Weekend of Races, Luckython 5k/Shamrock 15k

Saturday morning my husband and I set off toward's Portland.  Our first stop, The Oregon Convention Center in Portland to pick up our Shamrock 15k bibs and shirts.  We enjoyed the sports expo in the Oregon Ballroom.  We left early enough to take our time and then stop for a late lunch before we ran at 4:00.

Off we headed for the Reserve Vineyards and Golf Club in Aloha to meet up with Tonya, Teresa and Brian for our Luckython 5k.  It was very cold, windy and wet.  We got checked in and then waited in the car for our friends.  Soon our friends came and we found a warm dry place to wait inside and got a few photos before our step out into the cold.  

Jerry at the finish

Uberthons did an excellent job at the start.  Because we were on a golf course, the path was pretty narrow for so many runners.  Uberthons started us in waves.  They would let so many people go, then we would stop and go, and stop and go.  It was chip timed so we knew our times would be right.  I was worried about the congestion, but to my surprise, it was fine.  I did do lots of weaving in and out through people but there was room to do this.  The golf course wasn't as flat as I thought it would be.  Go figure!  Lots of small ups and downs and tons of corners.  You have to slow down for the corners, but I felt good for the most part.  I had my Garmin so I could see where I was at mileage and pace wise in the race.  

Tonya at the finish!

5k's are not my choice for races...in fact I normally don't even care for them.  I kind of hate them!  I signed up for this race for two very important reasons.  My friend Tonya had a birthday not too long ago and she LOVES 5k's...this was for her!  2nd reason, Uberthon's supports my buddy Lincoln who is in a battle with cancer.  They give to, and support Lincoln's family and I love them for that.  Lincoln's Dad Brian ran this with us today.  My last 5k was in November, and I did well, but it was so hard and I felt wiped out all afternoon.  This race was different.  I never really felt like I was dying.  It was hard, and I had to work for the time I got, but despite the rain, cold, wind, turns, and inclines I was feeling stronger than ever.  Every time I looked at my pace I was in the 7's.  We rolled around to the finish and I PRed (personal record) by 32 sec. with a time of 24:01 (7:43 pace).  I also placed in my age/sex with 3rd place.  Overall I came in 18th out of 180 people.  Best of all, I was feeling fantastic.  I was able to walk around and eat.  Visit with friends, and later, go to the mall with my husband.  I rarely feel this good after a race.  I usually can't hardly eat, have stomach problems and am very tired.  I was tired, but it was this runners high tired that was good.  Maybe I will do a few more 5k's this year...lol!

By the way, Tonya also PRed by 32 sec. coming in 2nd for her age group.  Jerry PRed and came in 2nd for his age group.  Brian completed his very first 5k for his son Lincoln!  I say...what a great day!

Teresa, Tonya, Me, Jerry and Brian

Jerry and I left the Uberthon's race and headed back to Portland for the night.   We would be getting up early for Shamrock.  We stopped at the mall and got some Subway and a few fun things at Dick's Sporting Goods.   We headed back to the hotel to plan out parking for the next morning in downtown Portland.  

waiting to start

taking off with the river of green

Sunday morning came fast.  We left the hotel about 6:30am.  Our race didn't start until 7:40 so we had plenty of time.  As we set out, we realized we had a near flat tire and started looking for air at a gas station.  The first gas station had air but the air machine didn't work!  Down the road we went to find another gas station. Thankfully the air worked this time.  I was slightly stressed but still felt like we had plenty of time.   We got to the waterfront and found a parking garage...it was full!  We found another, and parked way up top.   We still had some time and I really needed to use the port-a-john so we needed to go go go across the road to the riverfront.  It was a cold 37 degrees but felt like 33 with the cold wind.  We crossed over to the riverfront and got in line for the port-a-john.   It seemed like the line was moving slowly.  Finally, we got in the start line with about 15,000 other runners with 4 or 5 minutes to spare.  Shamrock did a wave start.  It seemed like it took about ten minutes before we got to start after our start....but it's chipped times, so no worries.  

The first couple miles were fairly flat warm up miles.  I had a side ache (very weird for me) but knew a side ache wasn't bad to run though.  It isn't fun, but I just tried to pretend it wasn't there, win it with mental power is what I say!  My warm up miles were pretty fast but I was feeling ok.  It was a constant struggle with the green river of people.  We went out a street and did a turn-a-round.  I tried to stay on the inside in hopes of seeing someone I knew.  Never did, but I did manage to run into a orange post while going around someone.  I was fine, but it sure scared the lady behind me.   

As I ran these first two-to-three miles I saw a man fully dressed in a green suite on a unicycle.  A muscular man fully painted dark green that appeared to be the Incredible Hulk.  A grown Man in a tutu and lots of fun costumes.  

On the turn-a-round I saw a man with the American Flag.  I wondered if he was running for the Army, Air Force or for our country.  As we started up our first hill climb I caught up to this man.  There were two men in blue shirts, one with the flag, but both together.  I cut through the crowd and realized they were running for our countries fallen hero's.  I ran up to both and thanked them.  I felt honored to run with these men.  Then I passed them!

