Barre Prana in Sherwood

Good Morning! 

I'm grouchy today and I know exactly why, this no morning run thing has to change.  I really thought that running while the girls were in preschool would be no big deal but mentally it is hard.  I like running in the morning for a multitude of reasons but the main one being that I get it done and I can get on with my day.  Running in the middle of the day when there are a thousand distractions and excuses just takes all of the joy out of my running.  I've been in a yucky mood because of it for a while and I don't have the energy I normally have when I am getting in my morning runs.  In a nutshell I am grump and everyone around me wants me to start running in the morning again, pronto.  I need a local running partner for a least a couple times a week and I am hoping to find one SOON!

In happy running news I had a great 8 mile run on Friday. 

It was pretty windy and rainy but I felt good and really enjoyed the run.  It was my longest run since my half marathon over Labor Day weekend.  I am slowly working my way back up to my mileage and I know getting back to morning runs will be key.  

I've also started with my cross training again which will help me with my speed work.  A strong core and legs will be key to getting me to my goal 5K pace.  I am going to buy a punch card to Barre Prana in Sherwood.  I took a free barre class on Sunday afternoon and it was awesome.  

If you are from around the Sherwood area I would recommend this studio for your cross training.  The owner is the cutest little thing with such a welcoming demeanor.  The instructor was a lot of fun and really good at making sure everyone knew what to do and was in proper form.  I am really excited to have some barre class options that I can actually attend!  It is definitely time for me to start making some time for me to get healthy again.  I can tell the difference in my body and my mind and by all of the acne all over my face that I have slid too far down the mountain.  

Enjoy The Run! 

  

Springwater 5K + Stella & Dot Announcement!

Good Morning! 

High five to me because I ran 3 times last week!  Granted I easily could have ran 4 but I'll be happy with my 3 and aim for 4 this week.  Yesterday I was able to run 5 miles and it took at least 3 of those 5 to finally feel good.  It is a good wake up call for me to see how behind I am right now in my running fitness but so ready to get back to where I was.  I also was hollered at by a couple high school boys and informed that I have a nice ass, I'll put the day down for a win.  HA!  

On Sunday Katie and I ran the Springwater 5K & Kids Fun Run at the Gresham Main City park trail.  Katie ran an awesome race and placed 3rd woman overall!  Althetepath has her listed as 2nd but I think they'll change it, just type-o :) I am just so impressed with her running momentum and how hard she works.

{I also just love my moon face}

I did not place (or even come close) but I had a good run and really enjoyed the route.  This was the inaugural event for this race and it was put on by the Gresham Running Club.  I was really impressed with all of the volunteers helping with course direction and how friendly and welcoming the race directors were to every racer.  Katie and I were probably thanked at least twice for being there and running.  Plus the 5k was only $20 and it included a t-shirt and very practical little bag.  They had some snacks and coffee after the race and handed out awards for the top 2 overall winners for both male and female.  The race directors talked about doing more races in the future and I hope that they are able to follow through with that.  Sunday's race was a small gathering of about 50 runners and everyone was all smiles and really enjoyed the event! 

In other fun news I have started as a Stylist with Stella & Dot and I am so excited!

What I love about this company is that it was founded by women for women.  The 2 leaders of Stella & Dot are both mothers and the original founder, Jessica Herrin, is also a runner, win!  I find a common connection between successful people and runners, don't you?  Runners just tend to push themselves and expect more out of their days.  I researched this company and talked to a lot of stylists before I decided that YES this was for me.  Their company is not about pushy sales or tapping out your closest friends and family, it is about empowering women to be successful.  They encourage all of the stylist is define what their own personal success will look like because everyone has different goals and seasons of life.  I am so excited to start with this company and challenge myself to break out of my comfort and see what I can do.  Plus I can build up my collection of jewelry and accessories which is something I've been wanting to do for a while!  

