Sun Running

Apparently the NW stole the sunshine from LA for the weekend, and I milked it for all its worth. ;)

Yesterday was the usual long run with Mel on the trail, but this time Emily was in town and joined us!  We planned on 15 miles with seven at BQ pace and the rest at normal pace.  Um, Emily has already qualified for Boston on multiple occasions--she is a complete rockstar--so perhaps I was a wee bit intimidated?

The weather called for sunshine, but cold temps (for us, anyway) at around 28 degrees in the AM and up to 57 in the afternoon.  What in the world was I to wear?  I felt like it was my first day of school and I was mad-dashing around the room looking for something that was both cute and warm. *sigh*  I settled for a mismash of stuff and felt like a running hobo.  Oh well, win some lose some.

The run started out pretty good...we were chatting and keeping a nice pace...but then it was time for the 8:20 pace and I just blew it.  I felt like I couldn't get in a good breath, and I had to bust out the inhaler a couple times (more than usual).  GAH!  I really felt like I was holding back Emily and Mel, so I told them to run ahead and not worry about me.  Turns out I think I just needed a solo run with some loud tunes blasting in my ear.  :-/  The girls were seriously on fire, and I just didn't want them to be slowed down by my cement feet.  But, I did keep an alright pace and felt so much better at the halfway point.  I spotted Sam on a faraway tree branch---that made me happy! Oh, and there were a TON of runners/walkers/bikers on the trail, which was awesome!

Emily was kind enough to take some pics!  Thank you, Emily!

Me (the caboose) coming into the "finish" with Mt. Rainier behind me!

 

Stunnahs!  Emily, Mel and myself (I think I look like a pirate)

We were starving and picked a little restaurant that was across the street from the park.  Hmmm, no expectations going in, but it turned out to be a fantastic choice.  The waiter dude immediately convinced us that even though it was only 10:30 that breakfast was no longer being served and that he didn't know if the creamer was expired.  Um....ok?  Sarcasm!  Ah yes!  His name was Jason and the rest of the meal was a mini comedy show--we were laughing so much.  Janna (the "Lioness") was so cute because she ordered something off the menu and told the waiter it was "Number 11"...oh Janna, hun, that's the price!  I was giggly the entire time.  The best was the photo op with Janna, Emily and their really cool teapots...Janna left hers sitting on her teacup and it overflowed (despite Jason's instructions)...oh boy!  More laughter!

 

Emily demonstrating the correct way

Aftermath of Janna's teapot malfunction

Breakfast was delicious though!  I opted for the french toast with homemade bread, and the girls got scrambles and toast.  Oh goodness, it was heavenly after the long run. :)  We chatted and laughed for quite some time after our food was gone, but Jason was cool and didn't mind (his family owns the place). 

 

It was so much fun meeting Emily, and I'm in awe that she was running the Birch Bay Marathon today!  Mel and I dubbed it her Washington Goofy Challenge Plus 2. She's a total rockstar.  :)  

Thank you for such a great run, ladies!  I'm sorry I couldn't keep up in the beginning. :P