I wanted to do this event, since it's in my back yard and I train on a bunch of the trails that are part of the race. The Half and Marathon started at the same time. Not sure how that effected the elite runners.

Started in the middle off to the side and just took it easy. approx 1500+, so there was alot of jockying around for the first two miles till we got to Fairhaven. But then we started to catch the walkers. Wasn't that bad, but you could tell there were alot of newbies, since they walked in the middle of road 3-4 abreast, or on the left side, so runners had to dodge back and forth.

Got into Edgemore neighborhood (High value homes) Had some minor climbs that were challenging but ok since they were only about 7 miles into the run. I think looking at my splits for the first 13 miles , you can tell which ones had climbs and than had some downhills .

Finally out on the Interurban trail, sheltered from the wind, beautiful sights of the bay and off in the distance toward Anacortes saw two Tankers at anchor. Whitecaps in the bay.

Got to the Turnaround at Larrabee Park which was mile 14. Had been seeing the leaders for the last 2-3 miles. Cheered them on and some gave back some love/cheers to the MOP/BOP. After the turnaround, started to do same with the BOPs and walkers doing the Marathon.

Every once and awhile would feel a slight twinge in left hamstring. But focused on form and it went away. A few times I caught my heel on a rock and made an awkward step. By mile 16, I knew the Ironman Shuffle had started up. Decided from then on to take the HEED Drink, hopefully to get some electrolytes.

Got back into the streets and had the wind at our backs which was very nice, just couldn't pick up my stride to glide more.

With two miles to go, started to sprinkle. Got to the harbor and rain started to pour, plus we started to run into the wind, had to hold on to my hat, got soaked, but you could see the hotel on the other side of the harbor. Kept a fast pace IM Shuffle, started to focus on who was behind me and not let mess up my finish. Heard my name, saw the mats, kept my face up till after and shut my watch off. Saw wife and dogs. Got the medal and a tree sapling. I was happy, only 6 minutes off my target time.

My longest run since IM Canada has only been 11 miles (about 2 hours of trail run). So I felt it on the legs in the latter teen miles.

Need to get into the run training of LSD, plus loose the weight.

Hobble to the parking lot and drove home.


I knew my training was not up to par for a fast time. I thought 4:40 would be doable. Still amazed at my first mile at 8:30, even in the congestion.

Now to focus on Seattle Marathon, get some speed work, and LSD of 3+ runs. Plus loose pounds.


It was a first time event. Plus the weather was horrendous with the wind. Temp was ok. The rain happened at around the 4 hour mark, so all of the later arrivals were soaked.

A very scenic course. Very good streets and trails to run on. I hope this continues to grow.
Proceeds go to the Bellingham Bay Swim Team.