2023 Year end Review

2023 YEAR end Review 🙌

🏃‍♀️ 2023 miles ran: 2654
6️⃣  pairs of running shoes
⌚ Time to reflect
🥰 Friendships
🦄 Proof that dreams do come true!

Boston didn't come easy. The failed years made 2023 all the more sweeter. 🦄💙💛

Winter was off to a strong start as I started training for the Boston Marathon. #flatcindy joined me on my training, along (feel free to ask about her) with my husband (also training for Boston) and friend Kristi (training for Eugene Marathon).

Cascade Half Marathon & 10K half (January) was run as a tempo/pacing a friend race. The weather was incredibly bad, but as always, if you're with the right person, it can still be fun! FYI, my friend earned a PR (personal record) that day!

Shamrock Run Portland 15k (March) was raced as part of my training for Boston. I was pleased with my effort and felt strong. I could feel my training working.

The grit of the early mornings was my biggest obstacle. I was working on the "just get it done" mindset. My personal growth through this time was huge and flowed into many areas of my life. I was a mixed bag of emotions but stayed really focused. Training was good for me.

I have many wonderful friends and strangers that came alongside me throughout my Boston training. The support during this time was amazing, from collecting pop-cans, selling cookies and turning in used sneakers for credit. If you missed my updates, my trip to Boston wasn't a financial stress at all 💙💛 because of the response I had 🩷

My Mom, Sister-in-law, two nephews and a friend all joined Jerry and me in Boston. It was everything I dreamed and so much more. I wrote a lot about this experience in my news feed/blog. I'm not going to go into all of it because it's just to much. So much goodness, emotions and words!

I dealt with a minor issue during training that caused my hamstring to tighten during the Boston (April), but I still ran a BBQ (Boston Qualifier, in Boston). I was nowhere near a PR (personal record) and had come to terms with that before the race even started. As most runners do, I did start Boston in hopes that it my hamstring issue would magically be gone!!! 🤷‍♀️ I don't regret anything I did!

I left Boston on a high that left me completely full, yet completely exhausted. I went through a really difficult time personally after coming home. I knew running wasn't over, but really struggled to figure out what to do with my running. To some, this may sound silly. I get it, running isn't all that important in the big realm of things. The thing is, running is my lifestyle, my well-being. It does matter to me and I am a better person due to running. My personality also is one who sets goals. Small goals and big goals all in an effort to do a little better each day.

For the first time after a marathon I felt blank. I felt lonely. I wanted to run, but why, where, for what reason? I felt crazy for a while, crazy and alone. Running always has had great purpose to me. Thanks to a friend with a distance runner husband, I was called out on this issue. She told me I wasn't alone. She told me she was worried this would happen to me. This is something I just cannot explain.

I had signed up for Eugene half (two weeks following Boston). I went to support Kristi who had training alongside me. I ran the half to celebrate, she raced the full. I was pleasantly surprised how good I felt to run that celebration race. I was so thankful to get to be in the race atmosphere and support Kristi and a few other friends who were there that day.

After Eugene, I talked a couple friends into signing up for Newport half in early June. Newport the year before is where I had qualified for Boston. I thought it would be cool to go back, run the half, and "go full circle."

From Newport, to Boston and back there's a road that goes from Newport to Boston (Route 20 - America's Road), so it just made sense to me. I did well in Newport and loved every moment of that weekend. This race was something I needed!

After Newport I went into a 6 month season of base training/off season. I had spent the last year doing training for two marathons and my body had taken a toll. I had some minor issues and my body needed a break. I continued to run, but didn't do intense workouts. I mostly ran easy and loved when friends would join me. I went into a season of just running to enjoy. I ended up learning a lot personally during this time. It was such a positive for me.

I ran a little fun run on July 4th, it ended up being extremely hot that day. I was still able to run strong. I was really happy with being able to keep my body in decent shape.

In August I was a runner on a Hood To Coast team I ran my 3 legs (running segments) with no injuries, lingering pains and feeling like a million bucks!

I continued into the Fall keeping a strong base and making sure my body stayed healthy.

My friend talked me into running Eugene 2024 so I will end 2023, going into marathon training for the first time in a whole year!
I am leaving 2023 a more confident runner and person in general. It feels good.

