Washington D.C.

Work and family took me on a brief visit to northern Virginia and Washington D.C. this past weekend. The visit included a wonderful meal with the folks, a visit to Great Falls National Park, and then a conference downtown.

I made the most of a short window by running the National Mall before my conference, in the freezing cold. Probably four or five miles, with some painfully long stops at certain intersections. The sky was dark, and there was a headline-making snow storm just a bit south of DC. 

I started near the Capitol Building, and then ran by all the iconic monuments--the Lincoln Memorial, the Washington Monument, the reflecting pool, and so on. My favorite find was the spot where MLK spoke after the Freedom March, on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial. I also threw in a detour to the National Christmas Tree, over by the White House. Boring!

The next day, I took a quick walk through the National Art Gallery at lunch time. The Gallery is one of my favorite places, but on this day had very few visitors. Maybe it was the storm. It felt criminal, speeding through empty rooms with Monets, Homers, and the like. The place is amazing. I managed to catch the featured exhibits Whitebread and Corot, and then grab a highlights book on the way out.

My final adventure was finding my way to the airport on the Metro, for a late Monday night return. East coast trains and public transportation are always cool--makes me feel like a local.

Some pictures...

 

Seattle Marathon

Another Thanksgiving weekend ends with the Seattle Marathon for me. This was a most wonderful Thanksgiving weekend, certainly my favorite ever, having gone through a very hard few months recently, only to be able to spend a very happy time with Deborah and family. In addition to the Thanksgiving dinner, Deb and I got a hold of one of the grandkids and made our way down to the Seattle Marathon Expo, followed by Pike Place and Seattle Art Museum's Peacock in the Desert Exhibit (art from India). Priceless.

The marathon had a new course and start time. The start time was 7:30 AM, which means I had to leave Mount Vernon at 5:30 AM, which wasn't so bad, albeit a little early. The weather was a chipper 40 degrees--I wore gloves and a vest over a long sleeve shirt, which was about right.

The course still starts at the Experience Music Project, just east of the Space Needle. The first four miles wind through downtown and then onto I-5's express lanes. It is a bit hilly to start out. The course dumps out into the U-District on the 42nd Ave exit around Mile 4. This was kind of cool for me, as I lived for three years near here back in the 1990s, during the school years. A picture below of my old place, which so far hasn't been torn down. Cranes everywhere in Seattle.

I ran the first 13 or so with Rob from MV, who was great company.  We probably could've stuck together the whole way, but I kind of entered my pain place after that, and would not have been good company as I figured each step. I usually run events alone, but Rob really kept my pace good for the first half. He said we did the first half in 2:15, which would be quicker than my half times this year so far.

The last thirteen miles were a bit painful, though mostly flat on the world famous Burke Gilman Trail, until Mile 23. I saw many familiar faces along the way. Half exhausted, seeing Matt H. cheering folks on at Mile 23+ was really great. Also good to see Jenny and her crew volunteering.  The last mile or so is a fast downhill on Highway 99 into Queen Anne and Memorial Stadium. I finished around 4:54, which I'm happy with for today. That represents a steady pace with some walking, but no serious cramps and I don't feel too bad after the fact. A half hour faster than NY too. Little improvements.

I'd like to see the Seattle Marathon work on things a bit. I've been running this race since 1997. I'll continue to show up for the full and half, as I am able. The volunteers were terrific. That said, I feel like the Expo gets smaller each year, while the prices continue to rise. Little things bother me. Last year I registered at the Expo, and they took 3 or 4 months to cash the check and register me, which was annoying. The half marathon point on the marathon was not marked, and there was no timer there which there really should be. The after race food was lacking--long gone are the days when they served Ivars chowder after the cold run. Nothing against Dole Pineapple cups, but they should be able to do better for what we pay. Also, the medal is pretty much an ad for Amica, the title sponsor, with their slogan featured prominently on one side. It's very plain. I joked that maybe they should add a crane or two to the obligatory Needle.

The new course is ok, but I had to stop at a few points, to be waved across the street after traffic was once again stopped. Lots of gels, but the aid stations dropped off towards the end--one ran out of cups, etc.  I think Amica should demand more of the organization, as should the City of Seattle. Having just done the New York City marathon, I have a real feel for what a marvelous community event a marathon can be. Seattle can do better.

