run ladies run

WEATHER or not.

2012-01-17T08:49:00.000-08:00

We don't get much snow round here.

So when we woke up to a whole 2 inches, we dressed in our warmest.

Met in our usual spot, just a tad later and headed out.

Ducking into the woods, proved to be added entertainment.

Six miles of goofing off.

Easily the funnest run We've done all year (yes, I know it's January)!!

Happy New Years.... and stuff.

2012-01-03T12:41:00.000-08:00

Firstly, a small reminder to register now for the MARCH 25th RLR 10K & HALF MARATHON. we're only 82 days away!!

It's Jan. 3rd which means RESOLUTIONS!! I'm a big fan, perhaps it's the lists that you get to write, organized with little boxes and rows. Or the simple part where your vision of a better you is only a few goals away. It's hopeful.

So with the new year and a long lists of boxes you get to check off. A calendar full of Marathons, 10Ks, 25Ks and a possible 50K... all point to lacing up our shoes.

Today's run was staggered. Four girls starting early (life insisting), Jenny and I a tad later. We ran short, and probable a bit slow, but all the christmas sweets in our blood are just happy we got out there.

HAPPY NEW YEAR
HAPPY RUNNING
Hears to a year full of a healthier happier you!

Trails today..

2011-11-14T12:07:00.000-08:00

Shannon and I met early (well, early-ish) parking one car at American Camp and drove back to town to meet up with the rest of the girls.

We left a little later than expected (shoul've been a little less *ish* and a bit more *early*) making both Stacie and Susan turn back earlier to make it back in time to pick up darlings from school. Meghan and Deb went the same difference but chose to do an out and back, when considering the time crunch.

The weather felt perfect, allowing tank tops or perhaps just minus a jacket. Shannon and I went straight through American camp cutting over to Jakals Lagoon and Mt. Finlayson. Peaking first into the woods then cussing our way up to the top of the mountain.

Did I mention it was beautiful?

like.... really beautiful.

Once you reach the top... there's a sense of accomplishment... plus the part where the worst/hardest part is behind you. Practically all downhill from there practically...

We finished strong ending back at American camp where the car was parked... holding delicious cookies and chocolate milk (a perk of running far).

Shannon's watch (gps) read 12.0 while my smarty pants phone read 12.6... (I'll take my reading)

short long

2011-11-03T14:11:00.000-07:00

At the moment there is a group of about 8 women that are training for Rainshadow Racings DECEPTION PASS 25/50K . Most of us have signed up for the 25k (15.53 miles).

Our longest run for this period of training has been 12 miles (or 12.5 depending on whos GPS watch/phone you trust more) The 25k is a trail run, so we're doing our best to run on as many as possible. Running trails is a tricky bit, adding roots, rocks and narrow grooves to tired legs. Making the less coordinated a tad less comfortable.

Today was our SHORTlong run... 8 miles. Being November we where layered a tad thicker than normal, still attempting to find the perfect balance. The four of us headed out hoping that our fifth friend would find us on the road.

Starting out faster than normal. Out of breath me was happy to stop for a short moment, for our catching up friend. Not that the stop or the slow lasted very long. With fresh feet we picked it back up and continued through the foggy, hilly roads.

I forgot my music... but this song kept *running* through my head.

Ending on a downhill, always helps for an apparent strong finish.

Where are my (!!!!!!!!) shoes?

2011-11-01T18:08:00.000-07:00

It's the day after (TOO MUCH CANDY) Halloween... and if I'm allowed to say... running should really happen today.

But, where are my shoes?

I dress the part, search the house...
Quiz the darlings.

*grumble grumble*

Pull on rain boots.

Get the girls to school.
Search my car...

No shoes.

Wait in our usual waiting spot.
Talk with BooBoo, wait for others.

Spry Shannon shows up with "Hills today right?!"
quietly relieved I can't find my shoes.

It's all back on...(!!!)

2011-09-08T15:13:00.000-07:00

Tuesday was the first (official) run back for the season, while today was *my* first. The darlings are all back in school (!!!!) but with that, comes.... the bugs, colds, flu, coughs.... SICKNESS!

Tuesday's run was a gathering of close friends full of comradery, hugs, and overall excitement of the new year/season. Talks of up coming races and new fun goals. (all of this I can just assume is true, hence the super sick child, and the staying home part, to take care of the poor dear)

Not being one who ever talks about the weather (sorry I ALWAYS talk about the weather) you won't be bored when I tell you how freakishly de-LOVELY it was out today!! Oh, how we love our northwest Septembers!! Children sit happily in classrooms, while we run the streets of our island town.

