12/16/07 Christmas Marathon

I was due for a long run and decided to jump into this Bob Green race just for fun. My mistake was not having any real time goal other than to hope to break 4 hours. Talked Billy into running the full marathon. We could run together for a little while, should be a good time. Cold weather with threat of rain. I decided to wear tights, maybe my first ever race doing this. We also had Tammy positioned to give us water and aid as needed, especially since were were taking the early start.

Mile 1 - Nice easy 9ish pace with Bill. About 30 runners in the early group.

Mile 2 - Bill and I go our seperate ways as I pick up the pace ever so slightly. Meet Monty.

Mile 3 - Catch up to Ron and Jim. Its pretty windy and I try to draft a little but they are too small. The road is too unsafe for two across let alone three and I should be going just a little faster so I move on ahead

Mile 5-6 Running with a nice pack, off the main road. Meet a young couple and also a father and daughter (Mike and Ashley). How cool is that, running a marathon with your kid? Mike just joined the Maniacs and Ashley will soon. They seem to be very intent on the pacing and are going just a little slow for my pace, so I edge on ahead.

Mile 13.1 - Wind has been blowing hard. I hit the turnaround at 1:55. Someone asked what my goal time was and I honestly could not answer, but I knew that was bad. What would keep me motivated when it gets hard?

Mile 17 - Wind at my back but I am spent. Tammy is there to encourage me, but it is not looking good. I start taking walking breaks.

Mile 20-25 - Way too many long walking breaks. Billy's friend Chris stops by to encourage me. I pass some 1/2 marathon walkers and joke with them, I am barely running as fast as they are walking. I am making so many deals with my watch. I give up on 4 hours and that enables me to relax and slow even more. Ashley passes me, elf ears and all, looking very comfortable. She has my respect as a runner from that moment on.

Mile 26.2 - Crossed the finish line without much emotion. Good to be done, satisfied with the run but a little dissapointed in the time. Basically gave up and walked it in when it got rough. At least the rain held off.

4:05:47
41 of 85 runners

***

10/27/07 Ghostmuster 5K

My 7th Ghostmuster 5K. Always on the same day as the kids school Halloween party so we always have to rush out ASAP. Quality race put on by Thurston County Parks and Recreation. Small crowd with many slower folks and a good chance for a ribbon. Cold but dry.

Mile 1 - Off like a shot and running at 6:50 pace. Good number of runners all around me. Some turn off to do the 10K route, many are still with me here.

Mile 1.5 - Familiar course. I know eactly where this is going and I am pumping along nicely. Shaping up to be a good run. Both Lindbergs are just behind me, another guy is right on my tail but will not pass me.

Mile 2 - Guy tries to make his move past me but I surge ahead. Such a short race, no need to hold anything back. I will try as hard as I can to not let anyone pass me. I break away from the sticky guy.

Mile 3 - Here is the finish, keep going strong, nobody behind me is going to catch me.

Mile 3.1 - Strong finish and good running for the entire race. Almost vomit. Lindberg brother approaches me and says that I ran great and smart, that really means a lot to me, it is a rare day that I can best him. Tammy is waiting at the finish, she seems concerned about me. Now we wait, but not long for Billy. He has run a good race too. Now things get even more memorable:

Jody should be along soon. Really any time now. Billy and I decide to jog back and see her near the end, we jog a half mile or so. Runners are getting slower. No sign of jody. Fast 10K guys are zooming past, still no sign of my woman. I start to worry a little. She must have gotten hurt and is walking. We jog back to the finish and wait more. Finally we hop in Bill's truck to drive the course in reverse, after checking with the race officials to see if they know anything. About 1.5 miles from the finish there she is chugging along. Took the 10K turn and ran all the way to the 3.1 mile turn around before realizing! She must have really been in the zone. She ran on in and rather enjoyed herself.

21:21
8th place of 88 runners
2nd in age group ribbon
****

10/20/07 Halloween 10 miler

Back to Millersylvania State Park for the traditional "holiday" race by Bob Green. One of the few 10 milers around, most other runners doing a full marathon or half or 10K or 5K. Best chance for me to actually win a race is to pick a low turn out holiday distance and hope nobody fast shows up. That 10Mile PR has been sitting out there for ten years now and should be breakable, but I am still recovering from recent marathons. Heavy rain and wind.

