Marathon Training: Week 8, Half Way to the Finish Line!

 

Going into week eight I was a good feeling. I knew the week would start and end with a quality workout, but be full of easy building miles all throughout the week, my favorite! I started my Monday with a solid quality run, looping Dallas! I felt good and I embraced being where I am in my training plan. I'm two months in, with two months to go!

 The week went as planned, lots of miles and I indeed got my mileage up to the next level, just as planned. The next two months will get pretty intense, but I have my head on straight. I'm doing a good job not overthinking the process and also trusting the process. When using a training plan that has been built for you, your level of consistency and your current goals, it will still be difficult. To get faster, one must push the body, without breaking it. That's a hard math problem to figure out! 

 I had an interesting conversation with a co-worker this week who has enjoyed my training blogs but has no interest in running. She talked about a time in her life where she learned something new and scary to her. A big goal in her life. Its something that still lights up her eyes when she talks about it. She shared how she relates to my running goals by what she when through to get to the goal she had set for herself in that time in her life.

 I loved our conversation so much. It was a reminder that I'm not so crazy after all. Setting my big scary goals are positive. I'm not wasting my time and in the process, I'm bettering myself in all areas of my life. 

My favorite run of the week was my hardest one! My husband and I ran our 20 miler in Salem this weekend. I wanted a change of route and I desperately wanted to run through our State Capitol Park's Cherry Blossoms. We started at Salem's Riverfront. I love running there. We ran over two bridges and into three different parks. For the last four miles we ran all over downtown Salem and did a couple loops through the Cherry Blossoms. We started later than we usually do, and it was the warmest and muggiest it's been in training so far. It didn't help that my legs felt fatigued. At mile 18 I stopped for a moment and talked to Jerry about walking the last two miles. Both of use wanted the run to be over. We also knew that walking two miles would take twice as long! Ugh! We started running again and just did it! After, we talked about how tempting it was to walk but we really needed to run the last two miles. We did it just fine. It wasn't fun but we are conditioned do this type of mileage. Isn't that why we do the training runs? Sometimes it's more mental training than we even realize. We really needed to run it out Saturday. This is exactly what I've gone through when racing. You come to a spot in the race when you have to decide, will I run it in and complete my goal or stop? 

I chose to keep running! 

 At the end of that 20 miles I looked back at my splits. As fatigued and hot as I got, I stayed consistent and ran a really solid long run. Cheers to the next eight weeks for training! 

Training GOALS, if overthought, it's easy to think you can't do it for all the reasons! Believe me, there are so many reasons! I have chosen to get up each morning and just do it. I want this, and I have nothing to lose. If I fall short, life will go on! If I do it, I will have something no one can take from me!

Marathon Training Week 7, WHY Settle?

 Last weekend a good running friend asked me what my goal was for Newport Marathon. I let her know I was training for a 3:35 marathon. She asked why? All I need to for a BQ (Boston Qualify) for my age group/gender is a sub 3:50. I thought long and hard how she responded. She asked a legitimate question. Why would I train for a 3:35 when all I need is a 3:50? Why risk it? Risk it, meaning, what if I go out too hard and fall apart out on the course, I could be risking it all? 

 This last week was a hard training week. I'm going into block two, meaning more miles, more intensity and the more my mental better be on! I know I was being challenged as I had a couple days I felt grumpy at work. Work is good, so I know it was simply me, feeling the training. I got through the week, got in some extra sleep and did all my workouts. No one at work snapped at me. I think some of my co-workers question my "why" yet some are really intrigued by the whole idea of training for a marathon.

 This training cycle continues to freak me out in a good way. My training continues to be on point, even as I tip over into the harder workouts. I feel the strength growing in my body and continue to feel like "I can do this." In some of my past training cycles this has not been the case. Some, I couldn't hit my times as I wasn't training properly for the condition I was currently in. Some, I could hit my times, but my head was so unsure of myself, I was my own worst enemy. I see this a lot in runners. Runners minds get in the way! I truly believe in getting help from a more advanced running friend or get yourself a coach. They will do the math/thinking for you and you just simply trust the process. 

 I go into this week knowing I worked my a** off the last three weeks. This week I get to let my body heal and work more on mileage build up. The next nine weeks are going to go by fast, yet take forever! Some people like to compare marathon training to pregnancy. I don't like to do that. I've had three babies and ran 15 full marathons. I get how each pregnancy/training cycle is different, but the comparison is far different in my eyes. I don't ever want to be pregnant again, yet I chose to train my body to do better for this upcoming marathon. 

