Mountain Mother Runner

Have you ever doubted your potential? I have. I do it more than I probably should. Sometimes there are thoughts that creep into my mind and eventually they appear to be truths. In reality, these thoughts are “stuck points” that leave me convincing myself, “I can’t run that far” or “I’ll never be that fast”. But then something strange happens…you pass that unpassable distance or run faster than you ever believed you could. You break through your wall! My personal ‘wall’ is my speed (or lack of). Beautiful Bellingham! Last Saturday was the 24 th annual Haggen toHaggen Fun Run or Walk , hosted by the Greater Bellingham Running Club. The race starts at the Sehome Village Haggen store, winds North through the streets of downtown Bellingham, and then finishes at the Meridian Haggen location. Early bird registration for GBRC members was free (as usual), only $7 for runners, and $5 for walkers. Normal registration fees went up to $10 for both runners and walkers after April 18 th ,...

After the Runnin’ O the Green 5k race experience of pushing Eisley along in her BOB stroller, I decided we should try to squeeze in as many races as we can before she’s too big! Every night before bedtime, we lay in her room and talk about what we are thankful for. When she began saying, “I thankful for races!” it melted my heart, while confirming that we needed to sign up for another race soon. Photo by Jessica Drake Photography I stumbled upon a local raced called the Superhero 5k . The event raises money to allow children from low-income families the opportunity to attend day camps and after school programs at The Firs in Bellingham, WA. Early bird registration only cost $15 and April 1 through day of race was $25. Race shirts were also offered for an additional $10. They changed the course from previous years, but it was still stroller, dog, and family friendly. The event started and finished at Bloedel Donovan Park which is settled on beautiful Lake Whatcom.  ...

With my second half marathon coming up, it only seemed appropriate to look back and review my very first half, the Honeywagon Runs Half Marathon ! Although honey sure sounds sweet (we LOVE to stock up on different local honey varieties), the term “honeywagon” literally means, well, let's just say it's stinky, like cow patties. The race was held on Saturday, April 9, 2016 in Everson, WA and was hosted by the Greater Bellingham Running Club. I was able to easily register online and since I’m a GBRC member, my registration was at no cost. That’s right, free! The half registration fee was $25 for non-members. In addition to the half marathon distance, there was also a 4 mile distance open to walkers and runners. The race started and ended at Nooksack Valley Middle School. That entire community is fairly rural and the extensive farmlands made for a peaceful backdrop during the race. After about a 30 minute drive, I showed up to the parking lot at 8:15am. It was early still ...

A few months ago, I planned out my tentative race schedule for the year. One race per month seemed fairly realistic between my husband’s schedule and me relying on him to watch Eisley while I race. That being said, sometimes life throws you a curve-ball and you have to improvise. Adapt and overcome, right? Well, my husband booked a mini trip to celebrate his birthday the same weekend as Race Beneath the Sun . Photo by Scott Allen Instead of canceling the event, I contacted the Race Director out of curiosity to ask if jogging strollers were allowed. She replied that someone did it with a stroller the previous year, but the C. Moore loop would be pretty difficult! I view ‘difficult’ as being a challenge, and I sure do love a good challenge. The race is hosted by Greater Bellingham Running Club and the course is 5 miles that are mainly trail, including some hills and a challenging climb up C. Moore loop trail, which is luckily only ¼ mile. Morning of the race, I ate some oatmeal a...