Today is a run rest day and I am going to enjoy every minute of it.  Although I do feel like a new person after my 5 miles yesterday, it still amazes me what a run does for my soul.  Not going to lie the "nice ass" comment didn't hurt my feelings either.  

Enjoy The Run! 

       

Finding My Routine!

Good Morning! 

I ran yesterday and it was awesome!  Well it didn't feel awesome but I was so glad I was out there.  I ended up listening to the Marathon Training Academy podcast because I needed to have something else to focus on.  Normally I don't like to listen to anything while I run but I think while I am working back up my mileage and getting my body use to running again I'll break that rule.  

This summer was intense in terms of half marathons and traveling so I am looking forward to slowing both down.  I don't have another half marathon until December so I am going to take the next couple months to improve my 5k pace.  On Thanksgiving I am running the Sherwood Give 'N' Gobble 5K and I am looking to PR.  I've been challenged by our neighbor and it is the first time I actually want to beat someone at a race.  It is going to hurt but I am ready for the challenge and excited to see what I can do.  

Today is a free day in terms of preschool and all that so we'll see where the day takes us!  

Enjoy The Run! 

Petco 5K9 Powered by Purina

Good Morning! 

I didn't do much running last week, my grand total was 11 miles.  So far this week isn't looking too great either, boo.  Last week I was feeling a little burnt out and decided to take it easy.  I also have this hacking cough that just won't quit and it kept me up most of last night, amazing.  I am going to need to get creative this week to get my runs in and will be making friends with my treadmill again.  Actually I am not worried about my mileage right now since I feel like I've been hitting it hard most of the year.  Sometimes I need a break from the 5:30 wake up.  

I did do a 5K with Katie and Maverick on Sunday and it was a lot of fun!  The Petco 5K9 Walk/Run was held in Portland at Columbia Annex Park in North Portland.  I wasn't sure how I would feel going into it since I hadn't ran much earlier in the week.  Katie picked up my race bib and swag bag for me and had it waiting for me when I met up with her and Maverick.  That bag was full!  

Katie's swag bag picture but you get the idea 

I absolutely love when races offer the participants a free race photo.  I think this is a huge benefit to someone registering for a race.  They had photo booths for all of the race participants and printed the picture right there for you to take home.  Kuddos to this race for offering that!  

I should really have opened my eyes for the picture 

This race was open to anyone not just runners with dogs.  Katie and I ran the 5K with Maverick and it was so fun to see so many different dogs out there running.  All of the dogs had huge smiles on their faces and it was fun to watch them all come through the finish line.  Whenever I run with Katie and Maverick it makes me realize how much I want a dog to run with.  While Lucy is my favorite little pug I can't expect her to be able to go out and run with me, she's a walker.  I definitely see our family adopting another dog one day and I look forward to getting him or her out there to run with me.  

Earlier this summer Purina sent me some of their new dog food line Dog Chow Light & Healthy.  

Now I wouldn't call my little Lucy "light" but she is healthy and happy.  

And adorable 

We like to go on walks and she loves to run circles around the house and in the backyard.  Just like people, dogs who are exercised regularly and fed a healthy diet are happier dogs.  Lucy has always eaten Purina and I feel good about the product they sell.  Healthy dogs are happy dogs!  Purina also sent me a pet pedometer.  Lucy is going to wear it for a week and then we are going to have Maverick wear it.  I am interested to see the difference between the two!  We both already know Maverick will have a higher number but it will be fun to see the difference between a pug and lab.  

Every time I run a 5K I am reminded that I really do enjoy them.  Don't get me wrong the half marathon will always have my heart but really pushing it for a 5k just feels good.  Plus I am done in less than 30 minutes, always a plus.  Don't forget The Color Run 5K is coming to Portland in just a few weeks, don't forget to use this code to get $5 off!   

**Purina sent me a 4lb bag and some samples for me and my dog friends to try.  I've always used Purina with Lucy and felt safe using their product.  I didn't receive any financial compensation for this post and they did not sponsor me to run the Petco 5K9, I paid the registration fee myself.  I do believe that keeping yourself and your animals fit and healthy is important.  All opinions are my own**  

4+4 = 8 Sad Miles

Good Morning! 

