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

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Umpqua Oats! Food Prep Ideas Using Umpqua Oatmeal!

    Happy Sunday friends! 
Sunday is the day I like to get my calendar up to date and my food prepping for the week done! It's a huge help in making marathon training and feeding my family/myself with proper nutrition! 
First off!  Getting my workouts up to date in my calendar! If I don't make a plan ahead of time, it's easy to get busy doing other things! Then my workouts get easy to skip! It only takes a few minutes a week to write in my workouts around my daily responsibilities! "Fail to plan, plan to fail" 

This weekend I made Umpqua Oat, grab-n-go cups!  Umpqua Oats are a great way to start your day, a great snack, and a great way to fuel a workout!  I always keep Umpqua Oats in my pantry!  My favorite way to eat them, is in a grab-n-go cup!  You can buy microwavable cups with "heat resistant lids" pretty cheap at Cash-n-Carry. I picked up Umpqua Oatmeal in bulk at Costco and also freeze dried fruit (no sugar added) and raw nuts, seeds and spices at a few other stores!  I came up with some recipes with the things I like. I will post my favorites in this blog but feel free to make up your own mixes.  It's easy and fun!

If you don't have time to run around and shop for these items and the extra time to put them together, simply go pick up already assembled grab-n-go Umpqua Oat cups.  They have cases for sale at Cash-n-Carry. They are also sold individually at most major grocery stores, Safeway/Wal-Mart/Etc. (I live in Oregon). They make a large variety of flavors, from "sweet" to "no added sugar mixes."
Check them out --->HERE!<---
You can also place a online order if you don't have time to shop or don't have Umpqua Oats in your neck of the woods! 

Strawberry Banana

1/2 cup Umpqua Oats

Freeze dried strawberries 

and bananas

Pinch of Salt

Extras: 1/2 scoop protein 

powder

1-2 TBS Flaxseed

1-2 tea Chia Seeds

Stevia

To cook: Add water to cover the mix.  Place lid back on and microwave for 1 minute.  Let sit for 2-3 minutes and enjoy!

Mixed Berry-and-Mixed Nuts
1/2 cup Umpqua Oats
Freeze dried fruit (I used blueberries, bananas, and strawberries).
Mixed nuts (I used raw almond slices and raw walnuts).
Pinch of Salt
Extras: 1/2 scoop protein 
powder
1-2 TBS Flaxseed
1-2 tea Chia Seeds
Stevia
To cook: Add water to cover the mix.  Place lid back on and microwave for 1 minute.  Let sit for 2-3 minutes and enjoy!


Monkey Mix
1/2 cup Umpqua Oats
Freeze dried bananas
Dried coconut (no sugar added)
2 tea. cocoa powder
Pinch of Salt
Extras: 1/2 scoop protein 
powder
1-2 TBS Flaxseed
1-2 tea Chia Seeds
Stevia
To cook: Add water to cover the mix.  Place lid back on and microwave for 1 minute.  Let sit for 2-3 minutes and enjoy!

Comment below your favorite mix flavors!!!!

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Happy Running!
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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! 

Week Two ~ Marathon Training and the Uberthons Chocolatathon!

Easy run day through Dallas City Park!

Week two of marathon training was a tough week! I wanted to up my track work and add two miles onto my tempo run. I also needed to get a 16 miler in and was going to enjoy the Chocolatathon 10k on Saturday.  My problem?  The 10k was the same day as my long run!  I had to do some adjusting to my week to make it work.



Monday ~ easy day
Tuesday ~ track work 4x800s/HIIT workout
Wednesday ~ 8 miles of tempo work
Thursday ~ easy day/HIIT workout
Friday ~ 16 miles after work 
Saturday ~ 10k
Sunday ~ off

Not gonna lie, by the end of the week I was TIRED! Working full time, and trying to get all my workouts in is a struggle. It's easy to come up with excuses not to run!  I don't do that now that marathon training has started.  After work, I dress down and get the workout done!  It's all a mindset!  It's still difficult, but I am trying not to allow the excuses right now! 

Track work and tempo work was harder this week, but manageable. Thursday it was oddly 61 degrees after work. It made for such an enjoyable easy run through the Dallas City Park. 

Long run (16 miles) through Salem! 

Friday was both good and bad.  I got off work and 2:00 and headed to Salem to run with a friend starting and ending in South Salem (HILLS). The sun was out and I was really excited to get going! The first 13 miles were very enjoyable.  We cruised along the roads of Salem and the miles were passing quickly! About mile 13 we hit South Salem again.  My watch went dead and all of a sudden my stomach wasn't feeling the best.  With only about 1.5 miles to go I had to stop and use a bathroom.  Ugh, the struggle to keep going was real!!!!  I was seriously bummed that such a good long run was ending rotten!  I felt better after stopping and made it back to Kristi's house just fine, but I really slowed down on those hills.  I was so tired!  I was thankful all my hard workouts were done so I could go just enjoy the 10k Saturday no matter the outcome.

Saturday morning I woke up very tired!  The lag of the 16 miler the night before was still there, but I was excited to go meet up with friends for a fun race! I've never ran long the night before a race so I knew this would be interesting! 

Fun morning with Uberthons! Photo Credit:Brian Hartwig Scott

The weather was great for running.  It was a nice 39 degrees at the start of the race.  Cold for standing, but great for running!  No wind and no rain.  I took off with the second group of runners.  The path was mostly paved and mostly wide enough to pass with no issues at the beginning.  There was water on the course, but I brought a small handheld and didn't stop at any water stations.  I felt great the first couple miles.  I had a good pace going the first two miles.  I was even thinking, no way...a PR???  Maybe? I came to the hill and that slowed me down slightly but I was still holding on!  The first 5k was done and I came back around to the start.  I had to do the loop again!  Running back by the start/finish line made me want to stop so badly (this always happens to me) but I knew I needed to finish the 10k!  I didn't sign up for the 5k today!  The lag of the 16 miles the night before definitely was taking a tole on my body.  I slowed down a bit and then a bit more on the second time around that hill loop.  A fellow Uberthons Ambassador Gregg came up behind me and ran with me for a half mile or so before passing me. He was very encouraging to me and others going by in the other direction for the out and back parts.  It really kept me going.  This is one of the things I love about running.  Seeing runners encourage each other!  There is a definite beauty to it! 

I came back around to the park area.  This time around many 5k people who were now done, were walking around.  This did make running difficult.  Many didn't move out of the runners way, so a lot of weaving had to be done.  As I headed out for the final out and back there were lots more people.  There were 5k walkers coming in and some gathering going on at the other end of the park. All of these people were also using parts of the running path.  I almost ran into a couple people and it wasn't because I was running fast!  It was simply crowded in some areas, going both ways! 

I was excited to see the finish line.  I totally didn't PR on these tired legs, but I ran hard.  It was an excellent training week ending with such a fun race with friends.  

I am very excited to get a rest day tomorrow! 

4th female finisher, 2nd in age group 50:28

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Marathon Training
Fueled by Umpqua Oats!