Race Preview: 2019 Heart-breaker Half-Martahon, 10k and 5k Run/Walk (Hillsboro)

Heartbreaker Half-Marathon, 10k and 5k

February, a month to celebrate with the one you love! It's always a good month to celebrate with a race! Consider joining me and my love February 17th at 8:00a for the 2019 HeartBreaker Half. If you don't like the idea of a half-marathon, there is also a 10k and 5k. You can chose to walk or run the races although take note: you will be asked to complete the races at a 15 minute pace (four miles an hour). This is a family fun event, so bring the kids for the Kid's Dash! The Kid's Dash will begin after the half, 10k and 5k. 

The half marathon is a three loop course. One of the loops will be run two times. It's a beautiful route that will cover country roads, beginning opposite side of the tennis courts adjacent to the track and will circle the football stadium. This isn't a "flat" course, although there are flat parts of the course. Expect a little elevation gain during mile one and a few climbs (up to 50 ft elevation gain) before heading up Heartbreak Hill! Don't forget, you do get to run down those hills too! It's a bit challenging, but an excellent way to spend the morning! Heartbreak Hill is going to be timed as a separate race. The fastest man and woman will receive a special prize! This race will finish inside the stadium, running the track into the finish line.

Check out the cool swag!

The 10k course is one of the loops on the half-marathon course. The 10k doesn't include the Heart Break Loop. It's a beautiful course ran over quiet and scenic country roads. It's mostly flat with a few moderate rolling hills (max elevation gain, less than 50 ft). Runners and walker will finish on the running track and cross the finish line inside the stadium. Note: the 10k will be slightly longer than an official 10k, ending at about 6.32 miles. 

The 5k course is going to be fast and flat! It will be ran in a beautiful business park and ending around the track, circling the football stadium.

Race Details:

When: Sunday February 17th 2019

Where: Liberty High School (21945 NW Wagon Way, Hillsboro, OR

Time: Half Marathon 8:00a

10k 8:10a

5k 8:20a

Kids Dash 10:30

Cost: Half $79.00

10k $59.00

5k $44.00

Kid's Dash (ages 2-10) $15.00

Note: Price Increase February 3rd!

Register: HERE!

Packet Pick-Up: Location and time TBA. There is going to be a Heartbreaker Expo. Watch your e-mail (if registered) or website for updates on time and location. There will be no race day packet pick-up.

Join the event on facebook HERE!

Check out the events website here for more information. 

Uberthons Luckython 2016 Race Review

Saturday March 12th was my 4th time running Uberthons Luckython.  I have always ran the 5k, but I ran the 10k this year.  I've been running since Oct 2008 and had yet to run an official 10k!

Races:  5k, 10k, 15k, 15k Relay, and Kidathon

Place:  The Reserve Vineards and Golf Club in Aloha, OR

Times:  5k 8:00 am and 9:00 am start
5k, 10k, 15k and 15k relay, 9:00 am start
Kidathon 10:00 am start

My fully loaded potato.

All finishers received an awesome Luckython Belt-buckle Medal and a trip through the Potato Bar.

There were plenty of tables and chairs under the large tent for finishers to eat and find out race results.  The three tall heaters where a plus on this windy wet morning. 

I arrived early Saturday to help with a few things. Many volunteers were already there setting up.  It was wet and windy but there was a nice set up inside the tent! I helped with selling Uberthons gear!  They have some awesome shirts, a jacket, scarves, hats and athletic socks you can purchase at any Uberthons race.






I got to lead the walkers and runners in a few pre-race stretching.  This ended up being a lot of fun!  It was chilly, so moving around to get warmed up felt really good. The 8:00 walker/runners took off and then we got the 9:00 walker/runners checked in and ready to go!

9:00 am was when my race stated (the 10k).  I always like to come up with some sort of goal pace/time.  Today I just thought 48:00 minutes because that's what my Hood to Coast Captain threw out as a guess for my time.  This just happens to be Uberthons Alan!  The 10k was two large loops around the paved golf course (south side).  I wore my rain jacket because I was so cold at the starting line.  After mile one, I knew that wearing the jacket was a very bad idea!  There was a few small rolling hills during the first mile, then it started to even out.  At mile two, I took my race bib off so I could remove my jacket and gloves.  I know better than to overdress for a

race, so I was very irritated at myself!  

