Simply Julie!: Running for Lincoln

Simply Julie!: Running for Lincoln: A few weeks ago my friend Rebecca came to me at our son's baseball game and asked me to make cookies for a bake-sale  "if it's not too muc...

Running for Lincoln

A few weeks ago my friend Rebecca came to me at our son's baseball game and asked me to make cookies for a bake-sale "if it's not too much trouble"  she asked. She went on to tell me the bake-sale was for the Jones family who's son Lincoln has been battling Leukemia for the last year.  I knew who this family was, I see their posts on facebook but I don't know them personally.  "To much trouble!" making cookies is the least I could do I thought.
As the week went on, I knew I needed to do more than making cookies.  I begin a new dream, running a marathon for Lincoln and just for Lincoln, not for me.  I feel my running has been a gift from God and I am ready to use it for something bigger than myself.  I threw out some thoughts at my friend Rebecca and in just a day or so things began to come together to get this started.
I looked at several marathons in Oregon.  I found about five that would be coming up before the year ends.  I was looking for a few specific things.  I got it narrowed down to two.  I went back and forth for days on the two.  I finally felt like the right one is Silver Falls Marathon.  This marathon is run by Run Wild Adventures and is known for mud, crossing creek, trails and very steep hills.  Not my idea of a good marathon but it was the one, and I knew it.
I had mentioned this one to my running buddy Tonya in the past joking and she was very anti Silver Falls Marathon.  I was sure I was going to be doing this alone and was okay with that.  I was actually scared to even tell Tonya.  I finally told Tonya and to my surprise she was willing to do this, not for herself, but for Lincoln a total stranger to her.  That very same day, an anonymous donor offered to pay her registration fees.  Wow, this is a big deal!
This isn't going to be easy training but it's for Lincoln and I know that will keep me going and it will keep Tonya going.  We have to do some extra workouts to get our legs stronger to handle the mountain we will be running on.
I don't expect this to be easy, but cancer isn't easy.  It affects more lives than we realize.  In the next four months there will be multiple ways you can help raise funds and awareness for Lincoln.
Please start by following by page Running for Lincoln and watching for updates.  Updates will include, ways to help. The good and bad of training. Updates on how Lincoln is doing in his Dad's Brian's blog.  Photos and much more.
Join us on this journey of encouraging Lincoln and his family.

Meet Lincoln, he loves Batman!

Simply Julie!: Julie on a Bike, it's ok to Laugh!

Simply Julie!: Julie on a Bike, it's ok to Laugh!: I am not the most coordinated person, with that said...I've never really been one to get on a bike for fun in my adult life.  I have a hard...

Julie on a Bike, it's ok to Laugh!

I am not the most coordinated person, with that said...I've never really been one to get on a bike for fun in my adult life.  I have a hard enough time walking with-out falling down, so getting on a bike is scary.

I have two cousins who love to bike, they are cyclist.  They go on really long rides and know what they are doing.  One cousin was almost killed on a ride and that hasn't helped my "like" for bikes.  My other cousin brought his bike over a year ago and wanted me to check it out.  He told me to put these special shoes on and then "clip" into the bike!  Do you realize how scary that is?  It freaked me out!

After my marathon I decided I wanted to find something else to enjoy on my "off running days."  I have a stationary bike and an elliptical in my garage but there is something about being outside that I love!

About 14 years ago my husband and I went to K-Mart and got two mountain bikes.  The first time we took them camping we let some teens borrow them and they thought they would do bike tricks....Uh, mountain bikes aren't meant for tricks!  Anyway, Jerry's bike ended up with a bent back rim...Jerry bent it back, but we have never replaced it.  It works, but you can tell when riding...lol!

This week I have been riding to Tonya's and back for the extra cross training in this lovely weather on our "run" days.  Today was a "off run day." I decided to go for a "real" bike ride.   My bike has a messed up chain so Jerry bent bike it is!  I also needed to wear a helmet so I don't kill myself.  I found either Rylan's or Randy's and put that on.  I don't have "bike gear" so I put on my running gear.  Bike gear is padded and running gear isn't (I don't feel the need to explain this one)!!!  

My son's helmet rubbed my chin wrong but I knew I must wear it or Tonya would kill me.  I tried to stay off the main roads and in the neighborhoods so less people would have to look at me.  I must of looked hilarious.  I was scared to take my hands off the steering wheel.  I wobbled up and down three neighborhoods in Dallas this morning.  If you saw me, I'm sorry but I enjoyed it.  I don't care if I look silly, it was fun.

