a video... rlr half marathon

RLR half marathon... 2010 results

1 Stacie Tangney   01:45.210
2 Meghan Hoffman 01:45.220
3 Zoe Jenning   01:48.190
4 Shannon Miniken   01:48.590
5 Bethany Ceasaro  01:50.110
6 Kelly Hjelle  01:51.500
7 Marissa Evans  01:51.570
8 Stephanie Smith  01:53.500
9 Deb Vermeire  01:54.560
10 Kim Wickman  02:00.390
11 katie Dillery  02:04.160
12 Jennifer Ayers  02:05.040
13 Cloud Oakes   02:05.300
14 Debbie Rishel  02:08.040
15 Tamara Greene  02:08.040
16 Waeow Shaller  02:08.180
17 Shannon Kelley  02:11.530
18 Marty Robinson   02:12.260
19 Denyse Davis  02:13.240
20 Kristi Richardson    02:14.060
21 Rachel Newcombe  02:16.090
22 Cynthia Buttrey 02:23.480
23 Kendra Miller 02:26.270
24 Cady Seiler 02:28.200
25 Joyce Stimpson   02:32.310
26 Delores Sentinella   02:37.220
27 Amanda Rennick  02:38.520
28 Jackie Reiff  02:39.520
29 Vida Wight  02:53.100
30 Cere Demuth  02:53.100
31 Barbar Foster  02:53.450
32 Rebecca Housen  02:54.050
33 Heather Lee   02:54.060
34 Toi Wright   02:59.460
35 Ashley Strutz 03:02.040
36 Lyndsay Johnson  03:02.300
37 Bridgett Reitan  03:02.300
38 Amber Kleine  03:08.590
39 Carolyn Leighton    03:08.590
40 Debbie Pigman   03:11.280
41 Jennifer Horn  03:23.490
42 Libbey Oswald  03:23.490
43 Mo Mcnally    03:29.290
44 Penny Dunn  03:29.290
45 Julie Carlson   03:30.120
46 Michelle Lambright  03:30.190
47 Debbie Cutting  03:30.250
48 Sherry Lawson  03:30.260
49 Shannon Calverley    03:38.300
50 Vikky Dauciunas 03:38.310
51 Stacie Baker  03:47.580
52 Heather Allen  03:47.590
53 Barbara Ray   03:48.020
54 Martha Dickinson  03:48.030
55 Adrienne Bourne   04:09.390
56 Maureen Marinkovich   04:09.390
57 Sara Jensen   04:09.400

A little reminder of why we live here...

Sunday mornings at my house are leisure ones, filled with down pillows, oversized comforters, and cozy cuties.

So when the 6:30am alarm rang, it was tough to not push snooze for the next, oh, 800 times...

I picked up Shannon, who was waiting patiently at the end of her drive, we drove to where Kathleen was waiting patiently at American Camp.(okay so maybe I did push that snooze button a couple times).  Hugged our hellos, Stretched our stretches, started our watches and headed for the trails.

The south end of the island is known for fog and wind.  There was def. lots of fog but the wind was absent this morning.  We started through American Camp and headed to the woods of Jakles Lagoon. The three of us taking full advantage of the solitude of the trails and the comfort of the fog to spill our thoughts.

*Recently there was a commitment from quite a few people to run the ORCAS ISLAND 25K FAT ASS (yes that is really the name of the event) Which is all trail, not to mention climbs to the top of... deep breathe... Mt Constitution.

So with the thought of our *fat a##es* we went up Mt Finlayson the hard way.  It's a trail so steep some call it the "hello buddah" or "b*tch slap" hill (alright maybe nobody calls it the second one, but it sort of is one).  I've walked up that hill plenty of times, even carried babies up it... but running it is sort of a different challenge.  Oh what have I got myself into.. 

Once we made it to the top we took a moment to slow our pulse and catch our breathe, then looped around making our way back to American camp, where we ran the cliffs of all the nearby coves.  This last part, the part where we're nearly finished, and the fog is breaking up, and the views are beyond incredible... and, and and... is when we need to take a moment and truly realize the immense beauty of this island.

I feel so lucky to live here.  And to have such great friends to share it with.

8 miles 10min. 20second ave. pace


come run with us!!

Turns out I'm in a rock band...