As I came around to the finish line for the 5k, I handed off my jacket and gloves to a lady who was helping out, giving runners directions.  She gladly took my stuff and pointed me in the right direction.  Doing the loop again.  I felt much better without my jacket and gloves but had dropped my safety pins.  I had to carry my bib but I didn't mind.  Was glad to have that jacket off!  Now, the temperature felt perfect for racing.

It was about 42-44 degrees, with some wind and rain.  There were some puddles out on the course, but it wasn't that bad.  I dipped down into the rollers a second time and knew I only had about two miles left.  I was feeling pretty good with my pace.  

As I came around for that last mile, I was pretty sure I was in second place for female finishers but there was a lady not too far behind me.  

I tried to keep my pace steady, to keep her from getting any closer. I ran through that finish line with a time of exactly 48:00 minutes. I couldn't believe it!  It was my exact goal time! 

I went to the tent to eat and potato and be with some friends.

My husband lead the kids race at 10:00.  It was raining even harder at this time, but the kids didn't seem to mind!

Uberthon's Darwin was back at the tent giving out age group winner medals and making announcements on upcoming Uberthons events!

There are LOTS of fun Uberthons races already planned for 2016.  Check them out HERE!  I would love to meet you! 

“This was my very first Uberthons race. I thought it was extremely well put on and I loved that it wasn’t too crowded. Everyone was very friendly and I love the medal/belt buckle, such a cool idea! The baked potato bar was a great touch as it warmed our bellies after racing across the finish line in the cold, rainy weather. Overall, I was very happy I attended and I am already putting several more Uberthons races on my calendar in the near future. My daughter is hoping to join me as well!”  ~Kristi Clack (1st time running an Uberthons event)

Follow Uberthons on Facebook here!

Instagram here!

Twitter here!

Follow me on Facebook at ZaoFit here! I would love to hear your story!

Uberthons  Luckython Giveaway going on right now! A winner will be chosen on Wednesday March 9th for the March 12th Race!  Don't miss out! Enter to WIN and share today!

 

-----------> You can also REGISTER for Luckython HERE <------

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Luckython Preview ~ March 12, 2016

~ Register for Luckython 5k, 10k, 15k, or Kidathon  HERE! ~

Some friends who joined me for Luckython a couple years ago! 

For the last three years, my husband and I have had a special St. Patrick's Day weekend.  We start with the Uberthons Luckython and end it with Shamrock in Portland.  Today I want to tell you about what goes on at Ubertons Luckython! 

Erika and I showing off our Uberthons swag '15

Luckython is held every year at The Reserve Golf Club in Aloha, OR.  The race is ran on the paved path that weaves in and out of the golf course.  The Reserve closes down half of the golf course, just for the runners.  No need to be worried about getting hit with a golf ball or ran over by a golf cart!  It's a very safe, off road course.  This is my favorite 5k every year.  I'm thinking about running the 10k for '16. 

Race day is Saturday March 12th. 

Race time: 8:00 am and 9:00 am

Potato bar opens at 8:30 am

Kidathon and kids mile run is at 10:00 am

Kids Race!  So fun to watch! 

What to expect at the race! 


~All asphalt or concrete off road path
 ~Potato bar for all participants

~Awesome belt-buckle medals
~Music
~Cool flags and banners
~Plenty of water
~Lots of GREEN
~Tons of FUN

Luckython offers a 5k, 10k, 15k, 15k relay, Kids timed mile and Kidathon.

It's the year of the Belt-buckle medal! 

Prices:

5k: $30.00

10k:  $35.00

15k: $40.00

15k Relay (3 people teams): $30.00 per person

Kids timed mile: $10.00

Kidathon 1/4-1/2 non-timed fun race: FREE

All races include a finishers medal with registration expect the Kidathon.  You may purchase your child a medal for $10.00

Hope you can join me for this super fun St. Patrick's event!

~ Register and get more information HERE! ~

Find Uberthons on facebook here!

Find The Oregon Marathon (part of Uberthons) here!

Find Uberthons on Instagram here!

