Running for Boston

Like everyone, I was horrified by the Boston Marathon bombing last week. 

Across the country, running clubs and groups responded by holding group runs to reaffirm all that is good about running. And human nature. Our own Greater Bellingham Running Club had just such a run on Monday night. I was glad to wobble down the trail with my friends.

My best wishes go out to all who were impacted by this terrible event. I suppose that’s all of us. Run strong, Boston.

 

Washington D.C.

I made a trip back east to Washington D.C. and Virginia last week.  It is cherry blossom time again in the nation's capitol, and so I snapped a few pics.

The trip was a whirlwind.  First, I got delayed by 18 hours or so at Chicago O'Hare, finally arriving at 3:15 AM.  I made it downtown on three separate occasions in about four days--lots of time on the Metro. Hear hear for public transport. One of my favorite things about east coast cities is the subway.

Highlights of the trip included taking in a Braves-Nats game with my brother and a friend, getting to meet my new niece, and seeing the folks. The cherry blossoms and nice temps were nothing to quibble about too.

Running...well, I'm working on it. Ran tonight.

Flowers in the Valley

April is tulip time in the Skagit Valley.  The daffodils precede the tulips by a couple weeks. Fields and fields of them. People come from all over to see them.

It's been a busy time for me, as always. Work has my attention much more than my running these days. Still, I've found my way into physical therapy four or five times this past month. I'm learning all sorts of new stretches. I've made a friend with a foam roller.  I'm convinced more core work will be good for me, but this I've always known. I'm really hoping to get my left leg working the way it should.

The miles don't come as easy as they used to. I ran in the pouring rain through the Nookachamps the other day.  I found myself short of breath.  And wet.  I ran by a row of cows, eating their hay, with their ears punched with tags. I figured I'm probably better off then them.

I have my eye on some events in the coming months. The first one or two will be ugly, I'm sure. But I'll get there one of these days.

Happy spring!