Girls can be so.. moody.

We started with seven of us. Picking up two along the way. Our route was a six mile loop then catching up with a normally 11 mile loop. making it an even, (well odd really) 13 miles.

Running up Spring street to start is generally hard considering it's.. well.. a hill.  And when you run with girls like Blythe (okay I'm to blame a fraction of the time as well) you start out fast.  Setting the pace for a thirteen mile run at a 8:45.  Then when you add in a brisk morning.  It sort of takes the breathe out of ya.

Our speed eventually leveled out as conversations got more involved.  San Juan Valley road is a tight one, and it makes for an easy pass if we all stick close.  Opposed to oncoming cars having to dodge a bunch of scattered ducks.


We meet the crossroads where it's time for the sixes and the thirteens to split.  Wave our waves and continue with solving the problems of the world.  About a mile into the next loop, my emotions get the best of me.  I won't bore you with details.  Us females are an unusual breed.  I suppose it happens to the best of us.  Sometimes turning around when your not feeling a run, can be harder than continuing on.

So many things can make or break a run.  And physical fitness is only a portion of it.

Head up.

I've said it before.... pretty sure there is some unwritten rule about not having to (for lack of better words) crappy runs in a row.

**
I talked with the rest of the gals, all reporting a pretty great run.  One even adding an additional mile... making it her longest run to date.  Great job Casey.




myself (and the tall one who loves a drama mama)
8 miles average pace 9min 53 sec.

22 miles... EPIC?!

Earlier today I drove the route that we ran yesterday.  Retrieving all our empty water bottles.  Quite honestly, it was a little painful just driving it.  every mile I could remember exactly how I was feeling at that exact point.

You know... the corner where I screamed because the largest gnat in the entire world flew into my right eye, and being my always overdressed self including gloves.  I had to be rescued by BooBoo, with her eager to pick at something fingers and Deb who kept watch for cars.  I swear with every blink I could feel my eye trying to swallow the huge bug.

There was the gruesome uphill that lasted for an entire (INSERT EVERY CURSE WORD) mile!! And the mile long downhill that was rewarded with a rather delicious burrito.. once again, a big hit brought to us by miss Shannon.  Strangely appropriate for such a long run!

Or the corner where I screamed for the second time due to a brilliant Idea going rather, well.... south. Lets just say it has to do with an unfortunate chaffed area and some minty lip balm. (muffling a scream just thinking about it)

Rounding out around Douglas road, I've picked up all our water bottles and am coming up on the hardest part... THE WALL. I know you've heard about it... most of you have felt it yourself.  For me, and well... I might be so bold and say all five of us, it was mile 18.  Which clearly sucks considering we've got a whopping 4 more miles left to go.  It's a period of time where your body is too tired and your mind has to take over.  A battle of the brain.  The light hearted banter with the girlfriends has stopped headphones are turned to full capacity and secret bargaining begins. You know that thing that everyone does when they talk to themselves about how they promise to do this or that if they can just... just... finish.

Snapping out of it.  I'm both relieved and happy to have completed such an EPIC run. (I normally scoff at people who use the word epic.  But in this case I think it works.)

Deb with the burrito                                                                                                    

it's now 8:39... lets get movin'...

the top of Cady mountain and a mere 6 miles in.

Getting a little silly, we've topped the mile uphill and are now HALF WAY DONE!!

These pictures were all taken with my phone, with the hopes of capturing an ounce of this island true beauty. 

22 miles. Average pace.  Not exactly sure... lets just say, it took awhile.

Did you notice, that not once did I mention the fact that it rained... the entire time??

WOBBILY LEGS..

It may have only been a three mile run.

But when you've swam a quarter mile, biked 13... those 3 feel like 30, or... 6.

Such a strange feeling, to get off a bike after almost an hour, and then trying to run... heck, trying to walk is hard enough.  I stumble, tripped my way over to setting my bike aside and shedding a few layers.  Heading out, only to be stopped long enough to take off my silly helmet.

So yes. wobbily legs and all... a few of us RLR gals completed our very first TRIATHLONs!

the entire event took me 1:45

an old hat..

I'm liking that our miles are growing, making a once "long(ish) run" into an everyday run.
I say that.. but if you're just starting out, I promise we'll welcome you with any mileage you're up to running catering to whatever your needs might be. no intimidation.


