I had my first race (race? Well, run) of the season this morning. It was the Hippie Chick Quarter Marathon. Yeah, a quarter marathon isn't really that long- about 6.8 miles. My training buddy and I had originally signed up to do the half marathon, but last week decided our training wasn't quite up to snuff & changed to the quarter.
Despite the short distance, it was really fun! The whole course was inside Champoeg State Park, a beautiful place on the river & home to Oregon's first platted town. It was also an interesting run because it is only open to women. It's also a really desirable race, and when registration opened up a couple of months ago, the race filled up in something like 6 hours. I was lucky to get in!
Beth & I saw my friends Jeannie and Tiffany at the park, and so the four of us did the run together. I felt great the whole run! Even on the hills ~ I actually kind of like the hills because I get to use different, fresh climbing muscles. It's like a little nap for my tired running muscles.
Beth's husband & baby boy, Eli, drove over and watched the race. Jim rode the 30 miles to the park on his bike, along with Jeannie's husband and our friend Stuart. We saw them on the route & waved. Hi! Always great to have spectators.
I sprinted to the end, like always. Wheee! Instead of a medal, they gave us these really cool copper necklaces. And at the end, there was free Jamba Juice and Cinnabons and soup. And, since it was early in the morning - mimosas. :) I don't like the mimosas, but it amuses me that they were there.
It was a great morning. The day stayed fun, too. Jim & Chester & I went to the Saturday Market. It was finally a nice weekend, so all the vendors were there. Had some food, bought some stuff. Came home and took a nice snooze. Then got up & planted a bunch of seeds in my garden. Go little seeds!! Rode our bikes down and had dinner at Word of Mouth Neighborhood Bistro, and it was pretty good. Went to Lowe's, bought more yard stuff (hooray for new gloves!). Now we're home and might settle in to watch a movie.
It was a good day! Oh- and sunny & 70. Incredible!
Tomorrow we're going to Jim's bike race in Eugene. It should be another awesome day...