When we all met up today I presented our run options. The short and the long of it. To my relief, it was with majority rule that we ran the short. Most everyone, with the explanation of "not enough time".

The gravel pit was a welcome route, short, pretty sights and the breeze that comes off the water felt divine (not sure when I became a woman that uses the word divine). We all stuck together, kept the pace easy and the conversation high.

So happy to be back with you all!!

3.77 miles 9min. 45sec. average

Can't sleep

2011-06-10T01:07:00.000-07:00

I'm three days deep in self pity, full of sneezing, coughing, heavy chested, sniffly, horsed voice.... annoying myself just writing that.

But the early to bed coughing stupor I put myself into came with a midnight jolt, an eyes wide open DO SOMETHING!! Days of couch detention has come to a halt, or a least, a midnight jolt. As I lye there, thoughts of where I'd like to run and "I wonder how fast I could go" swirled... Then quickly turned to thoughts of lost time, sluggish legs and a heavy wheezy chest.

Allowing myself a moment or two more of *poor me* my thoughts then turned to music... to bands I'd like to see and songs I'd like to look up lyrics to. This helped, almost always does.

Midnight me, rolled... no, popped out of bed and found my Ipod. Now plugged in I'm scrubbing a neglected toilet, folding that pile of clothes, washing those left over dishes. And strangely it's all... right.

I'll be running in the early AM... unless of course, I find my headlamp.

Night.

San Juan Island Marathon... 10k, half and Full...

2011-06-10T00:17:00.000-07:00

The San Juan Island Marathon was this last weekend... and without a hitch, it went.

Everything from the weather to the loads of people who traveled from near and far to get here. Boats, planes and bicycles... (the cars part goes without saying, right?)

BooBoo and I have been the race directors now, for 3 successful runs. It was my pleasure to be the volunteer coordinator for an event that is 9 years strong, and with an already great following. To sit backseat, watching the mighty Paul Hopkins and Clark Gilbert in action was an entertaining and informative position. Thanks fellas.

We (the Boo, plus the darlings) had the privilege in working the last water station of the race. It hit all three sections. All inspiring in their own rights. From the seeing impared woman in the 10k to the countless overheated and sweetly emotional many making it up the last grueling hill. All with admirable high spirits and "what a gorgeous day/place" attitudes.

Happy to be a part of such a great event.

Great job runners.. and a HUGE *THANK YOU* to all our amazing volunteers!!
xo

Sunshine... makes our feet H A P P Y!!

2011-05-17T16:47:00.000-07:00

So much talk about weather lately... I try my hardest to avoid it, but ultimately when it's been M O N T H S without a bright streak, it's hard not to mention. Soooooo YAY SUNSHINE!!!

**I've been absent a bit, I apologize, sort of a rough winter... full of broken bones, sprained ankles and cold grey skies. But I'm back... and running!!**

Today it was Shannon and *new Jenny* (remind me to tell you about the plethora of JEN, JENNY and JENNIFERs here on this island... it's almost obscene). We ran pear point (Jenny and I) while Shannon pants ran another six. My intention was to run the 12 with Shan, but was saved by the boat!! Both my Mama and darling sister Elizabeth were on the 8:35 ferry, only allowing me enough time to run the first half.

The girls were fast, (I know, shocking) but I managed to keep up.... filling each other in on the past weekends shenanagins. A wedding, an 80's dance party and a BF's IRONMAN *CONGRATS* get-together!! So much to talk about, making the time and feet fly by.