We ran on up hills, down hills, but gained lots of elevation.  I was very thankful for the hills I have trained on over the last year.  My side ache was gone and I finally was feeling warmed up.  We were coming to a very sharp corner and I could see a green river of people running up a very steep hill through the trees on the other side.  As I turned this corner I looked up at a sign with an arrow to OHSU/Doernbecher's Children's Hospital.  I was overwhelmed with emotion.  All I could think about was my buddy Lincoln and his Mother Jenny who has inspired me over this last year.  I started up that very steep hill and prayed for this family.  I was amazed at the ease of this hill, kind of strange.  We flattened out again and then went up another hill.  This happened several times over about four miles.  Around mile six we hit the peak of the hill.  I was feeling good now!

When I started this 15k I didn't know what to set as a "goal." It's a hill run, and I've never ran a 15k before.  I do train on hills in Dallas, so I came to the conclusion that I might be able to pull off a 9:00 pace.  My first two miles were in the high 8:40's.  As we went up the hills I slowed down into the 9:00's.  As I hit the peak of the hill, my overall pace was about 9:14.  Humm, I thought, I can do this, it's all downhill or flat now.  I will not kill myself to run super fast downhill.  It's not worth the injury risk, but I will run faster!  

A runner's high kicked in and I ran two miles at almost exactly 8:00 mile pace.  The last 1.3 miles were ran at about a 7:32 pace (that's my 5k pace...wow!)...now that's how we run negative splits!!!!  I was passing major people the last two miles.  This is how I have always wanted to run, but never can seem to get it right.  I have recently changed a few things in my training and I am seeing positive results.  

Me at the finish passing boys!!!

As I came to the finish line I looked up for Jerry.  There he was, taking my finishers photo yelling my name!  As soon as I crossed the finish I had to burp, but I thought I was puking.  Thankfully no puke came up and after the burp I felt ok.  My lunges were burning, I felt great!  I know, it's messed up.  I also saw Yolanda, a Hood to Coast team member.  She was waiting for Blanca to come in.  I stopped and talked to her for a minute.  Then I went though the line to have the time chip cut off my shoe and to collect my hard earned medal.  I felt like a superstar, a very hungry superstar. 

Jerry and I walked around for a little bit then got our free chowder. It was so warm and good.  I wanted more!  I saw another running friend, Jerrilynn who came in with almost the exact time as me.  Whoohoo!  

I just ran a 15k and I want food!

I soon became very chilled and wanted to go home.  We headed for the car, only a couple blocks away.  We got to stop for a nice lunch at DQ (lol) before heading back to Dallas.  Loved every minute of this weekend!

I finished the 15k at 1:22:03.  That's a 8:49 pace.  As you can see, I kicked that goal of 9:00 in the butt!!!!  My awesome husband ran the 15k in 1:13:13 and that is amazing!

2013 in Action

This year I have some plans for some great races.  My goal for 2013 is to team up with as many local business as possible.  I have done this on a small scale and I love it.  It's so much fun to work with local businesses.  I learn about them, promote them, and run for them.  Together, we promote getting active and living a healthy lifestyle.

So far my year looks like this ....

Sign up and run this with me!

March brings Uberthons Luckython on the 16th.  I will be running the 5k at 4:00pm with my husband Jerry, best friend Tonya and a few other friends.  I teamed up with Uberthons last year while doing a fundraiser Marathon for my Superhero Lincoln who is battling Leukemia.  Uberthons continues to help Lincoln and his family.  Part of our registration fees are going to his family for this race!  Check out our fb page here.

March 17th I will be doing Shamrock 15k in Portland.  My husband and I are taking vacation and doing this just for fun.  We will be meeting several friends and expect a good time.  This will be my very first 15k and I'm excited.  

April 14th brings The Biggest Loser 15k race in Springfield.  This is a race that was offered to me because I'm a Sweat Pink Ambassador.  My brother lives in Eugene and I don't get to see him much.  I've already made plans to run (thanks to Sweat Pink), then meet up with him for a good lunch at one of his favorite places.

My Mom, me and daugher Raelee at Hippie Chick '12

May 11th is a fun one. Hippie Chick half marathon.  I have done Hippie Chick twice.  It's all women.  All shapes, sizes and ages.  You can do a 1/4 or 1/2 marathon, walk or run.  I love that about it.  Women coming together.  This wasn't on my list for this year but my wonderful friend Tonya insisted I run this with her.  We will have a blast and I look forward to this one!

Newport 2012

June 1st is Newport Marathon.  This will be my 3rd time running Newport, but first time being sponsored for it.  I am proud to say DC Electric Inc. is my sponsor this year.  You will see them in lots of my training posts about Newport in the next few months.  

July I don't have anything yet, but I'm looking at the Wildwood Trail Run.  I could either do the full marathon, the half or the 10k.  I don't think I'll plan on the full since I will be doing Newport the month before, but the half would be great fun!

