Predictor Race

I won't do this for a lot of races...but I do want to bring up an upcoming race that sounds like it's a lot of fun and is a bit of a twist on the "usual".

Sarah Sandquist at the City of Redmond is trying to bring a few new events to the city and she has contacted BuDu for timing - wise choice, Sarah!  (Sarah also is an "import" into the Pac NW - at about the same time I did - from Chicagoland!)

In a few Saturdays - the 19th to be exact - there is a different type of race.  It's called the Poultry Predictor 4-Mile Race.  It's when you predict your time and try to run the race to match that time.  No watches are allowed on course, no mile markers and the time clock will be turned around at the start/finish. 

Now, playing the devil's advocate, I'm sure there will be people who sneak their watch onto the course - either intentionally or not - and what about phones...are those not allowed?  However...if you go with the spirit of fun - it sounds like a unique twist and encourages anyone and everyone to get out their and move!  You don't have to be fast to win...you just have to know your speed!

Unfortunately I won't be doing the race...and it's not because I can't run 4 miles...no that isn't it....  (...OK...Yes, it is)  It's because I'll be timing it - so I'll see ya then!!

The things I love about Western WA...

So last night, after a running event that didn't go as well as I hoped.  (I was a participant and it had no connection to BuDu!) I am going to take a different approach and try to enjoy the world I live in...

As some of you know (but the majority don't) I am an import to the area...I got off the boat last May (2010) and have been learning all about the Pac NW.  I spent the majority of my life in the midwest (Ohio, Illinois, Iowa, a brief foray in Nebraska, Indiana) and did venture a bit South into Kentucky and Tennessee (which some may consider the midwest, while some may not...).  However the weather and terrain was pretty similar in the midwest - terrain: flat; weather: cold in the winter, hot in the summer, with the possibility of having both climates in the same day.

...So...without further ado, my list of why living in Western WA is great...

• Views of Mt. Rainier are breathtaking and priceless
• Approx. 100 miles to mountains or to the ocean.  Can practically do anything outdoors here (except surfing...prob don't want to do much surfing in WA...although I'm sure there are those that do!)
• Mild summers and mild winters.  It isn't regularly above 80 with high humidity during the summer...It isn't usually below freezing during the winter.  (Yes, in the morning it might be...but it doesn't stay there...)
• I love all the hippy-earthy types in the area..."allows" for convenient/easy recycling and a lot of great little stores and local produce.  (I actually saw a compost bin in the McD's next to the Space Needle...awesome!!)
• Although Seattle-area doesn't have Stumptown's quantity of microbreweries...there are still a hand full, and access to the microbrews of Portland :-)
• The tri-season is plentiful!  And lots of local lakes to get an OWS in!
• Whenever I'm traveling to and from Chicago...I can usually tell which women are from Seattle and which women are from Chicago...women in Chicago do not wear sensible shoes and I have never understood that.  When I've been in Chicago-Chicago I always see many women wearing the most uncomfortable looking heels walking around...But Seattle women prove that you can be both adorable and comfortable!
• 2-words: Coffee Shacks (nom, nom!!)
• And last, but not least...although I'm sure I'm forgetting many things - or haven't learned many other perks - BuDu Racing!!

Hope everyone is able to get a good run in today!  It's a beautiful one!