Langley Half Marathon, Whidbey Island, Washington, July 12, 2009

Race Number 29, State Number 7 (almost a third of the way to my goal in both categories!)

Cameron and I headed to Seattle this past weekend to partake in some of the interesting sites and sounds of Seattle. First, we went to the Science Fiction Museum and Hall of Fame (a Star Trekkie's heaven on earth), took a walking stroll through Pike Market Place, snapped a picture of the Space Needle and the long line to ride it to the top and finally, a ride on the Monorail. This was all in preparation for the main events in the evening: dinner at The Brooklyn Restaurant and two wonderful hours listening to the aforementioned sounds of the Seattle Symphony. They were performing the incredible music of "Final Fantasy" by Nobulo Uematsu, the composer. It was amazing!

Now going away to another state, I am always enticed by the opportunity to run in another half marathon if one is available. Well, lo and behold, I found a race to meet my 'high standards' on the fanciful Whidbey Island. This race ran along the waterfront road and overlooked the Puget Sound and Saratoga Passage with (as advertised) rolling hills. Absolutely beautiful.

As I prepared to toe the line for this race, I was experiencing that blend of elation, excitement, and apprehension one feels when heading out on a long passage of thirteen miles. I really thought the oysters and clams at Brooklyn's would replace my need for my gel packs....but (deep sigh) that was a silly thought because clams and oysters know little of quick locomotion and the incredible light speed by which I travel (hey, no smirks....the oysters and clams think I am fast!). I found myself prepared (albeit, minimally) for this race if it was not for those BLASTED, as advertised, HILLS!!! OMG!

One should feel that a certain amount of exertion should go into the effort, of course; i.e. the requisite mortification of the flesh, so to speak, before reaching the finish line. But, come on folks, those hills were masochistic even at sea level! Basically, I hit the wall like a monarch butterfly on your windshield. I mean to make clear that I did not fold my hand or my tent during this retching experience, but I sure considered it. I think the clams and oysters were even looking for a way out as they sought to escape through the two openings available to them. But I persisted (as did my bivalve mollusk friends).

Does all this engage you in rapt admiration? It should not. My time reflects my struggle. 2:21:22. Adieu Whidbey Island. I may try to conquer you in another lifetime, but without the help of bivalve mollusks.

Prayer List: Miles 1-3: Samantha Norton and the re-working of her entire intestinal system. Miles 4-6: Bentley Ryberg, our Kindergarten teacher as she finishes her battle against an awful bacterium in her colon. Miles 7-9: Dawson Ryberg, Bentley's 5th grade son who will have his sleen and gallbladder removed on July 16th. Miles 10-13: Robin Munier as she seeks to find a new kitty to replace the one she had to give up due to "issues."