Dinner with Dick

Dick Beardsley, also known as "The Man." Google him now because my description will *not* do him justice. For me he is the runner's version of "Job" (See Bible). He had triumph, success, glory and then hardships, downfalls and horrendous life challenges that threw him to the bottom of the mountain that he once stood on top of. Day by day, one hand at a time, he climbed his way back to the top and he is an incredible inspiration to everyone around him. Making it his life committment to encourage everyone that picking yourself back up after you fall is the most important lesson in life.
That's not the Wikipedia version, that is the Krista version. And I was dumbfounded - emphasis on the dumb - when Shannon & I met him.

He is most known for the book written about him and Alberto Salazar "Duel In The Sun" about the 1982 Boston Marathon.



Dick Beardsley was in town to be the speaker at the Pasta Dinner the night before the Tacoma City Marathon. My sugarmama Shannon was going to run the half-marathon portion and I had joined her on some training runs.
Fate started when Big Bro sent me an email from Germany encouraging me to go to the dinner to watch Dick speak describing him as his own mentor of running. Well naturally since my brother is *my* mentor of running I had to attend and honor Big Bro.
Doing my own research beforehand and learning who Dick was I had gotten SUPER excited to listen to him speak.



And then he sat next to me. I was speechless and had that stupid grin on my face the whole time. I had nothing insightful to ask him since my mind was blank but he was so positive, gracious and happy to meet and talk with everyone. He signed a book for Shannon and when he learned of my Big Bro's admiration he made sure to autograph a card for me to send him. I was so inspired, encouraged and literally glowing from his contagious enthusiasm.
The running community is amazing - everyone is so stinking supportive of each other and there is nothing selfish about the sport. Dick only reinforces that with the kind of life he lives.

After the flood of inspiration and wisdom from Dick I decided to run my "training run" the next day with Shannon for the portion of the Half-Marathon. Technically I was done at 9.5 miles but had a "running reunion" with an old friend which upped my mileage to 10 or more miles (totally worth it).

Good job Shannon getting under a 2:10 with all those dang "eff you" hills at the end of the race. I want to be a gazelle like you when I grow up!

Earlier in the month Shannon, Laura, CortO and myself went up to Skagit to do the Tulip Run. I've always been curious about the Skagit Running Company and I was quite impressed with the 5 mile run they organized - complete with Tulip PortO's!

Well...the finish has room for improvement....so I'll see you next year Tulip Run and look forward to the timing chip.

Stretching the hammies just before the start!

This was a pretty & easy run and a portion of it was thru the woods on soft ground. I was really loving it - it was a gorgeous day to be alive and in Skagit County.

Go Laura Go! She's so amazing - this was her first 5 mile race AND the night before she did a killer bootcamp and she kicked this race out like a champ!

Oh and seriously - BEST post-race food E-V-E-R!

After which we went to La Conner (congrats on Evening Magazine's best small town award) and walked into a parade. This parade was great - I think anyone could just show up. Above are a parade of dogs. Oh wait...those look like ponies in the background too. Did I know that at the time? Hmmm.

This lady ran up to pick the candy she wanted instead of letting it be thrown to her. I like a woman who goes after what she wants.

Before heading down we visited some wineries and as you can see from above we REALLY loved Pasek Cellars. I have never been too familar with stainless steel wine vs. oak wine and now I'm a stainless steel believer! Shout out to their Cranberry Wine and their Chardonnay. Yum!

But this winery? Not so much. I won't name you winery - I'll protect your innocence but you have some work to do...

Ok so I understand the appeal of the tulip fields and all the beautiful & colorful tulips. And I get that flowers aren't free. But why isn't looking at them free? We saw the long lines, the huge crowds and decided the closest we'll get to tulips is to the ones next to the public roadway. Thanks for being public tulips.

I know it looks like were having a reflective moment but were really just avoiding the I-5 back-ups by taking refuge by this creek in tribal land. Smell that sweet air and listen to those loud fireworks. Very relaxing.



Happy 2nd Birthday Little Schmuck!

Thank you very much Stacia for taking me to opening day of the Mariner's game - it was a lot of fun (I love losers). I have to admit though, I'm a Rainier's girl at heart. There's something about those small-town games that are more my style. Safeco Field is sooo stinking expensive and way too commercial. Give me some cheap seats, cheap beer and Friday night fireworks and I'm a happy woman...with a lot more cash left in my pocket.

Why wasn't Joey Cora invited!?

For the last time Stacia - Put down the dang phone! It will go into The June Box very soon if I have anything to do with it....watch yourself.