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. 

For the Love of Running! It only gets Better from Here 2018!

It's 2018 and this 41 year old is excited for the New Year!  

Angry Owl 2017, my first completed Ultra

Last year was a little hard to swallow.  I suffered an injury at the peak of training for Newport.  I was thankful to be able to complete the marathon, but very disappointed.  I went on to run The Oregon Marathon, for fun with a friend.  I ran Angry Owl, a Summer Ultra to keep me motivated to keep up my miles.  I ran several half marathons and smaller races, but never really competed like I had planned.  It was a year with plenty of good memories with my running group, but I'm still after more! 

I think my proudest moment in 2017 racing was the finish line at Autumn Leaves 50k in October.  Ultra running is fascinating to me, but I don't consider myself an Ultra runner yet.  It's very new to me and I have so much to learn.

We did it, Newport Marathon, June 2017

In December of 2017 I finally felt my body was finished healing.  I was excited to start up Marathon training again and I haven't felt that way in a long time.  In April I'll be running Eugene Marathon along with many of my running friends.  I am excited to have such a fantastic group to train with.  We also keep each other accountable and it's a great thing!  I have set some high goals for myself in Eugene. 

I will train properly and hope my body cooperates this time around.  

My first half is coming soon.  January 20th, The Uberthons Winter Half.  This will be my first tempo run for Eugene training.  I'm excited to up my pace and give myself a challenge.  

I will be doing all of the Uberthons half marathons this year.  Uberthons has a half marathon series, one each season, you can

2017 Winter Half, can't wait for this year!

check out here.  I love experiencing each season with a half marathon. I certainly have my favorites, but I enjoy them all.  I will be helping and running at most Uberthons events this year as an ambassador.  I always love seeing my running friends there and making new running friends at the races!

🏃🏃🏃

October 6th brings a new excitement for 2018. Uberthons Fast on Flat!  I get to be an ambassador for this new event and run it too.

Fast on Flat will be held at Portland International Raceway.  There is a 5k PR challenge, a BQ Invitational Marathon and a Marathon

Relay.  This is a flat course that will be worth running on.  Come get that 5k PR, try to get your BQ or form a marathon relay team.  Your team can have 2-5 runners.  Limited to 600 teams.  The BQ Invitational Marathon has a limit of 300.  Do check this awesome new event out HERE!  I hope you can join me this day for some sure win PR's.  I know I can't wait! 

ZaoFit Running Group

                                                                                                       Training starts now!  Join my training group at ZaoFit. 

 We run 

together most weekends.  Looking for a Eugene half/full marathon promo code?  Use EMAMBKC18 for $10.00

💜🏃💗🏃❤I just love to run!💓🏃💗🏃♡🏃

Register for an Uberthons Event HERE

For 20% off at mysoxyfeet.com use promo code
MYSOXYJULIE

Happy to a part of the 2018 Runway Crew as an
ambassador for Stiletto Running

Newport Marathon 2017

June 3rd....Newport Marathon 2017! 

ZaoFit Marathon Group! Claudia, Kristi, Olivia, Tonya, Julie, Jerry, Nicki, Kim

June 3rd marked my fifth year of running Newport Marathon.  This was Newports 19th year! It was also my 11th marathon to date!  
This was going to be a great race for me!  I had a good training plan and was going strong. I had lots of great people to train with. Newport is also my favorite marathon course to race at.
Things don't always go as planned!
 Injury hit about two months ago.  The good news, it wasn't a terrible injury.  The bad news, it was bad enough to lose some crucial workouts.  
A month ago I wasn't sure if I would be able to complete the full 26.2 miles on June 3rd. As time moved on, I did heal up and was able to run that day.
Running is a gift!
I have often use the term, "Running is a gift!"  It sure is and I was so thankful to just be able to run June 3rd. The truth is...I was still really disappointed!
Race day! 
Race morning went very smooth.  I got some sleep, woke up and fueled up.  My husband and I picked up some friends and also saw friends at the starting line.  The weather was pretty near perfect!  I was able to use the port-a-pots a couple times and get a little warm up in!  