2023 races 👇👇👇

*Cascade Half, January 15th (1:44:29)
*Shamrock 15k, March 12th (1:09:23)
*Boston Marathon, April 17th (3:47:22)
*Eugene Half, April 30th (1:47:02)
*Newport Half, June 3rd (1:39:57)
*Mini Marathon (2.6 miles), July 4th (19:17)
*HTC/runner 2, August 26-27th

*Dallas Glow Run 5k, Oct 14rh (22:16)

*Run'ucopia 15k (8.87 miles/cut short), Nov 23rd (1:05:29)

Going Full Circle - Newport Marathon Meets Boston Marathon

Newport OR. A beautiful city that I've been drawn to for years. Interesting enough, after finding interest in the "marathon" years ago, I was drawn to give Newport Marathon a try. 

I've run Newport now six times. I've had many highs on the course and some lows. I've run it full power, conquering my goals for that year and run it injured, just do celebrate that I was able to run that day. Most years I've run Newport with friends and have had the honor to train with friends. Training is done during my favorite time of year, winter! As I come out of winter training, the weather clears up just enough to have a comfortable run at sea level.

I ran Newport in 2017 with a huge group of friends and walked away not sure that I would ever run the full marathon there again. I went on to run marathons in a few other cities and experience some other sites. As I grew as a runner and saw the capability of qualifying for Boston, Newport was suddenly drawn to my attention again.

Newport OR has a road that connects to Boston, Massachusetts, US Route 20. This was intriguing to me and I had to find the sign that said Boston on it. Over the years. I've taken several pictures by the sign in Newport leading to Boston. For years. Boston has only been a dream and I didn't know if I would ever get there. I've come close and I fallen into injury and thought it would never happen. 

2022 came and I was ready to take charge again. I hired a coach and started training for Newport 2022. In June of that year, the sign to Boston became a pivotal statement for me. Every time I would go to Newport I had to find the sign and it just somehow encouraged me that I would take that road someday. My training for Newport was the best training cycle I've ever gotten through. From feeling good the whole time without injury and really being in the correct mindset. I was fortunate enough to have my husband also training for Newport in an attempt for a BQ as well. Both of us trained through the last bit of covid and it was really something we needed at the time. Going out together every Saturday for a long run was really good for our relationship. Running was our friend and we were loving the excitement of training for a marathon again.

 

June 4th came and many of our friends joined us that day by running the half marathon or to support us by making signs and standing alongside and screaming for us to do it! It was surreal. We woke up that morning and it was raining. I was excited and my husband was stressing. He doesn't care for the rain. Go figure, we live in Oregon! Hahaha. We did a warm-up up to the starting line and I just tried to take it all in. I had some co-workers meet me along with my Mom at the start. I knew I had friends along course and at the finish line and I felt fresh and ready to go.

The race itself was wonderful. Newport does a wonderful job with aid stations every two miles. The starting line at Newport is something I absolutely love. It starts up at the Yaquina Bay State Park up above the Newport bridge. We're up high and you can see out over the bay and it's absolutely beautiful. There's always plenty of porta potties along with a public bathroom. I love the first four and a half miles of the course. We start by heading out towards Nye Beach . We turn right up into some neighborhoods and people are out cheering us on from their lawns. I love weaving through the neighborhoods. From there we circle around Nye Beach and get a glimpse of the ocean. Running by the chowder bowl always gets me because I  would love a bowl of chowder about then. I know better though. The chowder can wait till after the race and it'll be well worth it. We then run along the road back to where we started. The crowd is thickened through here. People are walking up to the starting point that are doing the half marathon. People are also standing along the road cheering us on from the hotels. It's such a fun few miles. As we make our way back up into the park and go pass the starting point, all the half marathoners are there cheering us on along with the race director and his crew. You can look out over the bay and see the water and there's just nothing like it.

From there we head down the hill and under the Newport bridge. Oftentimes the sun has been shining through about this time but it's not hot. Typical weather for Newport is perfect. Running weather 40s to 60° with sometimes a light mist. We make our way from the bridge down along the bay and run past Ripley's Believe It or Not. I always hold my breath briefly about this time as there is the smell of fish it's very potent. I also feel like this is part of the experience and I love it. We then run across the wooden sidewalk to the right. Looking out over the bay knowing we will soon make a right turn and there will be more people.

At mile four and a half we go by the Embarcadero to our right and to our left is what will be our big finish line. We go up a slight hill and make our way up Yaquina Bay Rd onto the "out and back." This is when everything settles in and things are definitely getting real. It's time to really focus in and ride these miles out. 

