Hippie Chick Half 2013

Just leaving town (Tonya and I)

I had no intentions of running Hippie Chick Half this year.  I love this race, full of women all ages shapes and sizes but last year was a bad race for me, and I didn't add this one to my wish list for 2013. My friend Tonya had other ideas!

Several months ago Tonya asked if I would do Hippie Chick '13.  I told her I hadn't planned on it but she just went ahead and registered the both of us anyway...lol.  She did ask first!  I have to say, I'm glad she did!  I really needed this race for a confidence builder for Newport Marathon in three weeks and to get over the disapointment of last year!

 Saturday morning Tonya and I drove off about 5:45am towards Hillsboro Stadium.  We got there with plenty of time to use the port-a-potty and gather our gear.  Then we did a little warm-up going towards the starting line while looking for people we know.  Sure enough, we saw our running friend Susan!

Tonya and I got in line and worked our way up to the pace group we wanted.  We had just a few minutes to start and Tonya kept saying she had to go pee again, so you guessed it....I needed to pee too!  The lines for the port-a-potties were WAY backed up at this point and there was no way to make it back in time for the big start.  I decided to "deal with it."

The gun went off and Tonya and I split up right away.  Usually we stay together for at least the first half but today we both had  different goals.  I felt really good.  I wanted to hold a 8:15 for the first ten miles but I was going faster.  I just went with it because I knew...as soon as it heats up I will slow down no matter what.

The first eight miles went super.  I knew the course this year and that was really nice.  I also remembered all the spots I broke down last year.  Thing is...I wasn't breaking down this year!  Even the "hill" we had to go up seemed very small this year.  I think it just seemed bigger last year because I was having a bad run.

At the top of the hill we did a turn-a-round.  The turn-a-round was about 1.5 miles out and back, so as the elites started coming back, I started counting them.  It gave me something to do.  1...2...3....4.  I kept counting until about 43. Then I got tired of it and stopped.

I got up to the turn-a-round and started looking for Tonya.  Soon I saw her and she looked really good.  I could tell she was happy! We gave each other a high five in passing! 

As I got to mile nine I began to really heat up.  It was getting very warm and I still had to pee.  There was port-a-potties along the course, but every time I came to one, I couldn't bring myself to stop...so I kept going.  

At mile ten, the plan was to speed up for the last 5k (3.1 miles).  I didn't have it in me at this point.  I just tried to maintain and keep my overall pace under a 8:15.  We ran on a road, gravel, and a blacktop.  As I came to the blacktop about mile 11-12 the heat was miserable.  I also now found myself with 100's of walkers finishing up their 1/4 marathon.  I weaved through them and got tired of my music.  I stopped my music and just tried to enjoy the race...I knew I was almost done!

I came to the dreaded corner that Jerry meet me at last year and just flew by...I was stronger this year and I reminded myself of that. I didn't need anyone to come talk me through the last mile or two...no, not this year! 

As I came to the "Luna Mile"  (Luna bar aid station and final mile to finish line) I was feeling that finish line.  I was very tired, but knew the end was near.  

As I passed more walkers a lady grabbed my arm and said, "JULIE."  I about peed my pants right then and there!  It was Tonya's Mom, Teresa!  "Hi, Teresa...I've been watching for you" I said as I went by!  I love seeing people I know out there!  

The final .1 mile

Just before I came into the stadium (the final .1 mile) Tina (another running friend) yelled my name as I ran by.  I turned the corner to step on the stadium grass and about took out the walker in front of me!  My goodness...sorry lady but you need to move!  

I looked up and there was Jerry!  Was so good to see him!  I took off and ran as fast as I could to the finish.  I stopped my Garmin and hoped that my chip time was what my Garmin said, cause I liked what my Garmin said!

I was given a bottle of water and my Hippie Chick 2013 necklace.  I went over to meet Jerry and Rylan (husband and 9 year old son).  I was so happy to see them.  Jerry has been a HUGE help in supporting me this last year with all my running goals.  

Tonya and I...finished at last!

I waited for my best friend to come in and then went over to check out the vendors.  I won a Brooks shirt and got some food.  I love the free food after a race!  

