In Seattle, people ask “What are you doing this weekend?” or “How was your weekend?” and they really don’t care what you have to say but that doesn’t stop me from actually answering the question. In both instances, I think the answer I heard the most was “What were you thinking?” which now, looking back, I can totally see why that would be their answer. I will admit, it really threw me off that they even listened enough to answer! So, what did I do that weekend? I did two things for the first time: 1) completed a half marathon and 2) camped….in a tent!
The first time my friend, Roberta, and I went out to eat we talked about doing a half marathon (something I wanted to do before turning 30) and a little over a year later, we completed the Seattle Rock n’ Roll half marathon! I was not prepared for this and still had one (of the 6) procedures left on my back to finish but figured what the heck, why not do this with Roberta! She had no intention of running and instead walking the half marathon so I thought it was totally doable. We went to pick up our race packets the day before and that’s when it got real!
Race bib, energy bars, and water all packed and ready!
We started the race (after about an hour of waiting for our group number to be called) walking, enjoying each other’s conversation and sites we too often just drive right past. We were walking a very nice, casual pace and at one point there was only one other participant separating us from the pace van but we were doing it – and that is what mattered! Around mile 4 it started to sprinkle (typical Seattle) and by mile 4 Roberta got blisters (that’s no good). Mile 5: we really started to slow down and Roberta was beginning to really feel the blisters. Mile 6: Roberta’s feet were hurting and she was “feeling the pace van in her future” so she told me to go ahead. I didn’t want to leave her because we agreed to do this together but she insisted so I put in my earphones (glad I brought them at the last minute) and took off on a casual pace. I ended up jogging the last 8 miles which I am still trying to figure out how that happened!
Crossing the finish line. I might have cried a little when this happened 🙂
Me, my medal, and my million dollar smile!
We did it Roberta!
After the race, we went back to the car where I needed help lifting my right leg inside because my hip had tightened up so much I couldn’t feel or move my leg. Once we got that situation handled, we rushed to the house to shower and load up the car and head down  Ocean Shores to meet friends for a night of camping. We got a late start so we stopped for dinner on the way and still got there in time to have a little sunlight left to set up the tent. Our friends had gotten there the night before and had their camper set up and offered to let us stay in there but I really wanted to try out my new sleeping bag and tent so we decided to “rough it” even though I was super sore! Granny (our friend’s mom) had some cream you can rub on sore muscles to help ease the pain which she was gracious enough to let me try…and let me tell you – life saving! My hip and knee felt so much better. I was exhausted and fell asleep in my chair by the campfire so they gently woke me and I moved to the tent. Needless to say, I slept like a baby!
The next morning, we woke up (thank goodness) and my old man friend and I went for a walk on the beach to enjoy the ocean breeze.
Enjoying the ocean breeze with a morning walk on the beach
After that, we all loaded up and headed into town to venture around. We had a great time walking around, looking at the little shops, and getting coffee. After that, we went to another little spot on the beach and as the guys said “had a photo shoot” with my friend’s granddaughter.
Of course, they capture me in my element…me and my camera
After a wonderful day, we went back to the campsite, made dinner, and loaded up to head home. I would have LOVED to stay another day but we had to get back to work. On the way back, my old man friend hit the brakes real quick and did a quick u-turn. I wasn’t sure what was going on but of course, he saw some people eating ice cream and realized the little store we just drove by was an ice cream shop so we had to go back and get some.
Yummy ice cream! Can you tell which one of us is a little OCD on how they eat their ice cream?!?! **we were parked when taking this picture**
It was a super busy weekend where I did things I never thought I would do but am sure glad I did! I am already thinking about doing another half marathon (training for the next one though) and did more camping this summer. What an incredible weekend spent with so many friends!
Do you have memorable weekend where you did things you never thought you would?
Until next time…xoxo…Julie
Single Southerner Surviving Seattle 