Or at least have been acting like it...

Oh, summer... goodbye.

This funny little town has one night a week that it stirs up a tad and invites the locals to come on over and sing their hearts out.  Sometimes it sounds incredible yet mostly its just fun to watch the awfulness come alive (sorry thats not very nice... you're mom sounded lovely)... *karaoke*

So home at 2am and up and at em at 7am, keeping my cool at the constant loss of one shoe, not to mention the backpack, and the "just please, brush your teeth ladies!!", ... and we're out the door.

It's thursday, which not only means running with my lady part friends (I realize that sounds pretty gross, but it's sort of funny... right?.. no?... it is.) but it also means a longer distance.

So with lack of sleep on my side, I grabbed an extra water and told everyone the route I thought was best suited for the day... it was quickly adjusted.  And we were off.

Cursing the lack of sunglasses, we tried to truly appreciate the warmth of our late september sun.

We were eight in all.  Five running the full twelve and three begrudgingly running the six I originally suggested.  The second part was a trip to the FH lab trails.  Where there was only a mild amount of tripping and stumbling, at least there wasn't any brilliant BooBoo tumbles... def. DO NOT need any more of those.  Have I mentioned that she recently broke a toe?? Oh dear BooBoo, please stop it. x

We finished the trail, ran up a large hill, then there was a suggestion (from the off road girl) that maybe we should run back the same direction taking full advantage of the TRAIL.. We were split now, Shannon and Meghan running through the woods once again and Deb, Tamara and I making our way on the main roads.  Where we'll have to do a few creative loops to make it an even twelve.

On the tail end of one of our creative loops there was a mere suggestion that we add on a tiny more... and thats where we got the adorable $#%#$ ^&*$$#  from, I won't say who (it wasn't Deb, or I) And once again we split.

In the end it was a rather fast twelve and a happy one at that even with the mild cursing.

thanks gals.

12 miles, ave. pace 9min 34sec

A change of direction.

Today we were three... Celia, Shannon and me (I realize that may be bad grammar but, I, doesn't flow as swell)

We talked about the course and came to a GRAVEL PIT conclusion.  

Although once we got to the gravel pit, there was a change of direction from the Shan and I.  Both deciding that a longer route at a slower pace, was what we were craving.  So until next time gravel pit, it's PEAR POINTS turn to get tread on (and yes, I am aware of the cheese I just spread there)

There was a wave to Miss Celia and an, off on our merry way... It's a stolen chance to have a one and one run with a buddy.  So we took the opportunity to make it a little longer.  Lots of problems in the world to solve after all.

*I might add, that the part where we were going to slow it down a bit... apparently doesn't apply when you run with that girl though.  geesh.


6 miles   9min 7second pace

glad my friends aren't into heroine...

Woke with the thought of telling my running friends that I need a day to rest...

Drove the adorables to school, and suddenly felt happy that I chose to at least wear my running clothes...

Pulled into the gym parking lot and decided four miles wouldn't be so bad...

Said hello to the NINE other pretties, and suddenly thought six miles would be a good round number...

Got past the first six miles and figured it wouldn't be so awful to continue to the full nine miles...

** just glad my friends aren't into heroin, cause apparently... I'm impressionable**

Run Ladies Run Half Marathon Oct. 17th, 2010

SO IT BEGINS... again.

Week one. down.

Our first run back was a drizzly one, although you wouldn't guess it from the lack of clothing on a few of us.  We were seven in all and ran the HELLO FRIDAY HARBOR, a random loop boarding our tiny little town.  It was a solid four miles but when it feels like you can get back to your cozy car and out of the rain at any moment, four feels like two. Promise.

Day two of week one, we were nine in all.. I'm going to guess the sunshine had a bit to do with our increase in number.  We ran the GRAVEL PIT.  Not exactly a favorite. Yet I haven't ventured that way since we were all together last spring, so it was a welcome one.  BooBoo, the tall one, and now the bruised one, fell. HARD.  sensitive me.... took a photo.

I didn't say it was a very good one... and yes, she's okay.

My watch died half way through, so I can't be exact when I tell you it was a fast one... You'll just have to take my word.

Together again... missed you.

tuesdays and thursdays 8:30am... come run with us.

Dude in a VAN..

