On Monday April 21, 2025 (Patriot’s Day) I successfully ran the Boston Marathon for the first time, finishing in 3:40:06. LSRC members and other runners from Seattle had excellent days. My friends Max and Adam (pictured) are sub-elites in their respective age groups.

Boston is the oldest continuous marathon in the world, and the most famous. It was the first of the seven Abbott Majors, and a grail / Top Gun race: top 10% performance for age group required for entry.

Five years ago I could not run 26.2 feet, never mind 26.2 miles. I vowed a return to athleticism. 16 months later I finished my first HM (Seattle Half) with a time of 1:50. In 2024 I qualified for Boston, with a ten-minute margin. My application was accepted based on merit and a tough cutoff time.

I consider this the pinnacle of my athletic abilities across my entire lifetime. Qualifying for Boston was a multi-year, thousand-hour, 5,400+ training-miles endeavor since 2021.

Reach far. If your reach exceeds your grasp as mine did the previous two years, try again. In 2024 I qualified. In 2025, here I am: a mid-pack graduate from running’s most prestigious worldwide event. Be your best you, then set new goals. Never declare victory. What's next? I’ll start another cycle for my next milestone — Chicago in October, my second Abbott Major. Good luck embracing your jam!

by Daniel Bannon

From January 19 through March 17, 2025, the club sought input from members to see if there was enough interest to develop a weekly, group-based couch-to-5k training program. A total of 11 respondents completed a brief survey about their running background, goals, and motivation. Aggregated data is summarized below (unfortunately charts could not be pasted into this post due to limitations of the website):

All respondents reported having completed a 5K, either walking or running.

Average time to complete LAST 5K: 34:11 (range: 20:00 - 48:30)

When completed LAST 5K: Range: "today" to "several years ago"

Average time to complete FASTEST 5K: 25:01 (range: 16:32 - 34:00)

When completed FASTEST 5K: Range: 1998 to 2025

Locations people are able to make for a weekly training event:

• Downtown Redmond: 8 (72.7%)
• Downtown Kirkland: 6 (54.5%)
• Neither: 1 (9.1%)

Days/times of week that work best for a weekly training event:

• Monday evenings: 0 (0%)
• Tuesday evenings: 2 (18.2%)
• Wednesday evenings: 1 (9.1%)
• Thursday evenings: 3 (27.3%)
• Friday evenings: 2 (18.2%)
• Saturday mornings: 7 (63.6%)
• Sunday mornings: 5 (45.5%)
• Other: 3 (27.3%)

Synopsis of open-text comments:

• A subset of respondents indicated preferring weekday morning training times

• Over half of respondents had run more routinely in the past with goals to return to more consistent running and/or previous levels of running fitness
• The majority of respondents expressed goals of increasing running consistency (number of runs/week), improving endurance, and/or improving speed
• Several respondents expressed desire to find community and safe spaces to run

Decision to move forward with program

Although we had a small sample size and people's backgrounds and experiences varied, the results were clear: people want to improve on their running and run in a safe manner. However, given the majority of respondents are already able to complete the 5K distance and only 3 of 11 respondents reported 5K times >40 minutes, the Board did not feel that a true "Couch-to-5K" training program would benefit the needs of most of this group. Additionally, the most preferred days of the week for a training program were Saturday and Sunday mornings, and at this time LSRC does not have the personnel resources (we are a 100% volunteer-run organization) to add an additional training day on the weekend beyond our current Sunday morning run in Redmond.

What happens now? What resources are available?

LSRC will continue to explore other options to support the goals of its runners. For now, we recommend looking into the following services currently offered by the club, as well as a few external options. We hope these resources are a good start for you, whether you are at the beginning of your health and fitness journey or anywhere further along.