Follow me on facebook at ZaoFit here! 

Don't forget, Uberthons has some really cool running shirts, socks and scarves for sale at every race!

  

Uberthons Winter Half ~ Oregon Half Marathon Series ~ Race Review

~~~ Register for the Series HERE! ~~~

Saturday January 23rd was the first race of the 2016 Oregon Half Marathon Series, the Uberthons Winter Half! 

It's the year of the Belt Buckle!

The Winter Half took place at The Reserve Vineyards and Golf Club in Aloha, OR.

Registration Prices:

Half Marathon $75 (limited to 350 people)

The awesome Winter Half shirt!

Quarter Marathon $45 (limited to 80 people)
5k $38 (limited to 70 people)

All races were open to runners and walkers (3.5 hour limit)

Register for the Oregon Half Marathon Series and save $50.00. You will also get lots of VIP treatment at all of the races...check that out here!

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Saturday morning was a little chilly, but not bad for "Oregon Winter!"  Low 40's with a light mist.  I call that, perfect running weather!

Our race director Darwin!

 Darwin did a great job starting the race with a staggered start.  I started at the end of the first group.  I was worried about feeling blocked in since we were on a golf course, but I didn't feel blocked in at all. There was plenty of

 room.  We ran the South and North sides of the golf course.  Some small rollers with plenty of flat spots on a nice paved path that twisted through the golf course.  As I ran along I saw a few people I knew and talked to them.  As we got in a few miles you could see other runners all over the golf course because of the twists and turns.  It was a beautiful neon rainbow of runners!

The halfway point and the finish line!

It began to rain pretty hard!  We ran the course two time for the half marathon.  The first time around there were a few large puddles that were pretty easy to avoid.  I ran through the starting line to start my second loop and looked up at my halfway time and was pleasantly surprised. I haven't done any heavy training for several months so I wasn't sure how today would go!

My friend Ruth!

This time around I was expecting it to be pretty boring, but it wasn't.  I found myself just counting down the last six miles and enjoying the group I was running with.  Often for the second half of a half marathon, there are spots of loneliness.  Not today, there was always a runner by me.  It made the time tick away faster!  The puddles had grown, as the rain had picked up a lot!  It got to the point of just stomping through the puddles because it didn't matter anymore.  We were all soaked! At mile 12, there was a huge puddle!  I jumped right in...lol!  It wasn't that bad, but it was a big puddle!  I came around the the finish and was pleased with my time.  I managed 1st in my age group and got to run with some really awesome people!

I changed into some dry clothes and joined my husband and daughter for hot soup and rolls in the finish tent!  Uberthons had a couple nice tall heaters to warm up by and plenty of covered seating.

I'm looking forward to the rest of the Uberthons Half Series! Don't miss out, check them out today! Would love to meet you at the next Uberthons event!

My husband Jerry!  2nd in age group, 2nd masters finisher! 

Check out Uberthons here.
Find Uberthons on facebook here
 and Oregon Half Marathon Series here.
Follow Uberthons on Instagram here.

Follow me at ZaoFit, I would love to hear your running story!

Albany Half Marathon Race Review 2015

Albany Half Marathon 2015 

Check out Albany Half's Website ~here~

 Saturday, August 15th was the 3rd annual Albany Half Marathon. It was held at Timber Linn Park. I was excited to run this Summer Half! 

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 I arrived at 7:30, knowing the half started at 8:00. There was plenty of parking close to the start/finish line.  Packet pick-up was easy.  No lines and the volunteers were friendly and helpful.  Everything seemed very organized.  I went over to the port-a-potty line and there was no line there either.  Plenty of port-a-potties to handle this race.
I went back to my car and waiting a few minutes to the 8:00 am start.  The starting line was next to the parking lot.

The Finish Line!

