Jodi’s Running Blog

Spring has arrived in Seattle! Since I had the day off, I embarked on my first “long run” since I went Running with the Salmon in October 2005. It was also the first day since last summer where I have run outside in a sleeveless top - how wonderfully refreshing not to have to bundle up to exercise. For those of you familiar with Seattle geography, I ran down 23rd Avenue S, cut across Smith Park into the Mount Baker Tunnel, and then down to Lake Washington Boulevard (normally I would continue across the I-90 pedestrian bridge). Then, I continued south along Lake Washington to Sayres Park. The views of the lake, as always, were gorgeous, but particularly on a day with plenty of sunshine, warmth, and clear views of the still snow-capped mountains. According to my heart rate monitor, my one hour of running burned 749 Calories. Perhaps it was the huge hill on the return.

The beautiful thing about this path is that the route about Lake Washington goes for miles and miles AND MILES, all the while providing scenery to keep one occupied. It should make for good long runs, should I decide to try for another marathon.

Which brings me to my next point - I’m starting to feel that urge that those who have previously completed marathons get, that “Yeah, it would be really nice to train for a marathon…” daydream. One knows that training is exhausting, time-consuming, that motivation can become difficult - and yet, the desire is still there. One of my dreams since I finished my first marathon in 2000 has been to qualify for the Boston Marathon. I would like to do it before I turn 35 (which requires a sub-3:40 qualifying time for women 34 and under).

Anyway, more to come on this. Happy Spring!