As we approach mile  8.7, we hit the turnaround for the half marathon. I always get a little upset here because I've never done the half marathon. I have to keep going. The marathoners keep going straight the half marathoners turn around and go back. As a marathoner, mile 15 and a half comes pretty fast. That's the turnaround for Newport. It seems so simple, less than 10 miles back to the finish line, but this is where things get pretty brutal. 

During training for Newport I often would do out and backs just for some mental fitness. The crowds aren't as thick now and we are definitely spread out as runners. The positive thing about the out and back is you see runners both going out and coming back. You see everybody. I often have friends running with me and this is the opportunity to see them no matter what our pace is. I love that about Newport. 

For 2022 I was running strong until about mile 20 or 21 when my stomach cenched up and I was forced to stop at a porta potty. Thankfully Newport does have porta potties out along the course. I had to stop but felt so much better after. I tried to get back in the mindset and finish this marathon. I did the best I could, although slowing down slightly. I made it into the finish line where my husband and friends were waiting for me.

I had done it. I had qualified for Boston with an 11 minute buffer. The bonus was, my husband had qualified as well. We had a long year ahead of us as we still had to register for Boston, get in, and plan a trip. This all just got real! 

Before going home that weekend. We made sure we stopped and got a picture of the sign leading to Boston. I took that photo as motivation for the next 10 months. Boston wasn't until the middle of April 2023. It seemed like a lifetime away.

 

To keep my mind busy, I did some little fundraising like selling cookies, collecting old sneakers and recycling them and collecting cans. It became this amazing thing on social media where people wanted to take part. The support from my community was overwhelming. It's something I'll never forget. The outpouring of love for my husband and I has been amazing.

April finally came and my husband and I ran Boston Marathon. I had a list of things I wanted to do while we were in Boston and one of them was finding the sign that said Newport Oregon. It became this game because it wasn't as easy to find. We searched online and zoomed in on pictures to find out exactly where the sign was. It was a glorious moment when we found the sign, took a whole bunch of pictures and then walked around a little bit. As we came back through we met a guy name Jeremy. Jeremy and his friend Robby had posted on social media a similar story to my husband's and mine. These guys lived in Newport, had qualified for Boston and made it a point to get pictures at both ends of the road as well.

 We had a wonderful conversation with Jeremy as he was waiting for Robby to get their photo. I am hoping to meet up with both of them for Newport 2023.

My husband Jerry and I can't help but go back to Newport 2023 to go full circle. We qualified there in 2022. We had a glorious experience and met on the other side of the US Route 20 for Boston 2023. To come back and do the half marathon as a celebration run is something we can't resist. 

Newport Marathon and half is highly recommended. It's not a huge marathon so don't come expecting huge crowds. Come, expecting a great experience at sea level on an out and back course with the coolest loop ever at the beginning of the race. Expect water and support every 2 miles and know that your family and friends can take a bus out on course. Newport does a great job getting people out on the course to cheer family and friends on. You can expect decent weather for Newport. Like I said earlier, I've run this six times. Five times it's been good weather. There was the year of the heat. That was very unexpected and it was only the one year. 

Newport also has the coolest finishers medals for both the half and the full. They are all handmade and hand stamped from glass. They are absolutely beautiful and each year I have a different color weaved into the glass. After you run Newport, grab a coffee on Nye beach and take a walk at low tide. You can go both ways on the beach over two miles each way. On your way back up, grap that bowl of chowder! You earned it! 

If you're going to be at Newport Marathon 2023 doing the half or the full in June, please reach out. I would love to meet you and celebrate with you as I celebrate coming full circle with my husband! 

Read more about US Route 20 here!

Register for Newport Marathon and Newport Half here!

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! 

 

The Other Side of Marathon Training

If you follow my posts about Marathon training ZaoFit (FB)..Julie (FB)..twitter..instagram, you will see so many photos of runners looking happy out on training runs. We will run anywhere from five to twenty miles and look very happy in the photos.  We often run and end with beautiful food. We are all happy and enjoy every mile we run!  

The pictures are not fake, we do have many happy moments, and enjoy running for food! We also enjoy being together and training together.  There is lots you don't see in the photos!  Some ugly and sometimes very embarrassing stuff.  