I really was glad to be done, the last four miles were really hard but I can tell my marathon training is working.  I PRed (personal record) by about 8 minutes from my last half in October.  I finished at 1:49:31 (1 sec. off of what my Garmin said).  29th in my age group out of 331 other women.  Overall I came in 100th out of 1860.  Pretty happy about all that.

Rylan (my 9 year old) and I after the race

I have Newport Marathon (26.2 miles) coming up on June 1st.  I have higher scarier goals this year.  Goals I didn't think I would ever even think about making for myself a year ago.  It's nice having people who believe in me and support me.  Looking forward to seeing what June 1st has in store for me!  I can hardly wait! 


Thank you Tonya!!!!

"The Biggest Loser 15k"

April 14th I got to run The Biggest Loser 15k in Springfield OR.  I was given this race from Laura at Girls Gone Sporty, because I'm a Sweat Pink Ambassador. She couldn't run this race.  Since I'm from the area, she offered it to me.  This was my 2nd 15k.

Sunday morning I rolled out of bed about 4:30, UGH!  I needed to get to Springfield early because I couldn't go get my race packet the day before.  Not too much traffic around 5:30am on a Sunday morning!  I got there with plenty of time to spare.  I got a good parking spot close to the start/finish line.  It was cold out!  I went inside to get my packet and see what the sports expo had going on.  I was happy to get my shirt and number without a long line.  I walked around and got a few photos and then sat down for a bit.  The gym area was starting to get busy and the lines were getting long.  I was glad I got there early.  I headed out to my car to wait until it was time to start.  I felt kind of weird to be all by myself, yet in a big crowd.  I knew Tori from Monmouth was coming but never did end up seeing her before the race started.

That's me in the yellow visor...lol!

About 10 minutes before 9:00am I decided I better go join the crowd.

I made my way into the gate.  We were all bunched together.  I stood by a lady from Alaska who was doing the 5k.  She was cold and couldn't believe I had short sleeves on...lol.  I was also by a guy from Roseburg who ended up coming in 1st for the 15k.  That's him in the yellow jacket.

We stood while Dan from Season 5 of The Biggest Loser sang the National Anthem.  A runner up front had an American Flag...how perfect!  The runners were all

Dan singing the National Anthem

asked to come to the front.  There were lots of walkers for this race.  I happily worked my way through the crowd and barley fit into the first wave of runners.  It was chipped timed, so they started us in waves.

The gun went off and so did I!  I was mixed with 5k runners and 15k runners.  We started on a wide road so I didn't feel like it was hard to make my way around people or stay out of faster runners way.  The road was nice and flat.  I knew it was an out and back course and I liked knowing, all I had to do is go out, and come  back!  I had my watch (Garmin), but had been given some advise to not take my watch.  I wore it only to be able to check my mile splits after the race.  I never looked at it.  The reason I did this?   Focusing on your pace can mess with your mind (your mental game).  I was told to just find my pace and go with it and that's what I chose to do.


We quickly made it to the 5k turn-a-round and many turned to go back.  A timer was set up, and I thought, wow, if I was doing the 5k I might PR...oh well!  I wondered if I should slow down, but just went with it.

I started passing people and kept my eyes on the man with the American flag.  I love it when someone runs with the flag!  We turned down a road headed to a park path.  Before I knew it, I was running with the guy with the flag.  He was talking with another runner about the Eugene Marathon.  I passed them and headed onto a more narrow path in the park area.


I think this path was my favorite part of the course.  We ran along water, but the creek was pretty low. I passed a man that looked about my age.  Up ahead was a man/lady couple.  I settled in behind them and just stayed awhile.  After awhile, I decided to give it a go and pass them.  They stayed right on my tail.  Then passed me back. We did this a few times, then the lady passed me and the man got left behind.  Never saw him again.  This lady and I started running together.  

Soon we came to the 15k turn-a-round.  I looked up at the timer and saw I was on target for a 1:15 finish time.  That would be a nice PR, but I would have to hold the pace I was at for another 4.6 miles...UGH!  I didn't know if that was possible, but I might as well keep going!  

I loved running back.  Since I got to start in the lead wave, there were lots of people behind me.  I decided to watch for Tori...this gave me something to do.  The lady I was playing passing games with started to chat with me a little.  I found out her name was Laurie and she had been running with her husband who wasn't feeling well. That's why he fell behind.  We continued to push each other and it was great.  As we got closer to the finish we got into the "walker" groups.  Some of the people made me laugh.