I was as ready as I could be!
7:00am and we were off. Some of my friends started in front of me, some behind me.  I wasn't sure where I should be, but even with some lost training, I had some goals.  
My first few miles were wonderful.  I meet two girls from South Dakota named Kara and Sarah.  Kara and Sarah had the same goal

as me and they were good company.  I ran with them!  Around mile three my friend Kristi joined us.  Life was good!  Miles 4, 5, 6...it was going to be a good day. 
I was watching pace and knew we were running a little ahead of what the goal was.  I needed to slow it down.  As I slowed it down, they went ahead!  I kept them in sight but knew I shouldn't be at that pace so early on and I was ok.
I was now heading out of town for the out and back part of the race. I always had people around me but wasn't crowded.  
My friends were getting further and further away from me as the miles passed.  
As I got closer to the turn-a-round (mile 15.5) I began looking for people I knew.  One of the things I love about Newport, it the ability to get to see everyone running that day with that turn-a-round.
All my friends were looking good and still going strong.  I was too, for the most part.  I was starting to feel tired but that is pretty normal.  My pace was starting to slip slightly, but I was still running.  
Confession time!
I can't remember the first time I walked but when I look back at my Garmin grafts, it looks like it was at mile 17.5.  My friend Kristi continued to run with me off and on.  Chris also jumped in with us and ran with some encouraging words.  It still was ok, but not good!  I was beginning to have some stomach issues. Nothing too major, I just hurt.  I began to feel like I needed to puke.  Thus began the waking game.  Once I begin the walking game, it's all over! 
I don't like to walk during my races, but if it's not going well and I know I can't fight, I do sometimes walk.  I had realized my "lack of training" left me unprepared for this day.  Yes, I was thankful to be running, but I also thought the whole idea was stupid at this point.  
Kristi was able to keep at it and I was happy to see her move on.  She didn't need to be a part of my little pity party!  She's better than that!  Chris on the other hand was going to be a part of it.  He was a good friend and a great sport!  Never a mean word, just encouraged me to keep moving forward and not to be too quick to walk a lot.  
With a few miles to go, I was on my own to finish.  Chris left to go encourage another person running the marathon that day. I kept going, knowing that at my worst, I could indeed go three more stupid miles!  I found some encouragers out there during that last 5k.  Other runners keeping me going.  As painful as it was, it was rather awesome at the same time.  I really don't know how else to describe it!
The finish line.

The finish line is always such a special place.  Today it was extra special.  Not because I did well, I didn't do well.  It was because of the people at the finish line that day.  My husband was there waiting. My Dad was waiting. My friend Alan

from Uberthons was there.  My two besties were there, Tonya and Kristi!  They yelled my name and took my picture as if I just ran the best race ever!  And you know what?  I was done!!!!!  I ran through the finishers shoot.  I heard my name over the loudspeaker.  I was handed a beautiful hand made glass finisher medal.
 I was given an emergency thermal blanket.  I looked like a

baked potato.  I was so thankful for that blanket. After running, I felt a chill.  That blanket stayed with me for a good hour!

I was giving some nuts and fruit.  I took a bit of nuts and tossed the rest.  I couldn't eat yet!
I was just happy.  Happy it was over.  Happy to with some of my favorite people!
Recovery!
A few more people I knew were coming in.  What a joy it was to see friends finishing.  Especially the first time marathon runners.  I am so proud of my friends!  They have all worked so hard!
We did it girls!!!!!!

I finally walked over the get my finisher's shirt and by this time I was rungry!  I told the teenagers that were running the food booth to give me everything!  They were so nice!  I got a 1/4 sandwich, watermelon, orange slices, bananas and nuts.  I ate one nut and the watermelon and tossed the rest.  I needed a drink!  I was feeling sick to my stomach.  You can see how messed up this all is!  The aftermath can be horrible.  I sat for a long time!  I enjoyed watching friends mingle and be happy together.  I sat with my Dad and husband and complained.  They are such great guys!!!! My Dad was still proud of me and picked me up an awesome marathon sweatshirt.  I was ready for a nap. My stomach still hurt an hour later and my head was throbbing.  It was time to go back to the hotel and sleep.
What's ahead?

As for the marathon, I still have a goal.  I will run that goal someday.  I don't have my next marathon picked out yet.  I just ran two days ago and I need some time.

I do feel like I didn't get my race.  I left Newport feeling slightly gypped.  I will take some time to recover. After I recover, I feel my injury is well enough to continue with some good training runs.  I will be working at a goal I have for the Uberthons Summer Event on June 22nd.  I'll be running the half marathon. I would LOVE to have you join me on the Banks to Vernonia trail!  There is also a quarter marathon and a "full" marathon that day as well

Uberthons offers $5.00 off any event using promo code ENJOYANEVENT.  Register --->HERE!<---

A big thank you to Umpqua Oats who fueled all my long runs and

supplied samples for many of my running friends! I am going to continue to fuel with Umpqua Oats because they are good for you, they taste great, and they don't upset my stomach!!!!