A year ago I said I would never be a bike rider.  I still don't consider myself a "bike rider" and I'm definitely not a "cyclist" like my cousins. I sure enjoyed my silly little bike ride this morning and will go again this summer.  I think I will go lots more....ride on friends!

Don't be afraid to try something new, you might just enjoy it!

"... run with patience
the race that is
set before us ..."
Heb. 12:1-3

Simply Julie!: My Perfect Marathon

Simply Julie!: My Perfect Marathon: Saturday June 2, 2012 I ran Newport Marathon.  This was my 3rd marathon in the last two years.  If you have read about marathon one  or  ma...

My Perfect Marathon

Saturday June 2, 2012 I ran Newport Marathon.  This was my 3rd marathon in the last two years.  If you have read about marathon one or marathon two, you know that I had a hard time for many different reasons, and they definitely didn't go as I had planned.  I did learn a lot each time, but I was still hopeful for what I considered "the perfect marathon" for "me" anyway.  


This season, I trained for the second time with my bestest running buddy Tonya.  We did our training slightly different this year. You always learn with each new season what works and what doesn't work.  Our plan this year seemed to be going well.  We are both much stronger than last season.  Our "long runs" went really well this year.  We did have one that wasn't the greatest and one that went way wrong, but other than that, it just went well.  Having one or two long runs that are bad, really isn't a big deal in marathon training, it's expected.  It was a shame the worst long run conflicted with Hippie Chick, but when I signed up for Hippie Chick I said, I would rather Hippie Chick go bad than Newport!  Well!!!!   


Friday June 1st, my family took off for Newport.  I picked up my packet and meet up with some friends.  It was fun seeing a few of my Hood to Coast friends.  I had saved up quarters to get my really awesome Marathon sweatshirt.  I was able to save, more than enough, the sweatshirt is so awesome!  After packet-pick-up Jerry and I went out for chowder with Tonya and Bob.  Yummy!  We ate at the Chowder Bowl, right where we would be running by in the morning. 

My registration bag and marathon sweatshirt!

Jerry and I went to meet up with my Mom and Step-Dad at Inn At The Otter Crest.  We were blessed to stay in a Condo a friend of mine offered my family for the weekend.  It was so relaxing once you walked to the top!  What a hike, LOL...was well worth it, thanks so much Robbin!

We stayed at the very top left hand building!

Saturday morning came, I actually got about five hours sleep.  This is very good the night before a marathon when nerves often keep you up.  I was up at five.  Took a quick shower to help wake up.  Got my gear on, ate some peanut butter toast and off Jerry, my Mom and I went to pick up Tonya at The Landing. 

The view from our Condo Sat. morning

 Then we headed for the start!  Mom and Jerry weren't allowed to drive in to the "starting line" but got a few photos of us before they drove off.

Tonya, lets RUN! 

At the start!

Tonya and I quickly got in the port-a-potty line.  We only had about 25 minutes and it had to be done!  I was getting nervous because the line was moving so slow.  Tonya reassured me, we are being chipped timed this year so even if we get out a little late, our times will be right.  We started up our gamins to keep our "pace plan."  Mine wouldn't turn on.  Seriously? I tried and tried and tried.  It wasn't dead, I had just charged the battery overnight.  It was very odd, but all I could do is nothing, so OH WELL!


We got done, and in "race line" with about five minutes to spare...perfect!  We started near the back of the line.  Our plan was too start at a 9:30-9:45 pace and that is exactly what we did.  Tonya's garmin was working so she kept the pace for the first 16-16.5 miles.  


We took off and did a loop around some neighborhoods and then to the bay-front.  It was fun.  The runners were mostly all together during this time.  We looked like a river of people.  There were people looking out house windows and small businesses doors to cheer us on.  There were also lots of family and friends on the sides of the road cheering us on at this point too.  I reassured Tonya, they were ALL cheering for her and me!  People would yell, "running wild"  It was on our shirts and it was great fun to hear this!  I loved the little turn-a-round where we got to look out at the ocean!  It was a little foggy but it didn't matter.  I was enjoying this too much.  I was talking and talking.  Tonya talked some but was concentrating. She needed to get some warm up miles in before she could calm down.

