Dash

 

This was a common sight - my daughter just behind my son. She was so frustrated. She wanted to beat him just once! He admitted to having a strategy. He said he ran with his sister for the first mile or two and then, if he was feeling good (which he always was) then he would pick up the pace and race to the finish. 



 

Photo credit: Yutaka Suzue







West Seattle Beach Run

25K Feb. 4, 2018 Super Bowl Sunday


Photo credit: Ross Comer

It was Super Bowl Sunday last weekend! I ran a 25K and took my Hero with me. I love to do my long runs with other people, and running the West Seattle Beach Run was a great way to do it. The race was in my neighborhood so I didn't have to get up extra early to drive a long way to the starting line. There was also a 50K distance (out and back twice). At first I couldn't decide whether to sign up for the 50K or the 25K. Then I came to my senses, and decided to sleep in a little and run the 25K.

Start and finish "line"

The turn-around

The aid station along Alki Beach. It was windy and cold, but not raining.

 

The tide was in and the wind was blowing the waves high on the wall.

A visiting seal pup was relaxing on the beach (in the center of this picture).

I love the beach in West Seattle!

Hero was snuggling into his bed in the back of the car after the run. Looks like one leg got left out.

Tiger Mountain Fatass 25K

After running a marathon a week ago, I wanted to keep my mileage up. So, I found the Tiger Mountain Fatass 25K. I know I could go run a trail for free, but I prefer running with other people. Besides, it was a cheap race.

At the starting line.

The trails at Tiger Mountain are beautiful.

My view at the top. We were socked in by clouds.

I used Map My Run for this race and for the marathon last week. It is a free app for your cell phone. So far, I like it!

Download from Map My Run.

The course was marked with Christmas decorations. I love the holidays so I took much delight in looking for the decorations. It was more fun than looking for pin flags or orange streamers!