**

6 miles 9:16 pace

2011 RLR 10k race results!!!

2011-03-27T17:34:00.000-07:00

1. Susan Stehn.................#113.................. 46.46
2. Casey Swirtz...............#122...................47.47
3. Irina Bell.....................#104...................48.35
4. Heather Highland.......#105...................50.14
5. Stacie Tangney...........#148...................51.23
6. Violetta Jimenez.........#143...................51.47
7. Rachel Goodremant...#153...................54.56
8. Aileen Murphy...........#152....................54.56
9. Deb Vermeire.............#139...................55.45
10. Kathleen Foley.........#147...................56.01
11. Judith Bunnell..........#102...................57.41
12. Denyse Davis..........#101....................58.19
13. Sarah Stehn.............#114....................58.42
14. Jennifer Anderson...#124....................1.00.49
15. Kelly Shannon........#108....................1.01.20
16. Jen Fleming............#145.....................1.01.43
17. Kim Erickson.........#142.....................1.01.50
18. Kim Wickman........#130.....................1.02.54
19. Carrie Weaver........#111.....................1.02.31
20. Laurie Riley...........#112.....................1.02.54
21. Carmen Jimenez....#123.....................1.03.55
22. Olivia Schatz.........#167.....................1.04.24
23. Kristi Richardson..#136.....................1.04.56
24. Belinda Hedin.......#134.....................1.05.20
25. Tracy Roberson....#155.....................1.06.10
26. Lisa Beckt.............#156.....................1.06.10.94
27. Dawna Schatz.......#166.....................1.06.11.37
28. Barbara Lord........#103......................1.06.11.66
29. Vida Wight...........#117......................1.09.51
30. Savannah Hoffman#120....................1.09.52
31. Danica Ratkovich..#106....................1.10.12
32. Amber Garcia.......#175.....................1.10.13
33. Chelsea Foussard..#173.....................1.11.40
34. Cere Demuth........#116.....................1.11.52
35. Juniper Maas........#141.....................1.13.01
36. Cady Seiler..........#154.....................1.13.41
37. Jaquelyn Reiff......#138.....................1.14.35
38. Merideth Miller....#164.....................1.16.00
39. Jeanette Mayes.....#162.....................1.16.01
40. Ava Hoffman ......#119.....................1.23.11
41. Meghan Hoffman.#118....................1.23.21
42. Maria Schatz........#168.....................1.23.32
43. Lisa Guard...........#165.....................1.23.33
44. Mildred Foss.........#174.....................1.25.57
45. Becky Greenway..#107.....................1.29.10
46. Sherry Lawson.....#129.....................1.29.11
47. Audrey Espinoza..#135....................1.30.18
48. Kim Seiler-Bell......#133...................1.30.19
49. Nancy Devaux.....#137.....................1.30.53
50. Jane Bell...............#125....................1.30.54
51. Jenn Furber..........#161.....................1.31.17.26
52. Jennifer Horn.......#160.....................1.31.17.64
53. Jennifer Whalen...#146.....................1.35.02.02
54. Libbey Oswald.....#158...................1.35.02.65
55. Teri Gentry...........#110....................1.35.03
56. Penny Dunn.........#109.....................1.35.15.36
57. Michelle Lambright#115..................1.35.15.74
58. Kare Brown.........#127.....................1.35.37.37
59. Roxanne Angel...#179......................1.37.22
60. Natasha Frey.......#149.....................1.38.53
61. Michelle Waldron.#163...................1.38.56
62. Staci Baker...........#128....................1.42.38
63. Debbie Cutting.....#126....................1.42.59
64. Marcy Hahn.........#150.....................1.43.03
65. Brenda Beckett....#151....................1.43.05
66. Jan Bolwinkle-smith#144................1.43.06
67. Susan Williamson.#172...................1.43.06.05
68.Tanja Williamson..#171....................1.43.06.80
69. Susie Murfin.........#132...................1.47.41
70. Leslie Mutchler.....#131...................147.38
71. Jennifer Deshon....#121...................1.48.10.07
72. Kira Sable.............#176...................1.48.10.58
73. Desirae Whalen....#178...................1.51.39
74. Ashley King..........#177..................1.51.41
75. Tori Zehner..........#170...................1.51.55
76. Deanna Elinge......#169..................1.51.56

Such a great job Everyone!! Thanks for coming out!

FIRST RUN BACK !!!!

2011-02-07T22:55:00.000-08:00

My first thoughts out the door were..."perhaps I should wait till spring for my first run back (it's colder than a ______ on a ____ in the middle of _____!)"

But I pulled on my fancy new pinstripe (yes pinstripe, it's formal wear for running apparently) leggings, all my masses of layers, not to mention both my *ankle and wrist braces* special me and met with the girls.

Annette joined us this morning love that, along with Stacey, Meghan, Casey and Tamara... Once the discussion of jacket no jacket, vest no vest, was figured.. we were chillily off.

Meghan who is training for her first IRONMAN just ran the grueling Fat Ass 25K and is doing the expected "I'm going to be really slow today" and "I'm seriously just going to be taking it easy..." Meanwhile mile .08 both Tamara and I are looking at our watches feeling a bit deflated with the taking it easy pace of 8:15 minute miles. *We slow down*

This is my third run since the incident and my fingers are crossed that I can make it past 1.5 miles.

Halfway up cattle point rd., the turn off is with in sight... considering my options of distance and injuries, I can see the "don't be an idiot" look on Tamara's face and don't even mention the part about wanting to continue on (cause I know she's right).... baby steps.

We yell our "goodbye" and wave our "have a nice run" turning onto the trail. The muddy *please don't twist your ankle* and feel free to *walk* trail. Out of the woods, and up ahead is Annette, smiley as always. Upon passing, we smile and shout out encouragingly to one another.

There is a big hill up ahead, but being the injured one I have a free pass of let's just walk up this hill.... nothing to do with ankles or knees or really... any, pain at all. Just simply... don't wanna.

