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. 

Fowl Run

Once again, I was a Fowl Runner. I feel so fortunate year in and year out to be able to toe the line at some of my favorite events. It's been a while since I last ran fast, but only a few days since I last ran happy.

This year's race had a touch of rain. So many familiar faces volunteering in the gym and around the start line. Then, my colleague Carin came running by me around mile two--a great surprise! I was able to keep a slow jog the whole way. I was a little off, overall, but I had enough to do the race.

Pumpkin pie at the end. Deb wanted me to bring a home a turkey, but I never seem to get so lucky. One of these years...

Thank you Skagit Runners. You make a difference.

Nookachamps 10k

I ran the Nookachamps 10k for my first time today.  I've done the half marathon at least a half dozen times, and have always wondered about the 10k course.  Now I know.

The principal difference with the 10k is that it finishes on the running paths of Skagit Valley College, Obviously, its also 7 miles shorter.

I'm just going to keep signing up for things like this, and try to get my running legs back. Right now I have extreme inflexibility when I run, compounded by a need to lose some pounds up top.

I always like going to this event. Five minutes from home, and so I was back in plenty of time for the NFL playoffs. I had a chat with a number of friends beforehand.  Great event.

At the start, I said to myself, "I dedicate this one to David Bowie."  I didn't honor his memory much with my time, and I knew I wouldn't, but I've been smiling all week at old memories associated with his music. Changes...Diamond Dogs...Heroes...Ashes to Ashes....Rebel Rebel...Space Oddity.....so many great songs.  Sad to hear of his passing.

Tesoro March Point 10k

My unplanned "Run Local" June series continued today with the Tesoro March Point 10k.  This 10k is out near the Anacortes-Deception Pass junction of Highway 20, in Skagit, on and around the Tesoro Refinery. This was the 19th edition, but my first crack at it.  My fourth Saturday in a row at a Skagit or Whatcom County race.

It was a good way to start a Saturday morning again, but my digestive tract wasn't having it.  I ended up having to run/walk the last couple miles, which knocked my time effort out of the water. Came in slightly over an hour. I think I can do better than that now, though the miles still don't come easy. More core exercise and stretching required.  It's a journey, and the journey is the pleasure.

The course isn't particularly hard.  There's one big hill, called North Texas Road, right before Mile 2, and it's a slog. But it is matched with plenty of gradual downhills too.  Also, some great views of the water as you circle the Point.  This is a supermoon weekend--meaning the moon is as near as it gets, and full--and so the low tide was very visible along the waterline.

I'm glad I did this race, and which I had sooner.  It is a great value, w/ a great course, nice 1/4 zip tech shirts for an additional $15, and a hot dog barbq afterwards, with chips, drink, and all that sort of stuff. Skagit Runners were in attendance, volunteering mostly--good to see friends all about.

Fowl Run

It was a cold, beautiful day for the annual Fowl Run Fun Runs in Mount Vernon.  I ran the 10k, and geez, slow again. That figures. I haven't really been running. I'll keep throwing myself out there....maybe I'll get better. Gotta keep on truckin'!

I realize now I'm the guy who always comes with an excuse.  "How you doing Scotty?" "Great! but you know, I got this thing...."  Truth is, I do have this thing--a few things. But whatever. The joy is in getting out there. No matter where I'm at, it's always refreshing and vitalizing to see friends, either volunteering or running, and to get the heart rate going on the course.

Views today were clear, out towards Mount Baker.  A little bit of ice on my pickup's window, when I went outside in the morning. Last night I heard snow geese flying over the house. I saw a few flying during the race. Course is flat. It'd be great to run fast, if you can. Lots of giveaways afterwards--turkeys, pumpkin pies, and other miscellaneous stuff.

Good turnout, as always. Great to talk with Dominic, Craig, Colin, Tracy and others. And Skagit Runners volunteers were out in force, as always. Good to see Heather, Delores, Joe, Brannon, Steve, and so many others, making it all happen. Thanks all!