August 10th I have a team for the 5k Foam Fest.  We are Team Foam Ninjas!  I'm looking forward to a great time at this race...it's simply for fun and we will have fun!  
The end of August is Hood To Coast.  I'm not on a team yet this year, but you never know if someone will ask me to fill in last minute!  I did this relay a couple years ago...it's crazy but so fun!

September 28th I really want to run the The Oregon Marathon.  This is put on by Uberthon's and it's their 1st year doing the Marathon.  Really hoping this one works out!  There is also a half, but the full is what I'm wanting to do this month. 

Runaway Pumpkin Half 2012

October is one of my favorites....The Runaway Pumpkin Half.  This will be their 3rd year putting this race on and if I do it, my 3rd year doing it.  Great course and lots of fun and I love that it's in the Fall.

November...my birthday month!  I would like to do Silver Falls Half Marathon put on by Run Wild Adventures.  It's a challenging route, but it's so pretty and I think it would be fun.  

December brings Shellburg Falls Trail Run, also put on by Run Wild Adventures. It's 6.8 miles of pretty Oregon trail.  I wanted to do this one last year but didn't end up doing it!

If you have a small business and would like to team up with me, send me an e-mail at jerrysgirlruns@gmail.com or message me on fb here.

I would be happy to work together with you to promote your business, promote a healthy lifestyle and have fun running an extra race or two.

Long run Friday...in the WIND!

Oak Villa

Today is "long run" Friday.  I am training for Newport Marathon in June along with Jerry and Tonya.  Today our schedule
called for 9 miles of hills.  We set out about 8:15am.  I had high hopes of 9 feeling like nothing after running 14 last weekend...yeah right!!!!!  I have upped my cross training this last week trying to get my arms and core stronger.  I am a tad bit sore and having some allergy issues.  I felt like I couldn't get enough breath and that's never fun on a run.  We headed up some smaller hills and then one larger hill and then back through town.  I love running out on Oak Villa.  It's out of town, with hardly any traffic and a nice hefty hill.  We even passed another runner out on that road going the other way.  We got home and I was impressed with our pace with the hills and headwinds (18mph) we faced.  As soon as I got in the house the allergy headache I had during the night came back.  Love how it goes away during a run (most of the time).  It was fierce!  Glad I have today off because I had to lay down for a while.  The good news is I'm feeling better now and because of the headwinds, we got extra BURN in today!  Lots of extra calories GONE, whoo hoo!  

Looking forward to a nice easy five with Dallas, OR Run the Open Road tomorrow morning.    

Jerry, Me, and Tonya after our run in the wind this morning
 

A side note:   Currently I'm working on losing that "last five pounds."  Over the last four years I've been running, I have lost ten pounds.  I haven't been able to lose the last five to reach my goal for racing.  I'm not an overweight person but definitely not underweight.  I have found much joy how running has changed my body and body image over the last four years.  I am trying to focus on "lifestyle changes" not "diets."  I am not a fan of diets!  I have lost 1/2 pound this week and am enjoying the encouragement I have gotten from some of you!  I am using that "Lose It" app just to help keep myself accountable and make myself aware of what's going in my body.  I am eating more fruits and veggies and like to add chia seeds to my smoothies, oatmeal or just my water.  Read about the benefits of eating chia seeds here.  I encourage you, if you're having issues losing that last few pounds, keep going!  We can do this together!

I would like to tip my hat to DC Electric, Inc.  My Newport Marathon Sponsor.  I am honored to have you on my blog for the next several months.

14 Miles with Friends

Jerry and I started out this morning with a 14 mile training run ahead of us.  The weather was good for running, about 41 degrees with no rain.  We planned to run with friends at different points today.  Our first stop, Kingsborough Park to meet Ultra Marathon runner Chris!  I like to meet Chris for runs because he knows so much about running and has been on almost every road in Polk County.  He only was doing 5-7 miles today because he has a 30 tomorrow, yes...30 miles on feet, YIKES!  And you all think I'm crazy!!!

Jerry and Me

He took us out on a great road we had never ran on yet with a few nice hills.  I was happy with the pace we were going and glad the rain was holding up.

Jerry, Me, and Chris

Soon, Chris broke off to run home and Jerry and I ran a few more miles before meeting up with our friends Jenny and Katie.  We saw several people out walking that we knew, Diane, Boone, and Will.  We also saw Tonya out for a fast shorter run...Guess they were out enjoying the nice weather too.  

It was finally time to meet the girls outside of BLUSH.  Katie was getting her hair cut, so perfect timing.  We set off for some hills.  Jenny has no hills by her house and she needed to train on some for Shamrock next month.  We did a figure 8 thing up and around Safeway.  I think Katie was getting a little irritated

  at the last hill, but hey...she's doing Shamrock too!  LOL!  Sorry Katie!!!

Nothing crazy happened this training run, nobody feel down or pooped their pants but we just had a nice run together...very much enjoyed it!

Jerry, Me, Katie, and Jenny

14 mile training run for Newport Marathon...

Sponsored by DC Electric  Inc...

Follow my running page Here

Uberthons Turkeython...for LINCOLN!

