Wednesday, March 19, 2008

Grinning and Bearing It

Last Saturday was the kick-off race to the 2008 Central Oregon Running Schedule. The Grin and Bear It 5k/10k, hosted by Healthy Beginnings, held it's 6th annual event. Cracking the 200 runner barrier shows that not only was this running community ready to get out for their first race of the year, but also that Healthy Beginnings puts on a quality event.

Amongst the masses, four runners showed up sporting their cool new Fleet Feet Bend shirts: Jenn Shelton, Carly (last name?), Billy Barnett, and me. Rod and fam were going to come out and do the Family Fun Walk. Katie was hoping it would help her go into labor. No help was necessary, as the Biens were absent for the race. I knew why, and later got the good news: Noah Kent Bien, 9lbs, 6oz! Big boy in that little woman. Congratulations, my friends!

Although we didn't win the biggest-team award, we had some solid races. After starting out WAY too fast, Billy, Jenn, and I all faded in the second half, but still placed well. Billy got 2nd, I was 4th, and Jenn was 7th/1st girl. Results aren't posted yet, so I don't know how Carly's race went. But she was smiling at the finish - so that's a good thing!

It was fun to see so many smiling faces out there, enjoying the cool morning with friends, and helping out a great charity.

Upcoming events on the Central Oregon calendar:
Apr. 6, Horse Butte 10 miler
Apr. 13, Peterson Ridge Rumble 30k/60k
Apr. 20, Light of Hope 5k

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