Often I like to focus on the positive stuff going on it training.  A photo with my awesome running friends...a beautiful route we ran.  A funny goat or alpaca that wanted to run with us.  Some delicious food after a long run.  What's not to like about that?

The ugly stuff isn't always fun to talk about. But let's be real here!  Not every run is peaches-n-cream!  

I have seven-and-a-half weeks until I run Newport Marathon 2017. My eleventh full marathon.  I feel like I'm in a good place.  I know the course (I've ran it four times). My best times are on that course. I run better in the coastal air (allergies).  My training is going good. My hard sessions are on key.  My long runs seem easier and not so scary.  I also am having a lot of stiffness in my legs.  I am sore most of the time.  
I have spared myself extra racing during marathon training this time around.  In the past I would race more to try to keep motivated.  This time around, my efforts are going into training only.  If I race, it's slower and just to be with friends.  

I have had lots of good moments in training. I have also had many struggles in my training.  I will be the first to say, you can't train for a marathon without struggles!

There are things that happen most people don't like to talk about. Get ready for a good laugh friends. For you runners, a good cry, cause you know first hand!

That one hurt! 

  There are days I don't want to run!  I know...big shocker there! You all are thinking, no way!!! Julie LOVES to run, all the time!  Yes, I do, but often I have to actually talk myself into running.  It's true! I have never regretted a run after I get myself out the door though!  Oh, except when I sprained my ankle during an "easy" run.  

It's happened twice over the years, plus turning my ankle and falling down so many times I've lost count.  

That one hurt too!

Yet I love to run! 

For this season of training I mostly run after work.  I have to be at my job in the wee hours of the morning.  Once (during this season), I ran before work.  I had to get up at 3:00 am.  I only did that one time! I don't recommend it. 
 Tuesdays and Wednesdays I try not to think about it.  They are my two hardest days of training.  I'm off at 2:00 pm, change into running gear at work, then head to the local track.  If I go home, it's all over for the day, I will sit down and fall asleep.  I have to get my run in before going home!  I do a speed workout Tuesday and a ten mile tempo run on Wednesday.  Both with pacific time goals.  Most days I walk onto the track saying there is no way these tired legs can do this, but what do I have to lose?  I warm up and just do it!  It hurts, I sometimes feel like puking, sometimes it's pouring down rain. I have forgotten my water bottle and visor for some of these runs.  It sucks!  I also am alone for most of these harder runs.  It's all a battle against my own mind! But yet, when I get done, I feel amazing! Pushing my body to do what I don't think it can do makes me feel alive!

 I love to run! 

Three days a week are easy pace days.  I run three to six miles at a nice pleasant pace.  These days I'm usually shaking off a hard run.  I sometimes enjoy them because I can go slow. Sometimes I'm sore and it hurts.  I know these runs are necessary for proper recovery so I lace up and run. 

Saturdays are when the most interesting things happen. My running group usually meets up for a twelve to twenty mile long run.

These have come to be my favorite run of the week.  I finally get to catch up with my running friends.  These runs are also done first thing in the morning, not after work.  I would much rather run first thing in the morning!  Typically after about five miles, one runner will have to use the bathroom.  I won't tell any stories about my friends, that wouldn't be nice!  I will tell you some of my dirty secrets.  They are pretty gross! 

 Sometimes you gotta go!  Not a mile down the road where the mini mart is. Not a block down, where you can see a heavenly port-a-potty in the distance.  Yes, port-a-potties can be heavenly!!!! Sometimes you gotta go NOW!!!!!  More than once this happened to me on a long run.  Distance running isn't for babies! 
I have been only a block from my house and had to stop in my tracks and pray I would make it home.
I've had to walked down to small golf course to ask to use the bathrooms while my running group waited up on the road.  I told my friends to go on without me.  I had a feeling it would be a while before I could join back up with them.  I did what I needed to do and went to flush. To my horror the toilet wouldn't flush.  I found a plunger and plunged and plunged and it got slightly better but it was still bad. I had been in that bathroom for what seemed like an eternity. I knew I had to go out and face the man at the counter!  "I clogged your toilet" I told him in shame. I'm pretty sure he already knew...I was in there for an eternity.  "Happens all the time" he told me... I didn't believe him, but at least he was nice about it.

Good thing I stopped, I did feel better.  Now to catch up to my friends.  I knew I might not see them now till they turned around and headed back to town.  As I walked up the driveway, they were all there...staring at me! To say I was embarrassed was an understatement.  The cool thing about runners, we all got a good laugh and there is no judging.  The reason...they ALL understand! 