Our "Running for Lincoln" group

Thanksgiving day morning (2012) I was up early.  Had to get the turkey in the over before heading to Beaverton for the Turkeython 5k hosted by Uberthons Running.  Uberthons teamed with us (Running for Lincoln) to help raise funds and awareness for our Superhero Lincoln who is in a battle with Leukemia.

Off we drove, my husband Jerry and daughter Raelee.  It was still dark out as we meet Tonya and her family and headed towards Salem to pick up Jenny (Lincoln's Mom).  

The Singing Christmas Tree

Running shirts for sale

We got to the race site in plenty of time to pick up packets, look at t-shirt booths and use the beloved port-a-potties.  


It was very cold so we sat in the car to stay warm while waiting for the rest of our group to arrive.  

Daniel Baldwin and Jenny

Soon the rest were there and we gathered for some group photos.  I was so excited to see everyone with "Lincoln" shirts on.  They made us stand out well for our cause....so well in fact that we were noticed by actor/producer Daniel Baldwin (Alec Baldwin's brother).  He took the time to ask about our shirts and Jenny got to share Lincoln's story.  How cool is that!!!? 

Next thing we know it's time to get in the line to start.  I jumped around some to try and keep warm...it was still very cold, but nice and dry.  We had fun standing there joking and laughing.  Everyone was happy to be there and excited to get going.  

It's me!  I'm beating boys...hehehe!

Off we went.  It was nice to all start together.  We quickly got separated, in the large group of close to 800 runners/walkers.  The course was a out-and-back so you always were with people and this made it fun.  As I went around the half way point heading back, I began looking for my friends who weren't in front of me. Wasn't long until I started seeing them.  Was so fun to see people I knew off-and-on for the whole race.  I haven't ran a 5k in a couple years so it was tricky to find the right pace.  As I came to the finish line we had to go around lots of corners.  Finally...... the finish line.  Uberthon's was great at saying everyone's name as they came in. Makes you feel like a superstar!!! 

Me, Jerry, and Raelee

I had ran pretty hard so I felt kinda sick for a second.  I couldn't see Tonya.  Raelee said, "good job Mom."  I put my hand up and told her I might puke, so hold on.  I walked over to a tree to contain myself.  I was ok!  I was handed a cool Turkeython medal.  

Tonya, Alyssa, Raelee, Me, and Jerry

I went over to get an apple off the great table of food and found Tonya who had come in before me. 


 Tonya was so excited that we both got PR's today (personal records).  We had ran Silver Falls only three weeks before and didn't know how today would feel.  Felt pretty good!!!!

We went back over to the finish line to watch for friends to come in.  I got to hand several of my friends their medals.  It was so much fun!  

Meet Lincoln

This is Superhero Lincoln.  When I say "Superhero" I mean it!  He is a true Superhero and so is his amazing family.  If you would like to follow us on facebook or team up with us and give a donation, please message Julie here or here.

The support by the group was so awesome.  We raised $50.00 Thankgiving morning for Lincoln.  We also were asked lots of questions about our shirts.  I feel like our time was well spent Thanksgiving day morning!  

Thank you all who came.  All who supported our cause but couldn't make it...and to Uberthon's, for teaming with us.  Together, we make a difference!

By the way, on our way out...we saw SANTA!!!!!  How fun is that!?

Tonya, Jenny, Megan, SANTA and Jerry


Thanks for giving ........

Silver Falls Marathon....For Lincoln!

Just got to the race, it was raining pretty hard (Tonya and Julie)

Jason and Jarhett, our Batman and Robin for the half marathon

 Saturday finally came, Silver Falls full Marathon 11/3/12.  Tonya and I ran the marathon as a fundraiser for our little Superhero Lincoln Jones (age 4) who is battling Leukemia.  My friend Jason Dillon and his son Jarhett ran the half for Lincoln too.  It was great we had a Batman & Robin team both the half and the full marathon! 

 The marathon course is described as ".... the most difficult and challenging, but scenic course....  5000 ft climb. .....packs a punch and features significant elevation gain with tons of mud, rocks, creek crossings and did we say hills?  Yes, there are LOTS of hills!"

As we arrived at the park early Saturday morning it was still slightly dark and pouring down rain.  It was 54 degrees out and everyone was either under cover or using the bathrooms.  We heading to the bathroom, took a few photos and then headed for the covering to try and stay dry before we had to head to the starting line.  We saw Jason and Jarhett and Yolanda and Blanca all preparing for the half marathon.  We also saw Jerrilynn who would be joining us for the full marathon.  It's always fun seeing faces you know at races.

The full marathon map and elevation 

Finally we had to go to the start, even if it was still raining!  The grass was very soggy.  I was excited my husband, kids and friends Chris, Crystal and Katie were there for the start!  We  headed off through the soggy grass through South Falls parking lot out to some pretty flat trails for the first 2-3 miles.  We looped back through South Falls before heading down the trail to North Falls for another 2-3 miles.  Tonya and I were glad to have a fairly flat start but were both surprised how hard the first mile felt.  I guess we were both just needing to get warmed up.  After the first mile we began to feel pretty good and really started to enjoy the trails.  There were 300 runners for the full marathon and 500 for the half marathon.  The first several miles it was rather congested as it's harder to pass on narrow trails.  