We made our little loop and came back around to where we started.  We made our way up a hill (thank you Bridlewood training for making this easy) up under the Yaquina Bay Bridge.  A school band was playing for us runners.  A lady running just be hind us got excited and was hoping the band would start up again.  Of course they did.  I told the lady they started "just for her."  It's really fun to talk to people out there on the course.  Some people will get in a zone and not talk, but you can quickly pick up on that.  The good thing about going up that hill, is we got to run down the other side.  We ran right down on the bay were you could here the sea loins making honks.  I, of course told Tonya the sea loins were cheering for us!  About this time we ran by the "fish market."  I knew the smell was coming but I was talking so much I got a big whiff up my mouth and had to spit....yuck!  

We came around to were we would eventually finish, The Landing and The Embarcadero. This is were we started looking for family and friends.  There they were, Mom, Jerry, Bob and Megan.  We handed off my useless gamin, Tonya's coat and her water belt that was annoying her.  This was about mile 4.5. 

Handing off my garmin, mile 4.5

Off we went to run to the turn-a-round, our next check point!  We knew family and friends would be out there somewhere. Newport Marathon has a really cool bus going round and round the whole time the marathon is going on for family and friends. 

Tonya put music in her ear and I kept talking.  She needed focus and I was just happy.  Tonya would look at me nod and smile every once in awhile, but I don't really know what she was hearing, but it didn't even matter. For once I didn't have a headache running a race. The weather was so perfect!  It was about 55 degrees with a slight mist.  I must of said "the weather is perfect" like 50 times!  If felt good, I kept trusting in our training and wasn't really worried.  Very weird for me but this is how I felt.  

Around mile ten the arch in my left foot started to cramp up but I didn't say anything, just kept on going reminding myself Jennifer (my cousin) ran this last year with more foot problems then I have ever had, and she made it!  

Joe handing us much needed water!

Soon we saw my wonderful fans who have driven over from Dallas both years for Newport Marathon.  Joe, Diane, Bill, and Carol!  They had water for us and cheered us on!  I was so excited too see them!  I told them we would see them soon and we ran on!  I feel so loved by these wonderful people!  

Soon I saw Mom and Jerry near a water station.  I was super excited too see them standing there waiting for us.  We waved and I gave Jerry a quick hug and off we ran again.  We were looking for that turn-a-round!  We knew Tonya's family would be there and that is where we turn and run back to the finish!  It's a big deal!!!  Tonya was starting too feel better now that we had some miles in.  We both had some mild pain, but were really doing good.  

As you can see in the pictures I am wearing a pink skirt.  This is "the traveling sparkle skirt."  The traveling  sparkle skirt comes in hot pink and turquoise. They travel the globe spreading the Team Sparkle Love!  As you can see, I am wearing the hot pink one and enjoying every minute of it. My skirt was last worn in Philadelphia at the Philadelphia Broad St. 10 miler by Melanie!  Yah Melanie!  I will now send this skirt on to spread more sparkle love!

Just went around the turn-a-round cone!

Soon we knew we were getting close, the turn-a-round was just ahead.  About mile 15.5 we saw Tonya's family, all of them waiting, yelling and even taking pictures.  We were pretty excited as we went around that turn-a-round cone!  

Off we go!

Off we went to finish up this thing!  I was still feeling rather good.  A little tired yes, but that's expected.  My upper back felt a little stiff and my arch still hurt, but really that wasn't bad!  I was not feeling overheated at all, the weather was perfect!

Me, Jac, Jerry and Rylan after the marathon at her party!

Mile 16 was ran for my friend Jac who was graduating this morning.  I told her I would run a mile for her. 16 was for you Jac!

We got to my fans again,  Joe, Diane, Bill, and Carol.  Joe ran across to us with more water!  Love water...even in the cooler perfect weather your body needs lots of water when your running.  I sweat like a pig and all the sweat has to be replaced fast or you get sick and pass out or trow up.  I choose to only drink water and take hydration tablets this year.  In times past, I have used goo, gels, sharkies, etc.  These are things that runners often take out on long runs to help keep their bodies going.  Goo's taste a lot like frosting and sharkies are like fruit snacks.  Anyway, I didn't use them this year because when I use them, I often deal with stomach issues after I take them.  I didn't use them during training and I didn't have as many stomach issues so it worked for me.

About mile 16.5  I yelled at my fans, less than ten miles to go!!!!  They looked excited for Tonya and I, and I was excited that I hadn't felt like quitting yet.  It was getting hard but not hard like my last two marathons.  It's hard to explain. 

This is when Tonya needed to slow it down for a little bit.  I went ahead for awhile.  She stayed close behind.  I soon came to Mom and Jerry.  I didn't know at the time, but Tonya had told Jerry the night before I would break down around this time and too be ready to run with me.  Oh, she knows me too well!  Jerry was ready and as soon as he saw me he asked, how you doing, should I run with you? Well, that's a silly question!  Of chose I wanted him to run with me!

