Seattle 1/2 was a blast!

Is it possible to smile for 13.1 miles? Yes, it is! A few years ago, I thought about running the Whidbey Island 1/2 marathon. At the last minute, I pulled out. My calf was giving me fits and the thought of walking or trying to jog 13 miles seems too big an obstacle. Funny how your perspective can change. After walking the 60 mile 3 day walk, 13 miles is just a stroll in the park. Talk about a 360 in thought.

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Not only was I able to complete the 1/2 marathon, I ran at least half and smiled all the way. Since I only entered the night before, my running preparation was pretty meager, I hadn't even been on many long walks. What prepared me for going 13 miles was a new perspective plus the excitement of a new discovery.

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On race day 17,000 people laced up their shoes. I didn't run for time or for any other reason but just to have fun. And fun I had. I stopped to take pictures, I visited with fellow runners, I waited 15 minutes outside a port a potty, I walked, jogged and smiled. I believe, if you are having fun, whatever you are doing is a whole lot easier.

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Will I do it again? You bet!! Plus, the post run care was amazing. Hot chicken and rice soup, chiropractic care, acupuncture, protein drinks, a finishers metal, fun, fun, fun!!

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Wishing you all happy walking, running and smiling!

Denise Frakes

Blue Sky Services

Where the sun always shines!!

The Seattle 1/2 marathon surprise entry

After a series of events, Sunday I will be walking/running the Seattle 1/2 marathon. I decided today to go ahead and enter. With only one day of official training, there wont be much running. After the 60 mile walk, I feel pretty good about walking the 13.1 miles.
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Apparently, there will be 14 thousand other runner-walkers doing the 1/2 and full marathon. 14 thousand- this will be very interesting. I'm not sure I'm that excited about going through the tunnel-I'll probably jog that part.
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Hope you all had a happy Thanksgiving.

Denise

A hidden find in Tacoma- hawthorn tea room

There is something warm and special about small and local businesses. I might be biased but still there is a distinct feeling about walking into a business and being greeted by the founder and owner. Each little business was created by someone. First they had a vision, a passion and hopefully some skill then they took a leap of faith and took the plunge.

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This plunge is not just about opening a store front or putting an add in a paper" open for business" This plunge is a life change. Your business becomes part of your life. It is an outward expression of yourself. Maybe that is why small personally created businesses feel special- they are.

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Yesterday, I had lunch with a new friend. I looked on line and found a little place called

"hawthorn tea room". It was wonderful. The co-owner Laurie, greeted us and helped in our selection of tea. There were 50 to choose from! The little tea shop is right on 30th in old town Tacoma. This is one of my first tea room visits. I thought it might be stuffy, far from that. Their tea room was warm and welcoming. The food and tea were yummy. This little place is what got me thinking of how good it is to be able to walk in a door and say hi, what's for lunch?

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If you are looking for a new dining spot, wanting to support a small/ local business or just want a great cup of tea this is a hidden treasure. http://www.thehawthorntearoom.com/ 253-238-9021

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Hope you enjoy,

Denise

Blue Sky Services

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