Race Recap: Eugene Marathon 2019

2019 Eugene Marathon Embassador team!

Eugene Marathon:
Sunday April 28 2019
#finishonthefifty

I started training for Eugene Marathon 2019 in the later part of January.  2019 hit me hard with some mild illness, putting a damper on training. It didn't worry me much, as I still had several months ahead. I was back to training soon enough and was hit again with a stomach bug, loosing another good week of quality runs. It was frustrating as I'm not one who is often sick. As April came, I was hitting peak week for training and my left foot started to give me some problems. I won't bore you with the details, but I had to take several days off in April, leaving my mileage for the month at 50%. It really wasn't looking good for me racing this time.

I tried to stay optimistic. I did a lot of miles on the bike and row machine. I did what I could, while letting my foot rest. I literally played it day by day the weeks leading up to the marathon. I didn't post anything about "not running the Eugene Marathon" because I really was hoping to wake up race morning feeling better. That's not asking too much is it?

Saturday April 27th came. I ran the 5k as a shake out run and to test my foot as I hadn't been running much at all over the last two weeks. I needed to decide if I would drop to the half, run at all, or stick with the full marathon. I really didn't know what to do. My foot didn't feel any worse after the 5k, in fact I felt as if it was getting better daily. I decided to keep my registration the same. I was going to run the full marathon the next morning.

I don't know what people thought? Maybe it was a stupid move on my part, maybe it was brave. The only thing I was thinking is I wanted to run the full. If I have too walk off the course, I was prepared to do so, or so I thought anyway.

I had been suffering with a cold, so I had been on cold meds. I mention this only because it matters.

Sunday April 28th started perfect as a race day can get. I woke up on time and I had sleep well. I had everything out and ready to go. I was meeting up with friends and the weather was nice and cool, dry with no wind. My husband was running too and we parked right at Autzen Stadium without any hassles. I had time to go to the bathroom and get to my stuff to bag check. I got into corral "B" as the Star Spangled Banner was being sung. I turned on my watch, said hello to a few runners I knew and we were sent on our way. I felt really good for the most part. My arms were cold, but I knew I would quickly warm up. The energy of the runners was enough to make me want to shout. I love the energy a big race brings. I was mostly paying attention to my let foot, my #1 goal was not to harm it more as I would want to run in the following weeks to come.

I started at the pace I had trained for, although I hadn't gotten "all" my training in, I was feeling comfortable at this pace, so I just went with it. I enjoyed looking at all the runners around me. I saw a few people I knew, while looking for others I knew were out with me somewhere. I had run the Preview Run 1, so I knew most of the first several miles. It was nice to know what was coming.

Soon we ran by Hayward field, this was the start/finish in 2018. I loved finishing there last year, but was really excited to finish in Autzen Stadium on the fifty yard line today! Yesterday (Saturday) the kids dash finished on the fifty yard line along with the 5k. It was really fantastic, but I wanted to step over that line after running the full marathon!

As the morning went on, I started to worry about my foot a little. Some of the course was slanted as we ran around the corners. This was aggravating my foot to some degree, but I still felt I was okay to keep moving forward.

I'm not exactly sure when it happened. I can't even give specifics, but I remember coming to about mile 12. Marathoner were to go to the left and half marathoners were to run to the right, back towards Autzen Stadium. I remember desperately wanting to go right. I went left and followed the path leading away from Autzen. The path the marathoners were lead to go down. I began to panic a little. I knew the next 15 miles could end up being very difficult! I didn't know if I could handle it today! I wasn't feeling like a "marathon runner."

I ran on, keeping myself as clam as I could. Self talk, math problems, mind games, just stupid stuff that keeps me moving forward. I was keeping to myself this year not talking to anyone. In 2018 I had four people I was running with by this time and we had kept each other going, like a running machine all working together. It was amazing. This time, I just ran, tried to stay positive and enjoy the beautiful path I was running on.

Soon my stomach started to work against me. At first I didn't know what the problem was, but after the race thinking back, I am certain this was due from taking cold meds all week. I believe I was getting dehydrated. I was feeling like a dried up sponge. I couldn't figure it out at the time. I had been hydrating well all week, even that morning before the race. Suddenly the water stations were too far apart. In any normal marathon, about every 1.5-2 miles is totally fine. In 2018, that was fine! Now, suddenly it was not!

