The first .4 mile in and out through Millersylvania
Millersylvania State Park, some 10 miles south of Olympia. Perfect weather for now: mid-30's, predicted high of 50ish, overcast. I worry about predictions of morning showers. Not a pleasant prospect in these temps, but them's the chances.
Bernadette and I start out early together at 7:50 a.m. We chat a bit until we get out on the main road and she moves on ahead.
The double out/back course gives a small sample
of the lush Pacific northwest, mostly on these rural highways.
Some pleasant scenic stretches, some farmland. Most drivers slow
down to 25–35; those who drive
at highway speed at least give plenty of room. |
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Jogging more on the straight sections, I admire deep greens and grays of fauna along the road. At m4 a doberman goes into Orange Alert as I pass; if he goes this gonzo already just for me, he'll have a heart attack sometime in the next few hours as the crowd passes. Soon after I turn west on Goddard I pass several farms. I meet Bernadette making her first return.
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Bernadette
Spectators
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On my return I meet the lead runner, headed out. The next few runners pass maybe 100 yards apart; the entire pack includes maybe 60. My split at the halfway turnaround doesn't encourage me, but I may still come in undersix hours if I really work this half.
The second outbound passes uneventfully; the predicted showers never show. I struggle with the small and few but insistent hills. The dobie desperately needs a sedative. The lead marathoner, a lady, passes me near the m5/m18 turn. As I make my last two miles, biathlon participants begin biking out to the turnaround. Their leaders pass me as I make my final return through the park.
The finish line (above);
more spectators (below)
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