I ran this morning and it was another not great run.  My 2 runs this week have both been blah and cut short.  

I am not feeling well and think I am catching what Sarah has so graciously shared.  

She stayed home yesterday from preschool camp and is currently still asleep, we will see what today brings.  To answer your question, yes Starbucks cake pops do make you feel better.  

This week has been a bit of a running slump and when that happens it tends to get me thinking about my favorite hobby and what I want out of it.  I started the year off in Michigan wanting to keep up my running fitness and start training for the Portland Rock and Roll Half Marathon.  I was able to work up to 14 miles on the treadmill and came home ready to tackle the upcoming races on the calendar.  Basically since my PR at Helvetia I have focused on staying half marathon ready and doing between 20-30 miles each week.

{Instagram Pic}

  

Lately my weeks have been closer to 20 miles and I am so ready to get back to my 30 mile weeks.  Honestly I am ready to get back into the fall routine, cooler weather and all of the colors.  I don't want to wish away time or not be present but there are times that I just really look forward to fall.  We have 2 more trips on the calendar with our final trip being Chicago for Joey's Navy Graduation, so excited!  When we get home from that we'll be done with any major trips for the year and let me tell you how good it feels to say that.  This year has been a lot for travel which overflows into so many other aspects of our life.  It is definitely time to slow things down and be home for a full 90 days or longer, lets hope for longer.  

I've been working on getting our house back in order one room at a time.  Why did I start this process you ask?  I had to get the girl's room cleaned out and ready for their new big girl beds and it lit a fire under me to get the rest of my house in tip top shape.  

{The girl's new big girl dollhouse bed}

So far I've got their room, our room and the office/playroom cleaned out.  

While I was cleaning out the office/playroom I came across my stack of bibs.  I have wanted to put my bibs on a cork board forever and finally just sat down and got it done.  I am so glad to have them all in one spot and hanging up in our garage.  Nothing fancy, I just wanted them somewhere and not stashed all over the house anymore.  

Here is to hoping I can fight the bug and still get a long run in this weekend, fingers crossed!  If not I'll just sit and drink my coffee and start new next week.

Are you training for a fall race?  

If you are running a fall race you are getting close, how are you feeling about your training?  

2013 Huckleberry Half Marathon Preview

Good Morning! 

Yesterday morning I woke up to two little girls snuggling up to me and I was so confused.  Then I realized I must have set my alarm for PM not AM, whoops!  It all worked out because I got to snuggle with the girls and instead had a great run this morning.  I felt like I was floating and the miles just ticked by even though I had positive splits! HA! 

I was looking back at my runs from August 2012 and I was shocked to see how much progress I've made in the last year.  I took a screen shot of a similar run this time last year. 

I remember thinking last year that there was no way I would ever improve my average pace.  It wasn't until I was in Michigan and following Train Like A Mother's Half Marathon Own It Plan that I started doing any sort of speed work.  I was always afraid of speed work and thought it had to be done a certain way to really gain any progress.  As the months have gone on and we are back home now I am learning how I personally like to incorporate speed work and what works for me.  I don't have an ideal pace in mind I just want to make sure I am not letting myself get stuck in a rut.  Also I never want running to become a chore, so if I find myself not looking forward to a run I need to reevaluate what is going on.

This weekend is the 1st Annual Huckleberry Half Marathon and 10K.  The event takes place in Welches, Oregon which is on the way to Government Camp on Mt. Hood.  Katie and I are registered for the Half Marathon and Katie has been running the 10K course with the race director for the last couple of months.  I ran it with them once and it really is a beautiful course that runs along the Salmon River and has quite a few rolling hills (I love hills!).  

