~~_{NOTICE THIS IS NOT A RACE REPORT}~~

Seattle was a much needed break from reality and the hustle and bustle of moving, starting a new job (technically) and being homeless.  This all spelss one big word for me, STRESSED!  I had intentions of ramping up my training but then came the house cleaning (to turn it over for good) and the constant screw ups by those getting my orders, flights, and passports in order.  I ended the month of June with just over a hundred miles for the month.  The majority of my mileage came early in the  month and with 26.2 miles coming in 1 day.  Okay so I will begin my story now.

I finished up with work on Thursday morning and we found ourslelves with little to do before catching a flight to Seattle.  After a ver uneventful trip we ended up in Seattle and found that Budget had given away the car we requested and had to let us drive a big quad cab Ford F150.  I am a Chevy man but with the current sitution they are in I will gladly drive a Ford.  The beast is very nice and pretty much brand new.  We bagged the hotel so Liz could stay and visit with her sis in Seattle.  The following morning I was up and about and we headed to meet up with the others.  The day was very enjoyable going to the Expo and then off to visit the main attractions of Seattle.  We hit Pioneer Square (where the underground city sits) and then off to find the world's first Starbucks where Chris ordered up his favorite beverage.  We saw the fish markets and even snapped  Sleepless In Seattle pic at Athenian's Inn in Pikes Place Market.  Then it was off to the Space Needle.  We got there after a strange encounter with a space alien (weird lady in pink leopard print attire theat danced to the Native Americans music) and all of us decided not to waste the money and timeto make it to the top so the boys allwent and rode bumper cars where we all were taken out by a 12 year old.  This led us to the water front for a frosty beverage and relaxation before going to eat at the absolute worst palce I have eaten at in some time.  The food was toleratable but the service was horendous (sp?).  Mitchellis was about three steps down from THE WORS EVER.  Not Criags fault at all it is what it was.  Then off to th hotel for a few drinks and then offto lala land before an early rise.

I was up and abo0ut at 2:45 to get my hair ready for a long day.  Then I hit the parking garage at 3:30ish to find a small crowd.  Jerry, Nita, Craig, and Chris all came in a few minutes later and we scurried off to the shuttles.  It felt like it was gonna be a good day and it turned out pretty alright.  The race was good up until my lack of training kicked in and beat  y arse royally.  I ran some of the miles with another Marine who was carrying a flag and many with Craig, Nita and Jerry.  It was at about mile 18 or so that though I might land my 5 hour marathon finish.  Luck be the story I did not and instead finished in a dissapointing but admirable 4:42.  This is almost a full hour slower then my June race of last year.  That evening we wenjoyed good food and nice drinks in West Seattle where we watched the sunset at Alki Beach.  Gorgeous place and the company was just about as good as it gets.

Sunday morning Liz and I got up took a water taxi over and toured the Underground City.  The tour was funny and eye opening.  We taxied back over to the truck and promptly headed for Snoqualamy Falls.  This was one of my favorite parts of the trip.  Liz and I head to the very bottom and even climbed a "do not climb" fence and went down to th waters edge, along with many others.  We then went and had a very nice meal at  steak and seafood place.  I had a steak that was just about the best I ever had and who would have thought a spinach slad dressed in honey mustard could be so downright good.  That evening it was back to West Seattle for some adult beverages and to watch the sunset again. 

The next day it was the trip home that seemed to never end.  Who would have thought that a delay in San Francisco would cause me to get into New Orleans at midnight?  Then I decided to be a glutton for punishment and drive the 5 hours to get to my current homeless man's home.  The trip being over and me back to my normal self I am now off to seek a new advnture for the month.

Marathons at least for now are behind me and I will now concentrate on finding balance and joy in both life and running!

Jimmy