So it's now past midnight, I'm showered, hydrated, tired, and ready to go find out what all my book friends have been up to.  I met up with my real life friend Tanja, a fellow restaurantier gal who wanted to see what running at night felt like.  Whether it was brilliant or not worth giving up the tequila.

I was in charge of the headlamp... which sadly means there was no headlamp tonight.  Luckily for us the moon was moments from it's fullest and the sky was clear.  headlamp/shmedlamp.  But wait, there's that part about cars and, well, safety... We stayed close to town, keeping our miles on the short side.  Besides I really want T. to run with me again.

As we ran down Warbass Way we saw the dude making his bed in his van, I reminded myself once again of why I don't run certain streets by my lonesome.  I'm sure it's too many movies like Silence of the Lambs, thats warped my brain... but hey safety first... right??

Heres to conning one more buddy into running super late.
xo

3miles.. not sure the pace.

Hill repeats

Last nights run was strictly an attitude adjuster. My night at work (prime rib, halibut, wine slinger)was full of needy, unappreciative people... I told that part to BooBoo this morning and she just laughed at me, as if it's hilarious to expect anything less. So a swift run was exactly what was needed to end the night, that way crappy attitude can stay there and happy self can go home.

This evening was a mild one. Basically light attitudes all around, management, chefs, waitresses, guests. Besides one swift talking to about using the wrong BREAD DRAWER one too many (blanking) times... by fellow co-worker. A rather smooth night.

Andrea was my partner in the moonlight tonight. She volunteered to be the goofball (I mean super cool one) with the headlamp on, if it wasn't for the sake of safety, the moon was so full, there was no need for it.

We ran around white point, only jumping once from what seemed like a gazillion deer everywhere. Once around the three mile loop, we pushed each other into doing hill repeats. Each one equalling a quarter mile. It wasn't fast, or very pretty... But four were accomplished. And if you know what hill I'm talking about you'd call it an accomplishment too.

Home now, and officially tired.

4miles ave. pace (including hill repeats) 10min. 22 sec.

Here I am...

Alright, okay, hello.

Long time... I know.

We've separated recently, and I've missed you. I don't blame you, I blame... summer. "I'm not unfaithful but I'll stray" (I was going to post a link to the inspired TEGAN AND SARA song Back In Your Head, but upon looking up on YouTube I realized it's sort of creepy.)  The night has been my mystr.. Oh dang, I can't even finish that sentence, even I'm not that dorky. stopping now.

Wait, I don't hold anything against summer. Summer brings out my favorite self.  The late night, sleepy beachy mornings, mixed up/lax schedule self... The one where every morning it's about me and the wee ladies, and what body of water we want to hang at, pool, beach, lake, pond.  Wether we want to add little wee friends or big adorable ones.  

Running in the summer takes a little creativity, at least for myself and well, most the mama friends I keep.  I've solved my problem with late night midnight jaunts.  The husband works days, while I wait tables in the evening, so as mentioned earlier, my days are filled with leisure darlings. So running after work, solves both the interruption of such precious time, plus the part where who is going to take care of them while I run for hours?? summer.

My night runs have been a mix of fun adventurous people, and I'm hoping the trend will catch on.  We run anywhere from 3 miles to 8.  generally starting at 11pm and ending past midnight.  After serving people prime rib and halibut cheeks with a look of "I'm totally interested in everything you have to say" plastered on my face all night, it's either a large glass of some adult beverage or my new favorite MILES UNDER THE MOONLIGHT.  

Tonights run was 4miles and it was swell.

Madden madame.

Just yesterday, the BooBoolator said she COULD NOT wait to get the (insert creative cuss word here) away from Cattle Point Rd... I assured her there would be no running on that road on our last two official group runs of the school year.

ummmm..... we ran the Cattle Point-Madden Lane loop today.  Blythe was so cute when she suggested the route, I couldn't say no.  (If you knew her you wouldn't have been able to either)  And the actress played the part of not caring where we run.

Although we love her, we sent Ms. Erickson away.  She could barely stand straight with back pain, yet still wanted to go out running.  Silly girl.

We've decided that both Deb and Meghan need to be our personal running clothes shoppers.  They both bring some serious style to the road.  Who says spandex has to be boring.  (A bit of an oxymoron, don't ya think?)