• Weekly Group Runs: Our scheduled runs on Monday and Thursday evenings and Friday and Sunday mornings offer both shorter (3M) and longer (5M-6M) routes and usually have people from a range of paces, along with sometimes run/walkers. Check out the Weekly Runs page for details on the meeting locations, times, and routes. There is also a monthly dinner/breakfast social post-run for each location.
• Beginners' Run: The second Sunday of each month at 9 AM is our designated beginner-friendly run. This run starts from the East Lake Sammamish Trail adjacent to Redmond Whole Foods (details in the Weekly Runs page above). We will have a pace buddy for the last person / people, whether you are running, walking, or anything in between.
• Personalized Coaching: Full members of LSRC have access to free coaching services from one of the club's USATF Level 1 certified coaches. If you are interested in working with one of our coaches, please contact our team at coaches@lakesammamishrunclub.org. Check out the Coaching page for more details on how to apply and what to expect from coaching.
• Join a Free Parkrun: Parkrun is a free community 5K every Saturday morning open to runners and walkers of ALL abilities. Started in the UK, it has now grown to over 80 locations in the US, with 7 (and soon to be 8) locations in WA alone. The closest Parkruns to the Seattle Eastside are Perrigo, Renton, and soon-to-open Downtown Redmond (May 24, 2025).
• General Tips on Getting Started: Read this informational sheet from Coach Zach Fung on returning to running from an injury. Many of these principles apply to returning from taking time off running or getting started for the first time.
• Join our Facebook Group: Have a question on training or anything else related to running? Post it to our private Facebook group and you'll likely get some input from the community. (Plus, the Facebook group is a great way to keep up with what we've been up to and you can also find each week's scheduled run in the Events section!)

Photo credit: Joy Chan

On a cloudy Saturday morning during Earth Week, LSRC board members Peter Averill and Joy Chan joined about two dozen other volunteers at Bellevue's Wilburton Hill Park for a work party to remove invasive species from the park. This particular work party was popular (likely due to Earth Week), and only the earliest registrants were able to secure a spot, which limited the number of LSRC members who were able to attend.

Wilburton Hill Park at just over 100 acres is Bellevue's largest upland park. Bordering the Bellevue Botanical Garden and connected to Kelsey Creek Park via the Lake to Lake Trail, the park is popular amongst recreationalists. With its wider smooth trails, rolling terrain, and abundant forest canopy, it is also a favorite amongst LSRC runners, with several Sunday field trip runs held at the park over the years.

However, there was no running this April 19. Departing from the main parking lot, Bellevue Parks employees led the group about 1/3 mile through the park, until reaching an area with flagging on the left. Going past the flagging and off trail about 50 feet, the group of volunteers quickly saw the extent of their project - an infestation of English ivy (Hedera helix) had overgrown the forest floor, choking out other ground species and snaking its vines up some of the trees. The task was simple - pull out as much ivy as one could without removing the native plants.

The work was challenging but rewarding. Volunteers spread out into different sections, with some tackling removal of ivy from trees in pairs or triplets and the remainder pulling vines up and out from the ground. Oftentimes, it took multiple tugs to unravel the mess of vines and more yanks to dislodge the roots; fortunately, English ivy has no thorns, so the only risk was falling over backwards should one pull too hard. What started as a cool day seemed to quickly warm up with the energy needed to continuously pull, and after two hours, the group had made good progress, culminating in many pairs of sweaty hands and three rafts of broken ivy piled nearly five feet high. 

Bellevue Parks concluded the work party with the planting of a sequoia tree. Although not native to Western Washington, the Park employee explained that sequoias are especially hardy, and planting them throughout the park should help preserve the natural habitat should climate change eventually wreck havoc on our native species. The volunteers gathered around as a hole was dug and the sequoia was placed into its new home, arms already stretched upwards towards its new forest family. Soon the forest will start caring for its newest child, much as Mother Earth has taken care of us for millennia.

Earth Week is short, but our duty towards our planet is forever. Environmental protection and sustainability takes many forms, and we hope you were able to take action - however small or big - in whatever way suited you best.

Photo Credit: Joy Chan

Event Date/Location: March 8, 2025, Redmond, WA to Issaquah, WA

View the full LSRC Cheer Station Album here!

Photo Credit: Shawn Pearce

The Lake Sammamish Half Marathon occurring annually for 15 years in early March, has become a staple on the Eastside and has attracted thousands of runners from all parts of the greater Seattle area. This year was no different with the exception of a new course that started at Redmond City Hall, but otherwise kept true to tradition, skirting the shores of Lake Sammamish, all the way to Lake Sammamish State Park in Issaquah via the East Lake Sammamish Trail.