We were 9 in all... with one extra friend, from out of town.

All running Pear point. A 5.7 mile run.  That if you're wearing "the watch" you'll be running an extra .3 to make it a solid 6.  While the rest of us without the wonderful, yet sometimes a tad tattle-telling gadget settle for the 5.7 calling it 6 (in our heads.)


The run felt easy.  And the weather was on our side.

6 miles.. ave. pace 9min. 42sec.

CHOCOLATE MILK... straight from the jar.

Okay maybe not jar... but JUG... I don't know, it was in a glass container and (dare I say) DIVINE.

After our 14.5 miles we headed straight to get us some milk... chocolaty style.

Bet you didn't realize CHOC. MILK is the number one recovery drink for runners.  And if by chance you did then, well... I'm happy for you.

For the rest of you, heres an excuse for you to indulge in a bit of... YUM. (PS we already told them they need to stock up at the Co-op)

Thats all... we ran... then drank some milk.

14.5 miles. average pace 9min. 39sec.

It'll stick with ya...

Last night I passed a hitchhiker.

It wasn't until I passed him that I realized, he was even there. And not a scary HE, but a young adult HE, a teenager.

It was a long night at work and I was in the middle of singing a duet with Vampire Weekend... I considered stopping but, but...

My front seat was messy
I'm tired.
I'd have to turn down my music.
I'm now a mile away.

I'm a BIG FAT JERK.

None of them were a concern for my own safety... just the inconvenience of it all.

And this has to do with running, because??...
.....

I started from town.. while BooBoo half an island away started from her home.  It's a nice way to run a bit by yourself then meet up and for the last five. Once we meet, we turned around and head back in the direction I came.  In all honesty it's a bit tempting to leave a tad later than we agree, knowing it'll cut my portion of the run a bit shorter.  Although B. is committed to the entire distance.  I never (well seldom) do.. but it's darn tempting.

I plugged in, made it out of town, past all the smiles and waves.. (can I just say, town has got to be the WORST place to start out a run!  In all honesty, the first mile or 5 can feel rather, well, *poopy* and having all of Friday Harbor witness it... you get my point.)

Like I said I'm plugged in, I've got my music and my muscles to listen to.  Until, I see them... two young fellas... HITCHHIKING. I immediately remember the poor kid from the night before.  (My guilt, failed to mention earlier that it was raining last night as well.)

Tormented, I've got two full miles to go until I pass the point where he was standing.  The sick side of me is now uncontrollably scanning the ditches for ballcaps, tennis shoes, plaid shirts.

I change the music in my ears hoping for better distraction, then decide to simply, speed up.

Passing the mileage with counting the cows in the field and seeing if I can recognize the oncoming car.

I've past the point now.  I can see Mona the camel (yes I said camel).  That in itself makes me smile.  Plus I'll be meeting with the tall, scantily clad one shortly... Pretty sure I'll keep my neurotic tendencies to myself.

There she is.


9 miles ave. pace 9min. 49sec.

Glad it wasn't me...

Oh, that's not very nice to say out loud... yet when I woke up that's all I could think.

BooBoo was off island playin' on the mainland while we were running (practically the whole time she was away).  Soooo, with a sigh of relief that our next long run is a few weeks away.  This morning is BooBoo's solo.

We're starting her out... but the rest is up to her.

First was Casey, funny girl, punishing herself for a bit of vacation overindulgence, by running with what looks like a kevlar vest.  She literally is weighing herself down to shed that vacation love...

Who by the way left us in the dust moments after we started (extra weight and all).  Tamara was double stroller-one child mama. Deb had a pup tied around her waist. We had a new joiner Margot who is training for the triathalon in a few short weeks. I was annoying sock girl, and BooBoo was looking strangely serious.

For B. it was a forever 20, for the rest of us it was turn around at your own choice.  I had every intention to run at least six today.  But volunteering at the elementary school and some incredibly uncooperative socks made me turn around at the two mile mark, T. turned with me with the largest stroller in the world.  while D. and M. ran on to the original turn around.

Another perk of turning around at that point was running (pun intended) into Lydia and her brand new baby.  The girl literally gave birth moments ago, and if I know her as well as I think I do... she'll be showing us all up in the half/full marathon this June.  