The bush as also been a friend to me! If you are a runner, it's always good to carry some toilet paper in your pocket, not to wipe your sweat or to blow your nose. Your sleeve will work fine for that!

 I still love to run!

Our photos are always together.  Truth is, we often separate during a long run.  We all run a slightly different pace.  Some will be having a good day, some, not so good.  We all start together and have meeting points along the way where we check on each other.  It's just not easy to all run in a big huddle down most roads either.  As much as we would all like to run together every time, it's not realistic.  
I still love group runs!

Sometimes I have to stop and walk for a minute or two.  Shocker I know!  I do have my own set of rules.  I will not stop during a tempo run (unless it's an emergency, an emergency includes lightheadedness or bathroom issues). I will not stop during a race unless I start having issues.  Yep, the truth is out, sometimes I stop for a breather! 

My favorite long runs are what my group calls a "destination run."   One of us will plan a route, ending with food.  Not just any food, good food.  We go into a restaurant all sweaty and eat together.  This is typically after a twenty mile run.  Sometimes a non-running spouse will join us, bring us a change of clothing and drive us home.  It's always best when we have a change of clothes and the company of someone who didn't run with us.  They are usually thinking more clear and can get us home the safest! 
 I smell after a run.  It not a "smell good" smell, it's a "rotten" smell and I do use deodorant.  

Sometimes I feel bad for the restaurants we go into, but I get over it because I'm so hungry.  You know what it's like to go into a restaurant and want to eat everything in on the menu while sitting in a pile of raunchy sweat???  It's pretty sweet!  All FOOD is good!!!!

The other side of this is when I run a horridly long amount of miles, ending with food and not being able to eat.  I am clearly famished, but I can't eat.  Sometimes a long run just is extra hard on me and food hurts my stomach and I want to die.  Once I was so so so hungry and had ordered food.  When the food came, I took one look at it, could smell it and about puked right then and there!  I of course cried and my husband took me home with my food in a to-go package.  

Over time, my food issues have gotten better.  Cutting out fried food and taking probiotics has really helped. 

My worst group memory would have to be one of the years I ran Hood to Coast Relay. All I will say about this memory was I don't drink chocolate milk anymore....NEVER! Don't even like to use the words chocolate and milk in the same sentence! 
Yet, I still love to run!
A week-and-a-half ago I ran a twenty miler with my running group.  We ran a flat easy out-n-back.  This season my twenty milers have been going really well, this week...this wasn't the case.  I did feel great for the first twelve-ish miles.  Somewhere on the way back, I started to cramp up and had to slow way down.  I made it home but as I walked in the door, I felt ill!  I wanted to lay down on the floor and sleep.  I was drenched in nasty foul sweat.  I knew I had to shower or the runners chill would set in.  I got in the shower, and felt like death.  I sat in my shower feeling sorry for myself because I felt too weak to stand.  I've never showered sitting before!
I then slept my Saturday afternoon away!  My son came in and brought me snacks and kept asking, "you ok Mom?"

The next week I ran another twenty, on hills!
Yes, I love running!
This marathon season, stretching and using the roller on my legs have become a must. Epsom salt has become my best friend.  The harder I train, the harder I beat my body up.  Guess that's what you have to do to get stronger.  


Will it be worth it?  Guess I'll find out on June 3rd! 


Sometimes running really does suck!  Sometimes all the horrible training does pay off.  When I hit a goal time for that next hard workout. When I PR that upcoming race, there's nothing like it!  A runner's high is a beautiful thing.  When I run, I see beauty.  I see beauty in the world around me and I see beauty in the people I run with.  Such amazing people, working together, to get the run done! We may have our issues out there.  We may not run every step of the way together, but we are all together and we get it done! The photos do have truth to them, even if you can't see the whole run in the photo! 

I am an Uberthons Ambassador!  Check out their upcoming races HERE!
 I would LOVE to meet you!

I am fueled by Umpqua Oats!  Check them out at Umpqua Oats

Use Promo Code "MYSOXYJULIE" for 10% off at mysoxyfeet.com

Check out Wiivv Insoles and get 20% off your order HERE!

Marathon Training! One Month going Strong!