As we got to North Falls we got to go downhill for a little bit heading down to were the waterfalls are located.  We passed an aid station and left our sparkle skirts behind, they were becoming more of a bother than they were worth.  We quickly headed up the perimeter trail for a 13 mile hard core trail run through the woods.  The trail started off very steep.  This was about mile 6 and our first hard climb.  This climb just got harder and harder.  About half way up we saw two men walking back down, they decided to quit.  Can't say I blame them, but we just kept going.  It was so steep we looked like we were crawling, but we weren't.  My calves started to burn and I started to feel very fatigued and I really needed to go to the bathroom.   We trained on lots of hills, but not on trail hills.  Trail hills are much steeper than road hills and very muddy.  It began to even out and we were starting to enjoy the trails again.  We were coming up on Howard Creek Horse area (a horse camp).  Around mile 9 or so we came to a sudden stop and people seemed to be panicked.  A creek crossing!  The water looked clean but was moving fast.  I quickly stepped in and it felt so good on my tired feet.  As I got about half way across the water was moving faster and it felt stronger so I slowed down for fear of falling.  The water came up to the middle of my shins, I think it hit Tonya's knees (I am taller than her).  I was determined not to fall in, the water was very cold and I still had to go to the bathroom...this didn't help!  I actually thought about peeing in the creek, but just couldn't do it! We finally stepped out on the other side and I felt numb but started running again.  It was a very strange feeling to run with numb feet/calves.  It felt as if I had compression socks on.  I looked down and my skin was very pink but as we ran on, the numbness eventually faded.   

Mile 10.7,  aid station #3

Aid station #3 was just ahead (mile 10.7) and I needed a port-a-potty.  I told Tonya I had to stop and she needed to fill up with water anyway. Through the trail we went and there was my husband, kids and friends (Chris, Crystal, & Katie).   I said, "where are we?"  I forgot they could come to this aid station.  Rylan (my 8 year old) said, "Mom, what took you so long?"  I used the port-a-potty and handed off my arm band and phone.  Extra stuff was just causing me problems and I wanted to get rid of it.  Tonya got her water and we took off again.  That was the Conference Center by the way!

We headed up Old Maple Trail.  I don't remember that being terrible, very muddy and pretty.  Every once in awhile we would remind each other to "look."  It was so beautiful out there on the mountain.  It was wet from the rain but the sun was shining in through some of the trees, lots of trees and ferns.  As we came up to about mile 12-15 we knew there would be trouble!  Buck Mountain!  I do believe this is the climb Tonya said she would tell me she hated me on!  I knew she would get over it, she never came the the "hate" point but did tell me to "shut up" when I told her,  "keep going, she wouldn't want anyone to think I was faster!!!"  Yes, this is the way we talk to each other when it gets hard, but we both love each other dearly and never really get mad!  

We finally made it to Aid Station 4 (around mile 14) and there was our friend Jerrilynn who we had played passing games with the first half.  She seemed rather tired so Tonya encouraged her to join us.  We all took off up the mountain together.  We were all in good company.  We all somehow needed each other.  The trail was still narrow and we had to run single file up and down, across another creek, over a couple large tree stumps.  This was more difficult than it sounds, our legs were so tired at this point that we couldn't just hop over the logs or we were sure to fall on our faces.  We had to stop, and lift our legs up and it hurt so bad, but we did it!  It was so muddy in some parts of the trail we had to slow down so we wouldn't fall on each other or down the bank.  There were some holes, lots of large mud puddles, sticks, rocks, slippery bridges but we all watched out for each other.  We would warn each other if there was a hole or slick spot. All three of us were able to keep from falling down.  If you know me, you will be surprised I didn't ever fall, in fact, Tonya came close to falling more times than me, hehehehe!

Around what we thought was mile 19 (was really about mile 18) We were still running single file as I go by a man standing in our trail path and he seemed to be looking for his friend to come.  Next thing I know Jerrilynn is talking to him, then she kissed him!  Come to find out...it's her husband!  She was so happy to see him and I was glad she wasn't kissing a strange man!  

We thought we were almost off that dreadfully beautiful mountain but Jerrilynn's husband was saying something about a little over a mile to the next aid station?  We all agreed that we hoped he was wrong!  He wasn't!!!  He was right, and it felt like it took forever to get off that mountain.

Finally we start hearing cheers, we knew we were close!  We came around off that narrow muddy trail to the paved path that lead to the waterfalls (North Falls, aid station #5, mile 19.1) and I looked up on the bridge above us and there is Lincoln's Mom Jenny, and my friends Shawna and Rebecca who helped get this fundraiser going.  They had been standing there asking people if they had seen Batman and Robin.  Other runners remember us and told them if they had passed us or not so they could keep track of where we were on the course.  They threw their arms up and screamed!   I threw my arms up and screamed.  We stopped fill up with water and they ran down off the bridge for sweaty stinky hugs and showed us they had our sparkle skirts.  They found them at the aid station we left them at.  We told them to go to South Falls for the next check point and we started to take off again but had to stop for just a second.  Tonya was overwhelmed with emotion and I realized she was crying.  Seeing Jenny was a reminder of why we were out there and we had just come off the hardest part of the marathon and our bodies were tired and hurting.  When I saw Tonya's emotion I started up a little but had to keep going.   I thought I would be crying at this point but I just couldn't.  Not sure why.  I was beginning to worry about Tonya a little, she seemed very tired and we still had to run around the whole falls trail.  

