Half Marathon Number 8 For 2013 - Run Like The Wind In Ellensburg WA

Brenda told me that I couldn't do the Seattle Rock and Roll Half Marathon because she wanted to do something special. I was in the mood for a run and we compromised on this run in Ellensburg. Later we found out there isn't anything special in Ellensburg, so this turned out to be a day trip.

The web site said the race was a mixture of trails and roads and that turned out to be largely untrue. This turned out to be a half marathon trail run that had about 25% roads mixed in and that was all at the last half of the course. 

I hadn't not prepared properly for this race and I did pay a price. I passed out dead on my feet in the parking lot after the race. Literally took a dirt nap from a standing position and luckily Brenda was able to catch my head before it slapped on to the ground.

This was a very poorly managed race, in fact the worst I've seen in my experience running. I have never ran a race that had zero mile markers and my RunKeeper iPhone application had a hiccup in the middle of the race.  In fact, I would say it was both the most challenging and worst managed race I've come across and this is a wake up call for me going forward.

Another factor that came into play was the closing of I90 for two hours due to blasting. I should have arrived at the race about two hours ahead of time but only arrived soon enough to put on my racing bid and go. Literally, I got zero time to stretch, it was that close.

Although the web site did nothing to prepare a person for this type of run, I do blame myself. I should have taken the lack of information on their site, the mention of it being the inaugural run and the location as strong hints to prepare myself. My arrogance is the true target of blame for passing out.

As you can see, one thing that I did do right was bring a camera. In fact, I had packed water bottles but didn't have enough time to go back to the car and get them. Luckily Brenda (my savior again) met me at the 6 mile mark and handed me a water bottle.

I think that Brenda was my guardian angel for this race, I thank God for her being there to help offset my arrogance and lack of preparation for this race.

2013 Half Number 7 - Helvetia Oregon, June 8 2013

Oregon's Helvetia Half Marathon, 5K & 10K takes runners on hilly, challenging course on rolling paved country roads along the northern rim of the Tualatin Valley in the West Hills of the Portland area.

In the last year, I've tried to focus on runs with character and scenery. This ranks right up there at the top but it was a grueling set of hills from mile 3 to mile 9.

I think this race is one that I'm going to try and do every year. It was well managed, beautiful and a lot of fun!

Even the dogs like the visit to Portland and the ride back home.

A Photo Taking Run In Omaha 05_12_2013

Brenda and I were in Omaha visiting family and I decided to take my camera with me on a morning run from the hotel downtown. It was a lovely day and I was happily surprised with the pictures I was able to take back with me.