Typical March overcast skies presented their usual threats of showers first thing, but a 2000+ person crowd formed, huddled like penguins often do as the start corrals grew to capacity shortly before the gun went off at 7:30am. At least this year, the arrangement was a bit more practical than in previous years where the entire field of runners had been restricted to what was really just an apartment courtyard.

Orca Running - who has put on this race for several years now - had also made notable strides in their event organization. Wave starts helped reduce traffic on the narrow pedestrian trail, and accurate mile markers relieved anxiety for anyone trying to beat a time. The only short sight that a significant number of runners would gripe about was the continuation of Orca’s cup-less aid station policy where you are required to fill up your own container at each aid station rather than grabbing from a familiarized pre-filled Dixie cup on the go.

LSRC came to the rescue in that sense, setting up a special unofficial aid and cheer station a bit past half-way through the course for LSRC runners. As a runner myself, it was boosting to see everyone right before the later stages in the race where the going gets tough, and I sensed an equal level of excitement on the other side by the exuberant photography efforts as I sped by.

The remainder of the race was rather uneventful, with maybe a passing shower or two, although the revised finish (compared to previous years) played out quite unexpectedly, taking a turn off the cement and meandering onto gravel and grass in short quarters, briefly becoming the Kentucky Derby in the final stretch.

Overall, completing the race brought satisfaction and a sense of accomplishment for myself and most others. LSRC runners showcased strong performances, including a few half-marathon firsts and PRs! This was not only a day to remember, but will also be a day to look forward to next year.

Photo Credit: Joy Chan

Six members of LSRC Team continued with Challenge Northwest’s Lucky Streak Challenge, where participants walk or run every day from February 1 through March 17 (St. Patrick's Day). Participants choose goals of walking, running, or a combo for either 1, 3, or 5 miles per day to earn Bronze, Silver, or Gold status, respectively. Those who complete at least 1 mile outdoors every day earn the coveted status of Winter Warrior and their name gets printed on commemorative gear. The challenge benefits KidVantage, a non-profit that provides essential care, safety, and health goods to children and families in the Greater Puget Sound area. 

While most of the six-person team were Challenge veterans from January's Chilly Yeti Challenge, there was one new participant (welcome, Eric!). Also, unlike the Chilly Yeti Challenge, participants could miss up to two days while still keeping their Challenge streak. As winter thawed into spring and the days got longer, we were fortunate to have more opportunities to log miles in the daylight, but the combined 45-day Challenge was plenty long to get my year started and hopefully make my outdoor habit stick!

Team LSRC logged a total of 690.04 team miles, finishing 5th place overall in the team challenge. A special shoutout to Nidhi Hooda, who led the team in overall miles and placed 11th overall on the individual leaderboard, coming off a strong January as well (2nd highest mileage female for Team LSRC). Strong work to everyone who participated - congratulations on finishing out winter!

LSRC donates to KidVantage a portion of the total team miles accumulated; this year, at 5 cents per team mile, we made an additional donation of $34.50 in support of KidVantage.

Winter Warriors: Joy Chan, Nidhi Hooda

What a January! For our 5^thconsecutive year, Team LSRC participated in Challenge Northwest’s Chilly Yeti Challenge (formerly the New Year Challenge), where participants walk or run every day from January 1 through January 31. Participants choose goals of walking, running, or a combo for either 1, 3, or 5 miles per day to earn Bronze, Silver, or Gold status, respectively. Those who complete at least 1 mile outdoors every day earn the coveted status of Winter Warrior and their name gets printed on commemorative gear. The challenge benefits KidVantage, a non-profit that provides essential care, safety, and health goods to children and families in the Greater Puget Sound area. 

Twenty-six people on Team LSRC braved Mother Nature’s whims, logging outdoor (and indoor!) miles through rain/wind, sunshine, and everything in between. Fortunately, 2025 saw one of the driest Januarys in recorded history, so this year we mostly contended with sunny, albeit colder than average, days. Team LSRC logged a total of 4541.90 team miles, taking second place overall in the team challenge! We also saw an impressive number of miles from individual team members, whether as part of regular training or fueled by the extra motivation of the Challenge (see below for individual results). Congratulations to everyone who participated – you really showed your consistency and determination when facing one of the toughest months to stay active! 