I saw a lady walking with her kindle..yes, she was reading while walking her 15k.  Several groups of women walking together...I think that's great, but in one group, one lady was turned around walking backwards so she could talk to her friends...lol!

I was happy to finally see Tori...she looked like she was doing great! 

Tori and me at the finish line

  
Finally I made my way out of the park and back onto the road.  I knew I had maybe two miles left.  I needed to dig deep at this point.  It was getting hard.  I would start to feel like really slowing it down, then realized I didn't want to let Laurie get way ahead, so I just kept steady with her even though my stomach was starting to feel it! Blaaaaa.....

As we came close to the finish line, lots of 5k walker were just

Me and Laurie (green) nearing the end

coming in.  The road was wide, but these walkers would make these walls you would have to go around and it was kind of annoying.  I just went around the walls of people and kept going.  I had no idea if I was at 1:15 or not.  All I knew was I had stayed with Laurie.  I did end up passing her just before the end, but her chip time was the same as mine when it was all over (we didn't start at the same time).

I crossed the finish line and stopped my watch.  I was handed a finishers medal and then looked at my watch.

Laurie (in green) and me stopping my watch

 It was right at 1:15.  NO WAY!  I wondered what place I had came in?  I knew I was near the front but I also new there were some women who were in front of me.

I went inside to get some food and wait for race results to come in.  At this point I was just happy to know I did PR by quite a bit.

I got a half of a bagel, a banana and a bottle of water, then stood with the other 15kers waiting to see how we all did.  When the times went up, I had to do a double take.  It said I came in first for my age-group.  This has never happened to me.  Overall I came in 14th place.  5th place in all women. 1st in my age group.  There were 142 15k finishers.  103 females, 39 males.  The average finish time was 1:41:41.  My finish time was 1:15:03 (8:04 pace).  I was pretty excited.  I knew I would get a certificate so I found a spot to sit.  Dan and Jackie Evans from Season 5 were there talking to people and letting people take photos.  Dan and some other guy sang to us up on the stage.  Finally certificates were given out along with ribbons to the top 3 in each age group and overall.  
It was a good race!

Dan and Jackie Evans from Season 5

I went to meet my brother in Eugene for a very nice lunch at one of his favorite places.  I was so hungry!!!

Next race is Hippie Chick Half Marathon,  coming May 11th!  In the meantime, I'm in training for Newport Marathon, coming June 1st!

Happy Running friends.....

I CAN DO THIS Challenge-Julie Style

I am excited to announce that I have teamed up with Uberthon's Running for a Challenge giveaway. 

 This is how it works.....

You take on a four week Challenge with me, Julie... and earn yourself (along with 7 friends) a two night stay at a vacation home in Lincoln City, OR. Check it out here. The challenge will start on Wednesday April 10th and end as soon as one person completes the challenge according to the rules.  I will be in the challenge along with you because I want to win as well.

   I challenge YOU to join ME and lets get healthy TOGETHER!  In the end, what do you have to lose?...ok maybe some fat...lol!  Win or lose, we will all be working on building healthy habits together!

~Contest starts the morning of April 10th

~On April 10th (or whenever you decide to join the challenge) post a photo of yourself (a before photo) on our event page.  This photo enters you into the contest.

~Exercise - Run at least 30 minutes 3 times each week for 4 weeks in a row.  (you may use walk/run intervals if you are just a beginner runner)

                         -After you do your runs, you must post on our event                                             page.

~Eat Right
            -Fruits & vegetables:  At least 4.5 cups a day 
            -Fish:  At least two 3.5 ounce servings a week 
            -Fiber-rich whole grains:  At least three 1-ounce-equvalent servings a day
            -Sodium:  Reduce your salt intake
            -Sugar-sweetened beverages:  No more than 450 calories (36 ounces) a week.  (I really challenge you to be off of sugar sweetened drinks altogether by the end of the four week challenge)
            -Nuts, legumes and seeds:  At least 4 servings a week
            -Processed meats:  No more than 2 servings a week

