Beer Mile #2

We just had out second "beer mile" race, and even though it was cold and snowy, I had a lot of fun.  I ran my mile (and drank my four beers) in 18:08, which is 32 seconds faster than the October race.  Everyone said how much harder this race was, but I didn't think so.  Of course, that didn't mean that I kept the beer in my stomach any longer after the race was over... 

I'm glad that so many people came out to support the runners and the event.  The race - and the sausages, guacamole, and hot cider - were a success.

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Doc Sears 2-Miler

This weekend I participated in the 14th Annual Doc Sears Fall Classic Run and Walk in Lewiston, Idaho.

At registration I was given the option of signing up for the 4.5-mile run (which they said was actually closer to 4.65 miles) or the 2-mile walk.  Since I hadn't been feeling well I decided to participate in the chip-timed walk.

I didn't run any of the event because I wanted to see how fast I could walk on flat, paved ground.  I actually came in first in my age group (applause, applause) even though my time was slower than I thought it would be - 30:38.  I think knowing my fastest walking pace (15:19/mile) is a good thing to remember as I continue racing; I'll be able to better gauge how much time I will lose when I need to walk.


It was a nice morning and a fun, free event.


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Goblin Valley 10K

Last weekend I traveled to Utah to run a 10K (my second 10K to date and my sixth state for anyone who is counting).  The scenery was beautiful, and I am glad I went.

The terrain is very different than that of Washington.  

The sky was blue and gray, and the ground was red.  What a place!  It almost doesn't look real...

This picture was taken near the end of the race.  I was pretty sure that I wasn't going to beat my 10K PR, but I was smiling as I rounded each pumpkin that marked the course.  

That's me running through the valley of the goblins.  I wasn't scared, but I was pretty tired.  The course was A LOT hillier than I was led to believe.  My shoes were caked with muddy clay.

Another picture of the goblins. 

I ran 5 of the 6 miles with Travis, a new running friend.  It was great.  He is the only person who has ever told me that I have a fast walk/hike up hills, and he was upbeat the whole time.  He came in a minute ahead of me after he picked up the pace through the goblins.  Yay!

Final time: 1:24:07.

Added bonus: the 10K-ers got a Goblin Valley Ultramarathon medal and shirt, so when I run around Washington, folks will think that I am an ultrarunner.  Nice.

Thoughts for next year: It would be awesome if the 10K course could be altered into a big loop so that more of the park/valley could be enjoyed. 

I made lots of memories on this trip, and I felt blessed to be out there enjoying nature and seeing a new part of the world.  And while my time wasn't stellar, I am still proud of it given the hilliness of the course.  All in all, a great day.

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