HELLUVA HALF MARATHON ~ HELVETIA 6.13.09

Megan and I got up at dawn this morning, almost like we didn’t stay up late drinkin’ beers the night before.  We couldn’t wait to get our run on!  We were out the door by 6:45, but traffic was already dead-stopped on the freeway near the race.  Liam threw it into reverse and backed up to another exit for a quick detour.  It worked.

A light rain was falling as we parked – it let up just before the event began.  As we headed to the start, Megan spotted a soggy 20 dollar bill in a puddle.  Score!  Considering it a good sign, we moved on.  Soon it was time to strip to our shorts.  The last 3 minutes up until the blow horn (signaling GO) were achingly long.  Finally, a countdown…and we were off.

Megan quickly pulled forward and out of sight ahead of me.  I didn’t see her again until the end, but we both had a spectacular race!  Megan finished with a 7 minute pace, between the overall 7th and 8th place female runners.  (Much to the dismay of the event officials, we were bandits.)  In her division, she would have won!  I came in around 22nd in mine.  My favorite part was sneaking up on my buddy Brad in the last 50 meters (who passed me early on), and passing him while sticking my tongue out in his face.  Glorious!

KICKIN’ BALLS & MAKIN’ NAMES

Losing never felt so good!  After last night’s season opener, the Mud Muckers came away enthused and excited to sharpen our skills for the next game.  I’ve said it a million times: kickball is once of my greatest joys.

Speaking of joy – this weekend Megan and I are running the Helvetia Half-Marathon.  We’re totally pumped!  Megan is certain to make a splash for her Portland debut – she’s super speedy.  I’ve honestly never run with another chick who made me feel slow.  HOT!!!

10-Day Trippiness

In case you missed it, my b-day was Wednesday, May 27th (write that down – don’t let it happen again!).  Everyone came to my place for the annual BBQ which, naturally, was the best one yet.  The next morning, I packed my bags, dipped out just after dawn to the airport and took off for my first trip to Hawaii!  Underfunded but enthusiastic, I landed on Maui with Geoff.  We were joining a group of equally fun-loving and adventurous singles to take the island by storm.  It wasn’t 48 hours in before I ran out of money – until a good friend back on the mainland helped me out (Thanks BJ!).  After that, it was smooth sailin’…for me anyway.  The boys had a tough time not staying out of trouble.

With an apartment in the town of Kihei as home base, we toured Maui.  One day, we rented scooters and explored Lihaina.  Another day we drove the winding, craggy road around the entire East end of the island.  Bound on both sides by either towering mountain or sheer cliffs, I attempted to enjoy the magnificent view while also driving – without comparison the most challenging drive of my life – a grueling 12 hours!

Just as Geoff had assured me, there was drama every night.  The boys made quite an impression on the locals…  Despite being fairly popular with the ladies, our crew made the local boys’ heckles go up, on sight.

Sometimes I did my own thing.  I got up earlier than the others most days, so I’d go for a run or a drive along the beach.  Speaking of beach – it was GORGEOUS!  Hawaii definitely gives Oregon coasts a run for their money.  Not only that, but the temperature is beyond pleasant.  Unlike Oregon, where the water makes your feet ache if you’re so much as ankle deep, Hawaii’s waters are an ideal temperature for swimming.  Or you can float!  I’d swim out and find a prime spot to float on my back, totally at peace, sticking my gold tipped toes out of the water.  At one point, a dark shadow passed beneath me and – just as panic was about to hit – a giant turtle came to the surface and stuck it’s head up next to me.  It was so close I could’ve poked it in the eye!

All too soon, the adventure came to an end.  It was a whirlwind 6-day tour that bore stories, excitement, lessons and friends.