Out across the Montlake Bridge. I struck up a conversation with another runner as we hit the first bridge. We chatted about racing, and training, and it was a Tremendous help. Gentle up and down hills around the south side of Portage Bay. Continued to chat and thought "I'm still running!" We rounded the last uphill push to the bridge and I finally gave in to a half a block of walking. Then it dawned on me "The bridge is not yet up. The last corner is within sight. I Might Make It!" I changed gears back into jog mode, rounded the bend and heard the cheering. "2 Minutes Till the Bridge Goes Up" I jogged across the metal grating and threw my hands in the air and let out a whoop! I had Beat the Bridge. I let myself ease back to a walk for the uphill stretch after the bridge. I didn't look back when the bells started to sound their warning. (no pillar of salt for me). The route then turned through the UW and back toward the stadium. I had the legs to keep running. Just walking at the water station and one 50 yard stretch within mile #5. I then looked at my watch. I'm halfway through the last mile and I'm at 46 minutes. If I push through the last half mile I could make it in under 50 minutes! Back into gear... my watch flips to 49 minutes at I round the corner into the stadium.... it's all downhill onto the grass and across the finish line. I did it... I ran, and I made a personal best, and I beat the bridge.

Wear a short sleeved top or tank. I was blazing hot by the end, but not about to strip down to a jog bra.

High Fives to Chris who ran the race in 38 minutes. Photo op for our friends and family. Walked/jogged back to the car. Water, fruit, and phone calls and text messages to my best friends to tell them about me race time.


training, training, training.


900 volunteers can't be wrong. :)