Mountain Mother Runner

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.  ...

In 2015, Runnin’ O the Green was the first race I had ever done! Put on by the City of Bellingham Parks and Recreation, this event brings in quite a bunch of both runners and walkers alike. Distances of 5k or 8k are offered, with the cost of registration remaining the same for either distance. It pays off to register early online because it starts at $15, goes up to $25, then $30, and tops at $35 for day of race registration.   Costs include chip timing and a cool shirt, plus tons of St. Patrick’s Day themed fun! This year, we also got a green cowbell with the race logo on it. Race start photo by Jon Brunk at https://brunkphoto.photoreflect.com/ In 2015, I ran the 5k with a time of 28:57 (9:19min/mi pace) . In 2016, I ran the 8k distance, finishing in 37:03 (7:27min/mi pace) . This year, I wanted to switch up the experience yet again by doing the 5k while pushing Eisley in the stroller! Her first adventure racing in the stroller was last June at the Race Beneath the Sun 5 mi...

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...