Start - Saw the early marathoners leave and I feel a little guilty. I am a Marathon Maniac now, shouldn't I be runnning the full distance? I feel like I am missing out on something. Anyway we try to sort out who is running what race. Just a few of us on ten miles. One young guy says that he has never run that far but he looks rather fit.

Mile 1 - out of the park and on to the dangerous roads. The fit guy is well in front of me but he misses the first turn and has to come back, pulling him closer.

Mile 3 - After the 5K turnaround and the 10K turnaround I know that I am in 2nd place overall, not too far behind. I had been running with a youg kid who was doing great on the 10K, I encouraged him and he seemed to be pacing well.

Mile 4 - Rainy and wet. Shoes are soggy and heavy and slowing me down. Legs are not fresh and I am just not quite able to keep PR pace.

Mile 6-10 - Working hard and in good spirits but not an exceptional running day. Very glad that I am not running the full marathon in this weather. Just can not catch the top runner, not even close enough to make it interesting though he was in my sights the whole way. Good to get out and run, happy to have raced. I drive slowly home along the course and encourage the lonely marathoners. Rain has stopped but they look rather soggy. Van Phan is pushing along her 40 something marathon or ultra of the year.

1:17:28
2nd overall of 5 runners
***

10/13/07 Glove Run 5K

Six days post Bellingham Marathon. Yellow Marathon Maniac club singlet arrived on Wednesday. So what if it is a 5K, I need to wear it at this race. I always enjoy the glove run. Gloves, loaves of bread and hot cereal. My 6th Glove Run. Usual Steilacoom crowd, nice October weather. Faster runners mostly do the 10K but this is a traditional 5K race for me. Cool and foggy.

Mile 1 - I have started conservatively. Had a good pre-race warm up and the first mile has gone smoothly.

Mile 2 - This sure is shorter than a marathon!! How could this be almost over. Pace is good. I've had a few comments about the shirt, one race volunteer said that I should be able to handle this distance. No duh.

Mile 3.1 - Good stong kick at the end. 6:57 pace overall. Any time I can go sub 7 for a 5K that is good. I end up with a "first in age group" ribbon and am psyched that I could run that fast so soon after B'ham.

21:33
9th of 56 runners
****

10/7/07 Bellingham Bay Marathon

The whole family drove up to stay with Jody's Dad and watch me knock off marathon number 3 within 3 months, thus gaining entry into the Marathon Maniacs club. I followed the weather report with apprehension and had trouble sleeping the night before the race, listening to the wind and rain lash against the house. So happy to see it dry in the morning.

I arrived early and got preferred parking in the heated garage. The wind was blowing fiercely and had knocked over a whole row of porta-potties. Gusts were at least 30-40 mph. I found a secret bathroom in the office building, and stayed indoors until just before the start.

Start - Two of the main maniacs were there and I introduced myself.

Mile 1 - Running right into the wind. This is fairly comical. I feel great but I suspect that the wind will zap my energy.

Mile 3 - Cool boardwalk over the water, furious winds directly in my face. Having a fun time though and not stressing about it.

Mile 7 - That was a seriously steep uphill back there, but a few persons have mentioned that the real steep one is yet to come. Lots of 1/2 marathon runners with us as both races started at the same time. This neighborhood is sort of boring and I swear we are running in circles.

Mile 10 - The California street hill. Super steep but short, then on to a gravel and dirt trail. I had thought it would be a paved trail, but this is OK. Except for all of the downed leaves and small branches. Some escape from the wind.

Mile 14 - Out and back on the trail. Some very steep parts that I was not expecting. Hey guys, I am not a trail runner yet. One of the downs and ups could have easily had a bridge over it.

Mile 15 - Pass a maniac heading out still. That will be me soon, wearing that silly shirt.

Mile 19 - Back on the roads and wind. Slowing down and running alone.

Mile 22 - Trudging along and spacing out I am shocked back to reality as a transformer blows up directly above my head. I thought it was a gunshot at first and I sure managed to run faster for a little way. Shared a moment of increduality with some spectators just down the road.

Mile 23 - Turn down to the water and back onto that boardwalk. This time strong tail winds pushing me to the finish.......

