Come on "Over the Narrows" With Me

September 4th 10 mile run

Some of you know that I have become a runner in the past year and a half.  It took me 49 years to figure out how great running is, and what great exercise it is.  I really enjoy it now, and look  forward to it as often as possible. I constantly challenge myself by planning my next 5K. 

But now I decided to push myself a little harder because the Gig Harbor North Rotary is planning a new event in Gig Harbor.  The Over the Narrows 10 mile run is being planned for Saturday September 4^th.

I really wanted to support this new event, so I decided yesterday to do a test run on the route to see how I did.  The furthest I have ever run was 9 miles.  But I didn’t want to sign up if I wasn’t sure that I could do 10 miles.  So yesterday was the day.

I got up really early since it was going to be so hot, and was running by 7am.  I parked at Uptown, where the race is to begin, and headed south in the shade on Point Fosdick.  The first challenge came as I headed up the hill towards Hwy 16, but the course then veers right onto 22^nd,  just as my leg muscles didn’t want any more hills.

Unfortunately 22^nd has absolutely no shoulder, but as it makes two hairpins and becomes Jahn a wider shoulder appears, long enough to get me to the bridge.  Once on the bridge the wide pedestrian path is really great to run on, and I cruised along enjoying the view, saying good morning to all the other runners, walkers and cyclists. 

The course goes up through War Memorial Park, where I anticipated finding a rest room…opps not so much!.  Plan ahead when running this course, no restrooms anywhere!  I’m sure during the official event there will be port-a-potties. 

The course continues onto the pedestrian bridge over hwy 16 and along Skyline Drive before dropping down to Jackson Avenue and heading back south to the Narrows Bridge.  This portion of the course offers beautiful views of the Narrows Bridge and the Olympic Mountains.

As I round the corner to head back across the bridge towards Gig Harbor I realize I am more than half way done and I am feeling good.  I know now that 10 miles is possible for me and I quicken my step with the realization. 

I’m smiling at everyone I pass now.  I’m feeling the heat too, as the thermometer is rising with each step I take, but I’m only about a mile away now.  I’m still amazed that I am doing this – 10 miles!  Wow.  Why did I wait so long to learn that my body could be athletic?

I reach my car back at Uptown and grab my Gatorade.  Success.  I am a runner.   I will now sign up to do the Over the Narrows race on September 4^th.  And I can’t wait. 

Join me!  Register by going to www.active.com and search “Over the Narrows”.