The halfway point had come. There was three port-a-potties. I wondered if I just went to the bathroom, would my stomach feel better? I stopped. This was the first time I stopped. I was frustrated because all three port-a-potties had people in them, so I stood there feeling stupid. I listened to a women talking on the phone who had walked off the course and wasn't going to finish today. I believe she was waiting to be picked up. Tempting!

I finally got into the port-a-pot and nothing! I couldn't even go! It was a complete wasted stop and now I not only had wasted about five minute, now I didn't care about running the race anymore. I really wanted to just be done. I didn't have my phone, we were out on a Pre's Trail and I didn't know the area I was in at all. There wasn't much I could do but keep going. I took a step back onto the trail and I heard, "JULIE?" I turned around and it was a running friend, Stacy! Our boys had played baseball together years ago and we were both running today! We took off together, quickly learning we both were not feeling well for today's marathon.

"Misery Loves Company"

Stacy became my running angel. As cheesy as that may sound, I don't know how else to describe the moment. She was like a breath of fresh air and she got me running again. I was able to forget about my stomach pain for awhile. I learned Stacy had missed a whole lot of training due to a back issues. We were two women, running together, suffering together, we were okay because we were together, for the time being anyway!

As we got to the latter miles, it got harder and harder for me to run. My stomach was in pain. At one point we came to an aid station and I doubled over in pain. I looked at a chair at the medic tent and wanted to cry. I threw up a little and started walking. I wanted to be done, but we were nearing the end. I looked up and Stacy was waiting. I took some water and drank it because I desperately wanted water, but as I drank my stomach would ache even more. It was a very difficult time in the race. We ended up doing some walking. I had to stop. This was no longer a race for time. In fact, time didn't even matter much anymore. I was keeping track of the time, only to think of my husband who should of finished about 10:22am, Kristi by 11:00am and Lori by 11:15am. That was all that mattered anymore.

Running out the last miles of the marathon!

Stacy and I took turns having "freak out moments." We never left each other. We even took turns "mothering" each other. Once she had to stop. She knelt down. Stacy is a women I don't know on a personal level very well, but I knew she wanted to cross the finish line into her families arms. Another runner stopped and asked if she was okay. I told that runner to leave her alone and give her a moment. Sure enough, Stacy had her moment, got up and started running again. Around mile 23 Stacy looked over at me and said, "lets not walk anymore, I need to be done." I was feeling recovered enough to say, "okay" and we slowly ran. I just needed her to tell me not to walk anymore because I didn't care anymore.  One thing I was waiting for was mile marker 24! If I made it to mile 24, I would finish. Mile 24 was a huge moment for me in last years Eugene Marathon. If I could run and make it then, I could do it today.

We made it to mile 24, I took a drink of water, doubled over in pain for a sec and ran on. We slowly made our way back to Autzen Stadium. As we ran towards the "O" we took a left to finish up the race by running around the Stadium. We came around the other side and got to turn and go into the stadium. I looked over at Stacy and said, "it's your moment," she said the same thing back. We ran through the tunnel together, just like we ran the race of our lives, came out the other side onto the football turf. I felt such a sense of relief. We ran all the way to the 50 yard line, even passing someone in the process and finished together like superstars. I heard my name over the loud speaker and then was handed a finishers medal. Stacy and I hugged a long hug. She cried! I wanted to scream, "I'M FINALLY DONE!" We walked out of the stadium together, proud of each other, thankful that we had each other and so happy we were done!

We took the walk up to the finishers recovery area where her family was in the front waiting for her to the left and my husband and two friends were on the right. It was a beautiful moment I will never forget.

It's unfortunate Stacy and I had a bad race, but that comes with running. Some training cycles don't go our way. I love Eugene Marathon and will be back for 2020. I loved the Health and Wellness Expo and I love the race itself. This race is at a time of year in Oregon that is usually great running weather. The race is in Eugene, Tracktown USA! You run on Pre's Trail. The course is mostly flat and paved. You run in the footsteps of legends. It's a well done and well organized race!

