Summer has arrived in Portland, just in time for the 4th of July. Since we've hit the upper 90s, it may be time to take the electric blanket off my bed. But last time I did that, we had 6 more weeks of winter so I'm going to hold off for now.
Last weekend I "race directed" the ORRC 4th of July 5/10k and Kid's Run for the 4th year in a row. Somehow it went off without a hitch, even though I was also on-call for work over the weekend. We had around 250 registered this year, which I think is a record since I've been doing the race. Since it's a free though, many people sign up just in casethey want to run and then don't show up on race day. Their loss :) Thank you to my super friends and volunteers Sarah (aid station goddess for the 4th year in a row), Dave G, the Bemroses, Sue and her daughter Gabby, Jerry and Francisco, who once again graciously "volunteered" to lead the 1/2 mile kid's run. Thought about leading it myself but I'm not up to a 1/2 mile of continuous running yet :P . I told the kids as they toed the starting line to follow this guy in the blue shirt (Francisco). As Francisco started to pull off to the side before the last 100m to let the kids kick it in, one little guy was stuck to him like glue looking up like...?...I'm supposed to follow you, why are you slowing down? Ha ha. There was crying, confusion, and finisher's prizes for those who persevered. Just like an Ironman.
With all the excitement last weekend, I am ready to have a real weekend down at Wineman...er, Vineman. I've been tapering for 12 weeks, so feeling pretty rested and ready to kick ass in the aquabike. Although I'm officially registered for the 1/2 tron triathlon, I'm forming a secret aquabike subdivision for those who currently can not run. I think I have a shot at placing.
Summer without racing has been good so far. Somehow, I have found other things to do. Of course there is still some working out. Floundering at masters swim. Riding my bike when I feel like it. Jogging laps at the track. I also finished the class I took in the spring with 102%. Maybe I put a bit too much effort into it than was necessary! But there were many extra credit opportunities too. Caught up with two good friends from high school that were passing through Portland. Beth's birthday month of June, and Bobbi Jo's baby shower this weekend meant celebrations were in order. At the end of the month I am going to New York City. And speaking of vacations, thanks to Eileen and Charlie I have a condo in Kona for my sabbatical next March and April, and Ironman Australia on May 1st. That is the only race on my schedule- others may or may not be added later depending on how the running goes.
Racing the kids is always fun, you should do it next year; for the record, I could have won : )
Posted by: Francisco | July 13, 2010 at 06:53 PM