Hamster 2024
August 3-4, 2024
Gangster Hamster for the fifth time
August 3-4, 2024, Lake Padden
So Much Fun!
When registration opened up for Hamster our little Bad Influence Running Club (BIRCs) signed up in droves. I was afraid we might take up all the slots but alas a lot of first timers got in on the action. It was fun to have a group of us at the run to celebrate and support each other. Also Sarah took a bunch of pictures, Monte handed out zucchini’s, Cecilia brought some special rice and spam treats to share, the Hatfields showed how to set up a proper support tent, and Eric shared his special Mount to Coast shoes.
During the day and night different people supported us. Thanks Jess, Sue, Matt, Jenny and Amy. And of course my husband picked me up after walking my last lap with me, grateful for his continuing support of these cray cray little endeavors. In fact two other friends, Sue and Brenda walked that last lap as well. So fun to have a little hamster posse escort me to the finish.
It was a hot one at Lake Padden, however the back side of the lake in the shade saved us. The hills weren’t too bad except the big steep downhill always used to kill my quads. Thanks to my gym workouts and some Carkeek medicine my quads are fine. My little pinky toes on the other hand want some alone time away from the other toes. No blisters, just tender toes. Apparently I did not drink enough so experienced some crampy cramps early on. I took it easy and walked with friends which made the loops just fly by. When the sun set it got cool enough to run and so I did. I listened to a murder mystery and that kept my mind occupied as I got into hamster mode. You go through a lot of hamster phases, from happy hamster to crabby hamster to silly hamster to gangster hamster. All in a day and a night and a day, keeping hamster on your mind gets you around for another loop.
Thank you to Gretchen and her fantastic volunteers who really make the event so positive. Towards the end of the race a lot of people have already finished and left the park however the volunteers greeted us last few runners on every silly loop with cowbells and clapping and encouragement. So Fun! Thank you.
I’ve had some success at Hamster-ville. I’ve finished at least a hundred five times and that seems like enough. So next year I might just sign up for the twelve hour and be a volunteer. My husband and Sue laughed, ya right, they know me too well. Never say never, we will see.
2016, 101.4 miles, first and only woman, wowsa hamster
2019, 104 miles, third woman, silly hamster
2021, 106.6, miles, second woman, wobbly hamster
2023, 106.6, miles, second woman, happy hamster
2024, 101.4, third woman, gangster hamster
Some numbers and reminders for me to compare in case I try this again, who am I kidding…
Half, 2:41, Full, 5:54, 50k, 7:17, 50 miles, 13:07, slow bc of the cramps
100k, 16:55
101.4, 31:15:49, slow because of the oldness, smile
For next time, more hill training and drink more early, ice chest with cold drinks, more of that
Wear cut out shoes earlier, as pinky toes are sore, no blisters, just tender
Ice cot for neck, so important, lay back chair, sweet
Bring plate, fork, spoon and cup to avoid making garbage