Eugene Marathon 2019 was my 15th marathon to date. I knew I would run this race after racing it in 2018. It was such a great experience. I grew up not far from Eugene, so it feels like "home" running in that area.

I would like to add a congratulations to my husband Jerry for running a 3:24:26 and qualifying for Boston today. Also a shout out to my friend Lori who trained extremely hard and got a huge PR today coming in at 4:05:22.

Jerry qualified for Boston today, so proud of him!

If you would like to join me for Eugene 2020, add April 25th-26th to your 2020 calendar!

Race results and photos can be found HERE!

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! 

 

Marathon Training ~ Week ONE!

Week one is done! 

I was seriously worried about week one!  I told a friend this the other day and she was surprised! I haven't been in "training" for over four months now.  In the four months I had an injury and really got out of "training" mode.  I still enjoyed running, but going out for a run versus training, are two different things.  I was scared to start training again.  What if I can't hit my times? What if I'm too tired after work? What if I just don't have it in me this go around? I was scared to start up again, but it is time to try!

I ran the Uberthons Winter Half as a warm-up for the season.  It proved I had work to do, but also helped me see where I'm at.  I feel like I'm in a slightly better stop starting than last year.  

I don't know why marathon season scares me but it does.  I think it scares me because I have been through it several times. I have goals and dreams in marathon running and I can't seem to hit the mark after all is done. I really believe I can do it, but so far, I haven't hit the mark I set for myself. Training's not only hard work, but it's a strain on the brain. There's a place you have to go mentally to get through some of the hard training sessions and to get through the marathon itself. Can I go there again???! Sometimes I doubt myself.  I can go there mentally for a training run, but the race ... that's much harder for me.  It's like a test I've studied for and prepared for and then fail!  I don't want to fail again this year. I will not fail this year!

Saturday long run group! 

I try to keep motivated by planning group runs!  I have an amazing group of running friends who keep me going every single week, and I love them! 

 I also run for Uberthons and My Soxy Feet.  I run Uberthons events and they keep me motivated to keep moving forward in my running goals and healthy eating habits.  I do all my running in My Soxy Feet athletic socks! They are high-quality, awesome, fun athletic socks that help keep my feet from getting blisters! 



This last week I received oatmeal from Umpqua Oats! They will be fueling all my long runs for marathon season. I'm really excited to represent them because their oatmeal is so amazingly good!  I can't wait to share with my group for our next long run! 


This week I will be adding on a little more hard work to my track session, tempo run and long run!  I am hoping for another great week of training, ending with a fun 10k on Saturday! The Uberthons Cha' co la' do thon!!!!  I have several friends meeting up with me at Cook Park to run or walk this one!  I can't wait! 

---->You can register HERE!<----

Use promo code "ENJOYANEVENT" for $5.00 off. 

 They are 90% full so don't delay! 

Use promo code "MYSOXYJULIE" for 10% off at mysoxyfeet.com

Marathon Training ~ Week 14 ~ The Oregon Marathon

The Oregon Marathon is less than three weeks away!  I didn't want to blog this week about training or the race!  I'm feeling too hot to run, too tired to run, and slightly run down.  It's now summer, and I'm scared it's going to be too hot July 16th!  I have run the course before and I do know there is a great deal of shade.  I also know that last five miles is "no shade." I'm trying not to think much about the weather.  It is what it is, but...I can't help it!

I guess it's good timing to say, "It's taper time."

I don't care for the taper, but I also love the taper! It's such mixed feelings for me.

I don't like that I need to slowly work my miles down.  I actually like to run!  I don't like the thought of running less.

I do like having extra time to do other things like "get more sleep."

This week my tapering isn't much.  I'm going to cut my long run a little short, but that's about it.  Week 15 will be more cuts!

Fully rested legs are going to be very important on July 16th!