Newport Finish Line....I'm dreaming about you!!!! I see you when I go out alone in the dark. I see you when I put on my rain jacket because it's a Spring downpour outside. I see you when I look at my quality workout and say, what do I have to lose? I see you when I have to go to bed early because I need to run before work the next morning. That's why I am able to say, I'm training for a sub 3:35 marathon and I will NOT settle for a sub 3:50. I can do this and I see myself doing it. Why oh why would I settle for anything less? 

Long run out and back to Rickreall,
the headwinds almost killed me off!  

Marathon Training: Week Six

 Week Six started right on schedule. All of my training runs were "on point" and I will even go a step further to say, my training runs are going better than I had expected. I've had good training cycles and bad training cycles. There is a huge difference. When you are training at your correct pace for the shape you're in, you can advance as a runner. I do suggest having someone "coach" you or at least reach out to a runner who has many years under their belt. There is math and formulas involved in training and many people miss that and or don't know how to figure it out! It's ok to ask for help, I do it all the time! If you don't have a goal, no biggie, but I have always competed with myself. I want to advance as an athlete if my body allows and I need the help!

The last few weeks, as I've prepped for Shamrock 15k, I've been raising funds and love for Mason, a 13 year old who is battling Hodgkins Lymphoma. I simply asked folks to donate $15 and I would run the 15k. Together we could pray for the family. The outpour from co-workers, running friends and the community has been amazing. I was blessed to meet up with Mason and his family a couple days before the race, give Mason his cash (over $2400) and he gave me a running shirt. It was a moment I will never forget! 

My husband ran the 15k with me. We got up Saturday for our scheduled "long run" but it was different this week as we both planned on racing Sunday. It was a shorter long run but we both ran it strong and then headed to Portland. The Shamrock Expo was so grand! It was smaller than years past, but considering the last two years had been canceled due to the pandemic, I was just happy to be back! We got our race bibs and checked out the different vendors and met up with a few running friends. It was all so good! 

That night we stayed in a hotel on the waterfront side of downtown, ensuring a faster route for post race. We have parked downtown before and been blocked in for an hour! After Shamrock you can ensure you will be a wet cold mess so getting trapped downtown isn't a fun way to end the weekend. Our hotel was also 2 miles from the starting line! This would ensure that we would get a proper warm-up and cool-down in no matter what! 

The race didn't start until 8:55am and we woke up to high winds and low 40's that felt much colder. A running friend met us at the hotel that morning and all three of us headed out into the elements to do our warm-up/head to the starting line. It was about 7:50am! The warm-up miles did me a whole lot of good! It got my muscles warm and calmed my nerves! We got to the starting area with plenty of time to use the restroom and to visit with a few more running friends. As Jerry, Sandy and I came to a walk at the starting line, I was overwhelmed with happiness! Races are back! It's been a long two years and I didn't realize how much I truly missed it! We could hear the band playing, post race goodies were being set up! An announcer was saying all the things we love to hear but don't really listen too! The lines of port-a-potties! Seeing runners waiting with garbage bags over them to stay warm and dry! Seeing my running friends live, in person and not just on social media! It was all perfect! 

After all the pre-race rituals, it was time to line up! I love how Shamrock does this. It's a huge race so it must be organized! First you get into the shoot and find the pacer with the pace you are planning to run. I knew I wanted to run about 7:30 but I stood with the 8:00's. I wasn't doubting myself, I just wanted to be smart about this. The 7:30 pace group was smaller. I also know better than to start too fast. The Shamrock announcer told us to make our walk! We walk down and turn-a-round right in front of our starting line! I was in the first group that was sent off! The 15k course is described as "No joke, after conquering Terwilliger Blvd., waving at OHSU, and running through the Barbur Tunnel, you'll' have all the bragging rights and that green beer. Plus, once you reach mile 5.5, it's all downhill." 

Lining up to start

With that description and the fact that I've run this before, I knew it was going to be up, up, up and more up before I could come down. We started with a gentle up that didn't let up. I ran the first two miles with Jerry. I was confused by this as I knew either I was running too fast or he was running too slow. I was feeling really great so I just went with it. I knew if I didn't hold my own going up the hills, I wouldn't PR (personal record) today. A wise coach once told me just before I ran Shamrock, "don't let up on the up-hills, get to the top, I promise you will recover." This was a coach who was working with me and knew I could handle the hills but I needed to hear that. I've never forgotten it so I kept saying it over and over to myself. I also was so focused on this day that I could truly feel my "race mode" was on! It felt amazing to be in control of myself. 