This was the part of the marathon I was really looking forward too, I love the water falls.  I have never seen Silver Falls in the FALL time, it was very yellow with beauty all around us from the trees.  Tonya insisted that the mile marker 19.1 at the aid station was wrong and her Garmin was right (saying about 20).  Now one mile sooner is a lot of a difference, 7 miles left? 6 miles left?  Yes, a BIG difference when your this tired and ready to be done.  Was hoping Tonya was right, but had a feeling she was wrong because I knew how long the trail was around the waterfalls and it's longer than 6 miles, but I kept my mouth shut and kept going.

Look closely and you can see we ran behind this waterfall

We got to run behind waterfalls, it was so fun.  Even tough I was dead tired, I tried to really enjoy these moments.  One of the falls was very wide and it was dark in the cave area we ran through.  I had to slow down so I wouldn't lose my footing and fall, but I put my hand out and felt the cold mist hit me, it was very cold and refreshing.  I loved that moment.  The other waterfall we ran behind wasn't dark but very muddy.  They had boards set up along the cliff with markers so no one would get to close and slide down.  

We had lots of inclines up and down through the falls trails,  Some paved paths and lots of gravel.  Then it was time to climb out, oh no, the stairs!  From the moment we decided to do this fundraiser run, the stairs is what scared me to most.  I was afraid I would either fall down or wouldn't' be able to lift my legs anymore.  I knew we were getting close to the end, so all I could do was go up the stairs! It hurt and I had to go slow but I kept going.  I looked back and Tonya and Jerrilynn were coming along.  Tonya seemed to be hating this part very much!  There was also a man in a orange shirt who seemed to be pulling himself up with his arms on the railings.  As long as I took it slow, it wasn't as bad as I had imagined   We had a ramp to go up to get up to the top, aid station #6 (mile 23.5).  We had to walk up this ramp, our bodies were wearing down and Tonya's hips and chest were hurting. As we got to the top, there was Jenny, Shawna and Rebecca again.  Aid station 6 had been abandoned and they took over!  They gave us water and we took off walking while they headed to South Falls, the finish line.  The man in the orange shirt got to this point and asked my friends the quickest shortcut back, he was done...he walked off the course!  

Tonya's chest was hurting whenever we would start running so the three of us walked together.  We were not going to risk anyone's health to finish faster.  Besides, we were all so beat up, no one really cared to slow it up.  The cut off time was 6 hours and we knew about this time we weren't going to make it.  We had no idea if the race organizers would even still be there when we got to the finish.  They stated clearly on the website that the cut off was 6 hours.  I really thought we would get done in 5-5:30 hours, 6 at the very most.  We all three can run a normal marathon in around 4.5 hours, BUT...this is no normal marathon.  As we came into South Falls I was so happy.  If Tonya's Garmin was right, we just needed to go through the grass to the finish!  YES!  

Almost to the end!

WELL.....Tonya's Garmin was OFF (from the cutting in-and-out on the mountain) and we had to go up another nasty hill!  It was like a bad joke, we were right close to the finish and we were sent up another mountain and it was very steep, long and muddy. I was so mad I could cry, but was too tired to cry. We couldn't of even ran down the hill if we wanted too, it was extremely steep and full of mud.  Our legs were pretty much shot by now, so we had to be careful not to fall down and injure ourselves.



As we came down off that last hill, we had to run through some grass and I saw my son Randy watching for us.  I could tell he was watching for us because all of a sudden he looked up and then took off running to the finish back over our last bridge we had to cross!   We ran over that last bridge and there was the finish line still up!  Our families and friends were all still there waiting and cheering for us.  They handed us medals (we didn't think we were even getting medals for this marathon).  Rebecca and Shawna had pockets full of little yummy apples they had taken for us off the food table that was now shut down.  It was the best apple I've ever had!  I was so hungry.  I was so happy it was over but too tired to cry, and all Tonya could do is cry.  Every time someone would hug me, it hurt my shoulders and back but how could I not hug people!  It was done, finally!  

Tonya and I along with 241 other runners finished the full marathon   52 people didn't finish the race.  This is the only time I have ever thought it would be nice to know the course good enough to cheat.  I wouldn't of cheated when it came down too it, but just for me to think of cheating you know it was hard!  