Mile 24 - Except that we have to go right past the finish and run a little two mile loop, ensuring that the last mile will be back into the head wind. Caleb, Jared, Connie and Jody are there to cheer for me.

Mile 25 - Meet a nice guy from somewhere in the south, we keep trading places and encouraging each other. Pigtails scoots on past.

Mile 26.2 - There is the family and there is the end. Rain held off. Wind is getting worse. I need to get inside. Finish time was not so hot, but I can blame it on the weather and the unexpected steep hills. A difficult but rewarding day. This was the inagural race and part of me wants to say I ran it every year, but mostly I do not feel a need to come back. Time will tell.

4:07:0408
108th of 379 runners
****

9/9/07 Skagit Flats Marathon

Leave the house at 4AM for the 2.5 hour drive north. First Skagit race, but I did come last year to cheer Billy in his first marathon and I ran the last six miles with him, so I have some familiarity with the course. Very cold and some wind.

Start - Lots of maniacs, but I don't really know any of them. Short opening ceremony and we are off.

Mile 1 - The "big hill" is just the I-5 overpass, after that it is flat all the way. We even will go under the highway on the return to the school.

Mile 4 - Nice and steady. Some wind in the face and it is comfortable temperatures

Mile 10 - A few short conversations. Holding a very steady 8:35 pace, feeling good and having fun.

Mile 12.7 - Turnaround. The head wind was fairly strong, this should be nice for the return and it sure is for a couple of miles.

Mile 17 - Don't feel any tailwind any more. Heating up quite a bit. Still on a super steady 8:35 and feeling good.

Mile 18 - Getting warmer

Mile 19 - Getting hotter

Mile 21 - Bright sun and heat

Mile 22 - Shade is so nice, but so far apart. I see the shade of a lone tree up ahead. Should I walk through the shade to have more time cooling down, or run through the shade because I will be feeling better? Patch of shade is only 30 feet long, what difference does it make?

Mile 23 - After the race I am going to buy some trees and deliver and offer to plant them for the property owners. Then in 20 years or so this will be a beautiful shady road.

Mile 24 - Wilting, walking breaks, feel like I am in Africa

Mile 26.2 - This could have been my day if not for the heat at the end. The first 22 miles were very consistent and well run. Pleased with time and knowledge that I pushed farther into the marathon than ever before. Hope to come back next year.

3:56:20
75th of 185
***

9/3/07 Labor Day Classic Elma 3 miles

Bob Green race at Vance Creek Park. I wanted to come cheer Billy doing his first triathlon and saw the short 3 mile race as a nice option that would not wear me out for Skagit. What is up with the 3 mile distance? Why not a standard 5K (3.1 miles)? I never did ask Bob. This would be my first and maybe only race at this distance. With the typical turnout I had a possibility of winning overall. Pleasant weather. Good easy warm up.

Start - Who are these four young fit looking guys? I ask and find out that they are the Elma boys cross country team here to run the 3 miler as a training run. Darn it!!

Mile 1 - I'm in 5 th place with the Elma team all ahead of me. Course is out and back on a country road, mostly flat. Running smoothly.

Mile 2 - Pass one team member, I'm not going to catch the others

Mile 3 - Done so soon. I congratulate each runner who beat me and talk cross country for a bit. I had missed the swim and start of the bike portion of the tri.

Best part of the day was cheering Billy to start the run, then jogging down the course a half mile to be the only spectator and cheering section for all the runners. I tried my best to keep them moving to the finish with a smile. Once I was over my dissapointment with the stiff competition in my race, I had a most enjoyable day.

20:20 (6:51 pace)
4th of 9 runners
***

8/25/07 Run With Your Dog 5K

What a zoo!! Fundraiser for the ASPCA at the local vet. First time racing with Ooskiss, my black lab mutt. We have run over 1,000 miles together but never in a race situation. Would he stay on focus? Sure having trouble before the start, too much to sniff at. Leashes tangling, snarling and yelping all over. Mix of lone runners and runners with dogs. Newlywed couple who met each other at last years race. Easy simple warm up. Cool morning.

Start - Decided to start at the front and go all out to get ahead of the "pack". Lots of young kids running too, this could be a mess. Through the parking lot, across the road and onto the Chehalis Western Trail. A couple runners in front of me enter the trail on the right of the gate, but I know it is quicker to enter to the left. This is my home paved trail, done lots of running here.