Marathon Training 2017 (Newport Marathon) started with much intimidation to me. I knew I had a lot of work to do in order to get in shape for my 2017 goals and it honestly scared me!!!  I made a decision to stop

Track work!  I'm learning to like it more and more! #foundchange

making excuses to myself about not having time, being too tired, maybe "failing" again with my time goal and just do it! This was difficult. I had to make a plan.  I took a good look at my schedule and placed training runs in time slots that worked best.  I would wake up each morning knowing what I was going to do each day. Each day, I just give it my best and that's all I could do! 

I've had tired days! 

I've had grumpy days!

I've had days of "why am I doing this?"

I've had good days!

I've had days I was excited to run!

I've had days I wanted to run farther!

I've had days I wanted to quit!

I've had days I felt stronger!

I've had days of feeling very sore!

I've had days I DIDN'T want to run at all!!!

I always would remind myself...what if?  What if June 3rd is a success this year? Not just a marathon finish. What if I actually make my newest time goal...the time goal I once thought was impossible?  

I've had a great training month to kick off my 11th marathon season! 

The month of February I did some pretty hard workouts! I do a weekly speed session on the track, a fatigued ten mile tempo run, a long run, and three easy runs!  I also added HIIT workouts into my 2017 training schedule.  The first time I stepped onto the track to work on my speed I thought, "I don't even know if I can do this?"  I actually hate speed work.  It makes me want to vomit, and I have! 

Part of meal prep today! Healthy cookies.
1 ripe banana - 1 cup Umpqua Oats
1 tea. cinnamon
raw walnuts
dried cranberries
peanut butter powder
Protein powder
Bake at 350 for 10 mins.
Freezer friendly

I do have pace goals to hit for my speed sessions and tempo runs that work together with my marathon goal time!  It's all a big math problem I don't fully understand, but I know it works! As the weeks have gone by, I am hitting my times so far!  I can feel my legs getting stronger!  I am having better long runs than I ever remember having!  It's too early in training for me to get too excited, but I am excited to be off to a good start.  I have a wonderful group I do a lot of my runs with and we all support each other. Especially on long run days.  It's a wonderful thing! 

Group Runs...my favorite! #fueled by Umpqua Oats

Next week will be a "rest" week! Of course I will still run, but I will also give my body a break from some of the intense workouts. Then, it will be back to business! I need to up the speed sessions to a higher intensity.  I'm excited to see what the next three months of training brings! As much as I hate speed sessions, when I'm done...I feel so alive! It's a pretty amazing feeling! 

Sunday Funday! Had a beautiful snowy run! 

On March 11th I'll be running the Uberthons Luckython 10k! I'm going to run it without watching my Garmin!  I want to really test myself and that's hard to do when you are watching your Garmin every half mile!  Uberthons also has a 5k, 15k and a kids race! Check it out ----->HERE<------ Uberthons welcomes walkers and runners! I'll be helping with the kids race after the 10k.  Bring the kids out...it's a great event for the whole family! 


This week I will enjoy not having to work so hard! I will try to keep away from processed foods, white flour and sugar!  I will try to get 7-8 hours of sleep each night!  I will keep meals prepped so I won't be tempted to grab a bad snack or meal.  

What are you training for? 

 I would love to hear from you!

 Find me over on facebook at ZaoFit

Fueled by Umpqua Oats ~ Fueling all my long runs for Marathon Training 

My Soxy Feet, keeping me blister free from 2017! Check out these high quality athletic socks a mysoxyfeet.com. Use Promo Code MYSOXYJULIE for 10% off.

Proud to be an UBERTHONS Runner and Blogger! 

Warming up with the Uberthons Winter Half

Marathon season is coming soon! Two weeks to be exact! I will be entering marathon season number eleven. I can't wait to see what it brings! I have picked Newport Marathon at my #11! 

This will be my fifth time running Newport.  I know the course and my fastest times have been run there! I actually can't wait! I do have four solid months of work to do yet! But I'm ready to get started!

To start my season off, I will run the Uberthons Winter Half on January 21st! I have friends joining me for the half, and for marathon training!  I'm expecting great things! 

This year I will not only focus on a decent training plan, but also taking time to meal prep and make a weekly plan. I am now working full time. I think this will be key to making sure I am able to keep myself true to training and eating well.  A little planning each week goes a long ways! 

