2015 Lilac Bloomsday 12k

Bloomsday 2015

Last year the Bloomsday 12k was my second race back after a having my little girl, Liv. I had never been to Spokane other than XC in the winter and discovered it is a great little town, especially in the summer. I can see why the “spokanites” love this race despite the fact that the course is pretty brutal. The design of the tee-shirts is always a surprise and a big deal, but you only get a shirt if you finish and make it up Doomsday Hill, a 600 meter tough climb. I guess they needed a little extra incentive to get everyone to the finish line.

Well, this year the race went out a little faster than last year, but I was trying to keep the lead pack in view as long as possible. Not too hard to do seeing that it was a huge pack of 12 Kenyans and Etheopians. I got gapped by the pack around mile 3, and ended up about a minute and half behind the winner. My time was 45 seconds faster than last year, and my body felt good and strong. I ran 40:57 or 5:30 per mile to place twelfth overall (full results).  Last year I could barely warm down, my legs were hurting so bad. This year, I felt great and ran an easy 5 miles along the river. It’s a good start with my first race since the ASICS LA Marathon. I am looking forward to some more fun, SHORT races and more good things to come.

photo courtesy of Photobox

Heading up Doomsday!

 

About a half mile to go. Photo courtesy of Photobox

Running downtown the day before the race on a beautiful day.

The start of Doomsday hill missing the last 400 meters or so…the photo doesn’t do it justice!

 

USA woman after the race

 

FacebookShare

Blake Russell

Runner, Wife and Mom. Enjoying where the running world has taking me and looking forward to the journey.

You may also like...

Love to hear from YOU!

error: Content is protected !!