On Saturday, February 25, Amber Morrison set to tackle a major goal – break 18 minutes in the 5k. She’d accomplished the feat before, in workouts, but hadn’t posted the time on a certified course. Having raced and enjoyed the Smelt Run 5k held in La Conner, WA before, she chose it as the race to get the “monkey off her back.”

Saturday morning was brisk; cold enough that three quarter tights, a long sleeve, gloves and a hat would be ideal to race in…with arm sleeves Morrison toed the start line of the Smelt Run 5k, alongside Courtney Olsen, who was set to pace her. The two set off on 6th, along the historic waterfront, past a cone turnaround and back towards La Conner Elementary School, on pace for a sub-18. The wind ceased for the duration of the race, the cold air goose-pimpling their arms and legs. When they were back on 6th, the acid came, that burning chest, before Olsen dropped at the 3 mile mark, and Morrison gave it all she had, running the final .1 in 5:25 pace, crossing the finish in 17:57 and 1st place overall.

Due to the incredible kindness of Kelly, Olsen was allowed to pace Morrison, and the two got to experience the beautiful community of La Conner on a saturday morning. The post race festivities included homemade soups (chicken noodle and tomato soup), baskets of thick cut bread, oreos, pretzels and coffee. After the awards, where Morrison won a fleece embroidered hat and a gift certificate to an adorable La Conner coffee shop, the two teammates grabbed lattes and headed back to Bellingham in order to get Morrison to work on time – an abundant morning lived in the hours before a 10+ hour work shift!

Proud of Morrison in her success at the Smelt Run 5k, thankful to the race organizers and wonderful community of La Conner, WA, and also proud of our other teammates who put in major work (41 miles in 2 days for some of them…uh what?), as they lead into the Chuckanut 50k next month! Thankful to be surrounded by such an incredible support network of crazy, likeminded female athletes!