I had asked him too take good pictures of me for the questioner I will be filling out for Team Sparkle, so he was getting pictures.  I told him I needed him to talk, and talk about anything.  I wasn't feeling too much like talking anymore, but I liked the company.  A few times he ran ahead to get mile marker photos.  It was fun.  

Tonya soon got her second wind and passed us up.  I was so excited to she her back at it feeling better!

Jerry and I counted the mile markers up...22, 23, 24, 25, 26...some seemed to come faster than others, it was exhausting.  He stayed with me for about nine miles.  Jerry has never ran this far before.  He is seriously thinking about running a half marathon with me this next year!  How exciting is that?  

Jerry speeding off to meet me at the finish line right around the corner
I'm waving at my fans, I love them!

The last five miles were pretty hard.  My body was done.  I kept thinking of my five mile route at home. I would tell myself where I was in Dallas, so I could focus on just going home, and home was the finish line.  I know this must sound really silly, but you have to play mental games to finish sometimes. 


As I ran down that final stretch a women must off saw my look of distress.  She said, your sister is waiting for you!   She must of saw Tonya in the same shirt as me and thought we were sisters. Tonya can be my sister, that was great!  


Finally I was done...I did it!

Ahhhh, the fun at the end!

Yah, the finish line.

I was sooooo hungry.  The wonderful volunteers placed my finishers medal over my head and cut the chip timer off my shoe.  I walked over to the finishers area in search of food, Tonya and my family. 

The finish FINALLY!

ALL done!  We both PRed (personal record)

 Last year I felt so sick after I ran, I couldn't eat or hardly even stand up.  This year I had no problem eating!  I was so hungry!  I ate a quarter sandwich, some fruit and a few bites of Mo's clam chowder.  Said hello to some running friends from Dallas.  Got a finishers photo with Tonya and I was done!  Lets go home! 

Jerry, Mom and I walked too the car and drove back to the Condo where Alan, Randy and Rylan were waiting.  It was so nice of Alan to stay with the boys so Jerry could run with me.  We packed up and headed home.  We had some graduates to celebrate.  Yah Bethany and Jac!

Jerry surprised me and stopped at Lincoln City Outlet and got me a two new running tops. I got a hot pink top and a purple one.  The hot pink will forever remind me of the Taveling Sparkle Skirt. I loved all the great comments I got out on the course from wearing it.  I think I may have impressed Jerry today!  It was sure fun to have him run with me.  

I ended today with a race time of 4:29:18.  This was my perfect marathon.  Ever since I decided to run a marathon, my goal has been to beat 4:30.  I don't know exactly why I made this my goal, but I did.  It has taken me several years too get it, but I did.  Being consistent does pay off.  The weather was cool enough I didn't over heat, but warm enough I never got chilled.  I didn't suffer any headaches or terrible pains/injuries.  The pain in my arch stopped hurting after I stopped running.  I may of hurt because I didn't wear my nifty shoe inserts, lesson learned!  I was able to eat after the marathon and walk around with out feeling like I was going to puke.  Yes, it was my perfect marathon. 

I don't have a new goal for a marathon right now.  I'm sure I will do another next year if not before. I would love to try some other courses, but I do LOVE Newport!  Next time I might not even set a time goal.  I might just enjoy the run!

Thank you too Robbin and Bruce.  Bill and Carol.  Diane and Joe.  Mom and Alan, and especially Jerry.  You guys made this so fun and I feel so much love and support from you.

I also thank Tonya for believing in me even when I didn't believe in myself.  For listening to me talk, talk, talk and for being my friend.  I love you so much!  

Oh when I got home, I took my garmin out to try and fix it and....it worked!!!!  VERY WEIRD!

"... run with patience
the race that is
set before us ..."
Heb. 12:1-3

Simply Julie!: Hippie Chick, the 20 Mile Half Marathon...YIKES!

Simply Julie!: Hippie Chick, the 20 Mile Half Marathon...YIKES!: Tonya and I, running buddies! Women, all shapes and sizes, all ages, Mother's Day weekend....I LOVE Hippie Chick!  You can walk or run...

Hippie Chick, the 20 Mile Half Marathon...YIKES!

Tonya and I, running buddies!

Women, all shapes and sizes, all ages, Mother's Day weekend....I LOVE Hippie Chick!  You can walk or run, do a quarter marathon or a half marathon.  It's inspiring.
I ran Hippie Chick in 2010 and then again last weekend.  It has grown from about 600 women to nearly 2000 women in the last two years.  Amazing!

