8-25 6.65 miles

Yesterday we were out in Renton for our walk/run.  We did just under 7 miles.  Actually 6.65 miles if you want the exact number.  This time I walked with Martha for half of the walk and then Leslie and Sandy joined us for the 2nd half.  We didn't do very much running so our time was a bit slower then the time I had last week. 

I wasn't crazy over the location.  It was our first time at a place that I didn't find very motivating.  It was at Lake Youngs in Renton.   But I never saw the lake!  We were on a path that ran  outside of a fenced off area.  There were plenty of hills to prepare us for the hills of Seattle.  But the path was single file for part of the time and because of the fence, you couldn't really see much.  I didn't even take any photo's because there was nothing to photograph.
I did get a blister on my toe.  Not good!  I thought I had something in my shoe because I could feel this irritation.  I thought it was sand or something.  When I took my shoe off, there it was.  I big water blister the length of my 2nd toe. 
I will miss the group next week because I'm doing a Whale Watch with my friend Kimberly.  That means I have to make it happen during the week.  I'm going to try to hit Greenlake at least 3 times. 
Number 1 goal this week----  FUNDRAISING.  I am way behind.  My goal was $1,000 by the beginning of September and that has not happened.  Focus!

7 miles

On Saturday August 18th we did our longest run yet.  7 Miles!   It was a weird practice for me because I had been gone the 2 previous weeks and didn't get a lot of practice it.  Plus it had been in the mid 90's for 2 days which is super unusual for Seattle.  The training group decided to make a 7am optional start time.  I choose to show up at the usual 8am.  But my walking/running mates choose the 7am.  So, I arrived at Kirkland and took off on my own.  It actually wasn't bad doing it on my own.  It gave me a lot of time to think.  But the time goes faster when you have others to talk to so I missed my group.
But, I was proud of myself for finishing the course.  That is over half way to the Half Marathon.  Not long now! 

A rabbit on the path

Kirkland public art

More Art

The run

Vacation!

I did my annual trip back east to visit the family the first week of  August.  I stayed with my little sister and her family in Northern VA.  Love getting to see the kids for a week but I sure hate that it is only once a year.  Mom and dad drove up mid-week which was really nice.  I just saw them in June so we didn't feel quite so disconnected. 

I told Michelle that at least one day we needed to do a long walk so that I didn't feel like I was falling behind too badly with my training.  Truthfully we should have done 3 or 4 but I didn't think that was very realistic.  On Monday morning, the family headed to Burke lake to walk around it.  It is approximately a 4 mile walk so it fit in perfectly with the training schedule.  We started way later then we should have and the temperature was climbing up to the mid 90's.  Plus, the humidity is CRAZY in VA right now.  By the time we made it around the lake, I was soaked with sweat.  I hate that!  I felt sticky and nasty.  We piled back in the car and went for chili dogs.  How else to you celebrate a 4 mile walk?  Overall and nice day and wonderful bonding time.   I love my Virginia family and sure wish it was a little bit easier to get across the country.  In the meantime, thank goodness for e-mail, facebook and text messages.


Connor on his bike



Brooke on her bike

The Family