Bloomsday 2013

Yesterday I participated in Bloomsday for the fourth consecutive year.  As always, it was a good event that I would recommend to runners, joggers, and walkers alike.

This year, I kind of felt like an old pro, so I didn't take pictures or make mental notes of things that I would write in my running blog about the experience.  Instead, I just went out there and tried my best to run when I could and walk when I felt like it.  As a result, I ran for probably half or 2/3 of the 12K, and I walked the rest.  (I definitely walked up Doomsday Hill, which took just under 6:30 alone. What a beast!)

The music by the 30 or so bands along the course was fun; the backs of people's shirts were entertaining; and the general feel of the racers was very positive.  The weather was simply wonderful at 68 degrees, and the heat was cut by sprinklers, misters, and cool treats along the course.  (I accepted a "pink-flavored" Otter Pop that was handed to me by a cute little girl from an obviously friendly church organization along the route. Yum!)

My final time was 1:46:18.  (To give you some perspective, my all-time best was 1:24:25 when I actually ran the whole thing.)  This year's average pace was 14:14, placing me 244th out of 506 31-year-old females and 20,809th place out of all 47,165 finishers.

After the race, I met up with some fellow "Beer Chasers" from my local running group, and they had all finished in about half my time.  I was happy for them (and also glad that my friends Drew and Mandy were still out walking the course).  Even though I don't train for races anymore, I was glad to know that in a race of nearly 50,000, I didn't come in last! :) 

The turnout by Beer Chasers and friends was great, and the cream ale at No-Li Brewery (and the river view on its deck) were impressive.  Today, I am a little sunburned but happy to have been a "bloomie," and when I get home from work, I am going to sit out on my own deck and drink another pint of cream ale.

<3

Seaport River Run 2013

This weekend I participated in the Seaport River Run.  This was my third time running the race, and it was a good experience.

It's been a while since I've been running, but I decided to sign up for the 10K anyway.  After all, it was the same price for the 2.9-mile or 10K option, so I figured, "Why not?"

There were around 1000 people at Swallows Park, so it was busy and high-energy at the start of the race.  Fast people were stretching and warming up, dogs were pulling at their leashes, and the rest of us were getting our iPods ready and enjoying the sun and fresh air.  Scott gave me a good luck kiss, made his way to the "fast people section" in the front of the pack, and before I knew it, the race started.

I ran the first mile in about 12 minutes, and the second in about 12:30.  I did the math in my head and figured I would run about a 1:15:00 10K if everything went as planned.  My 1:08:58 PR (set in 2011) seemed rightfully out of reach for a woman who hadn't run a full mile in multiple months.

The run was okay, but I have to say that around Mile 4, I remembered why it is that I don't run much anymore.  I wasn't enjoying myself, and I looked forward to the race being over.  (It is funny how mindset works.  If I had allowed myself to just walk and enjoy the sunshine, I wouldn't have been miserable.  But I am stubborn.  I had the 1:15:00 goal in my head, and I was determined to get close to that goal, even though I had nothing but the first couple of miles to base it on.   And since I had no watch or Garmin, I pushed myself to my limit.)

I crossed the finish line at about 1:20:00, averaging at about a 12:50 mile. (My exact time is unknown since the race isn't chip timed, and it takes a minute or so to even cross the starting line.)  I wasn't thrilled with my time (which I realize is ridiculous since I did not train or have a goal going into the race), but I crossed the finish line smiling; Scott and some fellow Beer Chasers were cheering for me and calling my name.  It felt good to be supported...and done!

After the race, I was reminded why I did run regularly for as long as I did.  I felt really good.  My body felt tired and happy; my beer tasted especially good after running 6.2 miles; and everyone around me seemed pleased that I had come out to share in the experience of the race.  I was glad to have been there.

My relationship to running is funny like that.

This weekend I have Bloomsday (and I do NOT plan to try for a PR or unrealistic goal), and I am still signed up for the 12-hour endurance run this summer.  Those are my only races on the calendar for now.

<3

Pullman Winter Ultras and MLK Walk

I haven't been running much lately, but I have been a participant in a couple of running and walking events in my community.

First, I walked one lap in Pullman Winter Ultra Series on December 15, 2012.  The lap was a 12.5k, and I finished in 1:57:00, earning me the honor of being last place for yet another race.  During the walk, I emailed my brother in Afghanistan (smart phones are truly amazing), took pictures of the funny tracks (Yak Trax, doggy feet, Ben's Vibram FiveFingers, and lots of running shoes on fresh snow), and enjoyed some alone time in the fresh air.  I was one of 36 participants in a race that I used to direct/organize with Scott.

Second, I walked the same loop on January 12, 2013.  My plans in December were to do a 25K in January, but after spending Christmas Break with a bunch of sick friends and family members, I decided to walk my 12.5k in January and try not to die from a coughing fit. I barely succeeded and, yes, came in last with a time of 2:12:00.  The course was icy, and the air was far below freezing.  Despite my finish time, I still regard myself as a badass for even going out there.

Third, I participated in a 1-1.5 mile walk on MLK Jr. Day.  It was a pleasant event and a nice reminder of why we have the day off work.  I was overdressed and sweaty, but for once, I didn't come in last! :)  Perhaps that's the key: treat a "walk" like a race, and beat everyone else's time because they aren't even timing themselves... ;)

I have no plans for future races, and I have cut way back on running in the past few months.  I've realized that I was running primarily for someone other than myself, and no matter how hard I tried (even over these past three years), that wasn't bringing me - or the other person - satisfaction.  Now, I participate in events like these to be social and active, and I keep reminding myself to do things for me.  (Going to a movie for someone else or perhaps taking dance lessons for someone else might be okay, but adopting a lifetime sport that requires a daily commitment is simply unsustainable, I've learned.)

You'll see me on my blog from time to time, sharing pictures and experiences from events and travels, but I will be posting less frequently than I once did.  I hope that doesn't disappoint you (all 3 readers...) too much. 

Goodbye for now.

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