Questions, answered
Practical stuff first. Jokes second. If your question isn't here, ask Barrett, or better yet, Tracy.
I'm not sure I can keep up. Should I still come?
Yes. I won't be fast. The plan is about 10-minute miles to start, 11:30s after mile 20, and walking every real hill. Run, speed walk, bike very slowly, or bring the Onewheel. I'd genuinely love to see you out there, even for a mile. The last mile is exactly that.
What if I can't make it?
Totally fine. No expectation at all. Kids' birthday parties, soccer and bounce houses are all valid excuses. If this is the best thing you've got going on a Saturday, I'm a little disappointed in you.
Where and when does it start?
6:45 AM sharp on Saturday, Dec 5, at the dead end of SE 184th St in Fairwood (Renton), the street I grew up on. Get there by 6:30. It's dark, so either do a quick send-off or bring a headlamp for the opening loop of about 1.5 miles around the old neighborhood.
How far is it, and why this route?
40 miles. Because I'm turning 40. If that wasn't obvious by now, what are you doing here? The route traces a path from the street I grew up on through every home I've lived in, oldest to newest. Sentimental, convenient or lame. You pick.
When should I get to a spot?
Check the list of spots and times. Every spot has two times: the first is when to be there, the second is when I'll probably show up. Aim for the first one. If I start too fast, which I will, I'll be early. The app is confident all of the time and right some of the time.
Where are the rest stops?
Seward Park main entrance (mile 13.8), the UW light rail station (mile 24.7), and the north end of the Fremont Bridge (mile 32.3). Each is about 15–20 minutes: food, bathroom, dry socks, saying hi. Best chance to catch me standing still.
Which stretch should I pick?
Shortest: the last mile, where you run me home (1 mi). A 5K: Eastlake → Fremont Bridge (3 mi), which ends at a rest stop so you can hang out after. Flat and scenic: Seward Park → Colman Park, along the lake (5.3 mi). Easy-ish: Green Lake → finish (4.2 mi). Character building: Fremont → finish (7.9 mi), which opens with the biggest hill of the day. Or see every option.
Do I need to sign up?
No, but it helps. Hit Pick my stretch so Tracy knows who to look for. No account, no commitment. You can also just reply to the invite email.
I can't be there in person. Can I follow along?
Yes, that's kind of the whole point of this site. On race day this page switches to live mode: my last check-in, roughly where I am, and updated times for every spot. Watching a dot shuffle across Seattle on your phone is somehow even sadder than spending your Saturday out there with me, but I'll take it.
Is there a party at the finish?
No. I'm taking a nap. We'll party later.