Me, Raelee (daughter) and my Mom Donita

Saturday morning my alarm woke me up at 4:30am.  I dragged myself out of bed at the early time because today was going to be fun, it's Hippie Chick day!  My Mom Donita and 16 year old daughter Raelee also got up at this time.  Raelee was running her first half today and my Mom was walking the half.  We got ready, then left to meet up with Tonya's family and Teresa (Tonya's Mom) to car pool to Hillsboro Stadium.  5:40am and we were off.  I had ate my "long run oatmeal" at 5:00am.  This worried me a bit, but there wasn't much time to think about it.  Normally I eat one hour before I run...the start was 8:00am (3 hours later).  I did have some bars with me I planned on snacking around 7am.  As we drove (the back roads) into Hillsboro we realize that we are somewhat lost and time was ticking away.  I was stressed out in the back seat and I had to use the bathroom!  There was NO way I was eating a bar right now.  Tonya's husband (in the other car) got out his navigator (GPS) and saved the morning.  We got to the start with 20 minutes to spare.  This was just enough time to use the lovely port-a-potties and get a few "before" photos.

Raele, Me, Mom, Teresa, and Tonya

At the start of the race!

We quickly got our gear on and headed to the balloon arch start right outside the stadium.  We stood for about ten minutes in line with hundreds of other women.  I tried to look around at all of them.  I just loved that we were all out here doing something healthy together on Mother's Day weekend.  It was already warm out and it was only 8:00am.  I knew there were several other ladies running today that I know, but couldn't find any in the crowd besides the ones I rode with. I was hungry but excited to start.

 The gun went off, Tonya Raelee and I all started together.  Mom and Teresa were behind us somewhere walking.  I was feeling good but a little worried about how warm it was.  At the Luna mile there were cheerleaders, a band and some port-a-potties.  Luna had a table with snacks and water but we were only one mile in...I didn't want to stop for anything yet.  Raelee had to stop for something for a second so Tonya and I ran ahead.  Raelee seemed to be fine and I was hoping she would just catch back up with us.

Mile four finally came and this is where I remember it starting to get hard.  I think this is when the heat set in. We were also in farm country.  The last month I have had great problems breathing on my runs due to allergy season (not fun).  It was a beautiful course but full of pollen.  I put my ear bud in and tried to get in my run zone.  Tonya and I ran together in silence.  Usually we talk, and talk a lot. Mile four I didn't want to talk to anyone.  At mile six Tonya told me our pace (I forgot my Garmin).  "9:03" she say's.  This should of been very good news to me, since my "goal" today was a 9:09 pace, but for some reason it sent me into a panic.  It was very odd.  Tonya could see it in me and asked if I was okay.  I told her, "yes I'm okay, we our above pace, I'm fine."  She new better, but really what could she do for me?   LOL we still had to keep going.  I should of been fine, but I was scared.  Not even half way, I'm burning up and I can't breath...how am I going to last?

I told Tonya around this time I may need her to go ahead.  I started to slip back and give myself a break, hoping to catch back up in a few miles.  Well, it only got warmer and warmer.  My body seemed to be really upset at me and was not preforming like it I wanted it too!  My stomach had hurt the whole race and was not getting any better.  Not sure why, maybe because I hadn't eaten in four hours, stress?  Who knows!

I am currently training for Newport Marathon in June 2012.  Training this year has been incredibly awesome. My runs have gone better then they ever have,  no injuries or terrible running walls.  Bad runs, yes...but nothing like the last two Marathons.  I really thought this half marathon (13.1 miles) was going to be an easy PR (personal record) for me since Marathon training was going well.  The problem is, Newport is only three weeks away so I am in some heavy mileage.  With heavy mileage the body gets tired, and you never now when that's going to hit.  Also, today (Hippie Chick day) I am scheduled for a 23 mile run.  This means after the half, I have to go back out on the course for another 10 miles....oh joy!

Marlee at the finish!

In racing, or even running in general, they say that it's about 30% physical and 70% mental.  I have found this to be true.  I believe that is why so many don't even make it out the front door.

 I found myself mentally loosing it out in the middle of a half marathon and I knew exactly what was happening to me and it made me upset.  I kept going.  I finally got close to the turn-a-round so I started watching for people I knew for something to do.  I saw my friend Valerie go by.  She didn't see me but I was excited to see someone familiar!  I soon saw Tonya and then Raelee.  I was so happy to see Raelee and know she was still going strong.  After this I really started loosing it.