{Downhills}

Packet Pick-Up will be Friday August 9th at the Clackamas REI from 3-7.  There will be bib pick up and bag check on Saturday morning starting at 6:30.  The Half Marathon starts at 7:30 AM and the 10K starts at 8:00 AM.  There will be a post-race party starting at 9:15 where you can take a picture with BIGFOOT!  Plus the finisher's medal is a locally done laser cut Bigfoot medal, score!  If you are looking for directions or other parking information go HERE so that I don't mess it all up and send you to the beach or something.  I am coming from Sherwood so I plan on staying the night with Katie on Friday since she lives in Sandy.  Give yourself plenty of time in the morning to get to Welches there really is no fast way of getting there.

Are you running the Huckleberry Half or 10K this Saturday? 

When is your next race? 

Are you getting excited for the fall race season?!  

-I AM!

  

  

A Runner's Reflections

Good morning! 

Last week was a slow week in terms of running not so much in other aspects of our life.  I know it is hard to believe runners have other things going on outside of running.  Sometimes I forget that too, guilty!  Some weeks are really awesome for running.  I got out 5 times (not 6) and feel really good about my mileage for this particular week.   

Then I have a week like this where I get out twice and I am lucky I even ran that much.  

I want to say this summer has been busy but honestly this entire year thus far has been stuffed.  I am starting to see a light at the end of the tunnel and am grateful we just have one more big trip on the horizon.  This week is quiet and we don't have much going on besides normal day to day things like dance classes and play dates.  I am really glad I wasn't trying to train for a marathon during everything, this summer would not have been marathon training friendly.  I am thinking about doing a spring marathon but I am not entirely sold on it yet, we'll see.  Honestly I would like to slow things down for a while and I think signing up for a marathon would be counterproductive to that.  I really didn't enjoy the training last year for the Portland Marathon and it makes me hesitant to sign up for another one.  

There are a lot of different mothers out there and my personal style is I like to be home as much as possible.  I enjoy being available for their activities and not feeling stressed about one more thing on my calendar.  I am extremely fortunate that I get to be home with my girls everyday and I know this time is fleeting.  Sometimes I feel obligated to sign up for things and say yes when I know I am taking on too much.  These are things I am consciously working on right now, I am learning that I don't have to be the one to do everything.  I don't have to be the one who is responsible to plan our family visits, the road goes both ways.  I need to remind myself that it isn't being selfish but it is putting our families needs in front of others.  Once I find myself becoming resentful I know it is time to take a step back and look at everything going on in my life.  Nobody but me is responsible for my feelings and therefore nobody but me can make the changes necessary.  That may mean I don't sign up for the full marathon but only the half, but that also means I'll be at the finish to cheer on my friends as they cross the finish line and that would make me happy. :)               

This picture also makes me really happy!  Katie and I took the the girls on a mini girls getaway last week and it was so much fun.  We made a stop at the Enchanted Forest on the way to the beach and took a ride on the Log Ride.  As you can see Katie and Sarah really enjoyed the ride!  Katherine is there too but she is hiding behind Katie, it was hilarious!  I am so glad she is my girl's God Mother and I they love her as much as they do, we are lucky.  

Happy Running!    

I am still waiting to hear from Kari about the Color Run, I'll give it a couple more days before I pick a new winner.  Shoot me an email and I'll get you the code Kari!

 

Train Like A Mother!

Good morning! 

I had a really great running week last week and got out there 5 times for a total of 29 miles.  Friday I ran my long run, 12 miles, and it was my best run of the week.  I felt strong the entire time and never felt the urge to cut it short.  I am notorious for cutting my long runs short when I am running them alone.  

After my run I grabbed an iced coffee and jumped in an ice bath for a few minutes.  Ice baths are new to me but the last couple of times I've done one after a long run I find my recovery is much quicker.  I vote YES for ice baths, iced coffee and compression socks.  I did a nice and easy recovery run on Saturday and took Sunday and Monday for rest days, they were glorious.  