Despite that unload, I had a great day out there, and there was a lot of good cheer from volunteers, police officers, and spectators. Clear skies help a lot.

Fowl Run

Another November first weekend Fowl Run in the books today.  The weather was good running weather, with single layer temps, no rain, and just a little breeze. As always, the Fowl Run--this being the 40th year even--was hosted with great skill by Skagit Runners. Thank you volunteers and friends for always doing such a great job.

I ran the 10k, and finished under an hour (56 minutes0, which was a goal of mine at the start of the year--that is, get my 10k time under an hour again. It's been a while. So, I'm pleased, particularly given I ran a marathon last Sunday in New York. I kind of cramped up though in NYC, and so while I finished that race recently, it was an easy recovery week.

The snow geese are back. There were a couple fields full of them on the run, and I also saw a few swan flying in formation. There were lots of runners this year, and pumpkin pie and apple cider back at the school, among other treats. I didn't stick around to see if I won a turkey, although I saw some little kid walk off with one. 

This is one terrific community race. 

New York City Marathon

I ran the New York City Marathon last weekend, and absolutely loved it.  It will be a highlight of my year, as far as running goes.

As a teenager, back in the 1980s, I watched the New York City Marathon one November Sunday morning on television.  I followed running closely then, as a high school runner and reader of Runner’s World.  I knew all the high performers.  The drama that year was whether Rod Dixon, a 10k specialist from New Zealand, could step up to the marathon distance.  Geoff Smith of England held the lead, in the rain, for many miles, and looked to have the race in hand.  However, Dixon closed the gap over the final miles, and took the lead in the last half mile, with the announcers calling it like a horse race.  It was a great thing to watch live, and I remember clearly thinking that day that I would run a marathon some day.

Running a marathon seemed a huge thing back then. I registered for the Marine Corps Marathon in high school, but had to bail because of shin splints. I was running track and cross-country then, and putting in lots of miles, as a teenager might do. It wasn’t until much later, in 1997, that I actually finally went and took the distance on in Vancouver.

All these years, I continue to watch this race when I can, and follow with interest.  So, to finally have a chance to run the course, which travels through all five boroughs (Staten Island, Brooklyn, Queens, The Bronx, and Manhattan), was absolutely a bucket list item for me. There's only one New York.

And only in New York does getting to a start line become as much a production as running the race itself. I got out the door at 6:30 AM, and took the subway down from Lincoln Center to Battery Park and the Staten Island Ferry, coffee in hand, wearing disposable sweats.  After a bit of a wait for my ferry, I enjoyed views of the Statue of Liberty from the water, along with a bagel, and hundreds of other runners. Another wait on Staten Island to catch a shuttle bus to Fort Wadsworth, which is the starting line. I finally arrived at 10:30 AM, right before my start time at 11:00 AM. 

The race starts by going over the Verrazano Bridge, which seemed to be nearly two miles.  Police and media helicopters are above, and it is just swarms of people. These days, everyone is stopping for a selfie on the bridge.  Once across the bridge, you enter Brooklyn, where crowds await, with signs to cheer runners on.  The next 10 or 11 miles are up through Brooklyn, by restaurants, brownstones, gas stations, street art—all the sights of Brooklyn.  It feels like a parade, with streams of runners, and the streets lined with cheering families and bystanders.

I met my AC, Dave, and Deb right after leaving Brooklyn over 59^th Street.  This was extremely special to me, and we were fortunate to find each other in the crowds.  Cell phones help, I guess.  After that, I started getting a really bad cramp in my lower abdominal region, and I couldn’t run.  The last ten miles were a struggle of walking and running, but the crowds and positive vibes were steady, and I was fine with it.  The slog up through Manhattan and Queens was tough, but somewhere around the Bronx I seemed to be able to shuffle again, though the feet hurt. 

The excitement seemed to pick up all the more once back in Manhattan.  My fastest mile was my last, though it wasn’t all that fast.  The finish line is marked with the flags of the many, many nations, represented by runners.  Banners hang from the light poles, honoring past winners who’s names are well known to me—Joanie, Bill Rodgers, Dixon, Grete, Tergat, Radcliffe, and so on. 

