Robie Creek, it was Melissa's idea

The New Zealand Trip has started, kind of... The first part of the trip was doing a local half marathon called Robie Creek. It's an absolutely crazy race. Staring about a half mile from downtown Boise, it climbs up a dirt road over the local foothills and then down the other side to park called Robie Creek on the Lucky Peak Reservoir. It's called the toughest 13.1 mile race in the Pacific Northwest, and has about 2000 feet of altitude change. Yes... We are pretty stupid for doing it... and we keep coming back for more.

Robie Creek is a huge party. At the top of the hill, the local House Hash Harriers try to tempt you with anything from donuts to hard liquor. But, in realty, it's not too tempting... Mostly the guy in the string bikini, and beer gut... That's just wrong... after 8 miles of running, it's pretty funny. At the end of the run, there's another party. Free Beer, Free Food, Free Massage, Free .... You get the idea...

Well, we both finished... I ran well, pretty darn fast for me. It was hot and I don't run well in heat... I had a calf cramp occur at 7 miles on the uphill that I was able to run through. I ran the hill in 1:23. At the 10 mile mark both calves were ready to cramp, I just kept running and trying to keep loose. I finished at 1:55.27. That's about 9 minutes faster than my personal best. I am pretty happy with the results... But, I think I can do better... :)

Next year, I am shooting for 1:50... UGH!!!! I can't believe I want to do that bastardy race again... and I can't wait for the 15 hour flight tomorrow, I am not moving from my seat...

I rode to the parking lot with my Pacific Crest Tri training Buddy Tulug...

From Robie Creek

If you want to see me finish the race. Here's the URL to the video, it's taken by a local TV station. I crossed the line at 2:09 into the video.