I will do my best to try and have a positive attitude about this marathon! It's a difficult thing to do after trying so hard for something, seeing goals come close, then having it slip away! Working so hard for something and "failing" is very heartbreaking but you know what?  I will continue! When I do meet my goal, it's gonna be all the more sweeter!

This is my husband's time!!!! Wow! Great job Jerry!

  

Julie Mullins
4:15:02
Division (age) 14/47
93/254 Women racers

Use promo code ENJOYANEVENT for $5.00 off an Uberthons event HERE

Use promo code MYSOXYJULIE for 10% off  HERE...they have awesome athletic socks

Click  HERE for 20% off Wiivv Insoles! 

 

Runaway Pumpkin Half Marathon 2016~The Gift of Running

To run or not to run? What a silly question! 

 On the "stormy" morning of Saturday October 15th I ran the Runaway Pumpkin Half marathon.  This was the morning Oregon was going to get hit with big pacific northwest storm.  Many people were concerned about the race Saturday morning, including the Runaway Pumpkin Half race director and staff.  They did such a good job posting and e-mailing updates for race day morning. Safety was certainly a concern!  At 5:00 am Saturday morning, they sent out one last email....the race was happening!!!!! 



  As I drove to the race that morning, I didn't feel the weather was too bad. After I got to the race it wasn't too bad either.  As I ran that morning, I thought, "this is perfect running weather."  It was 55 degrees with a very light mist in the air.  As I ran that morning we were hit with a little bit of wind in areas. 7 mph to be exact! It was an awesome time! 

Ready to run with Tonya! Tonya has run this race all 8 years!

  This was Runaway Pumpkin Half's 8th year.  I have run this race every year except one, when my daughter was in her Senior year of cross country!  It's one of my favorite half marathons.  I love the loop course and I love the atmosphere of this race.  It is really fun to dress up for this one, but you aren't required to do so.  The course is FULL of volunteers who are happy to be helping. I love the bikers who come help out on the course every year!  They are a great bunch of guys who help with traffic and help keep up runners/walkers safe.

  The course was pretty! We started and ended at Cheadle Lake Park in Lebanon, OR.  We ran through the park on a paved path and then turn off into a friendly neighborhood.  There were people out on their porches cheering as we ran by.  After running through the neighborhood we headed towards a country road and ran along a river for several miles.  It's was so calming and beautiful with all the Fall leaves. I loved every minute of it! As we turned and ran across a bridge, a band was playing.  I love running to the beat of the drums! 

Olivia and her husband Brandon who ran his first
half TODAY!!!!!

The yummy food at the end. They even had it safely
covered to stay dry in this "stormy" weather.

This was a special race to me because 5.5 weeks before this race I sprained my ankle helping with high school cross country.  I was unsure if I would be able to finish this race running, or even at all.  Every day I would test my foot.  Some days it was just getting through the work day.  Some days running a mile or two very slowly, and some days nothing because it needed to rest and heal.  I had already missed Uberthons Fall Half and I didn't want to miss this one too.  I planned on running with friends, and many showed up that morning.  It was fun to see everyone out, even in the midst of a "storm."  I ran every step of the Runaway Pumpkin Half with my friend Tonya who hadn't ran a half in over a year!  It was a special race to her too.

We did it!!!! 

Congratulations to Lacey

I plan on running this again next year and coming back to "race."  I am ready to PR this course but my foot needs to finish healing first.  I am just happy I got to be there and run!  Helps me remember that running really is a gift.  

This is a great race to put on your 2017 calendar.  100% profits goes to ABC House.  Founded in 1997, they help abused and neglected children in the Benton and Linn Counties. 

Congratulations to Melissa, running her first half
marathon today!

Congratulations Caric!

If you're not ready to run or walk a half marathon, you can choose the 8k.  The 8k was new this year and a great add on.  I had two friends do this race and they loved being able to take part in this fun time.

Follow Runaway Pumpkin Half on facebook here

Follow ABC House on facebook here

Follow my fitness page ZaoFit here

Runaway Pumpkin Half 2016 ~ October 15th ~ Race Preview

You can chose to dress up if you like! There is
a costume contest! 

