Wednesday, July 04, 2007

Four on the Fourth

There's a local race in a small town called Steilacoom on the edge of the Sound that hosts a wonderful Fourth of July run. It's called Four on the Fourth. If we are in town for the holiday, we run it. This year we are and we did. Today there were about ten Y Run Club runners there, plus all the other locals we usually see at these things. Steilacoom has a street festival and parade as well. Vendors are setting up just before the race, friends are chatting on the lawn outside the town hall, the sun is shining, kids and dogs are milling around and smiles are everywhere.

Rob came by the house this morning so we could carpool in. Eric, Rob and Steve planned to get there early, run the course, then run it again for the race. After finishing they tacked on another two miles. I ran with Margaret and Angela. Angela is 26 months pregnant - I am amazed by her determination to do this race today.

The race starts down hill, flattens out, then finishes up hill. I wasn't going to run it at all because I thought I should be resting my leg, but you know how that goes. I decided if I went easy I could do it. I finished in 47:05 and ran up the entire hill to the finish, which made me happy. I was pleased with my 11:50 pace and not too much pain in the leg, plus the wonderful fun of running and chatting with Margaret and Angela. Rob asked me at the end how it compared to last year's time and I couldn't remember. I came home and checked - last year I did 40-something. I was shocked! I didn't remember having a 10-something pace at all. I'm still happy to have run today - I got what I wanted - to participate and to go easy.

I went back and read last year's report on this race. I was surprised to read in the last few paragraphs that I thought Portland would be my one and only marathon. I guess I'm not too good at predicting the future!

We followed the run with showers and a BBQ at Margaret's house. Last year we went to the local parade too, but this year we skipped out on that part. It's been a fun day so far. This evening we'll attend a neighborhood BBQ, but will probably be party-poopers and skip the fireworks afterwards. I think we'll come back to the house and watch a movie instead. I love the low-key, relaxed pace of this holiday!

14 comments:

Journey to a Centum said...

Wow! Angela is really preggers! She must be growing an adult instead of a baby!

Nice job on your run today! You managed to crank out the four miles in heat and not have any breathing problems. You may however have suffered from lack of oxygen regarding how many months it takes for a human to have baby.

Your BFFE Eric

Michelle Sarabia said...

I caught the thing about the baby too, but I wasn't going to rub it in like Eric. Sorry I couldn't make it. I didn't have anyone to watch the little one. I hope you all have a great evening.

Randy - Maniac #788 said...

Oh Eric is going to be sleeping on the couch tonight, poor guy.

Nice run.

wendy said...

Glad you had a nice run and were able to catch up with friends.

Happy 4th!

Jack said...

Happy 4th! Relaxing on the couch with the one you love beats fireworks anyday!

JustRun said...

Hehe, Eric is a funny guy, eh?

Sounds like a great day! I'm with you, I love the laid-back, relaxed mood of the 4th. And the summer, really.

Unknown said...

The important thing was that you were out there running and enjoying the race. Next year it's going to be sub-10. See ya tonight.

Olga said...

That was mighty good, Michelle. I can't even bring myself to run 4M race, and if I would, I'd be around you. As I just said to Rob, I have same pace for any distance - rather sad discovery, so I refuse to pay to see it at sub-marathon.

Anonymous said...

Nice run. You beat your previous time and thought you were taking it easy, huh? :) You are one tough lady! Now, when are you going to rest those legs?

Wes said...

Happy Fourth, Michelle! I'm sure keepin yourself reigned in is tough stuff! I think :-)

Scott McMurtrey said...

Nice race. Sounds like everyone had a great day.

Portland as your only marathon...isn't that so funny and great?!

Ryan said...

Running a local race is a nice way to enjoy the 4th. And btw glad to hear you heading back out on the trails for another go at crewing! What a dedicated group.

Anne said...

Remember that you've put in many more miles in that year and these ultras have a way of slowing us down. I like to think of it as forcing us to take time to enjoy our surroundings, however familiar they may already be. :-)

Sarah said...

I love those small town 4th of July celebrations. Funny about your prediction that Portland would be your only marathon. Ha! : )