I was drawn to the Tehaleh Evergreen Trail Runs due to the fact that I wanted to do a double half…read moremarathon weekend, which meant one half marathon on Saturday and one half marathon on Sunday. *Crazy ain't it? But that's me and my life for a good portion of my life. The Tehaleh Evergreen Trail Runs running event is a small event that showcases and draws many seasoned trail runners, as well as experienced marathoners, to the Pacific Northwest during the last weekend in September. Typically, the weather during that time is generally cooler and makes for a great race atmosphere. To most, this race is not known to the masses, as trail races cater to the chosen few who want a cheap race but not be bothered down with big crowds, heavy logistics, and high entry fees. For those of you who love a good time and want to run a technical trail (at some spots), this may be the one for you, although there were some parts of the course that were paved, but 75% of the course is all trail. I was here for the 2015 installment of this trail race and ran the half marathon. The Tehaleh Evergreen Trail Runs offers the full marathon and a half marathon, as well as a 10K, 5K, and the kids run. I was privileged to see the kids race while waiting for the half marathon to start. Since this one is a very low key affair, they only offer race day packet pick up. They don't have any race t-shirts and don't give out finisher medals at all. I should have known that before signing up, but then again, I don't read through the fine print at times and assume that all races have finisher medals. The race starts and finishes at the Donald Eismann Elementary School in Bonney Lake. Parking here is quite plentiful, as long as you get here early enough to covet a great parking spot near the start / finish line. The race registration is as cheap as you can get and I paid $41 for the half marathon, whereas the marathon is priced at $48. Pretty darn cheap for a race, but bummed that there was no race t shirts nor finisher medals. For me, it was just 13.1 miles and on a trail no less. On some spots along the course, it felt like I was lost and in the middle of nowhere. The course was basically a loop course, where the half marathon did it once, but the marathon does it twice. The course had some hills and some uphill climbs. There was a grossly narly downhill section on the course, which was basically a 45 degree section of trail that was a challenge to get down without breaking anything. That took me a while, but at least I didn't break anything or fall down. Bonney Lake was about 30 - 45 minutes from downtown Seattle, so best believe that it takes a while to drive down to get into the trails out here. In the end, the volunteers were great and the trail was marked with orange ribbons that was tied to tree branches and signposts, so it was marked pretty well. Thank goodness I didn't get lost and the weather was comfortable and didn't get too warm. This trail race is what it is. If you love trail distance racing, this one may be the right one for you. If you like bling with your racing, it may not be the one for you. But it's just running and be glad you are out here and competing. It's a fun way to see the country and the travel is quite nice too. While I am not keen on trail racing myself, it's a nice race with fantastic organization, so I'd recommend this one, if you are chasing states and don't like the urban vibe of the Rock n Roll Seattle marathon (June) or the Seattle marathon (November). Run more! Support local! B+

Great race organization. The first race I did with ETR was my second half ever. It was up Tiger…read moreMtn. I like to look back and laugh. The next with them was this last weekend (Lake Sammamish). The runs have grown in size drastically and so have the quality. There was a DJ and more sponsors and schwag. I like that at the end of a race they have food to accommodate any craving- sweet, salty, crunchy and reusable cups!! My only complaint came from the Tiger Mtn race. It was really hard to figure out on the course which way to go in the maze of trails based on the various lengths people were running. I'm sure that has been cleared up though. Also, maybe one more water station on the routes.. Great runs, though, with great organization. THANKS!! I'll keep truckin with them for sure!

Women of all ages, sizes, and abilities can do this!…read more The Trek Triathlon is often compared to the Danskin Triathlon. In Seattle; they're both run on the same course in and along Lake Washington. It's a beautiful course with few hills. There's been political fighting between the two races, which you can ignore. The Trek is smaller and it's a lot of fun. I've done both, and I liked Trek better. Be prepared to get some speeches and advertising from Sally Edwards, famous triathlete who's turned her career to the business side of things. But stay focused on the race itself--you can swim (paddle if you need to--with swim angels nearby)! You can bike (at your own pace)! You can run (or walk if you prefer)! It's a sprint level tri--.5 mile swim, 12 mile bike, 3 mile run. The Trek is a great time--highly recommended.