This morning I wasn't feeling my normal ready to get back at it mojo but I finished my cup of coffee and trudged out there.  This will come as a shock but I actually feel 100 times better after my run this morning.  It is rare for me to not feel better after a run.

I am starting to throw in some speed work during my runs and today was as good a day as any!  One of my favorite forms of speed work is doing strides.  Strides (for me) are 20-40 second bursts that I throw in 3-4 times during my somewhat easy run, 4-5 miles.  During my stride I'll push to 80% and then slow down to my comfortable pace until I am ready for another set.  This morning actually ended up being a negative split run also which was a pleasant surprise.  I started at a 9:41 mile and ended with my fastest mile being an 8:56 for the win!  I learned about strides while I was keeping up my training in Michigan and following Train Like A Mother Half Marathon Own It Plan.  

In September I'll be starting their 5K Own It Plan, I'll be tweaking it to make it work in conjunction with my Half Marathon training.  My good friend's husband has challenged me to a 5K on Thanksgiving and at first I sort of brushed him off and didn't think he would really put much effort out...I was wrong.  I am not worried because I know if I follow a training plan and get my speed work in each week I'll be golden and score a new 5K PR, it is all positive thinking right?!  I guess if I lose I can drown my sorrows in food and booze and also put my house up for sale because they are also our neighbors and he will NEVER let me live it down, ever.  Ah good times :)      

In other news my mom received a letter yesterday from the Navy with my brother's address at Boot Camp!  I have a Polaroid camera and I am glad I'll be able to include a picture with the letters we send him.  Lucy wanted to include her bone in the picture, she carries it around with her everywhere!  The girls love the Polaroid and think it is so cool the picture just pops out like that, I love it too.  

When was the last time you wrote a hand written letter? 

Did anyone you knew growing up have a Polaroid? 

When do you do your long run?  Friday, Saturday or Sunday? 

-I prefer Friday but anything over 15 miles and I get lonely.  I'll do anything 15+ with a group or with my BRF (Best Running Friend)! 

Vacation Running Anxiety

Hi!

We've been home for almost 48 hours and settling back into a routine has been the best feeling.  I ran yesterday and today and have felt great about both of my runs.  

This morning I did just over 5 miles and was excited to see my comfortable pace was just around a 10 minute mile.  I remember when I first started running I was averaging close to 12 minute miles so I feel really good about my progress.  Fueling is starting to become an issue for me and something I am going to need to start playing around with but that is for another post! 

In other good and fun news I actually won something, weird I know!  A few weeks ago while I was at Fitbloggin'13 I entered a Twitter contest with The Laughing Cow.  I really didn't plan on winning and had actually forgot all about it until last week when I found out I was a winner, woop!  

I think cuddling up to the Laughing Cow got me extra points!  

Not really.

I could not remember what it was the winners would receive but I assumed it would be along the lines of cheese.  

Am I smart or what?! 

I tried all of these flavors during the break at Fitbloggin'13 and surprisingly my favorite was the Queso Fresco & Chipotle.  Normally I am a White Cheddar girl and while that is yummy too I really liked the spice on the Queso.  Plus it all came in a nice little lunch bag that will really come in handy this summer, score!  

You are probably asking what any of this has to do with the title of this post, the answer is nothing, I just wanted to share the fun news with you first.  Okay onward to what I really wanted to talk about, what I call Vacation Running Anxiety.  I really do not think there is a form of anxiety out there with that title but let's just pretend there is for the purpose of this post.  

We have been traveling a lot and while it is great to get out and see the country and all that jazz I find myself completely unable to get out and run while we are away from home.  It isn't from lack of motivation or even the desire to get out there because I have both of those things.  I find that I am plagued with anxiety and the idea of running around a strange new place by myself completely freaks me out.  When I am running at home in the light of day I am completely at ease even though I still run with my pepper spray and no headphones, stay alert people!  I always try to run "scared" but I still feel very comfortable running around town.  I pass by a lot of other runners and walkers and people walking their dogs, everyone is very friendly.  I know which streets to avoid because theirs dogs scare the crap out of me and I have a general idea of how far I am from home in any given area.  On our most recent trip to Northern California I headed out for a run Tuesday morning just to see what I could pull off.  