My friend from Sutherlin came up behind me, Marlee?  Yes, it was Marlee.  By this time I was really upset. This was Marlee's very first half marathon and I could see she was in her moment and doing well.  I was not in my moment and told her how terrible this was and how terrible I felt and boo hoo for me!  Thankfully my boo hooing didn't get her down and she kept going and finished very strong.  Proud of you Marlee!

At mile ten I did something I have NEVER done before while in a race.  I text Jerry!  My message read, "I can't do this, please come run with me"  I had told him not to do this because it is a women's race and I didn't want women yelling, "Man on the course!"  Well, I needed him!  He texted me right back and told me he was coming.

I must of looked rather bad at this point, someone asked if I was okay?  I just said "yes, I'm looking for my daughter...then started crying.  I'm telling you, I was a MESS!  It wasn't my proudest moment.  I was looking for Raelee, couldn't find her.  Was worried she was a mess just like me!  Finally about mile 11.5
 I see Jerry coming towards me.  I started crying almost hysterical.  I really felt bad for him.  He said, "Julie...you need to calm down."   I was just so happy he came to me out in this massive group of women.  I was now okay for the moment, I ask him to go find Raelee and make sure she was okay.  I was worried about dehydration. At first he was like, are you sure your okay?  I told him to go and off he went to find Raelee.  I ran on to finish this stupid thing I had started.

Finishers necklace

Soon I came to the Luna mile and refilled with water and knew I was close to being done with the half.  Usually no matter how hard a race is, I can enjoy the last moments of the race.  I will look up at all the people and listen for my name.  I LOVE this moment but today, I put my head down and just tried to finish. I was able to pass two ladies.  I did hear my step-dad Alan yell my name, but that's it!  I just wanted to be done with it.  As I crossed the finish line I was handed my finishers necklace.  I took some water and began looking for Tonya.  The first person I saw was Valerie.  I went to her and asked about her goal.  She did what she came to do (great job Val), I then started crying like a baby.  It was so hard, I felt terrible and I still had to run ten more miles for Newport!  I then saw Tonya but walked over by myself for a minute.  I needed to compose myself.  Tonya gave me a pep talk and we went back out to find Raelee.  It was fun running the last little bit with Raelee as she finished.  She had a very good first marathon.

Since we had ten more training miles to go, we went out again to find our Mom's.  Ladies kept saying, "your going the wrong way."  At first we would say, "we are training for a marathon so we have to go more miles."  Ladies didn't really seemed to like or get that, so we started saying, "we are looking for our Mom's"  All the ladies LOVED this answer.  It was funny!  We meet our Mom's, gave them some encouragement and kept going.  We finally came to a guy on a bike behind the walkers.  We knew this was the end.  We were soooo tired and nauseated by this time we turned around and just did seven.

Our 23 miles training run, ended at 20, but somehow we were both ok with that for today.  Normally that wouldn't be okay with either one of us. I felt so sick by this time, 3 more mile felt like it would of killed me off.

Valerie and Angela

Cindy and Jo

We returned to the stadium to find our wonderful families.  We both really wanted our free Jamba Juices but they had already cleared out of there.  Rylan (my 8 year old) really wanted pancakes.  Because I ran, I got free pancakes so I went and got a plate full.  I tired to eat, but felt sick.  Rylan sure enjoyed them.

Now, I could be very upset that my half didn't go "as planned" but I'm ok.  I realize that I am in "marathon" training and so my body isn't going to perform at a half marathon pace on a hot, allergy season day.  Also, I just had a bad run and it happens to everyone.  I was with my family and friends and as hard and terrible as it was, somehow it was fun.  I never once thought about quitting.  I didn't overdo it so I wasn't sore and miserable the next day.  

Angela and her Mom Cindy

It's all good and I can now look forward to Newport whatever Newport brings.  Last year it was 80-85 degrees.  I know running in the heat is hard and slows me down, but I also know I can do it.  I would like it to be in the 40's for Newport, but one can only hope...and pray!

"... run with patience
the race that is
set before us ..."
Heb. 12:1-3

²⁴ Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. ²⁵ Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. ²⁶ Therefore I do not run like someone running aimlessly; I do not fight like a boxer beating the air. ²⁷ No, I strike a blow to my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize...

1 Corinthians 9:24-27

New International Version (NIV)

Simply Julie!: Buck Mountain Mudslinger Trail Run, 6.5 never-endi...