We started out on Timber Street SE.  The race started promptly at 8:00 am.  It was a little muggy but cooler than it had been the last two years on this day.  I was thankful for cooler weather this year. We ran through a neighborhood, then heading out onto Knox Butt Rd E.  This part of the course was nice and flat. There were water stations about every two miles with plenty of volunteers. I got into a running grove and tried to relax!

Lots of food after the race!

As I made that first big turn on the looped course I felt a headwind.  I tried to tuck in behind a few of the runners running about my pace but that didn't last too long.  Half way there was a port-a-potty ready for anyone needing a break.  Soon I knew we would be running up a few rolling hills!  I was now caught up with the walkers.  They got an early start, 7:00 am.
At mile 7.5 I ran my first hill.  The hills in this race aren't that bad, they just are there and you do have to run them.  They are also the last half of the race, so they get me every time!
I ran the rollers and then the road evened back up again.  It was warming up slightly, but the weather overall was nothing to complain about for a Summer Half!  As I came back into the neighborhood, I knew the finish was near!  I picked up my pace for mile 12 and ran in with a strong finish!
My husband and 11 year old was there and we walked around and looked at the different vendors.  Dutch Bros was there giving out chocolate milk.  There was lots of food available for the runners and walkers to eat after the race!
It was a nice atmosphere.  I was able to get my finish time with-in minutes thanks to Eclectic Edge Racing.
 I walked around for a while, cooling off and waited for the Raffle and Awards at 10:30 am.  I came in first in my age group and won a cool plaque, a water bottle and some Dutch Bros chocolate milk.  My 11 year old quickly claimed the milk for himself! Lots and lots of raffles were drawn for all kinds of prizes.  My number didn't get called, but many people walked away with cool prizes, including new shoes! 
This year I liked the shirts the best out of all three years.  They were not unisex this year.  They had male and female fit shirts. This year they added a 5k and a kids run.  I love it when race organizers do this.  It makes it even more family friendly! It was the 3rd annual race, I recommend adding the 4th annual Albany half or 2nd 5k to your 2016 calendar!  Hope to see YOU there next year!  

Albany Half early registration $55.00 (includes a dri-fit shirt)

5k early registration $20.00 (includes a dri-fit shirt)

Kids race $5.00

This is a fundraiser for Albany Schools

Want to volunteer or get more information for 2016?

  Contact Bryce Bennett at (541) 730-0413 or bryce.bennett@albany.k12.or.us

Follow Albany Half on facebook here. 

Follow Julie (me) on facebook via ZaoFit here.

Upcoming races:

REVEL Big Cottonwood Marathon Sept 12, 2015

Runaway Pumpkin Half Oct 17, 2015

Uberthons Halloweenathon 5k Oct 31, 2015

Run Wild Adventures Silver Falls 7 mile trail run Nov 7, 2015

Uberthons Turkeython 5k Nov 26, 2015

Uberthons NaughtyorNiceathon 5k Dec 12, 2015

Uberthons Winter Half  Jan 23, 2016

                                              

Race Preview: Albany Half Marathon August 15th 2015

ALBANY HALF 2014

I am looking forward to the 3rd Albany Half Marathon.  This will be my 3rd year running it!  I'm excited they have added a 5k and kids mile run this year!  Fun for the whole family! Everyone is welcome. Walkers, runners, strollers and dogs! 

WHEN: This event takes place August 15th at Timber Linn Park in Albany OR.  

COST:
~Half Marathon $55.00 July 1st to August 14th.  August 15th $65.00 (day of race)
Includes a dri-fit shirt and medal at the finish line
~5k $25.00 and includes a dri-fit shirt
~Kids mile (age 12 and under) $5.00

Register here

Professional chip timing by Eclectic Edge Racing

Packet pick up is the morning of the race only.

Day of race schedule:

5:30 am Parking opens and registration opens
6:00 am Pick-up race packets and vendors arrive
7:00 am Walkers start the half marathon
8:00 am Runner start the half marathon
8:30 am 5k starts
8:45 am Kids mile starts
10:30 Awards

ALBANY HALF 2013

There will be water stations set up about every two miles.  At mile 6.5 there will be a nutrition station and porta potty as well.

I have ran this both years and it was well organized with lots of fun drawings at the end during awards. Top ten males and females in each age group will receive prizes. All proceeds goes to the Albany Schools. Course is a "loop" progressing through local farms.  A slight incline about mile 6.  You will get a fabulous view of rural homesteads, go over a few rolling hills and see the base of the cascades. You don't want to miss this one!

