Monday, July 16, 2007

My Very First Race Report

It really wasn’t a race, it was a walk. It really was more of a stroll. My friend, Danette, asked me to walk the Toyota Tacoma Narrows Bridge Run/Walk with her. I agreed, even though I am nervous about heights. The walk was yesterday, so here is my official report.

Since Danette and I are both nervous about being late, we were to meet up at Pepper’s salon, where Danette works, at 6 AM, and of course we were both early, so after we got gas and coffee we were on the road by 6 AM. We parked at Tacoma Community College and rode the shuttle to the Living War Memorial Park and picked up our packets. We didn’t have anything else to do so we walked down to the start and looked around. We were there for just over an hour before the start. By 8 AM, when the race started, the area was packed. I have never seen so many people in my life. There were over 10,000 participating in this event.


It took us 10 minutes to cross the start line and we really could only stroll for probably the first mile. The race crossed the Narrows Bridge from Tacoma to Gig Harbor and up almost to the new toll booths where it turned around and we went back. I even looked over the edge and took this picture. I know it is hard to believe, but it is true. Although, I think am going to have to get a notarized affidavit from Danette to show my mother.


We finished up and walked up to the park and retrieved our jackets and got in the huge line for the shuttle back to TCC. The best part of the day was when we left TCC we went to Trader Joe’s and I stocked up on wine. If you want to come have a glass with us, I’ve got wine.

Be Free.

5 comments:

Backofpack said...

I want to come drink wine! That is, if you can forgive my hubby for the t-shirt. Now, you know I have no control over him right? He disappeared from breakfast, and the next time we saw him the shirt was in hand. He's so bad!

Riley ran the bridge too - he was in the front and did it in 24 minutes - he said there were still people crossing the start line when he finished! That is amazing. Congratulations to you for your first race, first report and the scary picture.

Anonymous said...

Ok, I made it to your comments. The pop up was hidden behind some work screens, I hate it when work gets in the way of my fun. Nice race write-up, remember we walk a lot in our Ultras too.

Journey to a Centum said...

Did you buy some two-buck-chuck at Trader Joes? It was just awarded two gold medals in a California wine competition.

That shot over the edge is kind of scary. I don't think anyone will be fishing off that bridge.

So you think that shirt I got Steve is going to get him a girlfriend? I don't think you would be doing Bob or Robin any favors by giving it to them. You've got to admit that that's a classic picture of Steve in the shirt. And just think, you can be content with the fact that you are his wife, girlfriend, partner for life!

Ironayla said...

Wow!! I am impressed. Now I can remember to bring this up next time we come to a suspension bridge.

lol! :)

Jenny, Maniac #401 said...

Wow! I have a height thing too, well maybe it is more of an edge thing, or a falling thing. I would have walked the center line without ever going near the edge. And I used to teach rock climbing and rapelling! Well, I was anchored in then and that made all the difference. Thanks for the report and glad it was fun! Thanks for sharing Steve this weekend. He was good. Save a glass of white for me!
Jenny