Ultra Running. Ultra Day.

For the past several months, Will has been training for his upcoming big summer race, the Western States 100 Miler taking place in Lake Tahoe at the end of June.

Unlike most runners, who train for 5K's, 1/2 marathons, or marathons and run a few miles a day and do a longer run on the weekend - Will's version of a jaunt is a 20 mile run, and a "longer weekend run" is usually a 50K race.

Yesterday was yet another ultra race, as part of his

"training". He ran the Chuckanut 50 Kilometer Race in Bellingham. He was pulling a double, since last weekend he ran the WaterFalls 50 kilometer race at the Columbia Gorge. He normally wouldn't do two races in a row like that, but who are we kidding? This is one determined guy!

As you can see, we were all thrilled to wake up at 5:30 a.m. to be at the start by 7:00 a.m. and support our favorite papa!

Just kidding. We were actually happy to be there.

See?

Will heading out on the Interurban Trail just 5 miles into the race.

Photo: Glenn Tachiyama

Here's Will passing his first aid station, just warming up after a quick 6.5 miles...

Our next chance to see him wouldn't be for another 3 hours, and so the boys and I decided to explore the area.

I dare say we had a beeeeeautiful view.

We found an Oyster Bay where they harvest oysters, and I had to take a photo since it was called "Taylor Shellfish Co".

Those are more oysters.

We took a tour down Chukunut Drive, which reminded me a lot of those narrow winding Italian highways you see on James Bond movies in the car chase scenes.

Since we're talkin' James Bond, here is my movie scene shot sans fancy sports car.

Preston failed to inform me that his diaper was completely soaked through until it was so bad that his pants were wet, as well as his carseat.

So we stopped at the Bellingham Ferry Dock, and used their nice bathroom to do some changing. Lucky for Preston they had this little train there, and the next sequence of pictures go like this:

"Preston, can you scoot over next to Taylor so I can take your picture?"

"Okay, but you've got to look at the camera when you say cheese....and can you scoot over just a tiny bit more? Thanks."

"Okay thanks for scooting over, but you went the wrong direction."

Preston: "I no more pictures."

Will climbing up the last climb: 1,000 foot Chinsraper

Photo: Glenn Tachiyama

Here is us around noon, when we were able to watch Will come through the aid station around mile 20. Or was it 26? I don't remember. He looked pretty pooped either way.

And then here he is at the finish...YAY!!!

And here is our little Taylor who was also finished....

Ah, the life of being an ultra runner's kid. You get to sit around a lot. Waiting. :)

But then you get THE best snuggles because your ultra runner Papa is so happy to see you again! And so excited that he has the best cheering section ever!

The 3 seconds we got to cheer on Papa after waiting around all day. Here's a quick video...

Here is our friend Rachel coming into the finish....

After the race, we met up with Grandma and Grandpa and went to the ferry docks...

It was the first sunny, warm day that we've had here in a very, very long day.

It was BEAUTIFUL.

And here is where Will and I will be returning on Monday for our 6th Anniversary getaway...

All in all...it was an ultra awesome day.

P.S. 2 other new posts below...