The Finish Line is a production.  You get the medal, and then they give you a bag of recovery items (drinks, apple, protein bar), and then you shuffle for almost a half hour to get a very nice poncho.  Finally, my feet ready to revolt, I found my sweetie in the family reunion area.  For many personal reasons, this was the very best part of the whole event, as we weren’t sure she could make this trip.

The rest of the weekend was filled with great moments.  We went to the Lion King—our first show on Broadway—with my AC, who is high school choregrapher.  Fine eats, including bagels, pizza, pasta at Joe Allen, and so on.  A visit to the Museum of Modern Art, to see Van Gogh, Picasso, Rothko, Warhol and others—an amazing place that deserved more time. 

Loved the race, and loved being able to do this with my wife and family.  A very special weekend.

 

Baker Lake 50k

This year's Baker Lake 50k was a bit chilly, but clear, with some of the best views of the lake and Mount Baker I can remember. I suppose the crisp, fall air will do that sometimes. Above is a picture I took, after the race, from down the road from the campground. By then, the clouds had formed, but earlier in the day the sky was the same blue, and the mountain and other high glaciers were unobstructed. The view from the Noisy Creek turn was the best.

I ran the early start, as I've done for the past five or more years. I prefer the early start because I get done earlier, and there are less people on the trail. This was my 15th Baker Lake in a row. I think it may have been my 100th marathon or longer distance event as well. Markers on the trail, I suppose.

As always, Terry, Delores, James, Chris, Toi and others from Skagit Runners put on an exceptional event. Simple, beautiful, and affordable. The finish line goodies included burgers, pulled pork, soups, beer, soft drinks, and plenty of choices for the veggie folks. Lots of familiar faces on the trail--all smiles, coming and going.

New this year was additional water bottles at Noisy Creek, about 10 miles in. I think this is a great add, since there is a water cache also at Maple Grove, about 4 or 5 miles in.

I wasn't fast, and I found the back 15 to be slower and more drawn out than usual. I think that may have simply been because I was wrestling with whether to go down to Kirkland afterwards for an event. My time, while not fast, was an improvement over the past four years. This probably is a reflection of more road running on my part this year. I got knocked off track in August, which is understandable and ok. Going forward I'd like to work on losing weight and running steadier. For me, running and trails are part of who I am--and whether up or down--I'm just glad to be able to continue to be out there.

On the drive in, I finished up listening to Scott Kelly's book, Endurance, about his year in space and his journey to becoming an astronaut. On the way home, Bob Marley's Legend. 

Skagit Flats Half Marathon

I ran the Skagit Flats Half Marathon on Sunday.  I think the first time I ran this race was in 2002 with some school friends. Still ticking, still clicking.  The event is becoming a real favorite of mine, because it is so beautiful, it is so local, and because I can come home and watch the first week of football afterwards.

The race starts at Burlington-Edison High School, and is an out and back through the Skagit Valley, finishing back on the school track. The event has been around 41 years now, and my friend Stan has ran the full just about every one of those years.  I originally signed up for the full, but switched down when I realized it would've been a bit too much for me, going into the week.

I ran a 2:27, which is both faster and slower than I would've liked. I was running a bit quicker until August, but my training has fallen off.  Now trying to get back to basics. It was a good day out there, just the same. Thank you to all the cross country teams and Skagit Runners for putting on a top notch event, like always. You are the best.

Lake Padden Relays

Saturday found me at Lake Padden, running four loops, as part of the Greater Bellingham Running Club's annual Lake Padden Relays.  This is fundamentally a relay race, with lots of high school and college students forming teams, as well as local running clubs.  The overall distance is 10.4 miles, or 2.6 miles per lap.

Lake Padden and its trails are a much loved local destination for Bellinghamsters, and I personally have been running this same trail since as far back as 1991. When I first moved to Bellingham, so long ago now, I lived with roommates not too far down the road from Padden, and in the morning before work I ran the lake regularly. I wasn't participating in events so much back then, but I did have a passion for the trails, which Padden offers.