Last week went really well! It was "peak week."  I meet up with Tonya on Monday for an easy six mile loop around town, then went to Olivia's RIPPED class!  Tuesday, I went out with the family for an early evening bike ride! I got in my ten mile tempo run at the correct pace.  A 20 miler with friends and a couple other easy runs!  I topped off my week with 52.4 miles!  My goal for the week was a minimum of 50, so I was pleased with this especially after only running five days this week instead of my normal six.  Like I said, earlier, I have been too hot and tired to run!  It's been a struggle!  I really miss being able to run before work on the weekdays!  I loved running before my day got started! 

I am in hopes of getting some rest over the next two-a-half weeks. I know the pain that comes with the marathon and It can be scary to think about it!  I pray I can make it mentally!  That's where I feel my biggest struggle is this week. 

With all that, this week has already started! Like I  said earlier, I didn't want to blog this week....finally, two days late, here it is! 

Happy Running friends! 

Run with me June 27th to July 3rd!
Monday, afternoon easy run and 6:15 pm RIPPED class with Olivia atFitness with Studio Fuego 
Tuesday, afternoon Tempo run
Thursday, easy afternoon run and 7:00 pm HIIT class with Olivia 
Friday, easy afternoon run
Saturday, long morning run
Sunday, easy morning recovery run.
Let me know if you would like to meet up for a run this week! ‪#‎ZaoFit‬

Register for The Oregon Marathon (of half marathon) --------> HERE <--------

Check out SPANDITS HERE.  Be sure and check out their "in stock" Items! 

 It's an automatic 10% off!

 Check out My Soxy Feet HERE.  They make fun athletic socks for adults and children!

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~~~I would love to hear your story!~~~

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Athletic IQ HERE

Marathon Training ~ Week 13 ~ Running Coins and Peak Week, Chu-Ching!

The The Oregon Marathon is right around the corner, four short weeks out from yesterday!  Last week's training went well.  Monday, I got in a late night tempo run!  I almost didn't do it, but I am so glad I did!  I was really tired Monday evening! 

Wednesday was a great RIPPED class with Olivia and a nice easy run!

                                        

Saturday I was excited to meet up with a few friends for my 20 miler! The first half of the 20 miles was nice and flat.  The second half was HILLS and it made me very tired. It was a really good training run with great company!

Sunday (this morning) I meet up with Olivia with some morning hills for breakfast! Another great run in wonderful weather! Olivia is planning on running her first marathon in 2017!  She's going to kill it! 

As I go into this next week I'm expecting to be sore! Next week is peak week.  It's looking like nice weather for lots of good training runs!  Of course, I would like it to be 10 degrees cooler every day, but it could be a lot hotter so I won't complain! 

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

For those of you who have done any running with me know I often will stop for just a sec, then catch up with the group!  At first my friends chuckled at me, some wonder how I see these small things on the ground, others think it's silly...possibly even stupid! I don't care what anyone thinks!  I am on a mission! I am collecting running money!

I started running as an adult the end of 2008.  My friend Darcy gave me a stack of Runner's World Magazines! In one of the Magazines I read an article about a guy in New York who had 1000's of coins, all found while out running!  After reading that, I often would look for coins!  I started finding them!  I started off putting the coins in a little jelly jar.  The little jelly jar, turned into two, then three jars!  I then transferred everything into this large vase.

 It sits on my night stand collecting dust, coins and an occasional "paper bill!!!!" 

I have rules for my money jar!  I have to be out running, walking or riding my bike to add the money to this jar!  If my running/biking friends find money and pick it up, it can be added! Coins from my purse do not count! If there is identification, I must return the money.  This happened once!  I would have $101.00 ($40.00 more) if it wasn't for that driver's license! 

When I first started collecting it was just for fun! I didn't know what I would ever do with the coins, but continued to save.  Over the last two years I have been on a mission to qualify for Boston.  These coins and bills have turned into my Boston jar!  When I qualify for Boston, I will uses this money to pay for my registration fee!  I can't think of a better thing to use this for!  

I decided to count this money for the first time ever today! I have $61.00!  That's about $10.00 a year savings! I know that sounds silly, but I love it!  To register for Boston, I will need to find $119.00 more dollars!  To cool thing is, I have $61.00 already!!!  I realize I will probably need to pull funds out of my bank account to get the full $180.00 but I'm going to continue to look for money as I run for the next four weeks and after! I still need to qualify, then wait a few months to even register! You never know what you will find out on the open road! 