Not sure if I've mentioned this before (or perhaps one million times before!!) But I LOVE how the ending to all our runs is a big fat DOWNHILL... thanks Spring St.!!

**Super happy to be back... A reminder we are having our RUN LADIES RUN 10K is coming up fast!! MARCH 27TH!! Register now, it's a mere $10 although the price will be raising to $15 so please do so soon!! **

Seattle half marathon

2010-11-28T18:00:00.000-08:00

We got to Seattle the afternoon before. Leaving the babes with husbands and trading in our motherly duties for ones of lighter stature (shopping, eating, makeovers... running really far)

Checked into our hotel, went upstairs to unload our over stuffed bags... turns out we've both managed to ruin both our keys.

Then off to my favorite part... Packet pickup slash expo. Where I picked up a handy new gadget called IFITNESS running belt, always carrying so many random helpful things. I'm in constant lookout for the perfect pouch of sorts.

We waited in line and shook the hand of fellow Idol, Mr. Scott Jurek. Who, being the stellar athlete and all around *good human being* that he is, signed all of our bibs and wished us well in our running endeavors.

Meeting up with Katie and Ron Robertson to both hug our support and pick up our yellow TEAM KARINA JEAN shirts and buttons. They recently lost their daughter in a fight against lukemia. Their daughter Annika, as a school project put together an incredible fundraiser earning $40,000 benefitting cancer research A M A Z I N G!!

Got to bed at a decent hour (only being shushed a couple of times) but not before, every darned alarm clock we could find was set, and at alternating times. The fear of not waking up is a strong one.

5:15 am comes fast....

Heading out the door we pick up a shannon, and somehow acquire a Zach. Not really sure where we're going, we trust the other masses of sheep. With quick (trying to stay warm!) steps we make it to the start.

Luckily, we've got the magic chips to keep track of our true time... and with this crowd, crossing the start line is going to take ages. So, when that horn blows... we shuffle. Saving the fast feet, swerving and dodging for a few more moments. The sensible Shannon, Kathleen and BooBoo, hold strong to the save your energy approach. While like the bunny, I pretend to be. Darted up with the fella. Where we spent the next nine miles weaving in and out of runners. Hopping up and over curbs, sidewalks and barriers.

So many people all around, it felt impossible to break away.

Randomly (miles later) to our left I see Shannon and kathleen coming up strong. Tired me, ready to slow down, now feeling an extra boost to keep up our pace. Honing in my nonchalant question asking skills making Shan talk us up the next few hills.

Up ahead we can see the SPACE NEEDLE teasing us with it's non-closeness.

One mile left, and the others look unphased, like they could easily run another 12 miles. While I'm no longer talking and merely concentrating on keeping up.

nearly there...

As we turn into the stadium (great end to a race btw) we dig deep.

and finish... strong!

thank goodness for *that guy*...

And... we're done.

1:59:17

Onto the 20...

2010-11-18T18:23:00.000-08:00

I can't remember if it's GRIT & BEAR IT or GRIN & BEAR IT... perhaps it's not BEAR at all but BARE. But, wouldn't that mean exposing oneself opposed to the beast (hurting my head)?

Whichever, whatever.. one was accomplished and twenty miles was the outcome.

(And the foot is oh thank goodness not any worse off)

Dressed like we were off to run Antarctica, we headed out through town onto Beaverton Valley Rd. BooBoo was running 10 miles, which meant after 4, she was off on her own.

We discussed the first water drop. And how (strong language) cold it was!! Thank goodness for smart weather resistant thin layers. We've got everything from long compression socks, base layers, and gloves to jackets, hats and arm warmers.

Our half way mark included a short quarter mile out and back that will hopefully measure the proper distance we won't be having to add onto the end of our run. We fill our water bottles, empty our bladders (tmi?), peel our satsumas... then with freshly frozen fingers... shuffle our legs to begin again.

The second half separates us. The chilly undertone of our run, has silenced us, and it's turned to... good music and fast feet. Although always in each others sights.

Once we've reached the outskirts of town, the realization of proper calculations is a comfort. There will be no adding on of millage. Just a simple stop and mild dusting of our shoulders of a job well done.

locker room after run... *notice the can of tuna in hand*

hot tub, cold chocolate milk...mmmmm
(this photo's not doing it justice, but notice how white shannon's poor fingers are?)

the choc. milk was swell and all, but...

20 miles... average pace 9min. 42sec.

a trial run... of sorts..

2010-11-16T21:53:00.001-08:00

Last week we ran our eighteen miles..
While it felt good at the time running. The next morning, I could barely walk on it without wanting to cry.

