11/1/03 Run Them Out of Government 5K

New race for Olympia (Washington state capital) and I am not sure what to make of it. It is near election day and the title of the race "Run Them Out of Government" is funny. But as we register we are told to write down our least favorite politician and they will tally the votes and announce who we most want to boot from office. I just want to race, I am not here to make a political statement. Jody is with me. This is my third race in three weeks and I love racing again even though I feel slow. It is bitter cold out.
Start - Out and back course. We get a nice downhill to start
Mile 1.5 - Flat area around the lake
Mile 2.5 - Uh oh. We have to run back up this sucker. Steep hill up to the Capitol steps. Try tp hold on and struggle to the end.
Mile 3.1 - A little dissapointed by finishing 8 seconds slower than last week. But it is colder and that hill at the end was a killer. I head back down the hill to encourage others, especially Jody.
23:38
32nd place of 115
****

10/25/03 Ghostmuster 5K

It is so good to be able to run without plantar pain and fun to race again. I don't care that I am slower than I used to be. Last year I enjoyed this fun little race and am happy to be back.
Start - Windy and very cold
Mile 2 - Running well. This time I know that the course will take us back near the finish before going out a small loop.
Mile 3.1 - Ten seconds faster than last year and almost a minute faster than last week (albeit an easier course)
23:00
****

10/18/03 Glove Run 5K

It has been three years since I have run this small race. 10K and 5K offering. I ran the 5K last time I was here so I'll do it again. I like getting running gloves and loaves of bread instead of a t-shirt and bottle of water. It is cool with some wind.
Start - Up that steep hill. There is a small girl in front of me and I decide to stay behind her as a way to pace myself a little. I can pass her later.
Mile 2 - Well that 12 year old girl (I found out later) never let me catch her. She just pulled away, or maybe I am slowing.
Mile 3.1 - Enjoyed the run today. Earned a 4th place in my age group ribbon. That is because most of the fast guys ran the 10K
23:58
33rd place of 104
***

9/13/03 Run for Pasta 10K

Not very often you get an evening race. Since I am going by myself and do not know any runners in town I will not stay for the post race pasta dinner. Wait, I thought you are supposed to carbo load before the race. Still seems like a fun idea though.
Start - At the Farmers Market in Olympia. We will run along the water, then up and through Priest Point park. It is a little warm this evening.
Mile 2.5 - Legs do not feel very fresh, hard to get moving.
Mile 3 - My first ever trail race. I like how they marked the trip hazard roots with white paint or flower. I wish there was a water station.
Mile 4 - First and only water stop. Not having the best time out here.
Mile 6.2 - Glad to be done. Disappointed to be slower than last week. I see a guy with a Bank to Bay T-shirt and he tells me that ran today faster. Guess my legs just were not in it tonight. I stay for the awards on the slight chance that I could get an age group ribbon. Most everyone else is in line or eating dinner. No ribbon for me, so I head home.
51:15
44th of 105
**

Bank to Bay 10K Tacoma

I don't think I have ever actually been to downtown Tacoma. This race is supposed to showcase the downtown renewal and raise funds for the public schools. Sponsored by Keybank and others we will start "downtown", which is really uphill from the bay. So this race will be downhill to start, flat along the water, then uphill to the finish. Weather is cool, but no rain.
Start - Lots of runners here. I was not expecting such a big event.
Mile 2 - Nice run down the hill and onto Ruston Way where I have driven before.
Mile 3.1 - Turn around at Puget Creek. The creek is underneath a very long culvert here and not visible.
Mile 4 - It has been a good race so far, but now I am tiring and I dread the hill to come.
Mile 5 - Going up the hill, I feel like I am running in slow motion. The 5K race started 30 minutes after the 10K and the leaders of the 5K are zooming past me.
Mile 6.2 - Hit the flats and picked up the speed for the finish. Pleased with time. Stayed for some great raffles, but with so many runners I had little chance of winning.
50:36
190th of 645
***

7/19/03 Lakefair 8K

Forgive me reader, it has been nine months since my last race. After struggling for too long with the foot pain, plantar faciitis, I was so discouraged and almost quit running altogether. It was at a neighborhood holiday party that Raymond encouraged and convinced me to go see a podiatrist. After getting a referal from my primary care physician I was able to get an appointment with Dr. Terrance Hess. "Since running is your thing, we better get you running again". Two shots of cortisone and a fitting for custom orthodics. Then a long slow rehab as my feet gradually adjusted to the orthodic inserts. It took about six months before I felt comfortable running. I know I have lost a ton of speed but I do not care. I will just be happy to be out there today. Bright sun.
Start - This is my first ever 8K race. That is 4.98 miles. I don't know why they do not call it a 5 miler. Good crowd and off we go.
Mile 2 - There is my student, Ryan, waving to me from a truck. I feel proud that he sees me running. Too bad I am not going very fast.
Mile 3 - Very bright sun. I wish I had sunglasses. Getting warm too.
Mile 4.98 - Done. Not entirely happy with my time or pacing, but really glad to be back and feeling good.
42:17
135 of 288
***