I've done the "Iron" portion of this event a few times before. Usually I miss this event because Labor Day weekend is prime time for high country activities. I ran this year somewhere just south of two hours. I can remember once running the four laps in 1:20 or so. Times change, but at least I'm out there.

August was the hardest of times for us, as some know. Running has always been a deeply personal endeavor, as is my time on the trails. I find some sort of restoration in these activities. They are my normal.  Things are looking progressively better, and so having the confidence and time to get out to this even yesterday was absolutely terrific. I'm also pleasantly pleased to see that my fitness, which was improving, hasn't completely fallen off. It was good to see old friends toeing the line, volunteering, and just observing, on a nice, clear morning, at a familiar spot.

No pictures, I'm afraid. But do visit Lake Padden, if you never have. It won't test your endurance, but it is a special spot. I will have to get back up to speed on the pics sometime this fall. I've been a bit waylaid, due to a software update, and other changing tech, that I haven't spent enough time dealing with.

Thanks to all who stop by, and thanks for your friendship--means so much.

The Great Sedro-Wolley Footrace

Another Fourth of July, another Great Sedro-Woolley Footrace!

This year was gorgeous, with clear sky and nearly 80 degrees out. Highlights for me were seeing Mark, Carolyn, and Stan, old-timer ultra-running peeps. The shirt is also pretty cool this year, with a picture of some people tuckered out after their all-out race. This race is so fun to see everyone dressed up in red, white and blue. I'm running a bit more consistently these days, and so I was pleased to finish 8 minutes faster than last year. Still slow, but I'm able to keep a steady, slow run, without busting too many capillaries, ventricles, and aortas.

Afterwards, we just hung out at home, barbqued, watched the amazing Mariners, and I read a book. A most excellent holiday, all in all.

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.

Spokane River Run 25k

No pictures, and that's too bad, as there were plenty of spring-time sights at the Spokane River Run 25k this weekend. There were points on the run, particularly in the last 5 miles, where the trail was on a ridge, overlooking the valley.  There were balsam root plants in bloom--the short yellow sunflower plants. The rugged pine trees and soft trail were picture worthy.  Somebody though ran without a camera, and so next time, I suppose.

It's always good to get over to eastern Washington this time of year.  The peaks in the distance still show snow, but spring is apparent everywhere.  It's not too hot to run, and the weather is usually a bit better than what you'll find on the west side.

I enjoyed the "Challenge Course," which advertises a 1900 feet elevation gain over 25k. There is a slightly easier 25k as well, and the event also offers runners the choice of pairing the two courses for one 50k. Maybe next time.  Every mile is marked, which is a bit of a change, but kind of nice considering my condition.  There were three aid stations for the Challenge Course, which is plenty, but I carried a bottle of water and some gels. 

The event is a local benefit for the Garfield A.P.P.L.E. program, which offers enhanced benefits for Spokane students. The event had a real community feel to it. The tech shirt even features a student drawing. I ran with a good friend, who in turn ran with a bunch of peeps he knew.  I didn't actually run with them--but friendly faces before and after a race is terrific.

As for how I ran....well, slow, but I've done worse. I thought I'd hike a lot, but the soft trail was very inviting, and so a steady trot was the outcome. My hip, knee, and stomach are still in the opposition party, but I will continue to campaign for a better me.

The drive, by the way, was long. I managed to listen to the whole audio for Neil Gaiman's Norse Mythology, a full PJ concert (Charlottesville '13), and some talk radio. RIP Art Bell.

Mercer Island Half Marathon

I walked and jogged the Mercer Island Half Marathon a week or so ago. It was on a Sunday morning, and I registered months earlier.  I really wasn't into doing it, but I got myself up and went down at 6 AM for the early start.  I figured I'd be happier after the fact if I did it, as long as I didn't make it too painful. That was about right for me, and I'm glad I did it.

I've wanted to do this race for years. It is one of the older races in the Pacific Northwest and its fair to call it a classic.  I can't believe I've never done it, which is part of the reason I wanted to check this box.