The Runaway Pumpkin Half is one of my favorite half marathons every year. It's cooler weather, a great course and a super fun atmosphere.  I hope you can join me for this great run.  If a half marathon isn't what you're looking for, Runaway Pumpkin is adding a new 8k race this year!  It will be open to runners and walkers!  

2015 before the start! 

If you have been thinking about it, register today! Next price increase will be September 1st!

100% proceeds go to the ABC House.  The ABC House is a Child Abuse Intervention Center serving Benton and Linn Counties.  

Cool medals from 2015! 

The race will is held in Lebanon, OR at Cheadle Lake Park.  The finish will be close to Weirich Drive. 

 

Currently you can register for the half for $65.00.  On September 1st it will go up to $75.00. Currently the 8k is $40.00 and will go up to $45.00 on September 1st.  

Register HERE and check out more details about the Runaway Pumpkin Half & 8k HERE!

Corvallis Half Marathon 2016 ~ Race Review

Sunday April 17th I ran the Corvallis Half Marathon for the first time.  It was a beautiful Oregon morning, almost too beautiful (hot) for a race! High 70's makes for a HOT run!  

I arrived at Gill Coliseum  early to meet up with friends, pick up my race bib and walk around the wellness expo.  There were lots of booths to check out with plenty of fun drawings going on. Some of the booths I visited were: Running Princess

The Barbers

Country Vitamins 

The Old Spaghetti Factory

The Corvallis Clinic

Rainy Dayz

Timberhill Dental

Sam Fit

and many many more!

We soon headed out to the starting line.  There were lots and lots of port-a-potties, so the lines were short. A nice bonus when racing! The OSU Band was playing and making the atmosphere fun. 

Great job OSU Band...super fun to see Jordan playing the flute 

 As we were moved into the gated area, we quickly found our pace group.  The sun was already out and I was glad I got a free sample of sunscreen at the wellness expo.  I knew it was a "sunburn" day.
We started promptly at 9:30

Ready to race!

 on the corner of 26th and Washington St.  This was a chip timed race, so I wasn't worried about being in the front.  Some of my friends and I started back with the 9:00 minute mile group. 
I had decided ahead of time to run with my friend Olivia.  Today she was running her very first half marathon and I wanted to stick with her!  
The course was fairly flat but there was a couple small inclines with a couple small declines.  It was a big loop.  Check out the interactive map here.  
There was lots and lots of volunteers out on the course giving us directions, cheering for us and handing out water.  It was wonderful.  
Around mile five, when heading into the Bald Hill Natural Area, two running friends came up behind Oliva and I.  What a fun surprise to see Alyssa and Susan.  All four of us ran together for many miles, talking about Boston, how horrible the heat was that morning. How great running is and how it brings us together.  It was really a fun running the middle miles with these awesome women.
The miles became a little bit of a struggle due to the heat.  Our pace had dropped but we were all still running strong.  As we ran down

 27th and then 26th street, Olivia kept telling me "it's hot."  I knew she just had a few more miles left, so I tried to think of things to talk about to keep her mind off the heat.  I don't think it was working! 


She stayed strong and soon we were at mile 13.  I told Olivia her finish line was right there and she took off for a nice strong finish.  It was beautiful! 
Olivia was right, it was hot out! 

A quick brag about Olivia.
  "She was hospitalized back in 2009 and almost died. In 2012 she had cancer.  After her cancer, she decides to reclaim her health.  She lost 70 lbs and started exercising. 

Olivia's before and now photo! 

 I currently go to her fitness
classes Fitness with Studio Fuego.  She decided to train for a half marathon because it was hard, and she wanted to challenge herself."

Check out her before and after photo to the right!  

After we crossed the finish line, we meet up with Olivia's family.  A few tears were shed and then we went over to the nice finish area for some food and water.  A journalist from the Democrat Herald came over and did a quick interview with Olivia. Check it out here.  


There was a nice beer garden area but I decided to head home.  I walked around Gill Coliseum to my car.  It was a perfect cool down.  
I really enjoyed running the Corvallis Half.  I plan on running it again next year! I am hoping for cooler weather for 2017! 

Read my Pre Race Preview for register information and more here.

 

Fun to see Susan! 

Katie, Lindsay and Sheila

My Soxy Feet ambassador and Corvallis Half Finisher.

Erica and Olivia finish their half marathon!

Find me on facebook at ZaoFit.  I would love to hear your story! Hope you can join me for next years Corvallis Half!

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!

        ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

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!