Monday, February 09, 2009

Orcas 25K


Me, Tamara, Marie, Jenn, Sydnee (photo from Jenn)

Orcas, as always, was beautiful. The morning began with fog wafting through old growth forest, eventually burning off under a brilliant sun and blue skies. We were back on the original course (after a course change last year, due to snow), so it was all the way up Mt. Constitution and back down. We had gorgeous views across the Sound of Lummi Island, Mt. Baker and Bellingham, and down forested slopes to the water below. Jenn, Sydnee and I spent much of the day talking and laughing, hiking up, up, up and running down, down, down. We crossed frozen trails of snow, planting our feet in the knee-high holes of those who'd gone before, we ran on trails carpeted with green bits of fir, down rock strewn, washed out trails and over rumbling creeks. It is, by far, my favorite race.



Puget Sound, Lummi Island, Mt. Baker (photo by Jenn)

The stars in Eric's eyes forced a slight change in our plans, causing us to leave Orcas on the 6:15 ferry. The line of cars seemed to be mostly runners, and we enjoyed the hour wait. The hour and twenty minute ferry ride was a blast - the boat was filled with runners and it seemed as though we were in the midst of a post-race party. I'm sure we missed a great time back on the island, but the ferry ride made up for it! We got home around 10:15, unloaded the car and went straight to bed.

Sunday morning we were up and down the road by 8:00 for Eric to run the infamous Valentines Day Marathon - his crowning run in a series of 13 in twelve weeks, and bringing him to SEVEN maniac stars. There's much to say about this series of marathons, and not much of it is positive. Many of the early starters made it past the halfway point before encountering an aid station. Now, on the one hand, it is always a caveat that if you start early, you'd better be prepared to go without aid (as a frequent early starter, I know this). However, it is usually set up before runners are too far in. Knowing Eric was pushing exhaustion after the extremely challenging Orcas 50K, I was out there to give him support. I had a two gallon jug of water and food. I ended up using all my water supporting runners - first I had them drinking from the jug, then I rinsed out Eric's paper cup from Starbucks and had the runners sharing that. Finally, just before Eric made the halfway point, the aid stations were set up. Eric got a second wind and finished strong - I'm guessing negative splits. Seven stars!

And last, I'm getting Lasik eye surgery next week. I'm spending ten days in my glasses, an old prescription. I'm also using some that Eric had, which is about the same as my old prescription. Life's a little blurry around the edges right now, but in a week and a day it'll be crystal clear!


Seven Star Maniac and me in my temporary-glassed glory. (photo by Matt Hagen)

23 comments:

Wes said...

Seven stars is just maniacal :-) Hope your eye thingee turns out fantastic, and well done!!

Thomas said...

Good luck with the surgery. I've been vaguely thinking about doing that myself one day.

And congratulations to your starry husband - that's quite an achievement.

Irene said...

Best wishes on your lasik procedure!

I hope you'll be singing "I can see clearly now..."

Anonymous said...

Wow, you are more maniac than I'll ever be!

But you're gonna love having had Lasik!

Joe said...

Boy, were you ever the super crew on that race!!

Congrats on fun at Orcas...you always wax eloquently about that race!

Good luck on the lasik...I'm interested in how it goes. I've been loathe to let someone work on my eyes...so I'll look forward to learning from you.

The glassess are kinda cute, though!! Not a problem!!!

Unknown said...

One of these days I'll make it to Orcas. I'll have to trust all of you that the race is as beautiful as everyone says. Nice job getting out there to crew Eric for #13. I was thinking of getting out there and pulling a Tonya Harding on him :)

Lisa B said...

Sounds like a very nice run. I'll try it next year. Nice job. Please let us know how the lasik goes. I'm interested myself! :)

Jenny, Maniac #401 said...

Glad the race was perfect. I was enjoying my weekend too! I will get there someday too.
Jenny

Donald said...

Hey - that's a great looking shirt Eric is wearing!

And, um ... race? Was there a race? Right. Good job there, too.

Bret said...

Nice job on Orcas. Yeah never been impressed with the Valentine/christmas etc group of marathons he has. I have done at least 3 of them. Was hoping to get off work early Sunday and do the Valentine but no such luck.
Good luck with Lasik....Gail really wants that too!

Olga said...

Eric is crazy, we knew that. I am bummed I am out of Orcas visit because you guys do a great promo, and the Mt. Baker photo is beautiful. Wishing you all the best with eye surgery!

Journey to a Centum said...

Thanks for the great race support! Not just for the Valentine's Day "Puppy Mill" Marathon but for the whole series of 13 runs.

Mama said...

When I saw the glasses I figured you had scheduled your surgery. Yeah! I also like Eric's glasses on you, they are cute. You look pretty darn sassy.
I plan on going to Starbucks tonight, so I'll see you there.

Scott McMurtrey said...

You two are beautiful. Though with your new eyes next week you might not think Eric is as cute as he was this week. :)

iJuls said...

I had lasix in 2000. You are going to love it. It will really change your running experience. Lovely photos as always AND, as I always say, you continue to amaze me.

Dori said...

I can see why you love that race.
I'm sure you'll be very happy with the Lasik. It's over in an instant. I'm so glad I had mine done.

Laura H said...

You'll love the Lasik! When I had mine done I wasn't supposed to play my horn for THREE weeks! They didn't want my eyeballs popping out, I guess. I played at two weeks and eyes stayed intact.

While I had fun volunteering, I sure wished I could have been out there running instead! Could NOT believe we got such good weather! I loved seeing you and the gang out there - will see you on the trail for sure next year!!!

Anne said...

I remember you raved about this one last year and it made me want to add it to my dream sheet. Jen's photo confirms it for me!

Good luck with the eye surgery next week. I've heard very good things from those who've undergone it.

Anonymous said...

I love the picture of Mount Baker. I missed it when I was out there as it was overcast.

I've always wanted to get my eyes fixed. Maybe once the kids are out of college and the wedding is paid for.....

Anonymous said...

You must be so proud of your hubby!

Good luck with the eye surgery. I hope all is crystal clear! :)

Darrell said...

Another weekend has gone by and I'm just getting to this post. The views of the sound were beautiful.

All the best with the Lasik. But I must say you look good in glasses.

Anonymous said...

THis is a really neat blog. I would love to run Orcas. I leave somewhat near by. I lost 130 lbs since Dec. 2006 and I am maniac #931 I think. 8 marathons and 4 ultras now Since Oct. 2007. Thanks for having a blog, it was very encouraging to me today.

Sunshine said...

What lovely lovely lovely pictures!Thank you.