As with other years, LSRC donates to KidVantage a portion of the total team miles accumulated; this year, at 5 cents per team mile, we made a donation of $227 in support of KidVantage. We hope the organization can continue its much-needed services for many years to come. 

Although January has ended, the excitement of the Challenge has not! Several LSRC team members opted to continue their streak from February 1 through March 17 with the Lucky Streak Challenge, braving the snowy and icy days of early-mid February and what looks to be a rollercoaster weather pattern for late February. We can’t wait to see how this small but mighty team closes out the Challenge!

Winter Warriors: Jordan Andersen, Peter Averill, Daniel Bannon, Ava Blume, Elena Blume, Joy Chan, Himanshu Dahiya, Zachary Fung, Nidhi Hooda, Gabriel Kliot, Julia McCarthy, Laura McCarthy, Jamie Miller, Paula Murray, Skye Pazuchanics, Amy Rapin, Zhenya Ross, Lars Tijhuis, Glen Weissman

Photo Credit: Joy Chan

The Bridle Trails Winter Running Festival has been a favorite tradition of LSRC’s since the club’s inception in 2020. A trail running festival that starts at 3 PM and extends until midnight, it consists of multiple races: solo distances of 5 miles, 10 miles, 15 miles, or 50K, or 2-person or 6-person 50K relays. Because each race uses the same 5-mile loop within Bridle Trails State Park, this makes it perfect for teams with runners doing different distances to set up a finish area basecamp to support all their runners. This year, LSRC fielded three relay teams with 12 runners total: Lake Sammamish Run (LSR) Diamonds, LSR Hearts, and LSR Spades. Half our runners completed one 5-mile loop while the other half completed two, with runners balanced so all teams would finish around the same time. Additionally, we had Zach Fung running the 15-miler and Shawn Pearce running the 50K.

Luckily, the previous week saw mostly dry weather, except some moderate showers on Friday. Thanks to park staff and volunteers, most of the course was cleared of debris, and while some sections were muddy, the conditions were fair for running. We also appreciated that this year felt more like a running festival than an alpine festival, though there were plenty of parkas and ski jackets as nighttime temperatures dipped into the mid-30s.

Our three teams were not intended to be competitive teams (that is, we were not looking to finish in the top three), but we enjoyed some friendly within team competition. As runners blasted off at 3 PM, our remaining relay runners hung out underneath our sky-blue canopy chatting and partaking in the many snacks contributed to fuel us through the afternoon and night. The first runner to come in from LSRC was Skye Pazuchanics on Team Diamonds, with Anna Santa Elena and Nidhi Hooda of Hearts and Spades, respectively, following.

Although each loop took each person 35-65 minutes, the time flew by quickly – much more so than if one were to run the 50K on their own. While Legs 1-2 had daylight, Leg 3 faded into evening, and Legs 4-6 were completely in the dark. However, the energy of the runners continued even after the sun set and you could barely make out who was coming in for the next exchange. While not the largest team or the one with the most elaborate basecamp (that honor goes to Sky Valley Runners!), LSRC literally shone bright through the darkness thanks to Board Treasurer Peter Averill’s handiwork in designing and creating a programmable LED logo that graced the top of our canopy; we could not be missed!

The highlight of the night came down to the final leg for our relay teams. While Legs 1-4 saw perfect handoffs and everyone finished around their estimated times, Legs 5-6 saw our three fastest runners vie for the honor of first LSRC team. Paul Young of Team Diamonds received the first bib handoff with a three-minute lead over Jordan Andersen of Team Hearts and a six-minute lead over Glen Weissman of Team Spades. However, each of these runners had to run two loops – 10 miles – and a six-minute head start is not an impossible gap to make up. Other variables were also at play – while Jordan had the current fastest race times of the three, both he and Paul had already run hard efforts earlier in the morning while Glen had the freshest legs. Indeed, by the start of Leg 6, Paul’s lead over Jordan had narrowed to 2 minutes while Glen was only 1 minute behind Jordan; it seemed only Glen was aware of how this was playing out.

The remaining LSRC relay team members speculated who would cross the finish line first while huddled around the dwindling heat from the propane heater. Would Paul be able to hang on to his slim lead? Would Jordan overtake Paul somewhere mid-course? Or would Glen sneak up on both from 6 minutes back and pull off the upset?