I knew this marathon was going to be very hard, and that's why this one was picked for Running For Lincoln.  Superhero Lincoln is in a battle with Leukemia, we needed to go battle the mountain for him to raise awareness and funds for his family.  I didn't know just how hard that mountain would be.  Life is full of mountains.  When we look to God and have family and friends support us, the mountains aren't easier, but more bearable.  Lincoln's family gives God the glory and I admire them.  Please consider sending in $26 to show this family support as they run over their mountain.  Tonya and my marathon is over, they still have over two years left of treatments.   A marathon is 26.2 miles, we are close to our goal of $100 per mile each, for a total of $5200.  We ran 26.2 miles, can you give $26 and help us with our goal and bless this family?

You can see our fundraising page/updates here.

Tonya, Jenny and me (Julie)

If you have any questions please message me here.  Through November all your giving is tax deductible  so don't wait, give today!

The true Superhero, Lincoln!

By the way, I would NEVER run this marathon for myself, it was way too hard.  Running it for Lincoln was worth ever ache and pain and every hour in training,   Lincoln is a true Superhero.  I never expected to get a new friend though this experience.  Thank you Jenny for being such a encouragement and friend and showing God glory in your good times and your bad times.  You are such a good example to us all and I am so thankful for you.

The Love of a Stranger.........for Lincoln!

Today Running for Lincoln got $100 donation that I would like to tell you about.  We have received several $100 donations, and all are important but this one really hit me hard because of how it was given, so I would like to share with you how it was given.....

Tonya and my goal from the start of this fundraiser for Lincoln has always been to raise $100 per mile each.  A marathon is 26.2 miles, so our goal together is to raise a minimum of  $5200.00.  We have been given $1.00 at a time, up to $298.00 from our awesome donors.  Every dollar adds up, that's for sure.

Today's $100.00 was given as cash from someone who has never meet Lincoln or anyone in Lincoln's family.  This person has three kids and is a great supporter of their family but doesn't have lots of extra just sitting around.  This person felt compelled to do something, so instead of making excuses why they couldn't give, this person looked at what they did have, took some stuff and started selling it!  This person wanted to donate to fill $100.00 mile and that's what they did!  Now that is some true giving right there!  Makes me tear up cause this is what it's all about!

I don't believe we should all just go out and sell our stuff so we can give, or all go run a marathon to raise awareness.   Some have used what they are good at, like making jewelry to raise money, other have bought a wristband.  Some have freely given money.  The key is to do what you feel called to do, not make excuses, but give freely as you feel lead to do so.  

Thank you for giving, your donations are making a difference.  

                                                               Running for Lincoln

Runaway Pumpkin Half Marathon 2012

Yesterday I ran the Runaway Pumpkin Half Marathon.   My friend Tonya signed us up a month or so ago for my birthday.

Tonya and I are getting ready to run Silver Falls Marathon November 3rd as a big fundraiser for our little Super Hero Lincoln, so we weren't sure how the half would go being so far into a full marathon training.  Last time we worked a half into a full marathon training schedule, the half went terribly wrong.  But last time, it was very hot and allergy season...boo!  We thought we would give it a go anyway!  You see, when you are in marathon training, sometimes your body just doesn't want to run a faster race.  The shorter the race, the faster you go.  So, in a half...we need to run much faster than what we have trained for if we want a "good" time.  Example, in a half...my goal pace would be a 9:09 minute mile to finish under two hours.  For a full marathon, my goal would be to keep a 10:18 minute mile to finish under 4:30 hours.  For Silver Falls we will not finish at that pace because it's a hill marathon, not a flat normal one.  We are shooting for 5-5:30 hours.  So, the question comes down too this, has all the slow hills we've been running made us faster/stronger, or are our bodies tired from all the hill work?  We are in a three week taper, and you have to be careful with the taper.

Getting ready to leave............

So the morning of our half came.  I was excited, had a goal in mind but didn't want to think of it too much in case I once again, didn't make it.  Breaking two hours has been my goal for the last 2.5 years.  I have come close, but never quite made it.

6:30am comes and Tonya and I leave for Lebanon, OR.  We parked, used the port-a-potties and get our packets that included  a super cool long sleeve shirt and a backpack full of fun goodies.   Got to see my friend Jennifer working at the registration booth too!  Then it started raining..... HARD!  We had some extra time so we went and sat in the car for a half hour to stay warm and dry.

The race started at 9:00am so about 8:40am we knew we needed to stand in line at the port-a-potties one last time and get into the starting line shoot.  Standing in line we ran into my friend Debbie from my Hood to Coast team.  She told us to hurry up, lol!   The rain was bad and so we went over to bag check and got plastic garbage bags to put over our heads.  We poked holes in the bags so our heads would pop out.  We stood under a tree with our bags on  for five minutes.  We looked funny but didn't care at all!   About 8:57am we got into the shoot and saw our runner friend Keith and more Hood to Coast team members, Yolanda and Blanca! It's always fun to see runner friends at races.

Off we went into the rain.  It was a very tight trail the first mile.  The trail was narrow with over 900 runners/walkers.  The good thing about this is it forced me to keep a slower pace at the start.  I needed to go out slower for the first 3-4 miles then pick it up.  I have a hard time with this cause I feel so good at the start and naturally want to go fast.  It's exciting.  Last year I started too fast and the last 3 miles was terrible.  I was really trying not to do that this year.  I closely watched my garmin until....it went dead about mile four!  Oh my goodness, how am I going to pace myself now?  My pace plan just went out the window.  You see if I go too fast too early, I will have a terrible last three miles like last year.