Tamara and I have finished, I've kicked off my shoes only to get rid of the most frustrating socks in the entire world.  Happy to be finished but still mindful of the few raindrops coming down and my tall friend who still has 16 more miles to go.

I don't worry that she can't do it... of course she can.  She also doesn't mind the solitude, giving her time to figure out the problems of the world or fix the holes in the budget.  But what about when she trips, or cuts her forehead with her energy bar, or sings inappropriate songs a little too loud... Do they still happen even if no one else is around?

4 miles. ave. pace 9min 56sec.

(that's my stats not sure how everyone else did)

Hours and Hours and Hours of.... well... running.

It's now hours and hours and... well.... hours later.

I've got a mild sunburn, sore muscles, a bruised toenail (that I secretly love)... and a really great excuse to eat this slightly obese man size bowl of ice cream, and permission to zone out on some embarrassingly bad recorded television.

When I woke up this morning it was pouring, and when I say it was pouring... I mean drenched before you make it to your car, umbrellas, rainboots, cats and dogs POURING.  I checked the weather, clicking on the hourly to see if it was meant to get any better. HA.... no, in fact every hour it gave us an 80% chance of whaaa, whaa.  Paired with thunder and lightning storms to boot (yes ta boot.. when you run 20 miles you too will be allowed to say goofball things as well.)

 looking and feeling fresh.

We were ELEVEN in all.  A pretty hefty turn out.  And no stinkin' rain (ha.. take that man in smart jacket).  All signs pointing to a pretty great run.

Well until we actually started.. I'll be honest and tell you that the first 4 miles felt like I truly was the imposter I jokingly kept calling myself.  Why must my legs feel like they belong to a 400 lb man? 

Since we were going on a large loop the gals that started and weren't doing the full 20, had to do out and backs.  Some turning around at a 2 mile mark, then a 3 and a 4.  Two girls decided to take a trail, hoping to cut off a large portion of the loop thinking maybe it might be a 8 mile run. Turns out it was a 10 in the end. Not intending to go quite that far they felt mildly comforted at the thought of us still running for an additional hour and a half.

Six miles in, we are all magically feeling better.  Our pace is picking up, only to be quickly slowed down for fear of burning out too quickly. We start busting out our goodies, Some have Candy, others a bar but not Shannon she's got a burrito. The one she made for me is tightly wrapped in plastic and squished awkwardly in the back of my sports bra.  After all by the end of this we'll have burned aprox 2,000 calories and a handful of jellybeans just isn't going to cut it!

Probably the funniest part of the run was the part around mile 10 when I passed out these new salt tablets I received in the mail only yesterday.  I asked if anyone wanted one they all said yes, two already swallowing the strange capsules and the third wanting a little more information... I go on and on about the benefits, only to be interrupted by Deb who was pointing out the fact that I had yet to take one.  I simply said I wanted to wait until a shorter long run to.... ha.... I only wish I could've captured the faces. 

Running out of stories, or maybe just energy to talk. The final two miles we're all plugged in, picking up our pace, and not making each other slow down.  The mood has turned from relaxed to pure survival.  When we make it into town I'm wishing I had a big fat sign with our millage across my chest, to excuse our exhausted faces. 

We're all running for the BEEP.  That beautiful pat on your back, atta girl, you can stop now... beep. 

There it is.  Our running shuffle slowly becomes a walking shuffle.  Big sighs and a shaky hug mid sidewalk marks our accomplishment.  Then mild avoidance of eye contact, cause we're too tired to cry.

and we're done.

20 miles. ave pace 9min 52sec.

P.S. can you tell I held back a bit, my head was telling me to drone on and on.. but luckily for you my hands reminded me I need to go to bed. 

"Character Builder"

Was what S. called todays run, around mile 4.  The rain had not let up.. if anything it was getting stormier (not to mention the hills, but those hills are always there)

You can't be a Washington girl, AND a fair weather girl. The two just don't go together.  So we toughen up, maybe add a second or a third layer (unless you're BooBoo).  Ignore the large rain drops and get on with it...

NO WHINING (okay a tiny bit of whining)...

Two of us only had time for a three mile run, we all start out together and wave at the appropriate separating points.

Shannon and Debs saga with the chair that got peed on continues and comes to a hilarious full circle.  When we run, we've got time to talk... practically solving the problems of the world... or at least a few kid mysteries.

