After twelve weeks of training, our running team was relieved to finally reach the day of our half marathon race on the San Juan Island. The runners consisted of Mel's current and prior housemates: Evan, Morgan, Jaimi and Greyson, Aidan, Liepa. Evan had to fly home to be with his family at the last minute, so I asked each of our racers to describe their race day experience for him:

The race was awesome and the scenery was amazing. It was my first half marathon and I met my goal time under two hours! Definitely pushed myself and probably needed to train more but all in all it was a fun race. -Greyson

A few weeks ago we tackled one of the hilliest and most beautiful half marathons in the heart of the San Juan Islands. The course was no joke—those rolling hills definitely brought the burn—but honestly, I loved it. There’s something about suffering up a steep incline with hundreds of other people that makes me happy. But the real highlight was running the entire race with Morgan by my side. We kept each other going, pushed one another at just the right moments, and crossed the finish line feeling proud and strong. I couldn’t have asked for a better running buddy! But the real highlight was running the entire race with Morgan by my side. We kept each other going, pushed one another at just the right moments, and crossed the finish line feeling proud and strong. I couldn’t have asked for a better running buddy! Training for this race was a whole journey in itself too—early morning miles, exploring different routes around Seattle, and eating so much food. Spending that time with friends made it all the more meaningful. It wasn’t just about race day—it was about the memories we made along the way!🏃‍♀️⛰️ -Jaimi

The SJI Half Marathon was so fun! The weather was perfect - not too hot and not too cold. It was also fun to run on roads I’ve driven hundreds of times but hadn’t run before. It was such a treat to show people I love, a place I love! -Mel

A few weeks ago, I ran the San Juan Half Marathon and really enjoyed the experience. The course was peaceful and scenic, with quiet island roads and great views. For a short training timeframe and quick distance ramp up, I was happy with how it went. It was a good reminder of how much I enjoy getting out and moving. -Aidan

The day of the San Juan Half marathon felt magical. The course had ocean views, snow-covered Olympic mountains in the horizon, forests and homesteads. Starting the run with a long, slow hill was the perfect challenge to the stamina and ego. I am so happy to have grown in my strength so much that I could run for so long now. It was so fun to do this slightly crazy thing with a group of friends, some of which I’ve known for years and some I’ve just met, who made it all the more a weekend to remember. -Liepa

We stayed with Mel's mom:

Fought over the day bed:

And had a great time seeing Mel's old stomping grounds:

I found the island to be so beautiful and peaceful. Mel and I are scheming about how to get everyone to move there in five years: