Arlington Runners Club sponsored the recent River & Rails 10K/5K on March 23rd ... the course was a simple out and back on the Centennial Trail just outside the city of Arlington, WA at Haller Park. I participated in the 10K and my friend Carrie ran the 5K (which was her 1st!). The trail is an awesome paved trail that used to be a railroad system but has been reclaimed as a trail used for recreational use in our area! So great! They used time chips and the race was awesomely (is that a word) supported! My family came out and cheered me on which always makes me so happy! I also ran the mileage that day for the virtual run of the Sandy Hook Run for the Families. That official run took place in Connecticut... a little far from Washington State. So participating as a Virtual Runner was a great way to still be involved.
On March 30th (Easter Weekend) I ran in our little town's Easter run - the Hippity Hop 5K... a quick little race right in our sleepy little suburban city. There was a great turnout and perfect weather. The race was really well organized right up until they said "GO"... the race organizer unfortunately didn't notice that the course flaggers sent the runners the backwards way on the course and subsequently cut off about .6 of a mile. When I came around to the finish I saw the race clock and got a great confidence boost and then realized there was no way we could really be done. My friend Carrie was there for that one too. My daughter is sporting her Team Sparkle with me! Oh well... it was fun and I made up the mileage by running around the bank parking lot a few times. Happy Easter!
Then on April 6th I jumped out of bed and raced up north about a half hour to the beautiful Skagit Valley to participate in the 2013 Tulip Run 2/5 Miles. I wasn't preregistered so I was unable to be time chipped. Oh well. When I arrived about an hour before race time I didn't really know what to expect. I have never ran in any races sponsored by the Skagit Runners Club. The registration process was really well organized and registration took place inside at one of the large bulb growing farm warehouses. The weather was less than perfect... pouring rain! I returned to my car after I got my number and contemplated just driving back home. It wasn't just drizzling - it was POURING!
Here is a picture to prove it... as I sat in my car wondering if I should even get out!
Well... I did get out... and run I did. The course ran about 20% on pavement and the rest on a very established trail. It was a terrific experience and although I have never run a race that was a "5 miler" I had a time goal in my head that I wanted to finish under and I made it! Yeah! The HOT shower I had when I got home was much needed - chilled to the bone though!
Up next weekend... the Super Hero 5K in Bellingham, WA! Can't wait!
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