I will again be posting my workout schedule on my facebook page ZaoFit.  Many of my local running friends keep me motivated by meeting up each week and I love it! We all keep each other going, there is such a beauty to it! If you don't have a training buddy, I encourage you to find one! There is magic in meeting a workout buddy!  You will push each other and make each other get up and move on days you would otherwise skip! DO IT! 

I am excited to represent Uberthons in 2017 as an Ambassador.  If you have never run an Uberthons event, please message me!  I would love to hook you up!  Warning~~~once you go to one event you will be hooked for life~~~They are awesome, family friendly, for all ages and fitness level events!~~~~~

Check out Uberthons

 ---->HERE!<-----

I will also be representing My Soxy Feet for 2017!  They make awesome, fun athletic socks for men, women and children.  Check them out

 ---->HERE!<----  

Use promo code mysoxyjulie for 10% off your order!

What are your fitness plans for 2017? Any new goals and dreams?  I would love to hear from you!

Happy Running!

Follow me on Facebook at ZaoFit

Twitter at @jerrysgirlruns

Instagram at jerrysgirlruns_zaofit

A New Year! What Next?

2017 is right around the corner! New goals. New dreams, putting 2016 behind us! Moving on!

What's your 2017 going to look like? 

I'm looking forward to some running and fitness goals that I have already been working on!  I'll be fine tuning yet again! It seems like it's a never ending process, but as long as I keep myself surrounded by positive, like-minded people, I can keep moving forward.  Even if I've stepped back for a bit! 

My running buddies are a constant help in moving forward.  Group runs, early morning runs, evening HIIT workouts.  This group is so much fun and a lifesaver for getting me up and moving.

  I don't have to be "in training," they motivate me to keep going in training or not! It's a lifestyle afterall! 

Run Oregon is doing a run streak that started during my 3rd annual November run streak.  A friend of mine encouraged me to keep it going for one more month (Nov and Dec).  Run Oregon streak is bringing me into the new year ready for marathon training.  The goal has been simply to get a mile in every day. Most days I run more than a mile, but often I am tired from work, home duties, taking care of the family and such.  Then I don't run! I have learned that no matter how tired I am, I can at least get a mile in on the treadmill.  My streak will end on January 2nd.  

I have also been doing a challenge with a running/facebook friend.  Amber, has been keeping me accountable for meal prepping and planning my week ahead along with planned workouts!  It's just a fun facebook challenge, but I love it!  Sometimes just having a friend doing this with you is what it takes to keep going! Now, as Amber's challenge is ending, my friend Kristi and I will be keeping each other accountable through marathon training.  

Uberthons has kept me moving forward too!  I am an ambassador for Uberthons and I get the honor of running their races and representing them.  Running races can get very spendy. I would not be able to run very many races if it weren't for my blogging and Uberthons letting me represent them. 

 I plan my race schedule out with their races first. I will then add a

 few races that work with

 what my goals are for the year.  Uberthons cares about everyone being active, from little toddlers on up!  Walkers and runners are welcome! They have helped me help others be more active and I love them for that! I have also met some of the most awesome people via Uberthons! 

2017 races aren't all planned out for me yet, but I do have some on my calendar. I will run Newport Marathon in attempt to qualify for Boston Marathon.  This has been an ongoing dream of mine for the last few years that I just haven't quite got yet! Is 2017 my year?  I did just turn 40, I think it's time!!!!!  I will also be running for Uberthons! My first 2017 race will be the Uberthons Winter Half on Saturday January 21st.  I don't think I'm in shape enough for a PR (personal record) yet, but I'll give it a go! Right after the Winter Half I'll be going into training for Newport. I won't be doing much racing during training.  I do plan on running Uberthons Luckython 15k on May 11th. I love the Luckython.  There is also a 5k and 10k for anyone interested! 

After the Marathon I will look at my schedule and go from there.  Depending on how I do at Newport, I may run The Oregon Marathon on July 22nd.  If I run a BQ, I will run the Half on July 22nd.  Uberthons has a whole Series of Half marathons I'm looking at for 2017.  One for each season. You can register for each one $60.00 or save $10.00 for each race by registering for the series. 

------->Oregon Half Series info HERE! <-------

They offer a Winter Half on January 21st

A Spring Half on May 27th

A Summer Half on July 22nd

A Fall Half on September 9th

What are your goals and dreams for the coming year? I would love to hear from you!

Follow me on facebook at ZaoFit HERE

Twitter HERE

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