Should be an interesting afternoon. I'm now off to do color for a high school football broadcast. Years ago, I used to do this for local basketball games, and now my friend who does this regularly has called me in off the bench. I don't think I'll be going big time.

Mazama 10k

I found myself on Friday night trying to figure out what to do with this Memorial Day weekend.  On a whim, I threw a sleeping bag in the car, grabbed some Springsteen cds, and set out on Highway 20 for the Mazama 10k and a night under the stars. The 10k is put on by the Methow Valley Trails Association and has been around a long time.

  

Two months, it seems, is is too long to taper for a 10k.  I wheezed, and then my Achilles issue started acting up, and that’s enough about how I did.

The course is slow for a 10k, with a few climbs on cross country ski trails, sans the snow. You feel the 2000 feet elevation a bit, if you’re me. Very cool to run around the Methow Valley this time of year, with a variety of blue, yellow and orange wildflowers growing, and the clear snowmelt running fast in the creeks.  I missed out on last week’s Sun Mountain haps, so I suppose this was a nice fill in.   

Afterwards, a pancake breakfast and the traditional MVSTA awards and raffle ceremony by the red community center.  A latte at the Mazama store, and then back home.  The drive over Highway 20 is beautiful right now, with snow banks melting fast.  

Fowl Run 2011

I ran the Fowl Run 10k in Mount Vernon on Saturday. We had great weather, despite predictions of misery. Just a little cold, calling for gloves and hat.

I know the course route well, as I sometimes run it on weekends. I've also ran the race a number of times, albeit poorly. Beginning at Mount Vernon Christian School, the loop includes an out-and-back along the Dike Road, and then a return to the school via Britt Road. The roads parallel the Skagit River and acres of farmland, with views of the foothills and Mount Baker on a good day. Today you could see snow in the hills, and the farmland soil looked cold.

There was a stiff headwind along the Dike Road. It was one of those blustery days that brings out the birds. As I ran, I frequently found myself looking up at formations of trumpeter swans, snow geese, and pipers. An eagle swooped ten feet above me, before landing in a tree alongside early on along the Dike Road.

I ran poorly, struggling with my continued hamstring tightness, and some out-of-shapeness. I finished in 52 minutes and some. I am not too troubled, as I knew going in that my hamstring wasn’t going to allow any real leg turnover. I really just planned on jogging, but I pushed a bit later to keep a 9 min pace. I think I'll go up to the WWU track once a week, as winter comes in. Yoga seems to be calling my name too. 

Many many friends in attendance! Either to run, volunteer, or both. Heather and Skagit Runners did a great job putting on the event, of course. Our Skagit club is sooo solid--thank you!  I ended up spending a good hour afterwards just hanging out with friends, eating pumpkin pie and hot apple cider, and catching up. A good vibe, and a very nice way to start the weekend.

Post-race awards, with random drawings for turkeys and pumpkin pie

Fairhaven Frosty 10k

The GBRC Fairhaven Frosty 10k lived up to its namesake today, with frost on the benches, frost on the road, frost on the grass--frost everywhere. Perfectly clear skies, temps in the 30s. A good morning for running. A lot of the regulars from the GBRC and the Wednesday night track group showed up, either to run or volunteer. Always good to chatter. That second loop drags a bit. Love that Great Harvest Bread at the finish, that Tony's coffee afterwards, and that Apple Cup at the end of the day.

Thank you volunteers!

I ran poorly--my legs felt like dead weights. I had no circulation and extremely tight hamstrings. It seemed like I rarely could get anaerobic--the legs and stomach just wouldn't cooperate. I attribute this all to the cold, a slow recovery from last week's Seattle marathon, and unwisely eating at the Taco Truck last night. No big, but I would like to run a good 10k (by my standards) sometime in the next few months. So, I'm a little dissapointed that my bad days aren't better. But you have to get out there to find out these things, and a little bit of honest self-assessment is good for me.

OR...."maybe I should chug on over to Mamby-Pamby Land where I can find some self-confidence for me, you jack wagon." (It's a commercial, if you haven't heard it. Cracks me up.)