Rules:   -Contest last four weeks. Starting date is April 10th and will last until someone follows these exercise and eating rules for four weeks straight.
             -To enter, send a BEFORE photo of yourself to our event page (link posted here).
             -Go to Uberthons, like their page and tell them Dallas, OR Run the Open Road sent you. 
             -Like Dallas, OR Run the Open Road and join the I CAN DO THIS CHALLENGE-Juie Style
             -Register for the upcoming community 10k (details to come)
             -Post every time you run on our event page or at least twice a week.  You must update your runs and eating for the week, photos will be fun to add too.  
             -At the end of your four weeks, post a AFTER photo of yourself.  
             -Winner will get to do a video with me, Julie talking about how the challenge was for you.  It will be posted on Uberthons website.
             -Winner will receive two night with a total of 8 people at the Lincoln City vacation home - Debbie's Place in Lincoln City, Vacation Rental
                   -In the event of a tie at the end of the four weeks, we will have a drawing to pick the winner.

Exercise challenge is from "Exercise is Medicine"  

Food Challenge is from"American Heart Association"

~Some helpful tips:
             -Use the App My Fitness Pal.  This a a great way to keep track of you food intake.  It's free and easy to use.  I'm on there, feel free to look me up and add me as a friend. Look for juliemullins1.
            -Use Daily Mile to track your running.  It's free and can be linked to facebook.  They have great maps you can use to plan out routes.  Look me up on there too....Julie M. Dallas, OR.

Long Run Plus my First 10k...WOU 10k

Today I was scheduled to run 10 miles for my long run.  I found out about the WOU Criminal Justice 5 and 10k and thought it would be fun.   My running friend Chris was doing this race and suggested we run too Monmouth and then race the 10k.  I have never ran too a race only to turn around and race.   It sounded crazy but I though it wouldn't be too much of a big deal because we would run slow to Monmouth. 
 I posted about people joining us on Dallas, OR Run the Open Road thinking surely some other crazy will join us!  We decided to meet at Dallas Safeway and I talked my husband into joining in on the fun.  We got going about 6:45 early Saturday morning.  It was 50 degrees out and beautiful.  It looked like it could rain, but it wasn't yet.  My husband Jerry and I meet Chris and off we went.  Nobody else showed up....lol!

We ran through beautiful Dallas and down Riddell Road into the WOU campus.  I love it this time of year.  All the trees are blooming and the red brick on the campus buildings is so pretty.  As we got to registration we were at mile 10.75.  I thought, "what am I doing?"  "That's all I needed for this long run weekend and now I'm going to run another 6.2 miles fast!!!!!."    Well, I just tried not to think about it...I needed to find a bathroom and the doors to the buildings were all locked. 

My bathroom buddies

We got registered and then went on a bathroom hunt.  The wind had picked up and I was chilled and stiff.  Moving around helped.  I knew a few others were on a bathroom hunt as well so I was keeping my eye's on them.  I realized somehow they had gotten some keys and were heading to another building.  My friends and I took off after them and found a bathroom.  If you have ever ran a race, you totally get how important this is!!!  From that time on, these people were my bathroom friends.  They were so nice out on the course.  We encouraged each other in passing, even gave out some high 5's...it was fun!  People like this group are one of the great things about running races.  You get to meet some awesome people.
   
It was finally time to start.  I was very chilled at this point, the wind had picked up.  We started a little late but that's ok.  My daughter had brought Jerry and I our car, but was leaving to go back to Dallas with her friends.  She saw us starting so waited to "give me the keys....lol."  It was so funny, I told her I have keys, keep them..... in passing. I didn't want more keys to carry in the race.  I was so thankful she brought us the car because I knew I didn't want to run home!!!

  The first two miles were pretty good.  We ran by my friend's house, and she was out on her porch waiting for us....HI TEASA!!!!!  Was so fun to see her out there.  I was behind Jerry and Chris but one of the volunteers left her station or something weird, and they made a wrong turn.  A guy yelled at them (and a few others) and they got back on course.  I knew they would eventually pass me up, but hey...I WAS AHEAD of them!!  I fully enjoyed them moment!  

