The Columbia Gorge Half (and full) Marathon started in 2009, and this is our fifth year running it. It's a race we won't miss because it's fun, casual, close to home, and the scenery combined with the time of year is spectacularly beautiful.
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| A rainbow greets us after the initial uphill |
We were lucky this year-- dark grey clouds smoldered overhead, threatening rain, but it cleared up and we even had a rainbow. Even luckier, my dad came out from the east coast for his third running in the event.
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| Beautiful views across the river |
This was the first year that the half marathon started in waves, and it made a big difference. There's a small pedestrian footbridge that sways into seasickness when the crowd tromps over it. It happened this year, too, but it wasn't as bad. The big, main uphill from the start to where the road levels off feels less steep every year. It's the long uphill after the turnaround that sneaks up on me!
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| Sunshine and autumn color |
We didn't PR this year, with Ann's painful side cramp and my relentless cough, but we also didn't push, so we felt good afterwards. Plus my dad won a gift certificate to a local Hood River running and hiking store-- can't beat that.
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| Leif cheers as Grandpa comes into the finish |
Afterwards we all went to
pFriem for beer and food. It was delicious and made for a relaxing difference from the crowded hubbub of Double Mountain. Plus there was an awesome playground across the street that we made the most of before heading home.
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| Family-friendly at pFriem |
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