This was all I could muster, ugh.  I think that the heat and elevation played a part but I know 75% of it was my own anxiety.  Every sound would send my heart racing, if I heard a dog barking I would jump 10 feet I can just imagine what I looked like from someone's kitchen window.  It takes me a while to feel comfortable to any new area and I think our short little 1 week trips are not enough time for me to reach any sort of comfort level.  It really bums me out because it means my mileage for this month will not be anywhere near where I would like it to be :( but that is just something I'll have to let go.  I was able to take a yoga class with my mom so the week wasn't a total loss!  

What am I going to do about it you ask?  I could hide under a rock and never leave our hometown again (I can hear Katie cheering) but that is not realistic.  What I need to start doing is locate a gym in the area that we are traveling to and ask about a discounted rate for the time I'll be there.  Or better yet try and book a hotel that has a gym with a treadmill.  Even better yet would get some of my family members to start running so I have some running buddies when I come visit *hint*hint*.  I am pretty much planning on making Joey my running buddy once he graduates from boot camp, no excuses now!  Minus the whole commitment to the Navy, yada yada yada.  

What do you think about vacation running anxiety, is it something that affects any of you? 

Do you like The Laughing Cow cheese wedges? 

- I have loved their cheese forever!  

       

Foot Traffic Flat Half Marathon Review

Hi! 

I hope you had a great 4th of July!  We are pretty wiped out over here from all the fun, we had an amazing Independence Day.  Hence why this post is going up after 9 on a Friday night and it has taken me over an hour to just get this written down.  This mom is beat! 

Yesterday morning Katie and I had an early wake up call (4 AM) so that we could run the Foot Traffic Flat Half Marathon on Sauvie Island.  Luckily I was able to get to bed early the night before because dark o'thirty isn't anybody's friend.  

Terrible Selfie 

I didn't know what I was going to wear until I started getting ready for bed and it was time to lay everything out.  I bought some cheap necklaces from the Dollar Tree and put my headband together with what I had around and possibly stole some bows from the girls.  I wore my white Lululemon Pace Setter skirt, my Portland Fit tech tee from last year and of course my Mizuno Wave Riders.  

I needed to get there early because I didn't pick up my bib at the packet pick-ups and bib pick up started at 5:30 AM.  Luckily I have the bestest friend in the world and she picked mine up since I got stuck in the parking back up.  A lot of people took the shuttle to the island but I am el cheapo didn't want to pay out any more money to ride the shuttle and figured I would just get there early enough to park.  There was plenty of parking that I could see and I would have been stuck in the traffic even on the shuttle.  

Pre-Race

I was parked by 5:50 AM and had an hour before the half marathon was set to take off.  We sat and kept warm in the car till it was time for the marathoners to take off at 6:30 AM.  Both Katie and I were surprised at how few of them there were, probably less than 200 total.  

Then we figured we should get in line for the porta potties along with everyone else running the half.  I don't think the lined moved the entire time we stood in it so we just gave up.  

Race

The race started on time which was nice but Katie and I both agreed it should have started in waves.  The island is small and uses a two lane road and we were only using 1 lane for the race.  We were backed up for the first 2 miles and did a lot of swerving and walk/jogging.  It was fine because neither of us were going for time and ended up stopping at the mile 2 aid station to use the porta potties.  .  

Yes I ran with my parade flag the entire race, win! 

There were 7 aid stations for the half and I stopped at 6 of them for water and one for a snack.  I am realizing with each half marathon I really need to be ingesting more calories.  I brought 1 Peanut Butter GU and ate half of a sample size Cliff Protein bar, wasn't a fan of either.  The race pretty much lived up to its name minus one little hill on the out and back and the miles seemed to click off fairly quickly.  Like I said earlier we weren't running for time, just out for a fun run celebrating the 4th together!  