Jerry and I waiting to start the 10k

As we came to about mile 4, I was ready to be done but kept telling myself I was almost done.  My friend Teresa was walking the 5k so I started looking for her.  Soon she was in sight.  It's so nice to have people you know out there...somehow it helps mentally.  This women just got over cancer treatments and she is out walking a 5k!  A huge inspiration if you ask me!  Way to go Teresa!

As we came back around to the finish, we had to loop up to the end of the road and come back down.  One of the guys from Willamette Valley Running Club said, "good job Julie" in passing and I took off a little harder and finished up strong.  

While standing around waiting for the drawings I got to meet Vince, Jeff, Britt, Matt and Jill all from Willamette Valley Running Club.  Was so fun talking to them about different upcoming races.  What a great group that came out this morning.

This was my very first 10k, I have run 5k's, a 15k, half marathons and full marathons but somehow the 10k's never got done.  I enjoy this distance for racing but after running almost 11 miles, it wasn't as enjo

All DONE!

yable as it could have been.  I had no goals for this one but came in at 50:57 (8:20 pace).  I was very pleased with that pace for today.  It was a small race but I was the 2nd female who came in for the 10k.  The girl that came in first was very fast.  


Jerry and I didn't win anything in the drawing and realized we were very hungry.  Our favorite taco stand was over in Independance at the Farmer's Market today so guess what?  We headed over there and I got my favorite....pork tacos from El Pique.  Yummy!  

Newport Marathon is less than two months away and I am excited! I would love to have you join my in some upcoming races or on my fb running page.

Dallas, OR Run the Open Road

The Biggest Loser 15k (April 14th)

Hippie Chick 1/4 and 1/2 Marathon (ladies only :D) (May)

Newport Marathon (June 1st)

Foam Fest 5k (message me to join my team...this is just for fun, not speed) (August)

The Oregon Marathon (there is also a half) (September)

Some other races on my wish list for the year.....

Silver Falls Half Marathon  (November)

Runaway Pumpkin Half Marathon (October)

Shellburg Falls Trail Run (December)

A HUGE thank you to DC Electric...my sponsor for Newport!

HAPPY RUNNING!

April Goals and Stuff....

Today is April 1st! The year is FLYING by!  

Today over at Dallas, OR Run the Open Road we have teamed up with Allied Medal Displays for a sweet like and share give-a-way.  Winner is being picked tonight (this is not an April Fools Joke!)  Head on over here for all the details.

Looking at my month....

Saturday April 6th is my first race of the month.  It's the WOU Crimianal Justice Race.... 10k in Monmouth OR.  There will also be a 5k...if your interested in joining me, check it out here.  It's only $2.00 for ages 17 and under, everyone else, still only $5.00.  I'm excited to see how this goes.  I'm meeting some running friends at 7:00am to run from Dallas to Monmouth.  Then I will attempt to race a 10k at 9:00am.  Should be great fun!  Not setting any goals.  Just making this my long run for the week and plan on just having a good time.


April 14th I travel to Springfield OR to run the The Biggest Loser 15k Race.  I was honored to be given this race entry from Girls Gone Sporty because I am a Sweat Pink Ambassador!  I would like to try and get a good time for this one.  I have only ran one other 15k and that was Shamrock last month. We will see how it goes.  I also plan on meeting up with my brother who lives in Eugene.  Should be great fun! He knows lots of the local favorite's for FOOD!!!!  

The 19th or 20th I will run 20 miles for my Newport training.  So far my training for Newport is going so well.  I am doing training different than I ever have before and I am liking the changes so far. Newport is in exactly two months from today!  Can't wait to see how this year goes!  

I have a couple friends playing with the idea of running a half or whole marathon this year.  I am so excited for them.

This is a typical week for me with my new changes (just in case anyone was wondering...lol)....

Monday.....cross train 30-60 minutes (depends on time for the day).  Will ride the spin bike, do yoga, light weights or cardio boxing.  It is fun to have lots of options so you don't get board of it.

Tuesday....Track work/speed work, using  Yasso 800's.  I am working up to ten before the marathon.

Wednesday.....8-10 mile fatigued tempo run.  The reason I'm doing this is it will help with the last 10 miles of the marathon (my week point). 

Thursday....off day or light cross training day.

Friday.....Long run day.  10-20 miles at a slower pace and work on my negative split goal for Newport.

