I’ve got my new running shoes on . .

Yesterday I went to the Fairhaven Runners store and got my new running shoes.The professionals there asked me questions, did some measurements, carefully looked at the wear on my old pair, watched me walk and run, etc. and then suggested the right shoes for me. After trying out six pairs outside on the street, I bought the Brooks Defyance 4. They were a little pricey in this shop but now I know what to look for myself next year. Actually, I found out that I needed one whole size bigger than my old running shoes.They feel extra roomy in the toe box so I shouldn’t lose any toenails this year. I came home and did 4 miles to break them in. 

It is now 13 weeks until the Rock ‘n‘ Roll Seattle Marathon & Half Marathon - June 25 - and I’m getting ready! When I look through my pictures I can still feel the energy and excitement we experienced in that pack of runners last year. I will be doing this one with Dave, Deb & Eric again. We are already talking about hotel reservations for the night before, since 27,000 runners from all around the world come to Seattle for the race. Last year we stayed in Tukwilla at a motel about a block away from the start which was convenient since we needed to be there by 6 am.  A lot of people stayed in downtown Seattle and took taxi, shuttles, etc. to the starting line in the morning but the traffic jam and wait for shuttles was so bad that many were still arriving after the run had already started - so sad for them.

The race course runs north through Tukwilla, along Lake Washington, to downtown Seattle and ends in the big parking lot at Quest Field. It is pretty exciting that we get to run right up there on the I-90 express lanes and take in the sights of Seattle up close. Support teams, bands and “cheer leaders” were there for us all along the way.

To enter the half marathon you have to be able to finish 13 miles in 4 hours. Last Fall I finished in just under 3 hours. My time was in the upper ⅓ for people my age. My goal is to do that again and improve my time if possible. Doesn’t that sound fun? I’m totally hooked.