  

Post-Race

The finish line had another aid station with plenty of water for everyone and of course our medals! 

They had fresh strawberry shortcake and hot dogs for all of the runners and surprisingly the line for hot dogs was insane.  Katie and I were perfectly content skipping the dogs and heading straight for dessert!  The race started and finished at the Pumpkin Patch on Sauvie Island and we wanted to check out their cute little country store.  I found the cutest little tiny straw bales for sale and had to buy a few!  

Katie and I both said we would run this race again.  I am not sure what the situation with the porta potties was because there were a lot of them but the line just didn't move.  I would also suggest starting the half marathon in 2 or 3 waves just to spread us out a little bit at the start.  Other than those hiccups I thought the rest of the race was great, they had plenty of volunteers to help with traffic and at all of the aid stations.  The course was scenic and passed by really quick.  They had kiddie pools filled with ice water for runners to use post-race which I though was awesome if you are into that sort of thing, which I probably should be.  Plus the store sells teeny tiny straw bales, what is there not to like?!  

My actual photographer friends are all groaning at me right now 

  

Happy Birthday America! 

Tell me about your 4th of July!  

What was your favorite part of the day?

If you did a race tell me about it, please!  

Do you ice bath?  

- I have once and it actually did wonders, I need to make them more routine.

   

Foot Traffic Flat Half Marathon Preview

Good morning! 

I started the morning off with a 4 mile out and back and I took a chance on a different route.  I am so glad that I did because I found somewhere new to get in my morning runs.  I am always nervous to go a different direction but since tomorrow is the Foot Traffic Flat Marathon I decided to just head out and not worry about how many miles I got in.  Luckily it worked out really well and I am excited to explore the area a little more next time.  

Tomorrow is my 1st 4th of July race and I am seriously pumped up!  I don't normally like costumes or dressing up for races but for America's birthday I am all over it.  I am ridiculously patriotic and never take for granted that I was born into the most amazing nation in the world.  I am a proud American and make no apologies for it.  I will be busting out my coozies for the afternoon and evening festivities tomorrow! 

Just keep'n it classy 

This is my first time running the Foot Traffic Flat Half Marathon but I have heard it really is a flat course and the islanders are so supportive of the runners.  So I'll run through the details quickly since I am just reiterating what is on their website. 

Pre-Race 

   - Bib Pick Up starts @ 5:30 AM race day and only goes till 6:00 AM.  You can pick up your bib TODAY at the Foot Traffic store in NE Portland on Fremont from 11-4

- You can park on the island but they encourage participants to take the shuttle.  They recommend anyone parking on the island to arrive at least 1 hour prior to start time. 

Race

- FULL Marathon starts at 6:30 AM  

- 5K/10K starts at 6:40 AM 

- HALF Marathon starts at 6:50 AM

- They will have water, Nuun & Clift Shot available on course 

- There are 7 aid stations available for the HALF and 13 for the FULL 

You can read about last year's race HERE, she did a great recap of the last year's event.

Who else is running a race tomorrow? 

Tell me what your favorite holiday is! 

- Mine are 4th of July and Thanksgiving because both have nothing to do with gifts and are all about getting together with people you love and celebrating the day. 

Running Is Like a Good Dog and FitBloggin'13!

Good Morning! 

Normally after a couple weeks of lackluster running I would be really down on myself but I just am not going to do that this time.  It is what it is and next week I'll be back at it.  That is the great thing about running, it is always there waiting for you when you come back.

  Just like a good dog.

I said before that it is difficult to get out for a run while we are in Montana and since getting home I just wasn't making it a priority.  Trying to get settled in and already having another road trip on the horizon is making me feel a little overwhelmed.  Running would help with that but am I running, no, makes sense right?! Needless to say I am ready for the vacation part of summer to start and by vacation I mean being home for more than 6 weeks in a row this year.

