Snow!

This week has been entertaining at best running in the most snow we've seen here in Northwest Washington in many years! Joe and I ran a marathon in 3-5 inches Saturday in Renton. What a kick! More later.

Life

It is funny how life takes shape. The benefits of a simple life are coming into play every day.
The value of friendship: I am lucky enough to share with the Northwest Goddess of the Marathon and a kindrid spirit.

Birch Bay Ghost

Yesterday's Birch Bay Ghost just reminded me of why I love this sport. The day before, my good friend Rob and I talked about the run and chose to ride together. We met for coffee and were off to the event. When we arrived, T.C., Shawn, Van, and Sarah were arriving too and we all chose to start early. We gathered at Scott's van and off we went, taking a breif look at the clock on the way out (not important to us it seemed and I loved that). As the morning took shape, the sun came out and we had a magnificant view of the mountains before us to the north. T.C. and I ran along discussing life's challenges, running, and anything else that came to mind. Enjoyed it very much. Scott's aid stations are like ultra stations with goodies and self serve H20 and Coke (my favorite in a long run). We arrived at the cars and the wind and cold began to get us right away! Rob came in shortly after, and he Terry and I went to get the reward for a long race, COFFEE! Rob and I headed out after that, and had a great ride home chatting about the run we were just able to do. I feel privilidged to be able to be a part of this sport, and can't wait for the next one!

Day 2 of my first double marathon. This picture was taken at the Ghost of Seattle Marathon on Saturday. This is about mile 23 or so. I never thought a double would work out like this. It wasn't that hard. Spoke with my friend Rob, and he said the same thing. Just goes to show that no miles are "junk" miles. Could've done a triple afterall!

Had a blast on day 1 with Joe just cruising along talking and enjoying the trails in Gig Harbor at the Wishbone "ultra". 27.5 miles I guess.

Next up is the Birch Bay Ghost if I am able to do it after flying back from Orlando, Florida the night before. We will see. If not, Pigtails is the next weekend.

Had an absolute blast watching the rock star Annie Theissen win the Seattle Marathon, and wouldn't have traded the chance to congratulate her at the end for anything!

Thanksgiving

Today is Thanksgiving, 2008. I was able to drive to Ocean Shores and visit my parents in their house by the lake, and have thoroughly enjoyed my time with them. Today is a day to be thankful for the men and women who are protecting us somewhere in the world. They have allowed us to relax and enjoy our time with our families while they are missing theirs. Today is a day to be thankful for the gifts we have been given, both material and spiritual. I am thankful for my family, my friends, my health, and my ability to live my life in whatever way I choose. Each of these, I consider a gift and an asset that must be maintained and cared for each and every day. We must work for what we have, and be thankful for it. Gratitude is imperative in this life..... I choose to live with it and embrace it. Have a Happy Thanksgiving. See you on the trails...

First Double

This will mark my first official post on my very own blog.... Friday, November 28 will be my first shot at a double marathon. Friday will be the Wishbone Run, and Saturday, the Ghost of Seattle. Looking forward to it as one of those things I said I would never do, just like the 50k and the 50 miler I plan to do in April... Whatever works I guess. Thanksgiving is tomorrow, and I am VERY thankful for the people in my life who have made the difference in my successes and contentment. Thank you to my family for EVERYTHING (there is not enough internet space for me to know where to begin here). Thank you to my friends for their encouragement and support. Thank you to Joseph Tompkins for giving me a chance to know him in the way I do now. Thank you to all of you who have graced me with your presence along the journey of life.