Upcoming Oregon Fall Races

Good Morning! 

This weekend marks the official end of summer vacation and I think it comes faster and faster every year.  While we were in Michigan I was desperate for summer and getting out of the bitter cold.  I couldn't wait to get home and get summer started!  Oregon summers are beautiful and there are so many ways to get out and enjoy the nice weather.  Although like most Oregonians we love our Oregon fall and Labor Day weekend marks the start of that for a lot of people.  I love this time of year when the seasons start to change and school gets back into session.  I love the routine and coziness of it all, certain things just seem to mellow and calm during this time of year.  We have one more big trip this year, my brother's graduation into the Navy, which is going to be such a great moment for our family.  While I am really looking forward to getting to Chicago again and seeing my brother I am also looking forward to slowing down and being home.  2013 has been a whirlwind of some really awesome things but I am ready to slow things down and be home for good.  

I also have a personal (selfish) reason to want to be home and slow down during the fall. Fall Races!  Oregon has some of the best weather in the fall and it makes the race season that much better.  There are so many to chose from and my race calendar is already set and ready to go.     

My Fall Race Line-Up

Archer Race I 

October 12th 

Champoeg State Park 

I am really excited about this Race Series because it benefits local libraries with the focus being K-5th grade reading and math material.  They also want to help with a technology upgrade at the library.  This race has a 5K ($25) and 10K ($32) option and is a timed event.  This is my first time running this event and I am looking forward to the experience. For more information check it out HERE.

Uberthons Halloweenathon      

October 26th 

Reserver Golf Course (Aloha)

This is a full day family affair with a kids race, BBQ cook off contest and 4 different races to chose from.  Every level of runner and walker is welcome and the races go from morning till night so you'll have the whole day to chose a race that works for you.  I personally really enjoy the events that Uberthons put on and I love the family atmosphere of each race.  Also the fact that they offer a kids race at every event for FREE is huge.  My daughter loves to run and wants to be a runner like me (yay!) and she is able to come and participate in every Uberthons race free of charge, nice job Uberthons!  Find out more information and the races available HERE. 

Archer Race II Challenge

November 2nd 

Bald Peak Park 

This is the 2nd event in the Archer Race Series.  It takes place on the 4th most prestigious course in the Northwest and is 13.1 miles of beautiful scenery.  You can find more information HERE.

Give n' Gobble  

November 28th - Thanksgiving Morning 

Sherwood High School 

This is a tradition for me and as long as we are home I'll always participate in this race.  I have a bit of pressure for this race since my neighbor has challenged me to race it with him.  We'll be running the 5K and the poor guy doesn't know what he is in for :) all in good fun right?  There is a 5K and 10K option this year and if you are a Sherwood local or just enjoy a family friendly fun event I strongly recommend the Give n'Gobble.  More information can be found HERE.

As of now those the races I plan on doing in the fall.  There are many more races out there and I am going to be putting together a list of events that sound like fun to me.  Katie, me and our families will be waving goodbye to summer this weekend with the Sunriver Race For A Cause 10K and Half Marathon Challenge.  I am hoping I am in good enough shape for both of these races since I've been sick for over 2 weeks and logged barely 20 miles during that time.  I've already told myself if I have to walk then I am just going to walk, this weekend is about having a good time with some good friends and family.  

Enjoy The Run!       

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!

  

  

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. 

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! 

2013 Portland Rock and Roll Half Marathon Preview

Good morning!  

I took the last 2 days off of running and cross training mostly from laziness but I'll claim it's because this is a taper week.  That is right the Rock and Roll Half Marathon is this Sunday, woop!  So far Sunday's weather is calling for overcast and a high of 62 which we all know is an awesome race day forecast.  I have never ran a Rock and Roll race before so I am excited to try it out.  I have picked up a few tips I'll share with you but I am a newbie to this particular race, plus this is only my 2nd Half Marathon.  

Katie & I before our 1st Half last June 

Packet-Pick Up 

Packet Pick-Up is Friday 5/17 from 12:00-6:00 AND Saturday 5/18 from 9:00-5:00 at the Portland Expo Center which is NOT downtown.  Click here for directions to the Expo Center and here for more information about packet pick-up.  I would plan on carpooling to the Expo Center because there is an $8 parking charge or you can take the Max and avoid parking and traffic all together.  Want some more unsolicited advice?  If you are a local I would go to the Expo on Friday if possible, Saturday will be a mad house!  Saturday is when all of the out of town racers will be there picking up their stuff so you'll probably run into a lot more lines and people.  Also before you head to the Expo you'll need to print off a confirmation sheet and bring it with you otherwise no packet and that is just sad.  Go HERE to get your confirmation sheet, they won't accept anything off of a mobile device.

Race Day

The Half Marathon starts at 8:00 AM and will be based on a corral/wave system.  Basically if you are super fast then you'll start at 8:00, I foresee my start time around noon, I kid.  I'll probably start around 8:05 or 8:10 so no biggie really.  Give yourself plenty of time to park, check your gear, use the bathroom a couple times and get into your corral with time to spare.  Rushing around feeling frantic isn't a great way to start off a fun race day so get up early!  You can change your corral you just have to do it at the Expo/Packet Pick-Up, maybe you'll see me in that line!  There will be pacers (YAY!) and they'll be placed based on corral so be sure you are in the correct corral if you are looking for a specific pace leader.  I counted the aid stations on the course map and if I can count right (which sadly isn't always the case) there are 8 water stations, I've heard rumors that there will be GU handed out at some of the aid stations.  I don't know how accurate that is or if GU is even your thing so I would plan on bringing your own fuel.

Saturday's Run for Boston was a huge boost to my running moral!  Not so much to my picture taking abilities, but to my mojo yes!  I am really looking forward to this race and am excited to run through Portland.  I haven't done a long race since the marathon back in early October so I am feeling pretty pumped.

Katie & I after the Portland Marathon 2012

Will you be at the Rock and Roll Half this weekend?  

What is your favorite part about a race expo? 

- I love having all of the running vendors in one spot, my wallet does not.