Saturday....5-6 miles

Sunday....Cross Train 30-60 minutes and sometimes a short easy run.

I do have a goal for Newport and I know I CAN do it!  Thank you DCE DC Electric, Inc for sponsoring me for Newport Marathon!

Like and Share GIVE-A-WAY...Allied Medal Display

Win your own...check this out!

This month Dallas, OR Run the Open Road has teamed up with Allied Medal Displays for a "like-and-share" give-a-way!  Check it out at Dallas, OR Run the Open Road here.   Don't miss out, contest ends on April Fools Day!

Weekend of Races, Luckython 5k/Shamrock 15k

Saturday morning my husband and I set off toward's Portland.  Our first stop, The Oregon Convention Center in Portland to pick up our Shamrock 15k bibs and shirts.  We enjoyed the sports expo in the Oregon Ballroom.  We left early enough to take our time and then stop for a late lunch before we ran at 4:00.

Off we headed for the Reserve Vineyards and Golf Club in Aloha to meet up with Tonya, Teresa and Brian for our Luckython 5k.  It was very cold, windy and wet.  We got checked in and then waited in the car for our friends.  Soon our friends came and we found a warm dry place to wait inside and got a few photos before our step out into the cold.  

Jerry at the finish

Uberthons did an excellent job at the start.  Because we were on a golf course, the path was pretty narrow for so many runners.  Uberthons started us in waves.  They would let so many people go, then we would stop and go, and stop and go.  It was chip timed so we knew our times would be right.  I was worried about the congestion, but to my surprise, it was fine.  I did do lots of weaving in and out through people but there was room to do this.  The golf course wasn't as flat as I thought it would be.  Go figure!  Lots of small ups and downs and tons of corners.  You have to slow down for the corners, but I felt good for the most part.  I had my Garmin so I could see where I was at mileage and pace wise in the race.  

Tonya at the finish!

5k's are not my choice for races...in fact I normally don't even care for them.  I kind of hate them!  I signed up for this race for two very important reasons.  My friend Tonya had a birthday not too long ago and she LOVES 5k's...this was for her!  2nd reason, Uberthon's supports my buddy Lincoln who is in a battle with cancer.  They give to, and support Lincoln's family and I love them for that.  Lincoln's Dad Brian ran this with us today.  My last 5k was in November, and I did well, but it was so hard and I felt wiped out all afternoon.  This race was different.  I never really felt like I was dying.  It was hard, and I had to work for the time I got, but despite the rain, cold, wind, turns, and inclines I was feeling stronger than ever.  Every time I looked at my pace I was in the 7's.  We rolled around to the finish and I PRed (personal record) by 32 sec. with a time of 24:01 (7:43 pace).  I also placed in my age/sex with 3rd place.  Overall I came in 18th out of 180 people.  Best of all, I was feeling fantastic.  I was able to walk around and eat.  Visit with friends, and later, go to the mall with my husband.  I rarely feel this good after a race.  I usually can't hardly eat, have stomach problems and am very tired.  I was tired, but it was this runners high tired that was good.  Maybe I will do a few more 5k's this year...lol!

By the way, Tonya also PRed by 32 sec. coming in 2nd for her age group.  Jerry PRed and came in 2nd for his age group.  Brian completed his very first 5k for his son Lincoln!  I say...what a great day!

Teresa, Tonya, Me, Jerry and Brian

Jerry and I left the Uberthon's race and headed back to Portland for the night.   We would be getting up early for Shamrock.  We stopped at the mall and got some Subway and a few fun things at Dick's Sporting Goods.   We headed back to the hotel to plan out parking for the next morning in downtown Portland.  

waiting to start

taking off with the river of green

Sunday morning came fast.  We left the hotel about 6:30am.  Our race didn't start until 7:40 so we had plenty of time.  As we set out, we realized we had a near flat tire and started looking for air at a gas station.  The first gas station had air but the air machine didn't work!  Down the road we went to find another gas station. Thankfully the air worked this time.  I was slightly stressed but still felt like we had plenty of time.   We got to the waterfront and found a parking garage...it was full!  We found another, and parked way up top.   We still had some time and I really needed to use the port-a-john so we needed to go go go across the road to the riverfront.  It was a cold 37 degrees but felt like 33 with the cold wind.  We crossed over to the riverfront and got in line for the port-a-john.   It seemed like the line was moving slowly.  Finally, we got in the start line with about 15,000 other runners with 4 or 5 minutes to spare.  Shamrock did a wave start.  It seemed like it took about ten minutes before we got to start after our start....but it's chipped times, so no worries.  