Super friendly people! Everybody with the best attitude to meet others and have a good time…read more I know these events are very joyful and I always like them! Maybe after going to Santacon it wasn't that big as I was expecting :( We weren't that many this year and we were all over the place. It was until 3pm that we fill one place.

I think this year has been one of the largest groups for BunnyCon and as you know, it will only get…read moremore word of mouth and popularity. There are already people signing up for next years event. BunnyCon is the Bunny Bar Hop that you've seen in previous years hosted by David LeClair. I have attended many of his meet up events in the past and he shows that he has years of event experience by the amount of people he can manage and yield as well as communicate and coordinate with the local bars in the area. Because there was such a great turnout of over 1,500 people for this years event, many bars that were on the listed hop areas were overwhelmed with bunnies. I felt it was a successful event and because it is Seattle; many bars were available to take the overflow of bunnies from neighboring restaurants that were on the list. Entertainment was fun and tastefully presented as well as the control of crowd. Even though Sakura-con was going on, parking was still to be had and there were no messy situations (that I know of). Everyone seemed to be respectful and wanting to just have clean fun. I attended from 3pm to midnight and followed the rules to stay fed, hydrated, and well full of energetic fun. Because this is a large festival, the experience is what you make of it. There are all possible options and venues available to choose from as well the whole geographic area of downtown Seattle at your fingertips. it could be as exciting or as boring as you wanted since it was up to you to go further from or closer to the action of BunnyCon as your legs could take you (in case you needed a break from the crowd). Good times. I am a fan! Thanks for the event and memories through the Seattle rain.

Backcountry Bicycle Trails Club has the goal to make Washington one of the best places in the…read morecountry to ride a mountain bike. Working to build and maintain trail systems, educate and train riders, and hosting group rides through out the State. They have built the I-5 Colonnade park as well as many others. I have only been on a few rides with the BBTC but all of them were really fun. I really like the web site and wiki page for finding spots to ride around the sound, and people to ride with. A great organization to volunteer for or just meet some like minded singletrack junkies.

This is my first time joining UW Dawg Dash. And, I am not a UW alumni. But, I thought it's nice to…read moreget the spirits going and help out UW students in their scholarship. It's meaningful. However, my friend who ran with me was a UW alumni. That's another reason to support. This isn't really a big event. But, everyone was running/walking hard. I am a dog lover. I think the best part of this run is that you can bring your dogs. Unfortunately, my boys don't really run. In addition, there were a few sponsors handing out goodies. My favorite would be the green tea chopsticks and Peak's Frozen Custard, Pumpkin flavor. When it comes to the route and course, this run isn't my favorite. Towards to the end, the course looped around campus several times. It got crowded, a bit confusing, and complicated for 10K. I think the 5K may have been a better route since it's shorter.

The Dawg Dash is a 5K and 10K run sponsored by the University of Washington to raise money for the…read morealumni association. The biggest draw for me is this is a dog friendly event. There aren't many in Seattle unfortunately even though this is a dog friendly city. My pooch, Dugan, and I have done it two years in a row. This is a fairly well organized event. This year I had to stand in line longer to get my race bib than I had last year but that tends to happen. The run starts in Husky Stadium. Before the gun goes off to start the race the Star Spangled Banner is played. You run on the track then run out of the stadium. Soon you are in the UW campus, on the Burke Gilman Trail then back into the stadium for the finish. While running through campus the alumni band is playing festive tunes to keep you motivated. The course is mostly flat with a few small inclines here and there. This is a great run for beginners. Don't worry. LIttle Bobby won't be left out. For the little guys there is a free one mile Pup run which commences once all the runners are out of the stadium. While I enjoy this run my only complaint is there are no waves. The runners, walkers, and joggers all start at the same time. Due to my frequent trips to the bathroom caused by nerves Dugan and I were stuck in the back. When the gun went off we were ready to go at full speed but were stopped in our tracks as we encountered the walkers. For at least half a mile there is no room to move. It is crowded not only with humans but with dogs. Be aware of the length of your dog's leash and you'll be just fine. I recommend the Dawg Dash highly because I can run with my dog. Also, the course is easy as pie. The alumni band is a great touch as well.