After a full summer of BooBoo's aching foot saga. I was scared to find out what this *new pain* meant for my running future.

So today we ran a four mile jaunt with the hopes of feeling, no pain.
Not so much, it was a grit and bear it run all four miles. shucks.

We are meant to run 20 miles in two days, and now the question is, do I risk it and get on with it? Or do I hold off and let it rest a bit?

There is a good reason why it's a well known fact that runners make the worst patients. The whole GET ON WITH it happens a bit more often than most would like to admit.

Dropping like flies...

2010-11-09T21:33:00.000-08:00

For one week I was out of the Gym, off the roads and sentenced to seven full days of rest and hopeful relaxation.... My once bragged about superpower of a shockingly high immune system, was proven to be a big fat sham. Turns out I'm a mere mortal... shucks.

***

You would assume the lack of lovlies would be due to the serious temperature drop paired with the blustery rudeness. But apparently, no. It was a child with possible chicken pox, work commitments, chest colds, and a cat with an unfortunate puncture to it's head.

So that left Meghan, Waeow, and I... After completely changing our course we turned our trusty watches on, hoping the satellites will quickly show themselves so we could get on with the running part.

Waeow stayed with us for the first three miles, turning onto a Schoolhouse #2 rd. (a six mile loop, pretty sure she made it a farther run than that though). The wind not helping matters, we continued on with all layers intact. Although the first article of clothing shed was a flyaway hat, chucked into a fellow RLR's mailbox about a mile down the road.

Legs, breath and well... body, all looking forward to getting to the magical six mile mark. Where suddenly cadence and heart rate settle into a more natural feeling groove. We spent some time talking about how hard getting out there and running three miles can be compared to ten most days. So basically, to all of you out there just starting out, it gets easier the further you go! Promise.

Unfortunately, or possibly fortunately... the part where we got to our awaited, easier miles. Also came the first of many dreaded forever long hills (and please don't mistake me for saying we hadn't already been running many, this is just one we literally dread) Needless to say, it was time to quiet our banter and plug into some hopefully inspiring music to push us up, and on.

Around mile nine, and yes running up yet another hill, I laughed outloud. And continued for the next 3min. 35seconds thanks to the song I Got Hurt Feeling/Tears of a Rapper by Flight of the Concords. Trying to replay the silly going on in my earbuds, I'm pretty sure I just slaughtered it with my giggly off-key-ness. Apparently, the goofy.. helps with the miles flying by part, though.

On top of Bailer Hill the wind decided to pick up a bit. We yelled at it to "quit it already", but it was to no avail. So instead we yelled at it to "keep on blowing", holding onto some control of the situation. Oh, and while your at it, feel free to start to rain a bit... thats right, who's in charge round here?

When we reached the False Bay turn out and self made water station, we noticed the sun breaking through the dark clouds over the Olympic Mountains. Suddenly so happy we chose this route, not to mention the fact that we live in such a place. False Bay road is a favorite (perhaps you recall it being the main attraction of the RLR Half Marathon) yet running it from this direction, is not. It makes the once gradual downhill... a three mile mockery of our leg strength. It's just a good thing it's purdy, I suppose.

Turning onto Cattle Point rd. is a mild relief. Our homeward stretch, no more turns, and only.. *cough*.. two more dreaded hills to go. The mild part, being it's still five miles away from sitting in a hot tub. Once we reached the peak of the last hill, Meghan pointed over to... oh, what's that??... a rainbow. Awe, so close now. My once light and strong legs, have turned to aching and impatient. Getting gritty, but, yes... so close.

Turning onto Spring St., we step up our pace, look at our watches and decide how important it is to end on an even number or settle for the 17.45... we ran on, cause we're annoying like that.

Where's the beep.... ahhh.... there's the beep. Almost uncomfortable our legs stop running, we walk for a moment then hug our "thank goodness it's overs!!"

Hi, hot tub.

18 miles

average pace, 9 min. 32 seconds.

It just sounds cold outside...

2010-10-27T13:06:00.000-07:00

Making it hard to feel motivated to get out the door, while wearing the appropriate weather proof outfit. Opposed to sweats and a fleece, prepared to go... oh... drink a cup of tea.

Oh.. October, you've finally decided to show us you're not all sunshine and blue skies haven't you.

When I got to the gym, I was pleasantly surprised by how many gals were there. Pretty sure Washington women are the toughest around (just sayin').

We ran the Madden Ln. loop, just backwards. Then at the last moment, threw in the airport trail, which was a nice change of pace. It added just the tiny bit of mileage, but pleasantly slowed us down. You know the whole being cautious, as to not fall on ones face thing.

Both Tamara and Deb chose to stay on the road, concerned about the slowing down part and having places they needed to be.