The first couple miles were fairly flat warm up miles.  I had a side ache (very weird for me) but knew a side ache wasn't bad to run though.  It isn't fun, but I just tried to pretend it wasn't there, win it with mental power is what I say!  My warm up miles were pretty fast but I was feeling ok.  It was a constant struggle with the green river of people.  We went out a street and did a turn-a-round.  I tried to stay on the inside in hopes of seeing someone I knew.  Never did, but I did manage to run into a orange post while going around someone.  I was fine, but it sure scared the lady behind me.   

As I ran these first two-to-three miles I saw a man fully dressed in a green suite on a unicycle.  A muscular man fully painted dark green that appeared to be the Incredible Hulk.  A grown Man in a tutu and lots of fun costumes.  

On the turn-a-round I saw a man with the American Flag.  I wondered if he was running for the Army, Air Force or for our country.  As we started up our first hill climb I caught up to this man.  There were two men in blue shirts, one with the flag, but both together.  I cut through the crowd and realized they were running for our countries fallen hero's.  I ran up to both and thanked them.  I felt honored to run with these men.  Then I passed them!

We ran on up hills, down hills, but gained lots of elevation.  I was very thankful for the hills I have trained on over the last year.  My side ache was gone and I finally was feeling warmed up.  We were coming to a very sharp corner and I could see a green river of people running up a very steep hill through the trees on the other side.  As I turned this corner I looked up at a sign with an arrow to OHSU/Doernbecher's Children's Hospital.  I was overwhelmed with emotion.  All I could think about was my buddy Lincoln and his Mother Jenny who has inspired me over this last year.  I started up that very steep hill and prayed for this family.  I was amazed at the ease of this hill, kind of strange.  We flattened out again and then went up another hill.  This happened several times over about four miles.  Around mile six we hit the peak of the hill.  I was feeling good now!

When I started this 15k I didn't know what to set as a "goal." It's a hill run, and I've never ran a 15k before.  I do train on hills in Dallas, so I came to the conclusion that I might be able to pull off a 9:00 pace.  My first two miles were in the high 8:40's.  As we went up the hills I slowed down into the 9:00's.  As I hit the peak of the hill, my overall pace was about 9:14.  Humm, I thought, I can do this, it's all downhill or flat now.  I will not kill myself to run super fast downhill.  It's not worth the injury risk, but I will run faster!  

A runner's high kicked in and I ran two miles at almost exactly 8:00 mile pace.  The last 1.3 miles were ran at about a 7:32 pace (that's my 5k pace...wow!)...now that's how we run negative splits!!!!  I was passing major people the last two miles.  This is how I have always wanted to run, but never can seem to get it right.  I have recently changed a few things in my training and I am seeing positive results.  

Me at the finish passing boys!!!

As I came to the finish line I looked up for Jerry.  There he was, taking my finishers photo yelling my name!  As soon as I crossed the finish I had to burp, but I thought I was puking.  Thankfully no puke came up and after the burp I felt ok.  My lunges were burning, I felt great!  I know, it's messed up.  I also saw Yolanda, a Hood to Coast team member.  She was waiting for Blanca to come in.  I stopped and talked to her for a minute.  Then I went though the line to have the time chip cut off my shoe and to collect my hard earned medal.  I felt like a superstar, a very hungry superstar. 

Jerry and I walked around for a little bit then got our free chowder. It was so warm and good.  I wanted more!  I saw another running friend, Jerrilynn who came in with almost the exact time as me.  Whoohoo!  

I just ran a 15k and I want food!

I soon became very chilled and wanted to go home.  We headed for the car, only a couple blocks away.  We got to stop for a nice lunch at DQ (lol) before heading back to Dallas.  Loved every minute of this weekend!

I finished the 15k at 1:22:03.  That's a 8:49 pace.  As you can see, I kicked that goal of 9:00 in the butt!!!!  My awesome husband ran the 15k in 1:13:13 and that is amazing!