Keeping it fun. Ready for Summer.

Lower Falls - Twin Falls

It's very much a relief to be done with marathon training.  That does not mean that training stops but the emphasis certainly changes.  The goals for the summer are to run well at Ragnar Relay, bike and HAVE FUN! I am aiming for a good half marathon at the end of the summer too.

The great thing about marathon training?  Wow, i am in great shape. I realize that once i've recovered a bit from the long trail run (a three hour finish for 14 miles). Gardening? sure!  bike for an hour? yes!  Row for some time?  OK!  It helps that i have definitely not let strength training fall by the wayside.

I had friends visit and it was fun being able to show the best of the Northwest in less than 48 hours.  Liquor and distillery laws have changed radically for the better in the past years.  If you get a chance, GO to Woodinville Whiskey Company for some mighty fine bourbon.  The distillery laws in washington changed in 2008 to allow small distilleries to open.  This business was further changed by the disbanding of state run liquor stores last year.  All of a sudden, we have a huge choice in what we buy and it is fantastic.  Woodinville Whiskey offers a quick and dirty and hugely informative whiskey talk with generous samples.

As a trail runner, i forget how memorable the trails are around here.  An easy hike just a short drive away is a great way to spend an afternoon.  Twin Falls at Olallie State Park is an easy hike along the South Fork of the Snoqualmie River and then the uphill begins. It is worth it though for the lovely forest and impressive and varied views of the misnamed waterfalls.  Having always run this trail to access Iron Horse trail, i'd never been down the stairs to see the spectacular lower falls.  It elicited a "Wow" out of all of us as soon as we saw it. 

The local raspberries (ie out of our front yard) are producing well this year. So well that we are stripping 3-4 pints off the bushes every few days. The neighbors and other friends are benefiting as it seems like a shame to save all the raspberry bounty for us. At this point, all fresh raspberries are going directly into the freezer. The summer lovelies will be even lovelier in a few months.

Ragnar is just a few weeks away and it's a huge go! I can't wait to be out there running with all the planning and logistical issues past us. I'll be running a July 4th 5k to get the legs moving and hopefully testing out the sparkle skirt.  Sparkle Skirt?  hmm, yes I am intrigued as well.  And don't worry the orange wig is in fine shape and we are updating our orange tutus plus glow items.