Our runs lately have been feeling quite... dare I say... inspired. We've all, collectively, been running faster and feeling stronger. Feeling pretty great to live in such a gorgeous place, with so many incredible women.

Thanks for running with us!!

5.3 miles at a 9min 16sec. pace.

*********

AND A BIG P.S.

we are always happy to have new joiners!! If you have yet to run with us, or know any of us very well... I promise we are all nice. Please DO NOT feel intimidated by our distances, there are always options for shorter routes. Plus, miss BooBoo (who is coming back from an injury) will be leading the ones who have more of a half marathon in mind opposed to a full or (oh, geez) a 50k.

So come run with us!! TUESDAYS AND THURSDAYS at 8:30am in front of SJI FITNESS!!

Long run thursdays...

2010-10-25T23:59:00.000-07:00

Our calendars for upcoming races have been studied, highlighted and a few already registered for.

Out of the masses, we are collectively training for an 8k, 3 half marathons, a 25k, 4 full marathons, a 50k, a run as much as you can 57 miler, and one super ambitious IRONwoMAN. So our training begins....

Today.

Unfortunately for some... I hadn't let others in on that small detail (THE STARTS TODAY part)

So with a group the size that we had, four ran the four mile loop (sounds appropriate), one ran the six miler and the remaining four (or was it five) ran nine and a half.

When we started, less than quarter mile in we realized nobody remembered water... and suddenly we're all completely parched. A random fella on a bicycle pedaling by at the right moment smirked at the joke of having to makeout to stay hydrated... oh boy.

We past the four mile and six mile turn outs and waved farewell to our shorter distance lady friends for the time being. Running on... we turned onto Egg Lake Rd, where the massive(est) of all massive dogs ran to the fence, sure he has super shaggy eye covering, adorable hair, but that bark was intimidating. Moments later a wobbly kneed deer hopped out of the brush (although completely harmless and incredibly cute) startling me as well. Geesh get ahold of yourself.

Three meadows is a new favorite road. It's both wooded and opens to lovely pastures. No traffic and even better.... no hills, or at least any going up. Our friend Sophie was jogging past, so we said a quick hello. She's nice. There were a good 3-4 deer that hopped out and I'm happy to say none scared myself or my other (brave) running friends.

There were discussions of all our upcoming goals. Mainly, miss Meghan who has committed to a full ironman!! For those of you not in the know, thats a 2.4 mile swim, 112 mile bike ride and a 26.2 run. Basically something worth a bit of AWE and AMAZEMENT. The training for something so ambitious takes a ridiculous amount of time, dedication, support and energy. Impressed and already proud of her.

Where Three Meadows meets Roche Harbor road, there's an enormous pasture full of a gaggle (yeah, pretty sure a gathering of horses is called a gaggle... so, go with it) of horses. All staring at us, and wanting to be pet. Welcoming the option to stop running for a moment... we did.

The remaining miles seemed to fly by. With smiles of way to go, we hugged our good jobs, and said our goodbyes.

Thanks for the run gals.

9.3 miles, average pace 9min 14sec

again with the two days later...

2010-10-19T19:46:00.000-07:00

We are four.

Being the odd one out, who didn't run a speedy 13.1 miles a mere two days earlier. I was confident I'd be told to go far far away, for suggesting anything other than a 3-4 mile run... Instead, it was all "OKs" and "As long as we go slows" to a 6 mile jaunt.

Heading out to Warbass to run PEAR POINT, our pace was already semi fast. Everyone looked like they were feeling pretty great, so I chose to not point this out. Why disrupt a good thing. Besides I assumed if it wasn't okay... our suddenly not so shy Tamara would let us know with some creative language that we best SLOW DOWN.

Although our attitudes stayed in check. The end in sight and the concluding beep of our watches.. is always welcome.

6miles 9min. 8second pace

2010 RLR half marathon!!

2010-10-18T23:11:00.000-07:00

The BooBoo and I looking rather official (ish)... Playing the role of

RACE DIRECTOR for the second time this year.

It's now one day later (back of hand, wiping proverbial sweat off forehead)... All that organizing, plotting, and "gee I hope it goes well" paid off. It's that feeling of planning an extravagant party and hoping people show up, and maybe you'll even wear the right dress.

We stayed at the Earthbox Motel the day/night before, where we had people pick up their numbers and last minute register. It was a day of lining all our ducks in a row. Marking the course with spray chalk, picking up last minute odds and ends, trying to dry out a cell phone that had been dropped in tea, checking in on all our absolutely incredible volunteers, and figuring out the new timing system.

Our alarms were set three to be exact, dinner eaten, hot tub soaked, lined and realigned the so called ducks... WE ARE READY...

