Bloomday 2015

Yesterday was Bloomsday, so Scott and I traveled to Pullman and then Spokane to see our friends and run the race.  This was my sixth year running, and I am proud of myself for doing as well as I did with next to no training.  I wasn't fast by any means, but I ran more than I thought I was going to, and I averaged under a 13:30 mile, which is pretty good for me on a course with elevation change.  I ran when I could and walked when I needed to.

Here are my stats for the past 6 years:

Starting line

Crossing the finish line

I don't have a big race report in me, so here are the highlights:

1. I got a free doughnut before the race.  Bonus! 
2. I got hit with a water balloon, right in the neck. Not bonus!
3. The weather was lovely! 70s and sunny.
4. I saw a few great shirts and signs.  My favorite, perhaps, was a woman's shirt that read, "Dear God: Please let there be someone behind me to read this."  Also, there was a shirt that read, "I thought I said yes to a Bloomsday RUM." And finally, there was a sign that said, There's no time for 

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Ran a Mile

It has been a long time since I've been on a run.  I still exercise some - at home on the elliptical machine, at the park on my rollerblades, or around the neighborhood in my walking shoes - but one seldom sees me jogging on Pipeline Trail or joining Scott on Antelope Island.

But, I have a couple of activities coming up, and it seems that I had better run a little if I want to participate... and survive.

One, I signed up for Bloomsday again, and we're flying to Washington to see our friends and run the race this weekend.  (I am still not convinced that I want to run and hold up Scott (et al?), as I won't be finishing as early as everyone else.   After all, we could be spending more time socializing at No-Li Brewery instead of dealing with the consequences of my slowness.  Sigh.) 

And two, I'm Scott's back-up support runner for Scotland in June, and while I am barely ready to face the rain, the cold, the midges, and a hurting runner for 95 miles, I'm currently unprepared to run any section of the West Highland Way.

I have no training plan beyond losing a few pounds before the trip (it is easier to move a lighter body than a heavier one), but I am trying to be consistent about exercising, and I did go on one run last week.  On Wednesday I walked two miles and ran one, which isn't a big deal, I know, but I felt pretty good that after a long time of no running, I was able to run one whole mile at a 10:49 pace.  I know I should do more to train, but with working full time, keeping a clean house, cooking meals, buying a home, and traveling most weekends, I don't have the time or energy (or desire) to go running.

Regardless, here are a couple of pics from my "run."  I took them during my walking sections. :)

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Twisted Trees

Paved road/trail with forest and stream

Relaxing at the end