Read my Review from 2104 here 

You can contact Bryce Bennett at 541-730-0413 or e-mail at bryce.bennett.albany.k12.or.us with any questions. 

Upcoming races: 

Uberthons Summer Half July 18th

Summerfest 5k July 25th

Albany Half  August 15th

REVEL Big Cottonwood Marathon July 12th

Runaway Pumpkin Half October 17th

Uberthons Halloweenathon October 31st

Follow me at ZaoFit

Race Preview: Uberthons Summer Half Marathon

Looking for a Half Marathon to run this Summer?  I have found you a great one!  The Uberthons Summer Half!
 I recently talked with Stephanie from Heirloom Roses. Last year when Stephanie started working for Heirloom Roses, she knew it was a perfect location for an Uberthons event.  After talking with

Stephanie and seeing some of the beautiful photos, I am sure this will be a perfect location too!  I'm really excited about running this on July 18th!


 Heirloom Roses is located at 24062 Riverside Drive NE, St. Paul, OR.

Not a fan of the half marathon? No worries, Uberthons offers a 5k and a 10k going on that same day as well.

Half Marathon ~ $75.00
10k ~ $40.00
5k ~ $30.00

Start time: 8:00 am

The Course includes one small hill at mile 6.  You get to go back down that hill at mile 10. The Incline cumulative gain is 258 feet.  The course is for the most part flat! 

This race is limited to 300 people, so don't delay in getting registered!  You can register here

Parking is very close, so there is no need for a bag check. 

There will be 7 water and electrolyte startions  along the course along with some watermelon stations. 

Packet pick up will be Thursday July 16th from 4 pm-8 pm at Road Runner Sports in Tualatin, OR. 

Check out more Q&A's here

Some facts and interesting information about Heirloom Roses:  

Own Root Roses
All roses shipped and sold from Heirloom Roses are grown on their own roots. Own root roses provide more profuse blooms, are more winter hardy, disease resistant, and there is no graft to contend with. Our commitment to quality ensures that you'll always know what to expect when you order from us.

Own Root Roses Provide the Following:

Healthier Plants
More disease resistant
More Blooms
True to Type
No Virus
More Winter Hardy
Long Life
No Root Stock Suckers

Virus-Free Roses

Heirloom Roses has been a leader in bringing virus problems to the attention of the public and industry. Virus-free roses are healthier, more winter hardy, produce up to 20% more blooms and are more disease resistant.

As a family-owned business, we understand the value of history and tradition. That is why we are passionate about hand cutting and propagating each rose to preserve unique and rare roses and honor the art of growing them on their own roots.

Our love of roses is deeply rooted in our knowledge that gardens go beyond just physical beauty. It provides a place of solace or social gatherings, where peace and beauty can be enjoyed to refresh a soul.

Heirloom Roses is located in the Willamette Valley of Oregon, one of the finest climates in the world for growing roses. Located just 25 miles south of Portland, also known as the “City of Roses,” our gardens feature thousands of beautiful, fragrant roses.

Visitors can walk through seven acres of gardens and be whisked away by the fragrance of each rose. From old garden roses to the very newest hybrid teas and everything in between, our gardens provide something for all rose lovers to enjoy.

We invite you to visit our gardens to relive memories and make new ones. Bring a book to read, brushes to paint, or lunch to enjoy in the midst of our roses. Whether you come alone or with the company of others, you will feel as if you are among friends at Heirloom Roses.

Gardens are open to the public, free of charge. Visit us year round from dawn till dusk. Roses are in bloom from May to October.

Follow Heirloom Roses on facebook here
Follow Uberthons on facebook here

Heirloom Roses can also be found on Instagram at HEIRLOOM_ROSES

Uberthons at UBERTHONSRUNNING

Happy Running Friends, Hope to see you at the Uberthons Summer Half

You can follow me at ZaoFit

Upcoming Races:

Uberthons Freedomthon 5k ~ July 4th

Uberthons Summer Half ~ July 18th

Albany Half  ~ Aug 15th

Uberthons Fall Half ~ Sept 12th
Runaway Pumpkin Half ~ Oct 17th
Uberthons Halloweenathon 5,10, or 15k ~ Oct 31st.

Uberthons Winter Half ~ Jan 23rd