This week I want to hit head on!  Peak week for me means...more miles, nailing every workout! Eating clean! Enjoying how far I have come! 

If you can join me for a run, I would love your company! 

Run with me June 20th to June 27th
Monday, afternoon easy run and RIPPED class at 6:15 pm (Fitness with Studio Fuego with Olivia)
Tuesday, afternoon 10 mile tempo
Wednesday, afternoon easy run
Thursday, afternoon easy run or some speed work and HIIT class at 7:00 pm with Olivia at Fitness with Studio Fuego
Friday, rest day
Saturday, 20 mile long run
Sunday, recovery run
Let me know if you can join me! :)

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Marathon Training ~ Week 12 ~ Some stuff I've learned from the Good and the Bad!

Week 12 is here! 5 weeks out! I'm getting excited about the The Oregon Marathon, but I don't feel I'm ready yet! 

Last week was a really hard training week.  I ran a very hot 20 miles on the 4th of June.  After that day, my legs felt tired and swollen for days!  I ran the next few days, but nothing fast.  I was worried I was overtrained, or in some sort of running slump.  I tried to keep positive!  I've had this happen before and typically, it doesn't last very long.  Yesterday (Saturday the 11th) I went out for my long run (14 miles) and I felt back to normal!  It was a great run.  It was a long 6 days for sure!  I did give myself and break and rested Thursday and Friday.  I do believe it payed off. I'm looking forward to this coming week!

Eventbrite is running an endurance event campaign (how cool is that?) I thought I would share them with you!  Eventbrite is a great place to advertise your event, sell tickets for your event and find great local races. Check them out ----->HERE!<-----

What I have learned from marathon running?

 I have ran nine marathons and have learned a lesson at each and every one of them!  The beauty of the marathon is you never know what you are going to get on race day, but when you hit your goal...it's the best feeling ever.  It will keep you coming back for more, even if it means trying many more times to hit the goal! Another thing I've learned from myself and watching friends train (or lack of training) is, there is no luck in distance running. You can only run as fast as you trained for, even on a good day.  There is something called "burn-out" or "hitting the wall!"  It happens, and it's a very very real thing!

I think my worst marathon would be Portland Marathon 2010.  This was my very first time running a full marathon.  I had NO idea what I was doing!  I did train, but not like I should have.  My back went out partway through training so my longest long run was 15 miles.  I did most of my training alone.  I didn't know too many runners back in 2010.  Nobody to ask questions or get advice from. I went out expecting to run a 4:30, and ran a really painful 5:25.  I was in so much pain by mile 18, I cried and walked along feeling very sorry for myself.  The weather was stormy and the last eight miles were "never-ending."

A few things I learned:

  1) I needed more base miles.

 2) I needed more long runs.

 3) I needed to run 20 mile long runs

 4) I needed more wisdom from people who had been running longer than me

 5) I was strong, even though I didn't run fast

 6) I had a deeper respect for "the marathon" 

7) I needed to eat better during training

I will never forget the pain of that race, and would never want to re-live that race.  I am glad I went through it!  It set me up to want more!  To do better! To dream big! To love running! It also was the beginning of many beautiful running friendships. With help, wisdom and lots of hard work, I have managed to shave off 91 minutes from that first marathon.

For my 10th marathon on July 16, 2016 I am training to shave off another 13 minutes in hopes of a BQ (Boston Qualifier).  This scares me and motivates me!

I hope that you can find some motivation in your running!  Motivation to dream bigger, to live healthier and to enjoy that people in your life.  Running is a gift and I am very thankful! 

This weeks Run with Me Schedule! 

June 13th to June 19th:
Monday, afternoon run
Tuesday, afternoon run
Wednesday, afternoon run and evening RIPPED class with Olivia at Fitness with Studio Fuego

Thursday, evening HIIT class with Olivia 
Friday, afternoon run
Saturday, morning run possibly 20 or 20 Sunday
Sunday, 20 miler long run?
Locals, can you meet up? Ask about more details! I would love to run with you!!! ‪#‎ZaoFit‬

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