Running with a new purpose

You know how these things go....I let the blog fall off the radar for awhile, but such is the ebb and flow of things in life. I think this particular ebb was part of a more relaxed focus on my "training", and it sort of become a natural bi-product of that new approach.

I ran the Seattle 1/2 marathon Thanksgiving weekend. It was a fantastic experience. The course was tough--lots of hills. But it was so beautiful. It was the first large event I've done. More than 12,000 runners. It was quite a feeling looking ahead and behind--thousands of feet pounding the pavement--the largest rhythm band I've ever been a part of. Clip-clop; clip-clip-clop clop clop clop clip.

Of course, I overdressed. The weather was great. Unusually warm, and the mist from the fog provided good relief from the warmth of my many layers. I did lose my hat along the way.

I had to climb a barrier to get to the starting line.
The streets of Downtown belonged to us.
Two guys running with a stereo blaring Reggae.
Seeing thousands of people ahead and behind as we ran up the ramp past Safeco field.
Running through the I-90 tunnel.
Spectator-lined streets.
Lake WA Blvd is beautiful.
A killer hill at mile 7.5 (Madison Ave).
Running through the Arboretum--winding, winding up then back downtown.
Hey, look, there's my office and my favorite coffee spot.
Tired. One mile to go. Downhill hurts my hip.
Hey look, there's Cory's office.
Finishing in the stadium.
Mom, Ben, and Cory waiting at the finish line.
Food, glorious food!!

I'm embracing this new relaxed training. It's time to for a new mental training--to get back to the root of why I have come to love running: Finding the simple things that inspire during each outing. Like taking in all the beautiful holiday lights; enjoying the crisp clean winter air; not holding oneself to certain paces or distances; but to go out with the idea of discovery.

I have plans for resuming the other more structured, goal-oriented training in the coming year. (2009 goals: Light at the End of the Tunnell marathon; Return to Pacific Crest and run the 1/2 marathon; NYC marathon w/ Mariah).

But for now, I want to enjoy the peace of the season.