The year 2020 is "one like no other," it is said, as we wrap it up. Good to be here, I say.
Usually, at the end of the year, I try to rank the best experiences and/or races I ran for the previous year. This year there weren't too many races, and the experiences were different too. Still, I feel like I did a pretty good job of making lemonade, for the hand that was dealt. I ran more miles this year than I have in several years, and I got out and did some pretty cool things.
1. Yellowstone National Park
The trip to Yellowstone with Deborah is one with lasting memories. We drove a fast car over those Montana open roads. We saw a grizzly, bison, elk, antelope, maybe a wolf, and not as many tourists as might be expected. I love Yellowstone--it is one of my favorite places, and sharing that with Deborah made for a much-needed getaway. The Beartooth Highway entrance was extra-ordinary as well.
2. New York City Virtual Marathon
Virtual racing was the thing this year, for many. The New York Road Runners put on a terrific virtual marathon, through Strava and a custom phone app. The app called out my splits and coached and cheered me along the way, as I ran alone (at first) through the Skagit, and then with Seth for the final two-thirds. I'm really kind of proud of my course design, from my door step, as it a really cool, flat 26.2 on country roads and by the Skagit, with lots of birds and views along the way. A really fun day.
3. Copper Ridge Lookout
Craig and I did a long day-hike out to Copper Ridge Lookout, in the North Cascades. The views were superb, of the Pickets, Mount Baker, the Canadian mountains, Chiliwack, and everywhere else. Classic, world-class views, equal to hikes most anywhere. Good to get back here, after the trip Mike, Rich and I did a few years back. No views that day, I think. With smoky summers, views may be harder to come by in the future.
4. Montana Marathon
Before hitting Yellowstone, we drove to Billings and I did the Montana Marathon. Marathons were virtually non-existent this year, but Montana went ahead. They did many COVID precautions, and I felt safer than going to my local grocery store. I think they did a really good job, and I wish more smaller races could've proceeded this year. It's so hard though--everyone is seeking the best way forward, and most have good intentions, but then opposing views emerge. Anyway, I loved this race--the first 13 miles particularly, as we wandered through the high plains of Montana. One of my favorite road courses ever. I'll have to do a few more plains states marathons or ultras.
5. Baker Lake DIY 50k
On the first Saturday in October, I kept the tradition alive, and ran the Baker Lake 50k. Not many out there, but thanks to Terry for putting some water at the turnaround, and good to see Matt, Betsy, and a few others. Probably the best weather in ten years...of course. Glad I can still do these. The tradition established in 2004--#17 this year.
6. Great Virtual Run Across Tennessee
I really should rank this higher, maybe even #1. BB and I signed up for this virtual run across Tennessee and I somehow managed to cover 1100 miles in 4 months. That's unheard of for me. I so enjoyed getting up early on Saturdays and then head out to Conway, Burlington, Sedro-Woolley or Clear Lake. I found all sorts of things on the side of the road--dead frogs, cell phones, Ray-Bans, brussel sprouts. This event really kept me going through the darker early months of the pandemic.
7. Circumpolar Race Around the World
I'll just tuck this one below GVRAT, since its another virtual race, but this one involves a group of 10 team members, all newfound friends for me. Our journey continues, but as a group we've logged enough miles to travel through Mexico, Central America, and deep into Argentina in South America as I write. We motivate each other to get our miles in, check our progress on google maps, and get little map medals along the way.
8. Fort Ebey Kettles Half Marathon
There were races early in the year! I returned to Whidbey, and managed this wonderful, rolling course. I rolled my ankle too, bad, at the end. My head was totally elsewhere, but good day.
9. Nookachamps Half Marathon
It was a quiet day out on the Nookachamps. I would later run/walk this course many times, when getting miles for GVRAT. The course was altered a bit, and I wonder if we'll ever get back to going through Clear Lake. The hot soup a the finish line was welcome.
10. The Comet Neowise, and Jupiter/Saturn
I spent a lot of time looking at the night sky this year. I went out and tried to add a few miles on many evenings, and I started identifying planets. I watched Jupiter and Saturn move in position as the seasons turned, and then missed their historic conjunction, due to clouds. I chased the comet Neowise for many nights, first leaving early on a run to see it (and mistaking Jupiter for it); and then later out into the Skagit Flats on a few evenings. A celestial event.
So, good to be healthy and moving. Hopefully 2020 offers more opportunities for community activities, like races and other events. I miss them. Wishing all my friends a happy and healthy 2021. Hopefully we can get out together at some point.