Nutella lovers rejoice, this race is your dream come true!! There were so many snacks...more snacks…read morethan you can imagine and jars of nutella were everywhere to add to your banana, cake or nutella sandwiches. Best. race. food. ever!! This was such a fun and well-planned event, we really enjoyed ourselves! I am always happy to see a course that isn't overcrowded and a start without long lines and sufficient port-a-potties (essential!). There were so many helpful volunteers around and so many people trying to feed you cake, much appreciated. The race shirts/medals/photo booths/signs all had lovely oatmeal artwork which alone is worth the price of admission. There were so many fun costumes and the blerches and couches along the course give you a nice chuckle. The only downside is that the course has lots or gravel which makes for some discomfort at times, but I would still do this race again for sure. One tip: purchase the parking pass, it is well worth it and you get to park right next to the start. I heart Beat the Blerch!! Thanks for a fun run!!

My running group tries to do a "destination" race every year & we decided to make it Beat the…read moreBlerch this year. There was nine of us from AZ (one was actually from Iowa). A couple people in our group were originally from Seattle & a few were familiar with The Oatmeal (I wasn't) so it seemed like a good fit. It was so fun! Most people in our group are generally pretty competitive runners, but given the nature of this race all but one decided to run for "fun." Most of us (including me) did the half marathon along withe a couple of 10K'ers (they also do have a full marathon option). Before I get into the fun stuff I'll just point out some race logistics. The half marathon (as well as 10K) is an out and back. It's a gradual up hill along a trail, so coming back it's a gradual down hill. The setting is gorgeous (Carnation is about 45 minutes outside of Seattle) with lots of greenery. I would say the race itself is a less competitive than most big organized races like this (which totally makes sense) with people of all different abilities. The one woman in our group who did take it seriously was the 2nd overall female and in the top 20 overall (there was over 800 people who did the half). She said she's never finished so high in a race that big. Okay...now for the fun! -BURRIDONUT (sp?): I had one before the race (they were also available after). Get in line, take a flour tortilla, get a grilled donut from a local bakery (chocolate or coconut), and then your toppings. They had bacon bits, ranch, gummy bears, marshmallows, and other toppings that I can't remember. Wrap it all together and enjoy! It's a good thing I wasn't taking the race seriously because I DEFINITELY felt this rumbling in my belly as a jogged. Also, the grill they were using for the donuts was nice to stand by to keep warm. -Cake!: Yep, there's cake at the aid stations! And not just store bought grocery cake. I can't remember the name of the local bakery who provided a TON of sheet cake, but it was really delicious & moist. The bakery also provided the donuts for the burridonuts -Nutella sandwiches: Also available at aid stations. I had to have one to say I ran while eating nutella sandwich, but like the burridonut it did a number on my stomach and I only had one at the the first aid station -Blerches (and a Sasquatch!): These guys jumped out every now and then to lighten the mood and make for a fun experience. The location for this race is nice! There's a large barn in Tolt Macdonald park where lots of goodies were available after the race. Also, the swag bags were pretty nice. In addition to a foam blerch & candy, all half marathoners get a really nice long sleeve half-zip tech running shirt w/the race logo. I'd totally do this race again!