Mile 1 - We have settled out nicely. One runner and one dog and runner well ahead. Another dog and runner even with me. We talk a little but are running too fast for conversation. Seem to be evenly matched at this point. Ooskiss knows what he is doing and we are running strong.

Mile 2 - I had been worried about the turn around and what Ooskiss would face on the way back, but Miguel had designed a "lolipop" course that was perfect. Left turn onto empty country road, left turn back south and left turn back to the trail. Only a few stragglers and Ooskiss does a good job of not getting distracted.

Mile 2.1 - The runner I had been competing with is pulling away and I may not get him. All of a sudden Ooskiss stops completely and starts pooping on the trail. Fastest poop ever and we are back to race pace in no time.

Mile 3.1- Pushing hard for the finish. Nice group of spectators cheering. Feeling great. Cross the line and imediately handed a ribbon and trophy. Now that is my kind of award ceremony, no wait at all. But there is a problem. Our trophy says second place overall dog and runner. Turns out that the one dog who was way in front never crossed the finish. He must have not been registered and just ran along for fun, I saw him later still running on another part of the trail. Very proud of Ooskiss. He seemed pleased too.

21:49
3rd overall of about 50 (2nd overall runner with dog)
4 paws!!

7/29/07 San Francisco Marathon

Family vacation with marathon on last day. Planned this one far in advance as a way to see the city and get a race in. Arrived Thursday evening and stayed at the race headquarters hotel, easy walk to the 5:45AM start. Long all day walking and shopping on Friday. Laid low the second half of Saturday while Jody and the boys did more shopping. Great fun family time. Now it is awake in the morning darkness and off to the race. I have a calm attitude with no real expectations for a great finish time. Supposed to be a hilly course. My goal is just to enjoy it but also break four hours if possible. Dark, cool and foggy (this is SF) at the start.

Start - This race is huge!! 4,500 in the marathon but another much larger group in the 1/2 marathon. Two half marathons going on here, one for the first half of the race, the second half marathon will start later, at the midway point of the full marathon, garunteeing a crowded field thoughout. Find my corral and sit on the sidewalk till just before the start.

Mile 1 - Rolling party. Just go with the flow. I can see the 3:50 pace group ahead of me. There is no need to pass them, in fact it would be wise to make sure that I do not pass them, that will be my goal for the first miles, keep them in sight but do not pass.

Mile 3 - Nice and flat along the water. Easy way to start.

Mile 7 - Uphill and onto the Golden Gate Bridge. This is so cool, I have been looking forward to this for almost a year. We are being crowded into one lane of traffic however and are running elbow to elbow. Too crowded, too foggy, too windy, too cold.

Mile 10 - Glad to be off the bridge with more room to run and very comfortable temperature. On track with the 3:50 pace group in sight ahead.

Mile 12 - Running easy up and down some hills, I can not help but catch up with the "Cliff Bar" pacer. Nice pack of twenty or so runners, I settle in.

Mile 16 - Not thinking of the pace, just hanging with the group. Relaxed and easy, this is a fun time through Golden Gate Park.

Mile 20 - Haight/Ashbury and we are looking at some nice downhills. This is a wonderful four hour tour of the city.

Mile 22 - I am tiring now. Pace group is getting ahead of me, but not by much. Maybe 30 feet ahead of me, I could catch them if I really wanted. All of a suden a race official runs in front of me, with a roll of tape, cutting me off from the 3:50 pace group, and he directs me down another road. This is part of the rolling course closures designed to allow some traffic to get through. I will recconect with the others in a few blocks but for now I am in the lead with everyone following me.

Mile 23 - Tiring. Thinking of walking. Going uphill. Lets make a deal, I will run to the top of this rise and see what is ahead after the sharp turn and walk there if needed. Reach the top, turn right and see a just needed, beautiful downhill. Keep running.

Mile 24 - Back to full course, but the pace team is way far ahead. I had lost them when I needed them most. Hells Angels directing traffic. A few short walking breaks

Mile 25 - Baseball stadium. Onto the boardwalk, I have seen this on TV. This is where Barry Bonds hits the home runs into the water. Great distraction.

Mile 26.2 - Hang on the the end. Very pleased with time. There is the family just rolling out of bed. Shower, breakfast and BART to the airport. Great weekend, great race. I would like to run this one again.

