Hooked on Runnin in the Sun

Finished the Santa Barbara International Marathon last weekend and it has SPOILED me big time.  I am so hooked on running marathons in sunny climates.  Living in the northwest, I have adapted and grown accustomed to running in the rain and clouds.  But running in full sunshine and 60 degree weather last weekend, no contest. 

Counting down the days before leaving for CA.  I'll be running my second Santa Barbara Half Marathon.  I don't normally remember trail details while hiking but I can sure remember details of this marathon trail.  I clearly remember mile 23 uphill until 24.  The harbor coming into view.  The stadium and finish line that seemed so close, yet so far at 1 mile away...I remember the joy of seeing Amy at the finish line.  She paced me with the run/walk program as she was still recovering from an injury.  She blew past me in the end and I hope she went on to complete her next marathon in the time she was hoping for. 

Raining and Training

Rain, rain and more rain.  I couldn't get my butt out the door at 7 am for my track workout.  It was still so dark and rainy.  There was more light at 8 am but still lots of rain.  Same thing at 9 am and 10 am. Gotta do the dishes.  Oops, gotta check my email for the 100th time.  Major procrastination going on here.  Then I thought about my friend Judith in New York who has been without power and hasn't been able to leave the house for several days due to Superstorm Sandy.  So I quit being a wimp and finally headed out.  No big deal running in the rain for an hour.  At least I can return to a heated home and hot shower. Motivated by the privilege of having electrical power!

Where to find us this fall

I was in Portland last weekend for the Portland Marathon Expo which was my last show for 2012.  The last show of the year is always a bit melancholy for me. I so enjoy seeing old friends and previous customers.  And it is fun and exciting to make new acquaintences as well. But it is exhausting and I'm ready to focus on my own fall runs.  However, you can find Wahine Sport accessories online at www.wahinesport.com.  If you saw something you liked at an expo but can't find it online, just email me at linda@wahinesport.com.  I might just have one tucked away for you!  Use the code: SHIP and receive free shipping on your orders. 

When does it get any easier?

I detest pain. So my training goals and goal for a marathon is always that it feels "easy".  I am not talking about being fast or feeling no pain.  Well, maybe minimal pain :)  I aspire to running marathons where the distance just feels like another training day.  I am not there yet and I'm working on getting to that level of running fitness.  Today,  I finished my 21 mile training run.  It wasn't pretty and it wasn't always easy but I did it AND I feel good about it.   Perhaps I am more than satisfied with that.  Finishing is great.   The bonus is that I made it across the Ballard Locks walkway without having to wait !!!

 

Bobbi looking stylish and cute while enjoying a recovery beverage!

Next stop Missoula, Montana! We'll be bringing lots of colorful headbands and arm sleeves to the expo on Saturday and running the half on Sunday.