The actual run felt okay, not amazing, but not horrible either... so there's that.  We've all decided to do a little naked running.  Which sounds a bit more exciting than it actually is. All it means is no ipod, no watch, no H. rate monitors, etc..  In theory that sounds like a great idea.  But when you are running with fasties, it's sort of nice to have the pat on your back that the watch can provide after a quick paced run.

***
Like I said, this was our last of two official runs for the school year.... I'll be posting on facebook all sorts of running opportunities.  And hopefully we can run with you soon!!

mmmmm.... doughnuts.

**This title is a little more fitting than when I was trying to sell a pair of crocks on ebay (I know, who does that) titling it "mmmmm... crocks".  Totally wrong on a few levels... a funny story follows, but you'll have to ask me about it later.  I'm getting off track.**

There's another running group here on the island that regularly runs from town out to Roche Harbor a nice 11-sh mile jaunt (I like using the word jaunt after a seemingly high mileage), with the reward of chocolate, vanilla, sprinkled, sugar coated deliciosness.  Unfortunately it was the wrong weekend to correspond with the other sugar addicts... So we made our own DOUGHNUT RUN.

Kathleen who will be running a (crossed fingers) PR at the Rock'n'Roll Seattle in a few short weeks needed to run 13.  Shannon, Blythe and I decided to tag along for the first 10.7 miles of it. Ending on the other side of the island, with patiently waiting children to help devour the doughnuts and swim in the pool.

This is the part where I tell you how amazing the weather was... the weather was amazing.

No really, the muggy start was flattered with light sprinkles, then comfortable rain.  We were a happy, light hearted bunch.  Miles seemed to fly by, and instead of heavy tired legs.  Mine seemed to be feeling quite agreeable.

We had two separate people jokingly time us.  One in his car, he slowed to a seemingly slow crawl (matching our pace). Then informed us we were at a whopping 6 mile pace "speed it up girls."  The next was closer to the end, where an older couple stopped mid hike to hold out their watch and wait till we passed, again "speed up girls".  Don't we have some rather funny people on this island.

The Alpacas were shaved and both adorable and hilarious to look at.  I bet Alpacas would be a witty bunch, if they could talk... just sayin'.

The rain has stopped, clouds are separating and sun is nearly out.  And wait... we're nearly finished.  Our timing is impeccable. Like I said amazing weather.

There goes Kathleen on her own,  we thought about joining her for the last couple miles... and that felt nice.  Instead we hopped in the pool and saved her a doughnut.

Thanks for the much (MUCH MUCH) needed great run.

Two days later...

finally a great run.

And all it took was finishing a marathon and completing a fundraiser.

No watches, no music, no heart rate monitors ... mostly though, no... pressure.  There's this part after a marathon where you are allowed to take a week off if you'd like to.

A mere two days later, there was not one or two but a crowd, we even had a new addition (hi Maureen)  running slow, we stayed together and recounted each others experience with the previous couple days.

I feel so proud to be a part of such an amazing group of women.  I'm touched by the amount of support and love that circulates between all of us.  The love fest continues. xxo

2010 San Juan Island Marathon!!

moments before the race began.

We all look quite fresh and ready to kick a little a.  

Little did we know there would be PRs crushed, sickness overcome, torrential downpours, challenges beyond what we trained for, orca sightings...

Casey and Stacie took off from the getgo... fast and furious (my cheese is showing) they are.  Best quotes of the day, come from the two of them. Stacie; "I'm not fast, I was just trying to catch up with Casey to tell her she was going to fast... ten miles later, now I'm just running too fast". and from Casey "I remember thinking it felt surreal, that if I woke up and it was all a dream I wasn't going ot run in the AM".  

Susan has leapt ahead as well, she's not only speedy but can hold onto her pace for a long, long... long.. long, long time. Making it look incredibly easy. She finished the marathon in 3:41:39, literally seconds over the qualifying mark for Boston, maybe I shouldn't mention that part.

BooBoo, Deb, and I ran the first six miles together.  There was lots of inappropriate giggling due to a rather funny man, we'll call him Dwight.  Up ahead we can see the incredible back (both upper and lower) of our girl Meghan, and the medical journal calves of miss Miniken.  Talking about/admiring the fit bodies around us is a fun distraction.  

