For months, I’ve been training for my very first half marathon. Nope, it’s not here in Las Vegas!
The Bellingham Bay Half Marathon (along with its marathon, 10K and 5K) is in Bellingham, Washington north of Seattle and 15 minutes from the Canadian border. I chose this race because of its location. Towering Douglas fir trees, lush greenery, vast views of Puget Sound and the distant Olympic Mountains, fresh sea breezes, ravens and crows, and a level course — what’s not to love? Also spending time with friends makes it a splendid trip!
The fun takes place in two days on Saturday, Sept. 29. You can imagine how I’ve been dreaming of speed walking this race all summer…a long, never-ending hot summer under the Vegas desert sun. Well, I’ve actually trained in the wee pre-dawn hours just to miss the intense sunshine. I figured the Pacific Northwest’s cooler temperatures will keep my energy stores up…maybe even my pace.
Right now, I’m sitting in my hotel room writing this post after catching the weather forecast from Seattle’s King 5 News.
Race Day Weather Forecast
The station’s chief meteorologist Jeff Renner says to expect rain this weekend. Okay, I can handle that (after all, I love the gentle mistiness in this region).
But, uh-oh, there could be a lot of rain. Plus gusts and gusts of frisky wind. That means headwinds in every direction. Temperatures will be chilly for this desert rat — somewhere in the 40s with highs nudging the mid-50s by midday…all before factoring in wind chill.
Holy schnoly! You’d have thought that having once lived in this wonderous Land of Lattes I would have thought it could rain in late September. Nope, not a single thought. DOH! <thumps forehead>
I packed my favorite pair of triathlon shorts and black running tights (to wear over those shorts). I’ve worn this type of thing for Turkey Trots and other cold winter races in Vegas. I’ll wear my breathable tech shirt, lightweight running jacket, and bright pink Brooks ball cap. Hydration pack with all my supplies (lip balm, gels, and small rolls of toilet paper — just in case!). Not a stitch of rain gear.
Time to Adjust
My hubby and I didn’t drive over 1,200 miles for nothing. I’m going to do this race despite the forecasted weather! There’s an old saying around here that goes like this: “If you don’t like the weather, wait 5 minutes.” I’ve seen the skies go from dark gray to bright blue all within those 5 minutes. Ditto for temperatures that start cold then warm then dip down again then go up…you get the idea.
I’ll stop by Fred Meyer tomorrow to pick up a plastic rain poncho to have with me. It’s simply a low-cost, precautionary item, because I have no idea how long it’s going to take me to do my first half marathon. Maybe somewhere between 3:45 and 4 hours? Remember, I’m walkin’ not runnin’!
The bottom line is this: I’m not gonna sweat it. Can’t control the weather so I’ll just go with it. Trust my months-worth of training, and get it done.
And chatter with the critters along the course, too – LOL.
Stay tuned for my 2013 Bellingham Bay Half Marathon race report!
Originally published Sept. 27, 2013 | Edited & republished Aug. 14, 2023 and included new featured image.