Julie and I just returned from doing the 2010 Seattle Turkey Trot, a 5K charity run/walk for the Ballard Food Bank.
When we signed up in late October, I worried about doing this walk during a rainstorm. Never did I think about doing it in 30 degree weather on ice and snow covered streets. But we did. And so did alot of other people. Nearly 2,000 people signed up, raising over $35,000 for the Ballard Food Bank. The inclement weather may have kept many people from actually running, but as you can see there were many who still did.
The hardest part of the run was actually getting to the starting line! First, wind down a hilly S-curved street full of ice, which probably should have been closed to traffic, to park at the finish line. I literally skidded down the hill. Next, climb back up the same hill (via 3 sets of snow covered stairs) to get to the starting line. It took us 20 minutes of walking just to get to the check in. Once checked in, it was time to TROT! We encountered a small sleet shower during the hour, but nothing that kept us from reaching the finish line.
Even though this 5K was a fun run with no official times, I appreciated that there was a clock at the finish line. We walked our 5K in 1:04:34, not bad considering the icy conditions. At the finish, breakfast sandwiches and juice were provided by Dante's Cafe, with all donations going to the Ballard Food Bank.
We enjoyed the experience, and hope to make it an annual event.