Sopping wet.. we've made it.  Looking like a few drowned puppies, we turn off our watches.  One lucky person has remembered her suit (me) and will be warm in moments.. the others pretend not to care, talking about errands that need to be ran.  But I can see the envy in their eyes.




6 miles. average pace 9min 34sec.

SICK AND TIRED...

Or rather sick of being tired.. and tired of being sick.
My fighting gloves were on all weekend keeping this cold away.  But once the events (Mr. San Juan Island.. and our RLR 10K) were proven successful, I relaxed and the five letter word that is also pronounced cold took full advantage of me.

At least the weather was agreeable.  And Frankly so were we.  Some that said they only wanted to run four decided to run five... but once we got to the five turn off, were easily convinced to run a bit further, turning off at the six mile mark.

I still hadn't decided if it was in my best interest to run any farther than six myself (the whole being sick thing).  And when the three darlings turned off... I seriously hesitated, held back... then... *sigh*.... ran on, catching back up with the other four.

The sun was a welcome change from all the rain, yet the only one prepared was T. with her white sheen across her face from using her child's sunblock.  We kicked ourselves for not bringing sunglasses, but quite honestly didn't mind the brightness. And discussed my (cross your fingers they're not as dorky as they sound) arm warmers I ordered last night at 1AM.  They seem like the perfect solution for weather that won't make up it's mind.

There is something to be said about running uphill with a chest cold;  it's not much easier to run downhill either... making it all equally hard and taking away the worry of any upcoming incline.  I suppose you have to find the bonuses where you can.

We passed the gorgeous False bay, staring donkeys and continued onto bailer hill... only to find myself speeding up a tad, not be stuck behind the especially ripe friend (lips are sealed on which one that was).  For some reason we all Sped up on Douglas road... aka the road with no shoulder, a road where we have equal parts annoyed honks from drivers wanting us to move the eff out of the way and ones who give us fist pumps of "WAY TO GO GIRLS".  (I'll take the latter.)

Stopping at the corner of San Juan Valley checking watches... we've ran 10 miles and I'm more than tempted to put my thumb out.  I'm feeling okay, as long as I don't take any deep breaths (who needs to breathe deeply while running anyways right??).

We carry on.. and either my mapping skills are incorrect or our watches are.  We annoyingly have to  tack on an extra .75 miles to make it an even 12.  Our pace of 9.49 was quickly changed to a 'lets get this thing freaking over 7.50' through the streets of Friday Harbor.

*phew*... we make it.  It's all worth it once we're sitting in that sweet sweet hot tub.

And can I just add, that there is some unwritten rule about having to forget some key item in your gym bag... for most it's a brush, or shampoo, sometimes it's underwear or (gasp) your bra.  But today I topped it all with forgetting my pants! ... I was saved by the way by a lovely friend who showed how close we really are by not being totally grossed out when I admitted to forgetting one other key item of clothing as well.


12 miles. ave. pace 9min. 42 sec.

Inaugural RUN LADIES RUN 10K

Congratulations to all of you hardcore rain soaked gals, you all did well (and by well I mean AMAZING, and by amazing I mean DA*N GOOD!) Thank you so very much for coming out!

You've all been waiting very patiently... 

Here are your results. (and a high-five, *hug*, or just an affectionate pat on the back. SO PROUD)