Tonight is the first event of FitBloggin'13!  I'll be heading downtown Portland this afternoon and have an opportunity to meet some really amazing people in the fitness and blogging world.  I am excited to attend all of the interesting workshops and fitness classes they are offering to all of the attendees this weekend.  I am not sure how much time I'll have to sit and post but I'll be blowing up my TWITTER and INSTAGRAM feed so be sure you follow me to stay up on all of the fun happenings at FitBloggin'13!  

Jess designed business cards for me and I even had a pen and tote bag made up with my logo.  I feel like such a nerd but I am really excited for this opportunity.  When I started my blog over a year ago I wasn't sure what I wanted from it and I am still just taking it day by day.  More than anything I like having a place to talk about my running and if anybody reads it that is great but if they didn't I would still write.  More than anything I want to continue being home with my girls while also having a writing career.  I have always enjoyed writing and feel I have found a few niches that I am really passionate about.  Now I just have to do some laundry so I have something to wear this weekend! 

Don't forget that my Giveaway for Laura Vanderkam's book 168 Hours is still going on!  I'll announce the winner next Tuesday, July 2nd.  There are a lot of ways to enter and you have pretty good odds as of now.  Plus this is a great book!  You can enter here!  

Will you be at FitBloggin'13?  

Have you ever attended a blogging conference? 

- This is my first conference like this! 

Helvetia Half Marathon Preview

Good morning!  

It is National Running Day!  Did you get out there?  I did a fun 3 miles this morning in the sunshine.  Normally I am a 4 day a week runner but with the beautiful summer mornings I am adding in some extra days.  I do it mainly for the pure enjoyment of being out in the morning and feeling energized for the day.  Running in the morning just sets me up to have a good day, I feel like I have already accomplished something important to me and I can handle anything tossed my way.  How does running make you feel?

My favorite race picture 

I am so excited for this weekend I can hardly contain myself!  

The Helvetia Half Marathon was my first Half last year and it holds a special place in my little runner's heart.  It is put on by Paula of Run with Paula Events and is really organized.  You can tell she takes a lot of pride in her events and wants everyone to be successful and have a good time.  The best part about this particular race?  The Helvetia Tavern burgers waiting for us at the finish!  Helvetia is a small unincorporated town that's claim to fame is their Helvetia Tavern Burger, if you haven't been out there GO!  

Inhaling my veggie Helvetia Tavern burger last year

The Helvetia Half Marathon was voted the best Half Marathon in 2012 by Competitor Magazine's Reader Poll.  This doesn't surprise me with everything offered pre-race, on the course and once you complete your race.  The race starts and finishes at the the Hillsboro Stadium and travels through some of the most beautiful parts of the countryside.  Granted the Helvetia Half is known for its hills so I wouldn't go into it hoping for a PR but just looking for a good time with your best running buddies.  

On Course 

On course they have lots of porta potties, seriously a lot.  This year they'll be offering water and Heed at the aid stations and at mile 5.8 and 7.3 (random) they'll have Cliff Shot available.  They will also have pace leaders from 7:45 min/mile up to 12:30 min/mile so everyone is covered!  Look for runners with balloons at the start line to find your pace leader.  

Packet Pick Up & Gear Check 

You can pick up your race packet and bib on Thursday 10-8 and Friday 10-6 at Portland Running Company on Scholls Ferry Road in Beaverton.  They will have packet pick up on race morning along with gear check so that is always an option.  I remember last year's gear check was really easy and they were handing me my bag before I even had to ask for it.    

Getting There 
Personally I like to carpool because driving to a race and getting pumped up with your friends is the best.  There is plenty of parking but carpooling just makes it so much easier.  I suggest arriving by 6:30 so you have ample time to do all the things you need to do *ahem* go to the bathroom a few times.  Oh is that just me?

Aside from those pesky hills there isn't much about this race I don't like.  Let me know in the comments if you'll be there too!  

Half #3 is almost here!