3:54:45
995 of 4250
*****

7/21/07 Lakefair 8K

Remembering last year's hot weather, today is looking much finer though still warm. Jody, Jared (3K) Billy and Tammy. A favorite local race with a good turn out.

Start - Had a good warm up and ready charge out of the gate. Flat and around the lake.

Mile 3 - Mile markers are off and/or my GPS is off. They indicate that I am slowing but I am doing the best I can. Fun to see others at the turn around. Billy is npot far behind.

Mile 4 - Warm now. Still running strong. Watch does not seem right, just focus on running.

Finish - Turn that last corner and I can see the clock up ahead. It looks like I can acheive a PR. What a great feeling. In fact I do turn it on at the end and finish in record time. Awesome. Now wait for the others and then wait forever for the results/awards.


34:39
50th of 327
****

7/15/07 Tacoma Narrows Bridge Run 5K

I am going to remember this one for a while. What craziness for a 5K.

Race was slapped together with little notice and tied into the grand opening of the new bridge. This was to be a once in a lifetime chance to walk/run across the new span. I signed up a few days before, a little anxious about my first "double" 10k/5k but decided to take it easy. Seems like they are expecting a good turnout, they have asked us to park far away and take a shuttle bus. Billy meets me at home and we ride together with Caleb and Jared.

Traffic on Highway 16. This is race traffic. Wow. Takes forever to get to the parking lot. We end up parking on a side street and having to walk quite a ways. Streams of people walking to the buses. Lines of runners waiting for buses. Thousands of people, most wearing their new bridge run t-shirts. Good thing we left the house good and early, this is amazing and I am not so sure we will make the start. We get on a crowded bus. I have decided that I will just run along with Jared so that we will not get separated. Bus drops us off at a small park, many people waiting for bathrooms, and some of my group need to use one.

It is getting close to race start, but supposedly the start is just on the other side of that small hill. We walk up, then look down at an amazing site. 10,000 people walking and lining up for the race and we are at the very end, although even more people are coming behind us. We can see masses of people far into the distance. I snap a few shots with my cell phone and as we walk and jog to try to get into a better position we realize that this is ridiculous. Where did all these "runners" come from? What a contrast to yesterday!! We keep manuevering up towars the front but the race starts before we can get much closer. Billy and Caleb take off, swerving around everybody but not making very fast progress. Jared and I take the easier route, we are passing lots of people but not working too hard. So glad I am not running this for time.

Mile 1 - Beautiful weather. Seeing lots of familiar faces. Many people walking.

Mile 1.5 - Turn around on the other side of the bridge. Miguel Galena goes flying by off to the side, swerving around all the obstacles. He could have won this thing if he had gotten to the start on time.

Mile 2 - It is hot. Jared is slowing but in good spirits. Thousands of people in front and behind us. My legs feel a little tired from yesterday, glad i am not really racing.

Mile 3.1 - Done. That was absolutely nuts. Find Billy and Caleb. We laugh. They are glad I had my yellow shirt on, so they could find me. Not what we expected. A race like none other.

Chip timing was messed up, so results for us, but it took me about 31minutes to finish. Glad that the boys got to experience the madness. Long trip back to the car and mellow trip home. Give me the Mcleary Bear Run any time over this.

31:??
?? of 10,386
***

7/14/07 Mcleary Bear Run 10K

Finally, a race on my birthday. Billy, Tammy and Jody there to run and make it special. Tammy made me a personalized number bib that announced it was my big day. Nice small crowd. Looking forward to a fast time. Warm though.



Start - Had to walk a ways from the registration/finish area. Had a good warm up with Bill. Ready to head off fast.



Mile 1 - Downhill start, right turn then flat. Couple of runners in front of me, but not too many. I like these races with long sights ahead at the start so I can still see the front runner.



Mile 3 - Warming up, getting hot. Nice flat course.



Mile 5 - Sure could use some shade, and there is a little. Round the next turn and I am back where I had turned around at my warm up. Not much farther to go and I am on PR pace.



Mile 6.2 - Surge to the finish and click my watch. 44:17. Tied my PR. Tied!! Does that count as a PR or not. Its my birthday so I'll call it a PR. Brunch at the local hole in the wall and Billy and Tammy have presents for me. Nice bright yellow racing singlet. I will wear that tomorrow at the bridge run, my first back to back days racing.

