2/14/04 Friendship Run 5K

First time race in west Olympia, to benefit a pre-school. Tammy's first race!! Jody running the 5K and Caleb running the one mile race. Cool.
Start - Can we get started please? It is really cold outside. Organizers are doing what they can but it is obviously a first time event. Nice little crowd and we are patient. Eventually we are sent off.
Mile 1 - I like the course. We are on a nice paved trail with some curves. Cut the corners as best I can
Mile 2 - Heading back now on a road parallel to the trail. Flattish nice course, but I am not going as fast as I would like.
Mile 3.1 - Turn the corner and sprint of a little hill to the finish. Not my best time, but it was fun. Cheer on Tammy, then Jody. Caleb won the one mile race. Wait aroung forever for results and raffles. Good post race food. Tammy has a smooth stride and has the makings of a good runner, so fun to have her join us.
23:14
12th of 53 3rd place in age group (won a water bottle)
****

1/31/04 Resolution Run 10K

January will end with 58.5 miles run. That is really low, but I will have increased in each of the last 4 months. So I have a few more miles in the bank and I am feeling more like a runner. Back to Steilacoom for the 10K race.
Start - Wait until the last possible moment inside the school with most of the runners. It is cold rain today. Finally move outside with the masses just in time for the start.
Finish - Very pleased with run. Had a fun time and I am getting faster again. I would like to never lose that much fitness again, it does take time to get it back
48:54
68 of 195
****

1/1/04 Steilacoom Resolution Run 5 miler

It has been four years since my last January 1st race. Most of the world is still tucked in bed after a late night of celebration. I will be happy with anything under 40 minutes today.
Start - It is really cold out. Race director warns us that there are icy spots on the road and to be careful.
Mile 1.8 - Icy spot. Have to really slow and gingerly walk across it.
Mile 4 - Running well and steady
Mile 5 - Made my goal time and happy for that. Just good to ring in the new year with a run.
39:13
77th place of 146
***

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
**