March Point 10k

We're really fortunate in Skagit County, and Whatcom County too, to have a great number of longstanding races to choose from each year.  If I don't have anything else going on, I'll often turn out for a local event with not much forethought. Such was the case with the March Point 10k this year, out by Anacortes, which I basically decided to run on Friday night.

I got up at about 5 AM to make coffee and watch the first of three World Cup games. Belgium v. Tunisa, and Belgium looks very good.  Then off to the race, which is about 15 minutes from home.

The course circles March Point. It has a tough climb up N. Texas Ave, between miles 1 and 2. The final three miles are on waterfront, as is the first mile. There's a terrific barbq afterwards, with hot dogs, drinks, salads, and other goodies.  A half marathon was added a few years ago, which I'll have to try some time.  The half does the loop on the Point and then throws in an out and back on the Tommy Thompson trail, a converted rail trellis to trail over water.

I saw two eagles in a tree at mile 4.  No camera, alas, but the would've made a good photo. They're probably still there. No need to move along.

My running is improving.  I ran a 1:03, which I know is not fast, but its improvement for me.  I seem to be getting in consistent runs since I scheduled marathons at the end of the year. Hopefully improvements keep coming--probably will.  While I don't have great aspirations, I'd like to get so a basic six to eight miles moves by pretty steady.

Berry Dairy Days Half

A quick update here to record the fact that I ran the Berry Dairy Days Half Marathon yesterday. I took a few pics of the river, some cows, and some berries, but I'll have to add them later.

This run has become a favorite of mine, as I've done it four or five times in the last as many years. It's well priced, and I can roll out of bed at 6:30 and catch the early start without any real rush. Home by 11 AM to get on with things.  I like the early start, because I'm slower these days and because there are only about 30 starters with me.

I was pretty happy with my run. I ran a 2:25.  While not impressive, I'm seeing improvement, in that I can run a whole half without stopping. I've been out running four to six times a week lately, in preparation for some fall marathons.  In this one, I was able to run the second half of the half about as fast as the first half. I started slowly, which probably has a lot do with not sleeping or eating right beforehand. Eventually, though, I was able to find a pace and keep it.

The last six miles are really nice. The run goes out on the dike along the Skagit, comes back, and finishes on the Berry Dairy Days parade route.

It was great to see Dean and Ruth afterwards, Stan beforehand, and other friends supporting the community. Strawberry shortcake before heading home.