44:17
7th place of about 40
****

7/4/07 Steilacoom 4 miler

Make sure I am wearing red, white and blue and hop in the car. My 7th 4 on the fourth. Jody tags along for this one. Going to be hot.

Start - Great turnout. Fly down the hill. No train this year. Try to keep up with with the crazy hat guy.

Mile 2 - I love these out and backs, get to see lots of folks.

Mile 3 - Passing a Lindburg, wow I must be having a good race. Sure is warm.

Mile 4 - There is the finish, I can see my PR click by, oh so close, but really too hot to run at my best. Almost vomit. Recover and wait for Jody. There she is...and she actually does throw up at the finish. Neat, I have never actually done that. Fun times.

27:48
60th of 264
***

6/27/07 Inna Gadda Da Vida Race

Now for something different. Support the local high school track team by racing on the track and seeing how far you can go in 17:11 while the Iron Butterfly classic Inna Gadda Da Vida is blaring through giant speakers. Wayne and Seth. Mid week evening race, we need more of these. Hot.

Start - Serious runners with counters line up at one corner. The rest of us are allowed to start at any corner so we are not all bunched up but we need to count our own laps. Announcer tells us that we may consider making a surge during the drum solo.

Verse 1 - Had a good warm up and running well. Seth and other fast guy go thundering past me, but I expected that.

Drum solo - It is hot out but I am able to keep the pace at about 6:50/mile. This is really really fun.

Organ fades out - Finish. Stop at the nearest corner. I'm calling it 2.4 miles. Pace was 6:51 and I am pleased with that. I get a certificate of achievement and then win a pair of running shoes at the post race raffle. It does not get much better than that.

2.4 miles
never figured out my place
*****

6/16/07 Swede Days 5K

Glad to be back here after a few years off. Billy tags along and lots of other familiar faces. Lengthy warm up and ready to roll. Just hoping for a sub 7 pace. Sunny and nice.

Start - Pretty good turn out for this Thurston County Parks and Recreation event. New race director, but she seems to have everything running smoothly. Speaking of running smoothly, its time to take off like a shot.

Mile 1 - Nice flat course, running well, 6:40 first mile

Mile 3 - Hang on, hang on, hang on, almost there.

Mile 3.1 - Very close to wretching. So glad I did not vomit. Quick recovery and happy with my time, 6:49 overall pace.

21:13
16th of 100
****

5/20/07 Capital City Marathon

Second year of this rolling course. Set a PR here last year. I have done enough training and expect a fast time. In the week before the race I keep thinking about how according to the running tables I should be able to run closer to a 3:30. Perhaps a new strategy where I actually go out quite a bit faster and with confidence will work. Sitting in the car as long as possible before the start. Passing shower, cold and wind.

Start - Find Billy at the last minute. Start off together. Also running with Angie who ran Tacoma last week (that is insane, you would have to be a Marathon Maniac to do that)

Mile 2- "OK Bill, I am going to make my move now. Do not try to stay with me." Kick it into higher gear and quickly start passing folks.

Mile 4 - Run with John Flemm for a little while. He is running his 50 something marathon.

Mile 6 - Run with Ron Fowler. Talk about my new strategy.

Mile 10 - Feeling great, no worries, love this course.

Mile 12 - Stop quickly to tie my shoe, but I have trouble unknotting one of them. Get a little frustrated, but laugh when someone passes me and asks if I need a lesson.

Mile 17 - Who built this wall here? Very quickly turning into a hard time.

Mile 20 - Big clock shows the time and I am ahead of PR pace but really suffering. Who's idea was it to go out so fast. I am being passed quite a bit now.

Mile 21 - Nice downhill.....

Mile 22 - Aweful uphill. I remember training runs where I drove here just to repeat this hill and practice it, imagining it was race day. Walking now, I am not going to let myself stagger like last year. Angie passes me and tells me to get moving, but I tell her I am done.

Mile 24 - Nice to be on flat surface again, wondering if I will beat 4 hours.

Mile 25 - There is Kathy. Toss her my hat and jacket, weather is getting worse but it is all downhill from here.

Mile 26.2 - Friends and family cheering for me. Strong finish and another CCM done.

