Runnin O' the Green

As some of you might know or have heard I have taken up running. Kristi, the Girlfriend of Joel's younger brother Josh, asked me to do it with her, so I am trying to do a half marathon in the Fall. So Saturday was my first race, the two mile Runnin O' the Green in Bellingham. Here is How it went.

Okay doing you first race is much like your first day of school. Your a little nervous and in secure, (will I know anyone, will I be able to finish the race, will I look like a complete idiot for not dressing in head to toe green like everyone else?) Well first insecurity had no ground, I found Kristi right after I checked in. My third insecurity was addressed right away, when she said " Oh that was me last year I had no green on what so ever." Plenty of other people were dressed in Just their normal running clothes.

Kristi and I Post Race (very Wet)

Because Kristi was doing the 5 mile and I was doing the 2 mile, she introduced me to a group who she thought I would be able to keep up with. This is a group of young "kids" (17-21). I was acquainted with a few of them and they immediately let me in part of their group. This group of is not concerned at all about times and running fast. In fact their main concern is more getting their picture in the Herald, in color, and winning the best dressed award. Yes this Group is a very colorful sort. They were awfully sweet though, they Jogged at a pace that I could keep up with. At the one point that I needed to walk, they all walked with me, even though I told them they could keep going.

So I was able to finish the race!!! in 23 minutes!! I jogged/ran (is there a difference) most of the two miles only stopping to walk once for less than .2 of a mile. So I was very proud of my first race. Glad that I did it and will do again. I am getting the point where I like running. My running shoes No longer look brand new, as Saturday's down pour of Rain put a few mud marks on them. So it is not obvoius to everyone that I am a new runner.

Another nice part about the race was I ran into my old neighborhood friend whom I have not seen in a year or two, and we were able to catch up.

What about my colorful friends you ask? did they get in the paper, in color? Well let me tell you in is very humbling to run with the most photographed group and only have your derriere show up in one picture. But Yes a few of them made it into the Bellingham Herald in Color.

I told you they were colorful!!!

One last thing Praise the Lord, My tendenitis has not showed up and I was not at all sore on Sunday!! (actually my shoulders were go figure).