New plan quickly went into affect.  I knew Tonya's goal, and I knew Keith's goal and they were both awesome at pacing and both have garmins.  Keith's and Tonya's goals were both faster than my goal (to break 2 hours)....at the time, Keith was about 200 meters in front of me, Tonya just about 25 meters behind me.  If I could keep Keith in view and stay with Tonya when she passed me, I knew I would be ok.  Well, as the miles went by I slowly was getting closer to Keith (goal 8:57 a mile).  I was a little worried I was going too fast but I do run better in the cooler weather so I went with it.  I wouldn't know for sure how it was going until the last 3 miles.  I would look back for Tonya and sometimes would see her and sometimes wouldn't.  I was thankful Keith had a neon yellow hat and vest on.  Made it easy to keep my eye on him.

The weather wasn't getting any better, still pouring down rain and at times the wind would blast us.   It didn't matter at this point, we were soaked to the bone but as long as we kept moving we don't get cold.  Around mile seven I looked at all the people between Keith and I and started to "pick" people.  It was a fun mental game.  I would pass, and then pass, then pass people!  Kept me going and made me feel good.  Mile ten came, this is the last 3 miles (3.1 to go).  Last year I fell apart here and people were "picking" me.  The true test is now, am I going to fall apart again or finish strong?  I just kept "picking" people.  The gap between Keith and I was getting shorter and shorter.  Wow I thought, maybe I will catch up to Keith!  I got almost to him, we reached mile post 13 a glorious sight.  I started to pick up my pace to catch up to Keith.  I could almost reach out and touch him when all of a sudden he picked up his pace too.  He passed a gal and so we finished with one person in-between us.  My time, 1:57:36 (8:58 pace), Keith's time 1:57:23.   I finished much stronger than I thought, I felt good and my Dad made it to the finish line.  He hasn't seen me run since High School!

I waited for Tonya and a few others to come in and then went to get some food!  I was really really cold.  I was able to shower and get to Salem in time for a friends memorial service.  Was a good day.

Thank you Tonya for registering me for this race for the best birthday present ever!

Please follow my fundraising page at Running for Lincoln.  This little Superhero is in a battle with Leukemia and would love your support.

Meet Superhero Lincoln!

22 Miles for Lincoln

Today I would not of chosen to run 22 miles on hills but I needed too.  I am currently training for Silver Falls Marathon on November 3rd.  If it had of been up to me, I would of ran Portland in October, but this marathon isn't about what I want or even about me!  I am running Silver Falls Marathon for Lincoln, a 3 year old boy who is battling Leukemia...running 22 miles for someone else is very different than running it for yourself.  

My bestest friend Tonya is doing this as well, so we do all our long runs together.  We met this morning and started off on a new hill loop along with my husband Jerry.  It was about six miles of hills and it was hard but the weather was per-fect!!!  We came out at Oakdale.  Jerry got to turn and head home but Tonya and my run wasn't even a quarter done yet!  We turned and went out to Bridlewood to get another good hill in before we ran out to Hwy 99 and back.  We just took it slow and steady.  As times we turned on our music and didn't talk.  It gets hard out there.  I was going up Bridlewood and all I could think about was Lincoln.  What a little blessing he is.  Running is hard but somehow Lincoln made me feel better.  I got to the top and Tonya told me that she had been thinking about Lincoln...I couldn't believe it!  Lincoln you little superhero!  

We headed down Bridlewood, my stomach had been hurting all morning, Tonya was all stressed out...how were we even going to finish this?  We got to my church out on Miller and stopped at the faucet for water, nice to stop for a second.  Our next checkpoint was Hwy 99.  Off we went.

About half way there we were just tired.  We had to start playing mental games to keep going.  It really really helped.  We would say, lets run to that pole then walk to that pole" and so on.  We did this for several miles and our spirits were lifted.  

Finally we made it back to my church for another water refill.  Now, all we had to do was go home with Safeway hill added on, no cheating!  To make the full 22 we needed the hill.  At this point we didn't feel much like talking so we put on our music and one of us went ahead.  You just do what you have to go get done when your that tired.  It was that deep deep tired in my feet and legs that just ached.  My shoulders were beginning to feel it too.  I was glad for the new music Jerry put on my phone, it helped.

I came off of Reed and onto Douglas and felt a bit of relief.  A downhill and only 1.5 miles to go (funny how 1.5 miles can be so close but yet so far away)!!!  I finally get to Wyatt with half mile to go and was so done, I even threw up with a nice little burp...yah, just what you wanted to hear hu!  I got to the end of Wyatt and hit my 22!  I felt so good to be done and so glad I made the choice to run for Lincoln this morning!  

Our little Superhero Lincoln

I am asking you (if finances allow) to send in $22 for Lincoln this week.  I ran it, you send it!  Together we can show Lincoln's family love and support! Running for Lincoln 598 SW Augustus Drive, Dallas OR 97338.