3:56:07

139th of 324

****

5/5/07 Public Agency Challenge 8K

Another local race with a good crowd and lots of more casual runners. Could not get Caleb to do the two mile race this year, so I will do the 8K without him. Nice tune up before the marathon with good strong legs. Great weather

Start - Running around the lake this year. Downhill start and it is a fast one.

Mile 3 - Doing good on the uphill, not losing much steam. Might get in right at 7min pace

Mile 4.81 - Strong surge to the finish. I love making that last turn and giving it my all to the end. But as I look at my watch I am sure that the course is short. Watch says 4.81 and I know that my pace was not as fast as they would list. That really irks me. I would have PRed for sure if it had been proper length, now what do I do. Calculate my pace and adjust the PR accordingly? Still a fun time

33:41
24th of 124
****

4/21/07 Bulldogs Unleashed 5K

Second time running this little race. Fundraiser for the Middle School arts programs. Directors do not have tons of experience but they try hard and care. I was the first person to arrive at the school and had plenty of time to warm up, 3 miles and sign up. Nice weather and T-shirt.

Start - small crowd, trying to guess the age group of those around me. Looks like a good shot at another dog bone award.

Finish - Gosh these 5Ks are short. Just barely made it under 7min pace. Very pleased with time and 2nd place in age group bone is a fun treat.

Fastest 5K in 6 years
21:36
10th of ???
race #109 5K#38
****

4/7/07 Easter Marathon

I like the idea of a training run of 26 miles about six weeks prior to a real marathon race. Time for a low key Bob Green race as part of CCM training. Problem is though that I taper a bit and think about the race and feel like I could run well, so why not go for it? Light rain.

Start - Small group. Who are these people in funny yellow shirts? Marathon Maniacs? What is up with that?

Mile 1-17 - Might as well be on a solo training run. See photo. Nice to have Billy and Tammy drive by a few times to cheer.

Mile 18 - Uh oh, getting tired. I did run 55 miles last week.

Mile 21 - Give up on PR and shoot for staying under 4 hours.

Mile 26.2 - Hop across the finish line. Always satisfying.

3:56:48

6 of 22

race #108 marathon #10

****

3/3/07 Run for Luck 10K

Third consecutive Run for Luck. Pretty sure that I will not be able to out run last years time, but looking forward to this great little race. Perfect weather

Mile 2 - Been doing some training on this trail, this is familiar territory

Mile 4 - Losing my form. I can tell that I am falling apart. Just hang on to the turn off the trail to the finish

Mile 6.2 - Done, a little slower than last year, but I'll take it. Now eat some food and wait for the results. Sweet - third in age group ribbon. Post race raffle goes well too as I bring home a Seahawks sweatshirt.

45:34
12th of 57 runners
Race #107 10K#16 Run for Luck#3
****

2/24/07 Resolution Run 15 miles

Goal: sub 2 hours, that is an 8min/mile pace. The 15 and 20 mile Resolution Runs are not for the casual runner. At that distance the racers are spread out and most of them are very very fast. The course is boring. Great mental training for longer distances however. What could make this even tougher? How about a steady rain? Wearing my rain jacket the whole way.

Mile 7.7 - Say hi to Cherish. Gosh, she is not far behand me, so cool to see her training for her forst marathon and doing great. Natural talent.

Mile 12 - Some bad patches. Struggle through.

Mile 14.75 - Tiring but now on the track. I can always run once around the track. Love seeing that clock and knowing that I will PR!! Dry off and warm up.

1:59:21
70 of 115
Race#106
****

2/10/07 St Martins 5K

After last years rain and wind we were happy to just have fog this year. Jody and I using our free entry that we won last year. Billy training with the CCM group. I still think this course is long and I never run well here.

Mile 2.5 - Falling apart, losing form.

Mile 3.1 - Sprint to the finish. Back home by 10:30AM

22:25
1st in age group ribbon, but never saw overall results
Race#105
****

1/1/07 Steilacoom Resolution Run 5 miles

Favorite way to ring in the new year: go to bed early, get up and race. Billy and Raymond make the short trip north. Have not raced in two months. Cool but nice.

Mile 1 - Feeling strong, running smoothly

Mile 5 - That went really well. Ran a rare negative split and managed my best time to date on this course. Great way to start 2007

36:18
65 of 154
****