Highland Park Outlanders Run/Walk a Success!

Some of the Outlanders Participating in the Great Kilted Run at Magnuson
Some of the Outlanders Participating in the Great Kilted Run at Magnuson

We had four faithful walkers and one happy dog turn out last night for our walk.  Deviating from the planned route a bit, we walked the trails north of Riverview Playfield and learned from Parks employee Rory Denovan what new plans are being made for restoring the natural habitat in the woods.  After completing a three mile loop, we started talking about training for an upcoming local race.

Club Northwest is a nonprofit running club that puts on a “series for all seasons” at Magnuson.  With one organized run/walk per month, participants can chart their progress over the course of a year.  They typically offer a 5K (3.1 miles), a 10K (6.2 miles), and a 15K (you guessed it: 9.3 miles).  And you and a friend can be a relay team, both running or walking a 5K, then having your combined times added up for your total 10K finish time!  They also usually offer a kids fun run, lining up the little ones dash 200 or 400 meters (just over a tenth or two tenths of a mile).  Check out their full schedule of events here: http://magnusonseries.org/schedule.html.  With a $10 early entry fee and great snacks post-race, it’s one of the best deals in town.

The Outlanders have decided to participate in the upcoming Halloween Run put on by the group.  Of course there will be prizes for best costume, so who knows – we may send a few Elvi (is that the plural of Elvis??) to represent the Club.

Hope to see you at our next run/walk on Tuesday, Sept. 21, at 6.30pm at HPIC.  If you’d love to participate but need a better day of the week or time, feel free to let me know and we can perhaps make adjustments to our schedule.  For more info, contact Ingrid Mattson at ingrid.mattson@gmail.com.

Highland Park Outlanders Run/Walk Club

After a boatload of interest from folks to get some exercise in and train for a race (including, perhaps the Rock ‘n’ Roll Half Marathon next July), we’re starting up the Highland Park Outlanders Run/Walk Club. On the first and third Tuesdays of the month (and the fifth, if there is a fifth), we’ll meet at the Highland Park Improvement Club at 6.30pm to walk, run, or walk/run (your choice) three or four miles around the neighborhood. You’re also welcome to travel the length of Riverview Playfield instead of following one of the three or four mile routes. And one weekend day a month, we’ll have a longer route for those looking to increase their mileage.

The more the merrier, especially as the more folks we have, the more options you’ll have to find someone to travel at your pace. Dogs and strollers are welcome. Pretzels and bananas will be provided for post-race socializing.

The first run/walk will be August 17, 2010.

For more information, contact Ingrid Mattson at ingrid.mattson@gmail.com.

Highland Parkers at Delridge Days

A nice group took a stroll on Saturday to the Delridge Days/Refresh Southwest event at the Delridge Community Center. On the way they picked up trash, photographed things that need work (tagging) and visited various neighborhood sites. Here are some photos by Dinazina, with more on her flickr stream here.

Dina and Blair en route
Dina and Blair en route.
Homer cools off in a puddle and gets some water from Kay.
Homer cools off in a puddle, with a drink from Kay.
Nicole and Abby working the trail.
Nicole and Abby working the trail.
The group arrives at the destination.
At the Delridge Days/Refresh Southwest event.

See more at the West Seattle Herald and the West Seattle Blog here, here and here.

Luckily it was beautiful and warm in the midst of our rainy days and days.