Potpourri

First, to answer questions from the comments:

• The duct tape did not hurt when I pulled it off. I put shiny side down where there are no nails, so that was not a problem.
• I forgot to mention Blister Shield in my list of things I've tried. It worked okay on short runs, didn't try it out on long runs. It seems to kind of turn solid on my sweaty feet.
• On Tom's advice, I checked into Kineseo Tape. It's like the soft cloth part of some band-aids. A little stretchy and breathable. I ordered a couple of rolls and really like it - it's softer and easier to work with than duct tape, and forms to the toe more easily. It seems to stay well - I'll let you know after this weekend.
• I have never heard of tincture of benzoin before this post. I'll look for it and give it a try.
• Remember, I am the human guinea pig for Eric - by the time we get to WS, we should have a blister plan nailed down!

I've ran twice this week, both times with Rick. Tuesday's run we averaged an 11:01 pace, 5.23 miles with mile three being 10:49 and mile five 10:26. Then we went out today. We decided flat and easy, four-ish miles was our goal. 4.66 miles, 11:11 pace. Well, it was easier than Tuesday! I think that when I pointed out that Rick was making me fast, it went to his head and he's picked up the pace a little more. I suspect he has a secret plan to get me in the 10 minute mile range. That's what I think. What am I gonna do about it? Nothing, I'm just going to try to keep up like I have been and hope for the best.

Soooooo....this weekend is the Mt. Si 50K. I will be running it with Rick, Melissa and Michelle S. Eric will be our crew. Patch will be running it as well, but I think he'll be out ahead of us. I'm feeling pretty good about the whole thing - by all accounts it should be easier than the Pigtails 50K. This is the start of the craziness though - the Eugene Marathon is exactly one week from Mt. Si. Melissa is now scheduled to run all races I'm running, and Michelle is set for Mt. Si, Eugene and Tacoma City. I think we're gonna have some fun!

I'm also signed up for the Rainier to Ruston Relay (50 miles, probably 6 runners) and the Rainier to Pacific Relay. This year Rainier to Pacific is 168 miles and 12 runners (compared to the past at 153 miles and 11 people). I hope it is a little cooler than last year - I don't want a replay of the heart/heat episode. These two relays will carry me through July, then I have a lot of blank weekends till the Nike Women's Marathon. I'm working on filling some of those in; maybe a new marathon in Bellingham, maybe Portland again, maybe a couple of others.

And my final two notes:

Riley made 5'8" in the high jump today at the track meet, netting him 3rd place. First place was another jumper from his school who cleared 6'4" and scratched on 6'5". Second place scratched at 6'3". Wow!

I've lost five (5) (FIVE) pounds! That's 20 pounds less force when I'm running this weekend! And I have to say, it has been relatively easy - must be all the fast running!

Signing off from the shadow of the Cascades, where the boys jump ever higher, the Moms run ever longer, and the Dads are training for the big one.