All around there is chatter, and lots of "Wow, can you believe how perfect the weather is"??... oh, the joy of running for hours and hours, with a moody sky.

The three of us have split up, we've got music on and a hill to climb... for the next three to four miles, I'll be running hard to catch back up with Deb, Shannon, and Meghan.  When the 1/2 and full runners split, I get my first glimpse of Blythe and am moments from catching up with buddies. 

We're on the west side now, the weather is still wonderful.. perfect some might even continue to say.  I've caught back up and things are looking up.  We pass by a water station where the woman tells us there are whales to be seen up ahead.  

*In a parallel world there was BooBoo, moments apart and running past the whales with a shrug of the shoulders as if to say "I could give a ______ about whales."

Running on the WEST SIDE was such an incredible highlight, sweet friends, amazing views, sherpa husbands and wee darlings, and nice friends dropping off fresh fruit.

This was going to be a fabulous marathon...

On the turn around Kim has met up with us, and it's turned into a bit of a gaggle of rooting, friendly, silliness.  My stomach has started to cramp and I'm trying my darndest to ignore it and let the girls around me do all the talking.

Still sharp pains in my abdomen, nauseous, and countless stops to the bushes... I apologize west side.  My shame has left, and I'm alone.  Waving on my patient friends ages ago.

I've got the locals to keep me company and my sherpas.

Around mile 17 my sunny disposition has disappeared, much like our perfect weather.  I'm downing in both tears and rain.  Miserable, is an understatement.

My thoughts now, were almost completely on our friend L.  I'd go into that more, but really don't want to minimize any of it.

I'm now three miles away, pretty sure my fast friends have finished and I'm fighting the urge not to hop in the husbands truck next time he goes by.

Thank goodness for a Cere.

Driving by with thoughts of cheer, she finds me struggling (and yes, still crying).  Without a thought she hops out of her warm car, put up her rain jackets hood and is now running with me in her Uggs mind you, and telling me both funny and shocking, if you knew her stories. Everything I needed!


I'm now a quarter mile away, and there's my BooBoo.  I burst into tears (again), she runs me around the corner. Where my Clark is waiting.  Both BooBoo and Clark are running me up the last hill. My partners.

I can see the clock, my family, my people, the end.  I fall into the arms of my Daryl. It's over. done. finished. completed. accomplished.

It all turns into a weepy love fest of the best kind.

THIS **people who are reading and not understanding why one would put themself through such agony** IS WHY WE DO IT.

*this was Blythes and Tamaras first half marathon plus Kristi and Kims first full.. congratulations my lovelies.

a Recap of sorts..

Last posted, I was miles in, with no good run to speak of.

Today I ran with the BooBoo and the BooBoo's sister,  Frances (she's got a few of them), It's been a long awaited meet. Fb has only allowed me to adore from afar.

We are running 26.2 miles on Sunday, and today was meant to be a short ego boosting, easy run. While it was short.. easy is up to debate. Considering BooBoo is the youngest of the sisters I'm blaming her speed, on something to prove. psshaw. Unfortunately the short fast run, only left me with a, how the fill in cuss word here are we meant to run 22 miles further than that??

Confidence has to be dug from somewhere deeper... we're trained and ready. READY I tell ya.

**

There was a 4 mile treadmill run a few days back, that was mildly entertaining. Plugged in, listening to don't judge funny music. Watching others in the gym workin' it out.  That in itself is reason enough, to run on a treadmill... my favorite is when the step aerobic adorable gals are in view.  Although that day it was the spinners, and all their glory. 

Tuesday we ran Pear Point with 5 of us.  I don't mind that run, I know I've said that before but it's true.  There is something to be said for insane familiarity.  We ran fast, with lots to discuss, it all went by rather quickly.  Minus the part where my new shoes are doing that annoying thing, where my toes all go numb, then by the time we are finished it's gone all the way up my left leg to my bum (won't be wearing those on sunday)

Thursday, I chose not to run... due to the throwing up and fevery part from the day before. Sort of feel like it was in my best interest.  There were only two that day, most decided to run on their own schedule.  Shannon and Deb were the two, and from what it sounded like it was a great one... ego boosting in full gear.

**

So there we are.  A bit more up to date.  I promise an attitude adjustment or at least promise to try, and hope for a brilliant report of sundays much anticipated MARATHON!!!

