Snohomish River Run Marathon

 

Adding the Snohomish River Run Marathon to the race list for this year. I got up early50 this Sunday morning, and drove south to Snohomish. I've been a little curious about running down in this area. I know there are a few long trails. This event included the south side of the Centennial Trail, downtown, and then a long out and back on the River Road plus a trail to be named later.

It was supposed to rain and be windy, but instead we got great, 50s degree weather. The trees are all changing colors, and there were views looking across the Snohomish Valley. Very pretty day for running.

I ran well for me. It must be that I didn't sabotage my day with bad eating the day before, and I've been running steady with the virtual runs. Finished at 4:22 or so, which is my best time in a long time. I kept it very steady at about 10 minutes per mile, and didn't really fall apart. Glad to be able to get out and do these things still.

My friend Eric ran too, and well, but we were unable to connect. One of these days we'll share some trail.

The marathon had about 300 runners. The half seemed to have many more. A nice red jacket, red shirt and big medal came with this event, which is celebrating its 10th year. The event is put on by the Snohomish Running Company, and they can use support--great effort was put into making this all happen, and keeping the participants happy. I particularly liked the frequent aid stations.

Downtown Snohomish has a whole lot of bistros, alehouses and such. Will have to visit again some time. I opted for Ivars in Marysville on the way home, followed by some RedZone on the couch.

Baker Lake 50k

The Baker Lake 50k is back! Last year I ran the course with a few ghosters during COVID restrictions, but some 100+ runners came out yesterday for this annual first Saturday of October event.

The streams were flowing more than I can remember before. My feet got a bit wet. I guess we've had rain in the past week. I also saw a few red sockeye from Baker Lake bridge near the turnaround, which is a first for me. I knew they were in there, sometimes, and I always look...this time I was rewarded. The river there was running much higher than I've seen in recent years, which was kind of cool. A big eagle was circling in the sky a bit upriver.

I did the early start, as I've been doing these past few years. Great to see so many friends and acquaintances. The spirit is good here. Thanks to Terry, Delores and everyone at NW Endurance Events for hosting things. The eats and treats at the end were great. They do such a great job--thankful. I especially liked the extra water drop at Noisy Creek this year. Good as always to see Stanley at the start and turnaround. 

Weather good. 50s to 60s, short sleeves. Not a lot of sun. Mountain out. My phone wasn't opening up because it was wet, which probably kept me going, but I got a few shots early on. Above is the Anderson Creek crossing, which is about 3 miles from the start.

My time was not remarkable, but I traveled the out and back faster than in recent years. I made it to the turnaround in 3:37, spent a few minutes, and took about 4 hours on the return. Ran alone, as I tend to do. 7:41. 18th year in a row. I haven't been running hills, but I have been putting in miles on flats along the river, as part of my run around the world team. Running has been a retreat and respite for me during the pandemic. My body went through a few different phases of sweat out there. I had to top off my water a few times.

Annie's Pizza afterwards, on orders from home. Straight 80s music driving in and coming back. A clutch Mariners win on the tele to close out the day.