The velodrome is one of the best attractions near Seattle…read more It's located in Marymoor Park, meaning there's no fee to visit and it's open to the public. You can bring your own bike to ride, just know there might be classes or races going on so you won't always get to ride. You can view the schedule on their website. There are junior classes available for purchase online (a week long camp), and you need to pay to race on racenights. I personally am one of the Juniors at the track so I know all about it. For spectating races, there is no cost except for Friday Night Racing. It is very fun to watch because there are multiple different categories of speed and group sizes, including Juniors. The parking lot charges $1 for your stay. If you're looking for some fun at the end of the day, the velodrome is the place to go. Or, if you want to ride, you can enter yourself in a race or ride when the track is empty. Everybody is very friendly and can answer any questions you have. The velodrome is a great community and worth every visit.

Looking for something different to do, one of my friends hauled me out to watch a little bit of…read morevelodrome on a friday night. Not having seen anything like this before, I wasn't sure what to expect. Was this a cross between roller derby and MMA? Was this going to be watching a bunch of people in skin tight suits and multi-thousand dollar vehicles? Not the former, but the latter. Lots of families around to watch people flying around a banked track pretty much just for the sport of it. We sat over on the grass, right in one of the banked areas, watching people whizz on by. There's a dollar parking lot fee and it cost $5 to get in to watch the races.

Thanks to a fortuitous change in plans, I was lucky enough to go on a retreat with RAW and cannot…read morespeak more highly of the experience! Upon arriving, the lodging we were staying at was rustic and tucked away in nature, a true "get away." It felt like we were sleeping in a tree house! Tracey left us little welcome notes, which was a very nice touch to make us all feel welcome. Throughout the weekend there are multiple activities to choose from - bike rides throughout the beautiful island, as well as yoga sessions in the morning and afternoon. The cycling is great for experienced riders and newcomers alike as it is geared towards sightseeing, but still a very good workout! I was nervous as I hadn't ridden in months, but everything is optional so if you choose to stay behind at the lodge or head into town, there is that option as well. No one is competitive and while our group varied in athletic ability, I still felt able to enjoy the riding despite being less experienced. The yoga is equally amazing - the instructor mirrors the energy level of the group well and makes adjustments for all levels! By the end, I fully decided to do yoga regularly - her classes got me hooked! The food is AMAZING - I cannot speak more highly about how fresh, organic and healthy it is, as well as how creative the chef is in making things that thrill your pallet. YUMMY! Every meal was a surprise and an absolute delight. From the presentation to the variety, I loved it! She also made special adjustments if you didn't eat something (meat, cheese, etc.) so the meals were custom to you. I could go on about how wonderful the weekend was but I'll sum it up so I don't get too wordy - this retreat is a great chance to spend some time reflecting, enjoying nature and connecting with other women. We laughed, shared stories, drank wine, ate great food, exercised and by the end, I felt like a million bucks! I can't recommend this more - everyone walks in a little shy and walks out good friends. You can do as much as you'd like or as little as you'd like and it is a great way to recharge your body and mind! And lastly, Tracey (the owner) is an amazing leader - she is warm and friendly and immediately makes you feel comfortable. She really brings out the best in people and I am glad I got to know her over the course of the weekend!

When you meet Tracey.. you just want to keep talking to her…read more.. From the first time I heard her speak in front of hundreds of women cyclists at a bike shop... I knew then I wanted to go to her retreat, get to know her better, and just keep talking to her, listening to her... Truly there is not a more genuine, happy and bright sunshine of a person... She is a special part of the gift of your RAW retreat....!!! The other "gifts" include all the women that this great idea brings together... the laughter, joys, stories shared on all the moments in between yoga sessions, lunches on picnic tables or wineries, bike riding beautiful roads, challenging moments of going up hill where you band together to help your fellow woman up a steep climb.. to the sections of downhill that make you go "wwwweeeee" :)))) I can't think of something I want to do more.. I've already done one retreat.. but I'm ready for another.. and now I really also want to share this retreat time with my friends!!! I honestly can't believe how much I loved the weekend!! Do this for YOU, and if you bring a friend- wonderful.. but if no one you know is going.. you must still GO and meet other amazing women...!!! The weekend was such a treat!!! :)