For me, this race is a real throwback. In the 1980s, I used to be the Circulation Director for the Mercer Island Reporter.  I think I earned $9.07/hour, and I thought that was awesome. I was a Manager! The newspaper was published by Bellevue's Journal-American company (no longer operating), and was a once weekly newspaper. The job was nuts. Basically, every Tuesday night-Wednesday morning, I drove all over Mercer Island, delivering all the routes that I couldn't find carriers for. And on Mercer Island, a well-to-do area, the kids were often doing other things besides delivering papers. So, there were lots of routes to deliver personally. The rest of the week was great--basically, I would look for carriers, run sales crews, and I did a little bit of advertising sales.  On the Rock, as we called it.  I eventually quit this job so I could go look for work in Yellowstone, which didn't really work out.

Anyway, wandering around the Island really took me back. The course itself circles the Rock--it's a very natural half marathon--almost a perfect 13.1 mile loop.  I suppose there are some hills, but its not too bad--definitely not by trail runner standards. Tons of volunteers with big smiles. Thanks you Lions Club! Some amazing views of Lake Washington, and I really enjoyed checking out the houses, which are great examples of NW architecture. 

Anyway, I rolled around the island in under three hours, mostly walking.  I would definitely do this race again, and hope I do. 

The Big Island 2018

We had a wonderful week this year in our return to the Big Island of Hawaii.  We missed sharing the experience with our family and friends, but we made great use of our time.

On our first full morning, we went horseback riding at Dahana Ranch outside of Waimea. What a great experience! Our guide was terrific, and we had the ranch to ourselves for a couple hours. I am not a skilled rider, but I hope to do this again. Years ago, I went with family in Maui through a preserve--this was more of an open range type ride. My horse's name was Beachbum.

We stayed in Kona, and visited the farm market, beaches and restaurants. We cooked for ourselves mostly in our rented condo. One day, we took a tour of Greenwell Farms, a coffee farm established in the 1800s. We visited macadamia nut farms and the Big Island Bess honey operation. We also visited the town of Hawi on the north side.

Mid-week, we drove north, again through Waimea, and then went down the Hilo Coast to Hilo. We visited Akaka Falls and hiked the loop. Then, we visited the Wednesday Hilo Farmer's Market, which is fantastic.  I ate a lot of varieties of poke on this trip, including at Hilo's Farmer's Market. We also visited the Hawaiian Botanical Gardens, outside of Hilo, which is spectacular. Plants from all over, of all sorts--cacao, orchids, bird of paradise, and so on. Very worthwhile--I could've spent all day there.

That evening, we went up to Mauna Kea, to the 9200 foot Visitor Center.  The peak itself is above 13,000 feet, but was closed to private drivers due to 80 mph winds. I climbed a ridge above the Visitor Center, hoping to see the sunset, but the clouds were coming through strong. We were there to see the stars--this is one of the best places in the world for stargazing. Things didn't look promising, but once the sun set, the clouds dropped below us, and the stars and milky way came out.  The Center turns off all white lights--using only red lights--and brings out some heavy duty telescopes. We saw Pleiades and the Orion Nebula through the telescope. Two astronomers then gave a star show, using a laser pointer to point out constellations and tell stories about them. This was a pretty special night.

We visited Pu'uhonua O Honohnau Nationa Park, a beautiful old Hawaiian village which served as a place of refuge for warriors during conflicts. Next door, some of the best snoring on the island is at the renowned "Two Step", so named because there is a two step ledge you use to launch into swim-only snorkeling. We then discovered another beach, Honolei, just cruising around. A great day was completed with island fresh smoothies at the South Kona Fruit Stand.

On the morning of our departure, I once again ran the Kona Brewer's Festival Run for the Hops. This year, I only did the 5k, because I wanted to get back quick to pack, but this is a terrific local race. The shirt has a manta ray on it--cool!---and the finish line had all sorts of fresh fruit.

Hopefully we get back soon! Mahalo, Big Island!

Seriously

It's not all surf and sand

Greenwell Farms, founded in 1850s, specializing in Kona's coffee

Akaka Falls--beautiful short hike, tall falls

Bird of Paradise--Hawaiian Botanical Gardens

Hilo Farmer's Market

Poi

 Telescope on Mauna Kea-- in the day, on the sun--best look at the sun, ever

Tiki Gods

Run for the Hops

Our Last Breakfast