It's 8:30am BooBoo and I are still on the course putting up mile markers and the ever so important *CAUTION RUNNERS ON ROAD*

signs. We have somehow missed where mile 8 was meant to go, but have run out of time. Maybe it'll make the run feel shorter, and we'll have done our friends a favor... maybe.

Back in perfect island time to shake hands with our helpful police officers, hug our wishes of a great run to all our friends, talk about safety, explain the course... and...READY... SET... super annoying horn GO!!!

Words can not express how great this part felt! So proud of all our girls!!

There were 61 in all... mostly from our tiny little island. Women who had never ran/walked further than 6 miles, bravely laced up their tennies and challenged themselves to a please pat yourself on the back and maybe reward yourself with a cheeseburger 13.1 miles. Not a small feat.

Driving the course, to cheer on, check on, and mildly scare a few unsuspecting gals with obnoxious horns and super enthusiastic whooooops! You'd never guess there were such #$%$#$# hills, with all the smiles we saw!

Have I mentioned yet how incredibly gorgeous it was?.... IT WAS INCREDIBLY GORGEOUS!! The sun came out as promised, and was comfortably warm as well. One might go as far to say it was the perfect running weather... you're welcome.

The race ended back at the Earthbox Motel where there was delicious soup, local bread, chocolate milk, fresh fruit, shopping lululemon... yes shopping, and a hot tub all to reward yourself with.

We can't thank all of you enough for all the support you've given us! We couldn't have done any of it with out you! Sincerest of THANK YOUS!!!

There will never be another first!! Great job runners!!

PS there are more photos to be seen from the race on our facebook page... come be our "friend"

a video... rlr half marathon

2010-10-18T22:36:00.000-07:00

RLR half marathon... 2010 results

2010-10-18T20:44:00.000-07:00

1 Stacie Tangney   01:45.210
2 Meghan Hoffman 01:45.220
3 Zoe Jenning   01:48.190
4 Shannon Miniken   01:48.590
5 Bethany Ceasaro 01:50.110
6 Kelly Hjelle 01:51.500
7 Marissa Evans 01:51.570
8 Stephanie Smith 01:53.500
9 Deb Vermeire 01:54.560
10 Kim Wickman 02:00.390
11 katie Dillery 02:04.160
12 Jennifer Ayers 02:05.040
13 Cloud Oakes   02:05.300
14 Debbie Rishel 02:08.040
15 Tamara Greene 02:08.040
16 Waeow Shaller 02:08.180
17 Shannon Kelley 02:11.530
18 Marty Robinson   02:12.260
19 Denyse Davis 02:13.240
20 Kristi Richardson    02:14.060
21 Rachel Newcombe 02:16.090
22 Cynthia Buttrey 02:23.480
23 Kendra Miller 02:26.270
24 Cady Seiler 02:28.200
25 Joyce Stimpson   02:32.310
26 Delores Sentinella   02:37.220
27 Amanda Rennick 02:38.520
28 Jackie Reiff 02:39.520
29 Vida Wight 02:53.100
30 Cere Demuth 02:53.100
31 Barbar Foster 02:53.450
32 Rebecca Housen 02:54.050
33 Heather Lee   02:54.060
34 Toi Wright   02:59.460
35 Ashley Strutz 03:02.040
36 Lyndsay Johnson 03:02.300
37 Bridgett Reitan 03:02.300
38 Amber Kleine 03:08.590
39 Carolyn Leighton    03:08.590
40 Debbie Pigman   03:11.280
41 Jennifer Horn 03:23.490
42 Libbey Oswald 03:23.490
43 Mo Mcnally    03:29.290
44 Penny Dunn 03:29.290
45 Julie Carlson   03:30.120
46 Michelle Lambright 03:30.190
47 Debbie Cutting 03:30.250
48 Sherry Lawson 03:30.260
49 Shannon Calverley    03:38.300
50 Vikky Dauciunas 03:38.310
51 Stacie Baker 03:47.580
52 Heather Allen 03:47.590
53 Barbara Ray   03:48.020
54 Martha Dickinson 03:48.030
55 Adrienne Bourne   04:09.390
56 Maureen Marinkovich   04:09.390
57 Sara Jensen   04:09.400

A little reminder of why we live here...

2010-10-03T19:25:00.000-07:00

Sunday mornings at my house are leisure ones, filled with down pillows, oversized comforters, and cozy cuties.

So when the 6:30am alarm rang, it was tough to not push snooze for the next, oh, 800 times...

I picked up Shannon, who was waiting patiently at the end of her drive, we drove to where Kathleen was waiting patiently at American Camp.(okay so maybe I did push that snooze button a couple times). Hugged our hellos, Stretched our stretches, started our watches and headed for the trails.

