Race for the Roses Photos

Just as Drew and I were making our way over the Steele Bridge towards the finish line of our Half Marathon run, I spotted Kirk, Julia, and Erin.  They had come out to cheer us on, and their location couldn't have been more perfect.  The last little incline up onto the bridge was with about .1 left in the race, and familiar faces in the crowd is what I wanted to see at that point.

These are pictures Kirk took from the bridge, and a couple just after crossing the finishing.  Medals and roses for all!  Check out my post on the race a little down the page with details of my effort.

Feeling good entering the final sprint.

Drew and I smelling the roses.

A solid running partner and a "shout out" to Cup'n'Cone

Photos are coming!

I have a new digital camera on its merry way.  

First an experiment:  After 3 years of living at the ski cabin, I am going to find out if UPS will actually deliver to "my residence."  PO Boxes are out and I've always had stuff shipped to friends in Ptown because I was hesitant to use my rural physical address.  I might have to go down to the main loop road to meet the driver, but that is still success in my eyes (assuming I'm around when he/she comes).

Of course this means an onslaught of pictures once I get it in my hands.  Beware.  But also be excited.  I know I am!

Race for the Roses Half Marathon

This past Sunday morning I ran my first half marathon through downtown Portland.  Nearly 4,000 runners participated between the half and 5k.  I ran with my friend Drew.  We enjoyed the course which brought us over the Steele Bridge twice, weaving through downtown, and along the Willamette River.  The sunrise was stunning and led into a brilliant day.  

As an ode to Cup'n'Cone back in good ole White Bear Lake, I wore their shirt before going shirtless halfway through.  My final time was 1 hour and 42 minutes, which means I ran under an eight minute mile.  I placed 285 out of 2,131 half marathon finishers.  My only goal was to finish in under 2 hours.  

I am very pleased to say that I am thrilled with the results.  In fact, almost surprised.  

A few not so great photos are up, taken by the official race photographers.  Kirk was nice enough to snap a few goodies on the bridge with .1 left in the race, so when I get them I'll put them up too.

Bring on the races.  

After the Deschutes: The promise of beer

My April column for The Mountain Times.

"It was a year ago that I took Tischer up the Gorge for a few nights at Deschutes River State Park. For the cost of two micro beers in Govy I pitched a tent on a green manicured lawn next to the swift river just before it joins the Columbia River."

To read the rest of this story click HERE.