A bit of HONESTY...

Where do I begin??

I've missed a marathon and a three, four, maybe five group runs to catch up on droning on and on about.

And can only assume I've been greatly missed (insert smirky face here)

I'm just going to be honest and say I'm burnt out, exhausted, tired (where's my thesauraus and how do you even spell thesaurous THESAURUS (there we go)). Maybe most people wouldn't admit this, just smooth over the rough edges keeping up the face of what others hold them up to. But life happens and we are all human.

Recently a close friend was diagnosed with stage four pancreatic cancer, and to say the very very least it has rocked/shook/broken (again.. hello thesaurus) a part of me.

That mixed with children, husbands, work.. etc. Where running has normally been a saving grace. Lately I personally have just found it to be... well... hard.

The island Marathon is coming up in a little over a week. (deep sigh)

Heres to pulling it together and strong runs ahead!

Goodmoring Boise

It's been a LONG while since I've willingly woken up at 5:45am. And considering I am technically on vacation, there was (insert wink here) definately, no wine drank or fatty foods eaten.

Brookie and I are outside waiting for her girlfriend Wendy, her dependable early mornin buddy. Running in Boise is generally done in the wee hours, both for child care reasons and unbearable afternoon heat.

I'm dressed in new gear, from new shorts to a smaller water bottle. Feeling equally nervous about running a marathon in 80 plus heat and shorts that may or may not be fabulous. A trial run of sorts.

We are running in the north end, making our Way over to camels back park to run the trails. It's nastalgic to say the least. Both being with Brooke and in this neighborhood. I lived here with the husband for about five years before we moved to the island. Although it feels like a lifetime ago. Pre-kids, pre-responsibilities, a foggy life full of friends and good times.

Our relaxing three mile run turned into a quick paced four mile one. It's now a little past six and it's already surprisingly warm.

The house is silent filled with sleeping lovelies, and I'm feeling great. I think there's something to be said for this early morning thing.


4 miles average Pace 9min. 14sec.

Your running 24... I'm not

Dang that's far.

Seriously far.

I've got a ferry to catch and places to go.... My miles will stop at four. Leaving the remaining twenty for the ambitious four remaining, not to mention the other five who are running a solid ten.

We are moments away from wrapping up this whole long distance training thing. And get to start on the tapering part... Pins and needles... waiting for race day.

I was doing an out and back, which only allows me to run a mere two miles with my lady friends.

Not long enough.

In the same breathe of not long enough. The two miles by my lonesome were surprisingly helpful. My ferry was leaving in less than an hour. A clear head, to go over all the things I need to take with me to idaho.

It was a funny feeling, knowing that I had traveled to the mainland while my strong compadres were still out running.

(stinkin' far.)

I HEART FALSE BAY.

Here comes Meghan a wee bit sweaty and 6 miles in her proverbial pocket. 12 this morning. We are a dedicated bunch... So when life says you aren't allowed to run for hours and hours with your girlfriends then we must compromise, hence the starting an hour early so you can at least finish the second hour with your lady friends.

There was Casey who was mildly relieved to find out it was a 12 mile opposed to a 16.  Deb, the darling who just ran a rather FAST half marathon a mere three days ago.  Tamara  plus one, running a hopefully not too confusing 10 (different route). And BooBoo, who quite frankly with that cold should not only be NOT RUNNING... but should be lying down somewhere.

The sun may be shining but the temp. is not feeling so cooperative  Over bundled we are (okay I am),  water bottles, gu, sharkies..... and.... go on already.

For some, starting on Cattle Point hill is a five letter word.  But honestly there is just something about kicking your booty a bit at the beginning to get your head in the right spot for a long(ish) run.  

We turn onto False Bay.  A true FAVORITE.  It's around a mile or two with gorgeous views and a slight downhill.  There are rarely any cars and always a friendly horse or two to nod your head at.

When we make it back into town, Casey who decides that 16 isn't so scary decides to go on.  Deb looks as fresh as always.  And BooBoo has found a place to lay down (gravels never felt so good).  

Our other RLR friends have finished a bit early, I can only assume it all went swimmingly.

12 miles 9min 32sec. ave. pace

P.S. GREAT JOB SUSAN AND KRISTI!!! oh and our token fella Clark.