Sunday, June 15, 2008

Race-free Weekend

No races this weekend. Instead, Eric and I headed north on Friday to visit our parents. He dropped me at the mall while he made business calls, leaving me to do something I dread...shopping. I guess that was good - it forced me to do something I've been putting off. I found a sale and came away with some new work clothes - and best of all, I don't have to do it again for a long time!

We spent Friday evening with my parents, then got up Saturday morning and made our way to Lake Padden for our favorite Bellingham run. Eric ran the first 2.6 mile lap with me, then picked up speed for lap two, leaving me to run solo. We went back to Mom and Dad's, caught a shower and shared breakfast with them, then headed off to see Eric's Dad and Bette. We took them out to lunch and spent a long while visiting over coffee afterward. Then Eric and I stopped by REI so I could get this cool bag before starting for home. A couple from our running group has been transferred to DC and we needed to get back for the going away potluck. We made it back with an hour to spare.

Sunday, we had a lovely, sunny morning running on the Orting Trail with lots of friends, and a quiet day at home. We picked up two more pairs of Asics 2120's that one of our local running stores found for me, then stopped by to get Eric the barbecue of his dreams. Happy Fathers Day! He grilled a steak and a mix of veggies - summer squash, zucchini, eggplant and onion - for dinner on it tonight.

Guess what? I've got 11 runners and one 6-person relay team signed up for the Grande - so far it's all fellow Y Runners. Eric has graciously offered to be the mother hen of the race, being responsible for marking the course, keeping runners on track, and doing what ever else needs doing on race day. Pretty sweet!

Before I think too much about the Grande though, I need to focus on the 168 mile Rainier to Pacific Relay. This year we are departing from our usual 12 person team and trying out running as a 6 person team. That gives each of us a total of six legs, ranging in total distance from 23.6 miles to 32.5 miles. With a 12 member team, alternating vans get long rest breaks - that won't happen with a six person, so it will be challenging. Teammates are Jenny, Margaret, Rick, Rob and Steve. Eric took a pass on this too - he's saving his energy for the Death Race a couple weeks later. Instead he'll be our daytime support and cheerleader.

That's it! My weekly update. Hope you enjoyed all the little details of life at the Barnes house, and thanks for reading!

11 comments:

Irene said...

I'm so with you on shopping! I try to go when it's not so busy! Sounds like you had a good shopping experience.

I'm quite intrigued with the relay. I have yet do try one.

Have a great week!

Jenny, Maniac #401 said...

Although you seem to favor shopping for other things, like running gear....perhaps all your work clothes should come from REI. They do have some nice things! Missed you on Saturday! Glad you had a good time in Bellingham. See you soon!
Jenny
Looking forward to the relay too!!!!!
ps. school's almost out, I'll be writing again soon!

Scott McMurtrey said...

six vs. twelve is going to be interesting. no doubt you will have all the fun in the world doing it.

Unknown said...

I am looking forward to the 6 person relay. It will be a unique challenge, but I think I will skip the Mound Burger this year.

Wes said...

That's the way to celebrate a race free weekend!!! :-) Good luck with the relay!!! That will be tough, fun, and exciting!!!

Olga said...

You know, race free weekends ain't that bad after all:)

Jack said...

What, a women that dreads shopping? I think this is the first time I have heard this :-)

I picked up a pair of Asics 2120's this weekend also - they are hard to find.

Ms Eva said...

What?! No races??

I, too, picked up a pair of 2120s - on ebay, no less! Purple this time... who knew they came in so many colors. I've had red (2x), blue and now purple.

6 peeps - I'd guess you'll have more fun as you'll all be there together and not split into 2 groups.

Sarah said...

I agree with Jenny...maybe you should do all your shopping at REI? : ) The 6-person relay sounds fun but challenging. Good luck!

Mama said...

Okay, I need to know what the cool bag is for. Is it a purse or more of a messenger bag?

It would be huge as a purse for you, you dainty little thing.

Lorri

Meghan said...

Oh man a race free weekend in the Barnes household? How crazy?! It sounds like you both managed to stay sane (even with the added shopping in your case) and do a few fun things.

Aren't you getting excited for going to Canada? Oh my goodness, how wonderful that trip will be!

Hope you're well,
Meghan