Around 7:30 PM we made our way to the finish line and eagerly squinted into the darkness looking for signs of our runners. After a few minutes, the headlights of two figures could be seen weaving down the final stretch of hill towards the finish chute. As they both made the left turn onto the final straightaway, we could see it was Paul and Jordan nearly running stride by stride! Blazing through those final 100 meters, Jordan managed to pull slightly ahead of Paul with about 30 meters to go, hitting the timing mat just a few steps ahead! Glen was right behind, finishing about 50 seconds later.

So what happened in the woods that final leg? Apparently, Glen had caught Jordan somewhere along the second half, which prompted Jordan to run even faster...which led to Jordan inadvertently catching Paul. Paul, in attempting to outrun Jordan, cranked it up in the final half mile and really made Jordan work for the win. What a finish indeed! This was the closest finish margin we have ever had for any of our relay teams in four years of attending the Bridle Trails Winter Running Festival.

Besides the thrilling finish, there were other things to celebrate. Team members Alice Wang and Adrian Wang completed their longest continuous runs to date, running 5 and 10 miles, respectively, during Legs 2 and 3 (Adrian ran a blistering 33 minutes for his leg). Anna Santa Elena debuted in her first trail race and first relay event. On the solo events, Zach Fung took 3rd place overall male for the 15-miler and Shawn Pearce set a new 50K PR! Congrats to all!

While participating in the Bridle Trails Winter Running Festival was an all-day affair, it was completely worth it for the comradery and fun that is hard to match at other events. We will surely be back next year, perhaps with enough runners to fill not just the Lake Sammamish Run Diamonds, Hearts, and Spades teams, but finally also a Lake Sammamish Run Clubs team!

Full Results: https://register.pacificmultisports.com/Events/Results/1284

Photo Credit: Zach Fung

Photo Credit: Shawn Pearce

The Bomb Cyclone that hit the West Coast on November 19, 2024 was an event few would soon forget. High velocity winds – some as high as 70 mph – pounded much of Washington, downing trees, damaging structures, and knocking out power to over half a million people. While power was restored to most within a week and residential and commercial cleanup was quick to begin, nearly seven weeks later, many of our state parks and forest lands still have much work to be done.

One of those parks is Bridle Trails State Park, a multi-use equestrian and pedestrian haven of mostly second growth Douglas firs and Western cedars. At nearly 500 acres in size with 28 miles of trails, Bridle Trails suffered extensive tree damage from the Bomb Cyclone. Although almost all downed trees were cleared off main trails in the immediate weeks after the storm, subsequent smaller storms have continued to bring down smaller branches, twigs, cones, and needles from the canopies. This debris creates challenges for the park in maintaining good drainage and preventing erosion issues. Not to mention this leads to more mud.

So, when the Bridle Trails Park Foundation and Lake Washington Saddle Club put out a call for volunteers to further clean up Bridle Trails this past Saturday, LSRC jumped at the opportunity to help. The club is a frequent patron of the park: we hold Thursday evening runs in the park from late spring through early fall, utilize its trails for cross country workouts, and for the past four years have fielded relay teams for the Bridle Trails Winter Running Festival. It was time for us to give back.

Just over a dozen volunteers attended the trail cleanup party, with nine representatives from LSRC. Park Ranger Matt Birkland explained we would be in groups of four, each group tackling a different section of trail along the east side of the park. For two hours we raked up debris from the forest floor; while the largest pieces were easily flung off trail with gloved hands, it was often easier to use manure forks to scoop up the piles, fling them into the undergrowth, move down trail, and repeat. We got into a rhythm with the work, working quickly to make as much progress as possible. Although most teams did not fully complete sweeping their sections, the end result was still dramatic: where once lay a shaggy, uneven carpet now saw forest floors clean and bare.

This was one of the best ways to start 2025, doing our part to help restore these trails and protect local habitats. If we all step up and make a collective effort, a little truly goes a long way – hopefully allowing us to preserve Bridle Trails for many more generations to come.

If you are able, please consider a donation to the Bridle Trails Park Foundation.

