hipster runner: Bloomsday Week

It’s a Tuesday.

And it is Bloomsday week.

Since moving to Spokane, a little over three years ago, this week has become one of my favorites. Let’s face it: my absolute favorite.

It is a week filled with so much joy and fun, it is hard not to end it smiling and happy, even if you have a bad race on Sunday.

This Sunday marks my fourth Lilac Bloomsday run. Crazy to think about really. And along the way I have created these super random “traditions.” It may seem crazy but if I don’t do them, I don’t run well. Two of my last three Bloomsdays haven’t turned out the greatest, time wise.

Last year I hadn’t run the three months prior, so that doesn’t help. And my first one, let’s just say I had had a little too much fun the night before. So here’s to the week. Updates along the way, I am sure.

my favorite race photo. Boss man checking my time.

sometimes, you just have to laugh.

One thing I always seem to do is work. A lot.

I’m constantly moving and shaking all week long, no matter what job I am at, or who I am with, I am working all week. This is an amazing event, and I can think of nothing better than giving myself back to it, year after year. And yes, it makes waking up on Sunday morning a little bit harder, but my eyes still fill with tears as I wait in that corral for the gun to go off, surrounded by 52,000 of my nearest and dearest compatriots.

I eat a lot of yummy food too. This year will be a little bit different as I finally get to attend my mom’s awards banquet for her school. I haven’t been able to see their speakers, and they’ve had some good ones, but this year, I get food out of the deal!!!

Friday morning, before the Trade Show at the Convention Center, I wake up and head on down to the Spokane Club, starting one of my summer traditions as well.

There is a small and dedicated group, meeting every Friday morning at 7:15 downtown. They run the same five-mile course every time. With no fail, the only time it may differ is severe weather, but even then they may wait an hour or so to warm up.

I line up next to an Olympian and Lilac Bloomsday founder, some collegiate and high school phenoms, and even just your everyday, average “Bloomie.” Friday morning before the madness starts, I get in that one precious run. We don’t talk about Bloomsday. We catch up, and we enjoy the run. It is always sunny on Friday morning.