Another year! Another Bloomsday! Again, it was virtual, but this year we did the actual course on the actual day that Bloomsday normally happens. It was my 40th Bloomsday so I had to do the real course. Always Bloomsday faithful Sheila joined me.
Sheila and I earned our shirt!! We got it done!
Surprise! There were a few people on the streets cheering on the Bloomies that passed by. These people were Team Gleason fans and WSU alumni. We must have talked to them for about 20 minutes. One lady graduated from the same college that Sheila graduated from! One gentleman built 49 Degrees North where I ski. Another man was Kyle's baseball coach in elementary school. Glad we weren't getting timed!!!
The shirts were all there even though it was a virtual run! It was good to see the familiar things that are always a part of Bloomsday. Thanks for hanging the previous Bloomsday shirts!
Empty streets made it easy to proceed but so, so different.
A lot more photo opportunities when you aren't being timed and you are not blocking or stopping people by taking pictures. First hill done!
I don't know if these Bloomsday mile markers are new???? I haven't noticed them before but with thousands of people racing it would be easy to miss them.
Next hill. There are usually bands along the way, especially on this stretch.
This hill is sneaky. You think you are done but you are not.
Now we are getting close to Doomsday Hill. A helicopter is usually on this grassy area.
You can see Doomsday Hill in the distance! Why Doomsday? It is steep and there is usually a giant vulture at the top!
The Spokane River!
Pettet Drive also known as Doomsday Hill. Long and steep. Even though there are over 2 miles left after you crest this hill you feel like you are so close to being done! The rest is flat.
Looks so innocent! It was easier with no people. Or maybe it was our relaxed pace that made it easier.
Hmmm! Did someone ride this halfway up the hill and then run the rest?
Rafters on the river!
There were a few other Bloomies doing the course this Sunday afternoon. I would imagine there were more in the morning.
Made it! Doomsday Hill is behind us!
The Lilac Bloomsday Course!
Lilacs!
Now we really are almost done! The finish line is just around the corner.
We are done! No balloons, no music (although we tried to make our own), no crowds, no announcers saying your name as you crossed and no crowds. I can't wait to see all of that next year but we had a great time just the same. #41 here I come!