Photo Credit: Shawn Pearce

Photo Credit: Skye Pazuchanics

Imagine a neighborhood so bright and festive with Holiday spirit that walking along its streets feels like being in a Hallmark Christmas movie. This is the Taylor’s Ridge neighborhood in Duvall. Every Holiday season, the neighborhood puts together one of the largest displays of Holiday cheer in the Greater Eastside, and for the past several years, Duvall resident and club member Skye Pazuchanics has led a group run/walk on a 3.8-mile route through some of the neighborhood’s most impressive blocks. This event has become a club tradition, beloved especially by those who enjoy the Holiday season.

The event was attended by members, family, and friends of Lake Sammamish Run Club, Eastside Runners, and Sky Valley Runners. This year saw close to three dozen people, and while most opted to run the route, there was also a small walking group. We lucked out with mild temperatures and a short break in the rain made for a dry evening. Skye was resplendent in her nutcracker costume while others also donned Holiday-themed attire. Even without Santa hats or jingle bells, the group was already quite festive with the assorted Noxgear vests!

The route started from Judd Park and entered the neighborhood. While there is no official requirement for residents to partake in decorating, Holiday fever was certainly infectious. There were continuous blocks where each home expressed the Holidays in their own unique way: properties covered with twinkling lights (many multi-colored, but some opting for classic white or yellow), while others erected inflatable or solid representations of Santa, Rudolph, Frosty, and other familiar characters. Still others went further by adorning their trees with giant ornaments, lining their pathways with cute decorations, or having mobile props. At least one house even had a light show synchronized to music (a treat for those able to tune in to the correct radio station).

For nearly an hour, the group reveled in the spirit of the Holidays, at awe with the creativity and effort residents spent on their displays. It was truly a feast for the senses, bringing joy to many. Thank you, Taylor’s Ridge, for spreading Holiday cheer, and thank you, Skye, for hosting!

Photo Credit: Skye Pazuchanics

Photo Credit: Skye Pazuchanics

Photo Credit: Rochelle Cox

The club celebrated the Holidays with its second Annual Meeting & Holiday Party on December 15, 2024 at Heritage Hall in Kirkland. Built in 1922 with nods to Greek architecture, Heritage Hall sits mere blocks from Lake Washington. It is a sliver of history preserved in the urban core of Downtown Kirkland. The natural charm of the building meant little decorating was needed for a warm, festive atmosphere – especially welcome after a grueling day at Cross Country Nationals for some the previous day.  

We had about 40 attendees for the night, with pasta catering provided by Due Cucina (so fitting for a runner crowd!). Attendees were encouraged to bring an appetizer, side, drinks, or dessert to share (and there was no shortage of dessert!). We had available club apparel for sale, and a dozen or so leftover Harvest Half shirts to give away. Each attendee also received a small party favor from the club. Ambient Holiday music and a slideshow of highlights from the past year rounded out the evening. 

We recapped the major events of 2024, then recognized individuals who made significant contributions or who were most active in the club during the past year; small tokens of appreciation were given out to these members. Honored were the following people: 

• Most Frequent Sweeper: David Levin 

• Sweeper Raffle: Glen Huang 

• Volunteerism: Nina Tang, Shawn Pearce, Mike Williamson, & Eric Edmond 

• Run Hosting: Skye Pazuchanics & Glen Weissman 

• Most Event Registrations: Paula Murray, Joy Chan, Maricruz Del Pozo, & Beth Mantey 

Following the year-end recap, the Board Election results were announced, and the 2025 Board members were introduced. We thank the 2024 Board for their year(s) of service leading the club to where it is today! The 2025 Board now consists of: 

• President: Joy Chan 

• Vice-President: Daniel Bannon 

• Treasurer: Peter Averill 

• Secretary (Incumbent): Jordan Andersen 

• At-Large Members: Paula Murray, Steven Dion, & Steven Hammond 

Although the Holiday party was a quick turnaround from Cross Country Nationals, it was the perfect time to kick back and enjoy each other’s company before the Holiday travel season began. Socializing in non-athletic clothing felt refreshing and shed new light on people in attire that we honestly may not be used to seeing them in. We hope everyone who attended had an enjoyable evening!

Photo Credit: Nidhi Hooda