Simply Julie!: Buck Mountain Mudslinger Trail Run, 6.5 never-endi...: Back in January was my best friend Tonya's birthday...I had it all planned out.  A surprise trail run that fell  right on her birthday.  A ...

Buck Mountain Mudslinger Trail Run, 6.5 never-ending miles!

Back in January was my best friend Tonya's birthday...I had it all planned out.  A surprise trail run that fell
 right on her birthday.  A few day's before the run, I received a e-mail, due to flooding it was moved to May 12th (same day as our 1/2 marathon, Hippie Chick)....oh no!  I was really bummed, but I was able to transfer our fee to another race.  We picked the "Buck Mountain Mudslinger Trail Run".  It was yesterday.......

Registration 

We left Dallas at 7:00am and headed to Howard Creek State Park at Silver Falls.  It's only about an hour drive. As we drove up the mountain we began to see snow.  We turned off into to park and got out to pick up our race numbers...burrrr it was cold out.  We got a good parking spot right next to the port-a-potties and the starting line, lucky us!  We sat in the car, yes we did!  I found it very interesting watching people, and we were staying warm lol!

Waiting in line to start 

A few minutes before 9 am they called everyone to line up.  Off we went to the start line alone with about 300 other runners.  We found Keith and Laura, some fellow runners from Willlamette Valley Running Club. Was good to see we weren't the only crazies out this morning trying to run muddy/snowy mountains, lol.   We started on a park road, but soon went off onto a trail.  As we turned off onto the trail we were forced to go really slow, then came to a walk.  I thought, "wow, the trail must really be narrow."  As we came a little further I realized what the hold-up was....we had to cross a creek.  It was all muddy colored from all the people in front of us.  It was at least knee deep and very cold.  We weren't even warmed up yet!  There was no getting around this ..... we had to go through it.  Two of my toes felt frozen after that but all we could do is keep going or quit...keep going it was!  

The trail was narrow, muddy and slick.  We quickly came to a muddy mountain.  Tonya and I train on hills most every week so the thought of hills really weren't intimidating to us, but we do not ever trail run, mud run, or snow run....hummmmm, this was going to be a challenge.  As we started up the mountain our toes were freezing and with all the people it was very tight.  Most of the time we had to go single file because of how the trail was.  It seemed that every two steps we took we slid back a step.  We had to tighten muscles and brace ourselves from slipping.  I have never been in mud like this.  It was exhausting.

We left our garmins home so we had no idea what time or mile we were at.  We just had to keep going.  At one point my calves started burning and I wanted to stop so bad.  It was hard.   A lot of the time we had to walk.  With the path so narrow there were places you couldn't pass, and if you tried you would get injured going around.  At one point a women behind a group of us finds a spot to pass.....as she zooms pass us in some deep mud she totally biffs it a few steps ahead.  It was funny!  

Tonya stuck in the mud, I had to pull her out, lol!

We finally reach the top of the steepest mountain  and enjoy running slowly down the mountain in the mud/snow.  There were mud pits and you never knew how deep they were.  I saw someone loose their shoe in a mud pit and was digging it out.  As we went through another mud pit, Tonya sinks knee deep and I have to pull her out.  All we could do was laugh.  We were so tired and so done, but we had to keep going.

The trail leveled off for a little bit, but we then found ourselves in deep snow.  We must of been at the top of the mountain.  We stopped for a quick photo.  By this time my toes were no longer frozen...I was very warm.  But my ankle was hurting (I'm used to road running only).  As I stepped into the deep cold snow I felt relief to my hurting ankle.  It was like a but a ice pack on it. A little relief to my hurting body, lol!

Finally, the top of the mountain!

We tried to have some fun going down the mountain.  We flung mud at each other, but then that became too much work.  I never expected this run to be this hard.  It felt never ending.  It was 6.5 loooong miles.  On the road, Tonya and I could run this any day and run it at a good pace.  Today...nope!  All we could do is keep going and talk to people along the way trying to keep our minds off what we were doing.  We had our Newport Marathon shirts on, so lots of people asked us about Newport.  We talked about how hard this run was, how we would never do it again....how tired we were, how we wanted to be done.

I found that going down hill in the thick mud was kinda fun if you galloped instead of running or walking.  You see, we had to be careful because off all the rocks and sticks.  If you run or walk you just go down into the unknown mud.  If you gallop, you slid into the unknown mud.  I would rather slide into a rock/stick then land on it and hurt my ankle even more!  I know, boring stuff, but I had to keep my mind on something other than what I was doing.