Place	Time	Name
1	51:16	Meghan Hoffman
2	51:16	Shannon Miniken
3	51:16	Stacie Tangney
4	51:16	Susan Stehn
5	51.57	Irina Bell
6	53:20	Deb Vermiere
7	53:37	Denise Davis
8	54:11	Blythe Parker
9	54:54	Julie Spiker
10	55:08	Kathleen Foley
11	55:34	Kim Wickman
12	55:39	Tami Herlocker
13	55:54	Katie Dillery
14	56:19	Shannon Kelly
15	57:08	Kim Erickson
16	57:08	Rachel Goodremont
17	57:43	Emma Brand
18	58:47	Marni Mills
19	59:18	Jen Fleming
20	01:00.070	Amanda Zee
21	01:00.700	Robin Kodner
22	01:00.450	Debbie Rishel
23	01:00.450	Tamara Greene
24	01:00.450	Shannon Wilson
25	01:00.550	Laura Tretter
26	01:00.550	Kristi Richardson
27	01:03.590	Cady Seiler
28	01:04.180	Margo Thorp
29	01:04.190	Jenny ketner
30	01:04.340	Joyce Stimpson
31	01:04.350	Hannah Burke
32	01:02.560	Magda Balise
33	01:05.260	Marty Robinson
34	01:06.470	Po Powell
35	01:06.490	Paula West-Cooper
36	01:06.490	Sonja Webster
37	01:07.380	Liz Seaton
38	01:09.420	**Kay Gailey..THE SISTER**
39	01:09.420	Eyren Braaten
40	01:10.590	Cere Demuth
41	01:10.590	Belinda Hedin
42	01:11.010	Jamie Justinao
43	01:11.300	Tanja Williamson
44	01:11.300	Laurie Paul
45	01:11.320	Lori Snodgrass
46	01:12.570	Kim Seiler-Bell
47	01:12.570	Julie Capron-Ashcraft
48	01:13.210	Deven Foss
49	01:13.210	Trisha Bryant
50	01:13.450	Carmen Orozco
51	01:13.450	Barbara Lord
52	01:14.200	Pamela Williams
53	01:14.210	Katie Peterson
54	01:14.220	Francie Hansen
55	01:14.420	Savanah Hoffman
56	01:14.460	Sophie Wallace
57	01:15.080	Leisha Holmes
58	01:15.090	Natalia Lawrence
59	01:18.010	Joy Lord
60	01:18.330	Lori Miller
61	01:18.390	Barbara Foster
62	01:18.390
63	01:20.840	Mildred Foss
64	01:20.900	Diana Stepita
65	01:20.240	Christine Gabler
66	01:21.240	Tasha Frey
67	01:21.330	Katie Flierl
68	01:21.390	Sharon Massey
69	01:22.030	Kim Williams
70	01:23.010	Vikky Dauciunas
71	01:25.300	Audrey Sable
72	01:25.330	Kira Sable
73	01:25.330	Mary Kate Panaro
74	01:28.020	**Kathy Dickson.. THE MAMA**
75	01:28.020	Candace Von Melville
76	01:30.250	Debbie Mason
77	01:33.490	Misty Todd
78	01:34.420	Jill Peacock
79	01:34.420	Debbie Sandwith
80	01:35.350	Sarah Quistorff
81	01:35.010	Ricarda Burton
82	01:35.020	Nancy Devaux
83	01:35.020	Annalisa Lindstrum
84	01:35.220	C.J. Wavra
85	01:35.330	Martha Molina
86	01:35.330	Elvira Smith
87	01:35.580	Carmen Tomkins
88	01:35.580	Christina Giamalis
89	01:35.580	Amber Anderson
90	01:35.580	Stephanie Woods
91	01:36.400	Amanda Wyckoff
92	01:36.400	Bridget Reitan
93	01:36.400	Dawn Adkins
94	01:37.150	Susan Mathews
95	01:37.150	Krista Mattox
96	01:37.290	Jan Bullwinkle-Smith
97	01:37.310	Brenda Beckett
98	01:39.020	Debbie Chase
99	01:39.110	Brandie Stump
100	01:39.200	Diana Asher
101	01:39.290	Debbie Cutting
102	01:39.500	Barb Starr
103	01:40.530	Tori Zehner
104	01:40.540	Jen Deshon
105	01:41.400	Carol Capps
106	01:41.400	Barbara Sharp
107	01:42.590	Carolyn Leighton
108	01:42.590	Amber Kleine
109	01:43.010	Kelly Noble
110	01:43.010	Diana Pieples
111	01:44.440	Sheri Moeter
112	01:44.590	Cecelia Juszczaic
113	01:45.320	Rosa Orozco
114	01:46.350	Tara Martell
115	01:46.350	Kirsten Wilkinson
116	01:48.090	Robin Donnelly
117	01:48.090	Barb Ray
118	01:50.460	Julie Carlson
119	01:50.460	Margie Patrick
120	01:52.100	Adrienne Bourne
121	01:56.100	Vikky Herbert
122	01:56.100	Susan Williamson
123	01:56.100	Suzanne Lowe
124	01:56.100	Ruthie Ramirez
125	01:56.100	Marie williamson