Race report. On Sept. 20 I ran my first race of the year. I Beat the Blerch. And it was great. 10K flat out and back at Tolt-MacDonald Park in Carnation. There were Blerches on the course, suggesting we stop and take a nap. There was cake, Nutella sandwiches and a couch at mile 3. These treats were at the finish line, as well, for those runners like me who might have vomited were they to eat cake at mile 3. What a delicious Nutella sandwich! I’ve got to get more of those in my diet.

If you don’t know anything about The Blerch, allow me to introduce you to
this comic, which sums up how I often feel when faced with the task of training for a race.

So, yeah. Fun. Bumped into a few friends at the start line. Also fun. Convenient parking. Lots of portapotties. Nice swag. Smooth start and the announcer says your name as you cross the finish line. One of the smoothest, well-organized running events I’ve been to, especially as a first-time race.

Oh yeah, and photos, lots of them, available for download at no cost. Wha??? Here’s one …

My time was about 1:01, or a 9:53 pace. Not surprising, considering the minimal training I had been able to do. The 10K is an ideal pace. Short enough to be done with minimal training, long enough to be worth a race entry fee and the hassle of race day.

What’s next?