August Weekend In Coupeville

Went to Coupeville on Whidby Island for a half marathon race. We made a weekend out of it with Brenda inviting her friend from US Bank and renting a house on the beach.

The house was fantastic and loved the sunsets!

The race is set to take runners through the national parkland area known as the Ebey's Landing National Historical Reserve, whose more than 17,000 acres have been home to Native American tribes like the Skagit Indians as well as explorers like Captain George Vancouver and Joseph Whidbey, for whom the island was later named.

Today, the reserve is dedicated to preserving the remains of its farming, shipbuilding and seaport past, as visitors can take in sights like the city that was built in nearby Coupeville as well as Fort Ebey and Fort Casey.

Enjoying a post race beverage and looking at the view!

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.

Capital City Half Marathon

This is number six on my goal of thirteen half marathons in 2013. I really liked the venue!

The course was nice, seemed like the stretch between mile 9 and mile 10 was one big hill. I wasn't focused on achieving a personal best for this run but I thought it was possible until then. My final time was 2 hours and 4 seconds.

Walking The Dogs With Brenda In Omaha

Enjoyed myself last weekend in Omaha visiting Brenda's family, here a are a few pictures from our dog walking adventure.

 

Fourth Half Marathon 2013 - Wennatchee WA

The finish line, first picture is Brenda and I. She wasn't able to do the half due to a foot injury but she didn't let that stop her from running. She toughed out a full 10K with a painful foot every step of the way. Also included are my work buddy Karl and his fiancee Brenda. We had a great weekend with them in Leavenworth.

Best time so far and finally cracked the 2 hour mark with a time of 1:57:53!

Puffing towards the finish line, I was completely spent.

A couple pictures including the new good looking goat at the Leavenworth bridge ... and ... Brenda & I on a morning walk.