Just before the Finish Line!

As we went a long someone told us the last two miles are all down hill.  Well, we were going downhill!  YES, finally the last two miles.  We were so happy we even picked up the pace a little knowing the muddy mountain was forever in our past.  We went by a few people then our dream came to a sudden halt......what!  Another hill?  We really weren't expecting this, that person was wrong!   All we could do was keep going and that is what we did.  We weren't happy, but we had no choice.  We finally seemed to level off a bit and then saw a mile marker.  6 it said.  I was all excited, only 1/2 mile left!!!!  As we came to a little creek we had to run through a photographer was there.  He told us we had about a mile left?  Hu?  I wasn't happy.  I guess the trail mile marker was not the same as the race markers...sad.   We stayed pretty level, but we were still in mud and snow.  Finally, we heard some human shouts...At the same time, Tonya and I went, "YAH!"  When you are in a race and you hear human shouts, you know you are about to see the FINISH line!  A sweet moment!  We raised our hands in victory and Keith captured the moment for us with his camera!  

Done, time 1:36:34....oh the shame....lol!

We were done, we just ran 6.5 miles up a mountain, in the snow, mud, and water on a narrow trail.  It felt never ending, yet there were times that we laughed so hard and had fun in the moment.  Tonya pretty much hated every minute of it and will never run that race again.  I hated it, but not as much as Tonya.  I do enjoy trail running, but would rather not run through mud pits and creeks.  Next year we will not do this race, but plan other doing another trail run by Run Wild called Willamette Mission Trail Challenge.  This one is muddy yes, but I not as hilly and the trails look wider.

Keith, Me, Tonya and Laura hoping to win something in the drawing.

We went over and waited for prizes to be given out (drawings) and stood by the heater thingy with Keith, Laura and lots of people we didn't know.   None of us won, boo!  Tonya and I peeled off our muddy knee high socks and muddy pasted shoes and headed home.  The hour long drive home felt long...we were tired.  All-in-all, I'm glad we did it.  It's a fun memory even if it was hard.

"... run with patience
the race that is
set before us ..."
Heb. 12:1-3

..

Hills, Earbuds, and a Good Friend...oh and NINE miles!

Marathon training always brings interesting stories.  When you are out running for sometimes hours, things happen, for instance…wolves, wild turkeys, eagles, falling on the pavement and bleeding the rest of the way home.  Desperately asking strangers for water, the list goes on…..

Today was a new one.....

Thursday ‘s Tonya and I do what’s called our “long run.”  Because of our schedules I had to run 3 miles,  meet her, then we ran 6 miles together, then she finished her last 3 miles.  Today our training called for 9 miles, hilly route.  I started off with Safeway hill repeats, and then went on around to meet up with Tonya at her house to go out to Bridlewood together (our favorite hill run).

Off we went, perfect weather!  When we do hill work together we always bring our music players.  At the bottom of the hill, music goes on, and we take off at our own paces and meet back up at the top.  I popped my ear bud in my right ear and took off, it popped right out of my ear….hummm!  I thought the black rubber end came off and dropped onto the road.  I decided just to keep going and look for it on the way back down the hill, no big deal if it was lost anyway.  After a few steps my ear felt funny.  I stuck my finger in my ear and felt something!  OH NO!.....the little black rubber end was in my ear!  I tried to grab it and pull it out, but I couldn't grip it right.  After trying several times and not getting anywhere I thought, I better just get to the top and find a stick and have Tonya take a look.  Yes, I was thinking about putting a stick in my ear! 

  

Finally the top came and I'm like, "Tonya, my ear bud is in my ear."  She looked and said, "I don't see anything."  I said, "I can feel it, I know it's there."  She said, "plug your nose and blow really hard and maybe it will pop out!"  So picture this...two women at the top of a hill in running clothes...one looking in the other's ear while the other plugs her nose and blows while snot is shooting out.   Yes, snot was a-coming! 

I love running, clears the head!  

Tonya could finally see it and said, "can I poke my finger in your ear and try to get it?"  Sure, nope that didn't work!  Next she tried a stick, being very careful not to touch the skin.  Nothing was working so I finally said, "lets just go."  Since I blew it out a little it stopped hurting so bad.

I do believe only a true friend would stick her finger in my sweaty ear to try and get the foreign object out while I am trying not to blow snot on her!!!  Thanks Tonya!

I ran home with this bud in my ear. I got peroxide and tweezers and headed to my husbands work.  He was able to get that thing out...what a relief!   

Never a dull moment!