The south end of the island is known for fog and wind. There was def. lots of fog but the wind was absent this morning. We started through American Camp and headed to the woods of Jakles Lagoon. The three of us taking full advantage of the solitude of the trails and the comfort of the fog to spill our thoughts.

*Recently there was a commitment from quite a few people to run the ORCAS ISLAND 25K FAT ASS (yes that is really the name of the event) Which is all trail, not to mention climbs to the top of... deep breathe... Mt Constitution.

So with the thought of our *fat a##es* we went up Mt Finlayson the hard way. It's a trail so steep some call it the "hello buddah" or "b*tch slap" hill (alright maybe nobody calls it the second one, but it sort of is one). I've walked up that hill plenty of times, even carried babies up it... but running it is sort of a different challenge. Oh what have I got myself into..

Once we made it to the top we took a moment to slow our pulse and catch our breathe, then looped around making our way back to American camp, where we ran the cliffs of all the nearby coves. This last part, the part where we're nearly finished, and the fog is breaking up, and the views are beyond incredible... and, and and... is when we need to take a moment and truly realize the immense beauty of this island.

I feel so lucky to live here. And to have such great friends to share it with.

8 miles 10min. 20second ave. pace

come run with us!!

Turns out I'm in a rock band...

2010-09-30T19:21:00.000-07:00

Or at least have been acting like it...

Oh, summer... goodbye.

This funny little town has one night a week that it stirs up a tad and invites the locals to come on over and sing their hearts out. Sometimes it sounds incredible yet mostly its just fun to watch the awfulness come alive (sorry thats not very nice... you're mom sounded lovely)... *karaoke*

So home at 2am and up and at em at 7am, keeping my cool at the constant loss of one shoe, not to mention the backpack, and the "just please, brush your teeth ladies!!", ... and we're out the door.

It's thursday, which not only means running with my lady part friends (I realize that sounds pretty gross, but it's sort of funny... right?.. no?... it is.) but it also means a longer distance.

So with lack of sleep on my side, I grabbed an extra water and told everyone the route I thought was best suited for the day... it was quickly adjusted. And we were off.

Cursing the lack of sunglasses, we tried to truly appreciate the warmth of our late september sun.

We were eight in all. Five running the full twelve and three begrudgingly running the six I originally suggested. The second part was a trip to the FH lab trails. Where there was only a mild amount of tripping and stumbling, at least there wasn't any brilliant BooBoo tumbles... def. DO NOT need any more of those. Have I mentioned that she recently broke a toe?? Oh dear BooBoo, please stop it. x

We finished the trail, ran up a large hill, then there was a suggestion (from the off road girl) that maybe we should run back the same direction taking full advantage of the TRAIL.. We were split now, Shannon and Meghan running through the woods once again and Deb, Tamara and I making our way on the main roads. Where we'll have to do a few creative loops to make it an even twelve.

On the tail end of one of our creative loops there was a mere suggestion that we add on a tiny more... and thats where we got the adorable $#%#$ ^&*$$# from, I won't say who (it wasn't Deb, or I) And once again we split.

In the end it was a rather fast twelve and a happy one at that even with the mild cursing.

thanks gals.

12 miles, ave. pace 9min 34sec

A change of direction.

2010-09-28T23:30:00.000-07:00

Today we were three... Celia, Shannon and me (I realize that may be bad grammar but, I, doesn't flow as swell)

We talked about the course and came to a GRAVEL PIT conclusion.

Although once we got to the gravel pit, there was a change of direction from the Shan and I. Both deciding that a longer route at a slower pace, was what we were craving. So until next time gravel pit, it's PEAR POINTS turn to get tread on (and yes, I am aware of the cheese I just spread there)

There was a wave to Miss Celia and an, off on our merry way... It's a stolen chance to have a one and one run with a buddy. So we took the opportunity to make it a little longer. Lots of problems in the world to solve after all.

*I might add, that the part where we were going to slow it down a bit... apparently doesn't apply when you run with that girl though. geesh.

6 miles 9min 7second pace

glad my friends aren't into heroine...

2010-09-24T00:43:00.000-07:00

Woke with the thought of telling my running friends that I need a day to rest...

Drove the adorables to school, and suddenly felt happy that I chose to at least wear my running clothes...

Pulled into the gym parking lot and decided four miles wouldn't be so bad...

Said hello to the NINE other pretties, and suddenly thought six miles would be a good round number...

Got past the first six miles and figured it wouldn't be so awful to continue to the full nine miles...

** just glad my friends aren't into heroin, cause apparently... I'm impressionable**