First Race of the Year-Whidbey Island Half-Marathon

Nikki ran the Whidbey Island Half Marathon on April 11th. It's her first of many road races this year. (Check out the schedule at the bottom, which will of course change often!)

Terese, Nikki and Thelma at the start of the race (Thelma's husband is Michael's boss.)

The half-marathon route ran through the Naval Air Station. Here is the Commanding Officer of NASWI, Capt Gerral David and his wife Anne, up VERY early and cheering on all the runners.


At the finish, another medal for the collection.


Nikki's friend Becky, and her daughter, who both walked the half marathon. (Becky's husband works with Michael.)


Nikki's friend Janine finishing the full marathon. Last year, Whidbey was Janine's very first marathon: http://mpnac.blogspot.com/2009/04/whidbey-island-half-marathon.html


Tree, Terese, Nikki and Janine. All navy wives, all marathoners!
Races Scheduled for 2010 (click on the name for more info):

• May 16: Rhody Run 10k, Pt . Townsend, WA (Nikki)
• June 5: Rainier to Ruston Trail Relay, Mt. Rainier, WA (Nikki, with Terese, Janine and Dawn)
• June 26th: Rock n Roll Marathon, Seattle, WA (Nikki)
• July 1oth: Warrior Dash, Location TBD (Nikki)
• July 31st: Great Urban Race, Seattle, WA (Nikki, and maybe Michael!)
• September 26th: Bellingham Bay Half-Marathon, Bellingham, WA (Nikki and Michael)
• October 17th: Nike Women's Marathon, San Francisco, CA (Nikki)
• October 31st: Marine Corps Marathon and Nikki's induction into Marathon Maniacs, Washington, D.C

Zion National Park, Utah-March 26th-29th 2010

Nikki went to Zion National Park over her birthday weekend to catch up with Renee and Pete on their US tour, now in it's third year: http://bbbtour08.blogspot.com/ Nikki was SUPER excited to visit Zion, especially since Michael had been there a couple of years ago.

-

-

Nikki's friend Terese came along as well (you'll recognize her as a fellow outdoors enthusiast from other postss) and we all had an AWESOME time.

-

Michael had the opportunity to visit Zion during the summer of 2008 when he was working out of Nellis Air Force Base in nearby Las Vegas, NV. Here he is at the top of Angel's Landing, the park's most famous trek:

( Why yes, Michael still DOES own a shirt from a Bologna Bash that was NINE YEARS AGO.)

The Angel's Landing Climb was the scariest thing Nikki has ever done, as evidenced by the tears, shaking and repeated Finding Nemo references that Renee, Pete and Terese can attest to. This part here is called the "Leap of Faith." On either side of this two-foot trail is an 1800 cliff:
But, we all made it up to the top safely. From left, Pete, Renee, Nikki and Terese.


The view was amazing. Zion National Park wins in Nikki's book for "Most Beautiful Place Ever."


Nikki at the bottom of the canyon. You can see the ridge we hiked across and the arrow points to Angel's Landing.

Thai food and birthday cake after a very rewarding day.