West Coast Running

Running was starting to become a chore.  It took far too much effort to lace up my sneakers for a run.  Every time I thought about it, a lengthy conversation played in my head:

Brain:  You need to go for a run, you just ate 3 servings of Pasta
Katie:  Eh, I ran 3 miles the other day
Brain:  You have to run 24 over the course of 30 hours next month- you will die...
Katie:  Probably...FINE

In February I had planned a trip to Seattle WA and Portland OR for Thatchers Birthday Suprise.  In Seattle we stayed with Thatcher's childhood friend Dan, and his lovely fiance Allison.

Of course we did lots of eating.  Cheeseburgers and fries (and lots of booze)- healthy of course 

The next morning, we woke up and planned to go for a 9 mile run.  Of course 9 miles turned into 6 miles.  Even though we cut the run short- that was my BEST run in a very long time.  I felt great! airy, light, happy, I felt like I could run 6 more (this rarely happens).  I think it was a combination of rest, happiness, amazing company, but most of all the beautiful scenery that kept my mind off how miserable running could be.

We ran 2 miles along the Puget Sound.  It was a little cloudy but soon enough, the Sun came out and the weather was perfect, high 50s, sunny, with a light breeze.  I stopped to tie my shoe, turned around, and the views took my breath away.  Behind me was Mt Rainier.  It was gigantic, clear, and stood out in the background with his snow capped peaks.  I couldn't believe that these people get to look at these beautiful views every day.

(No I didnt take this- hard to run AND take pictures)

                               

We got back to our starting point, 6 miles later, refreshed and happy.  We started to act like tourists again and posed for a Post run pic with our gorgeous views.  Seattleites, I envy your Sculpture park and amazing running routes.

While we never ran the rest of the trip (due to a miserable hang over)  The trip only got better. We spent a few days in Seattle, and then took a train to Portland to stay with Thatcher's brother for a few days.  We were lucky to be around good friends and family and to have such beautiful weather.

Seattle is a gorgeous city...

and surrounding the city- hiking, skiing, waterfalls, you name it!

Wish we had a market like the one in Seattle! Fresh amazing food- YUM

Lots of walking in Portland 

 And AMAZING food in both cities

West coast, we love you!  BUT it took being away to realize how lucky we are to live in Essex, with our friends and family so close by.

 Back to reality, East Coast running, and Ragnar training.

(okay East Coast running is pretty awesome too- I mean CAPE COD - fine ill stop complaining :)