So often in racing we let our heads get in the way. We tend to overthink and then our anxiety hits to fan and we start too fast, start too slow or just give up before we even start. With the years I've had to build my base, I've really focused on my mental game and gotten lots of help knowing how to be in control of MY race!

After mile two, Jerry decided to put on the gas and took off! I never saw him again. I was glad to see him move on as he should be running faster than me in any race. We were still climbing but we hadn't hit the hardest hill yet! We did a little turn-a round on S. Barbur Blvd and took a sharp left to go up SW Capitol Hwy and onto Terwillger. It was around mile four and it was by far, the hardest mile! My pace dropped during this mile but it was to be expected. I stayed in "race mode" despite my hill pain. I knew I would recover!!!! 

I now had made it to the first part of Shamrock that I love! Terwillger hill. I love running this hill loop. It's not only challenging but it's beautiful. You do have to go up, but you also have some down time and I fly. It's a feeling you don't get when running on the flat. This crazy loop also gives you a glimpse of OHSU where so many like Mason are receiving care. It always hits me when I get to this part. 

As we head back onto Barbur Blvd I tend to have to just blank out and run. Heading back up to the turn-a-round is rather boring and painful. I do enjoy picking a good fight with other runners at this point. They have no clue I'm doing it but I can pick people who are running a similar pace and I can test myself. If I can get behind them, draft off them for a bit and then pass them, I win! It's really fun in larger races as there as so many more runners to pick from. 

As we finally made it to the 2nd turn-a-round I hear my name from the other side! Someone I knew was cheering me on and it was really nice. As I turned onto SW Naito Pkway to go back down the hill we started on, I began my flight to the finish line. This is another part of Shamrock that keeps me coming back for more. The last 1-1.5 miles is a gentle down hill (except for the small part it's not!!!) and I feel like I'm flying. It's a beautiful experience. This is where it also gets gritty! You can see the finish line but it's still a long ways away. If you overrun, you may die! I knew for this last mile I needed to put the peddle to the medal. I had run too good of a race thus far to toss a PR out the window. So I flew! I was running fast! I came to mile 9 and got the nod of approval from a wise coach who taught me how to run hills and endure the distance as he glanced at his watch. I had .3 to go. That's over a lap around the track. Not much, but so far! I had a quick moment of wanting to let up so badly as I felt the stomach roar with warning that I may be pushing my luck! I didn't let up! Soon I saw the 7:30 pacer. I thanked him for being out there that day and passed him right up! As soon as I crossed the finish line I put my arms up in celebration and got the nod of approval from Jerry, who stood there watching me come in and looking so proud. I remember someone handing me a medal, I said thanks and then walked over to the side and dry heaved two times. I turned around and a volunteer had come over. She looked worried. I was totally fine. It was a minor heave that I had to just loose. Ha! I turned off into the finisher area feeling like I had just won the gold! I had beat myself! I got my PR, I felt really strong and I had completed something really hard for Mason.

These Girl Scouts got it right, having a booth here.

I was too cold to do much more but we did get some snacks and visit with some friends before heading back to our hotel to head home. This morning the aftermath has been minor. I'm less sore than my race a few weeks ago and I ran it much harder. I am very pleased with how this race played out. The foot issue I talked about last week is still there but I feel like it's under control. I've got the help of the PT's at work who have shown me how to tape myself up and what I should be doing daily to keep to from getting out of control and stronger. 

As I go into week seven I am reminded how important community is. The community has come together so well for Mason and the community has given me so much support. It's nice to have a few people interested in my running stories and to know some of you care so much you are willing to stalk my house while I'm at the races! ~Love to you all!!!! 

I did it! PR 1:08:44, 7:22 pace, 2nd in division 

Marathon Training Week Four and Five, The Little Things!

  

Week four went totally fine, I just didn't feel like writing last weekend. I actually had a person ask me if they missed week four as they hadn't seen it? I guess at least one person out there is reading this! Ha! 

I have been a bit more tired lately but overall feeling so much better in general. Getting in shape tends to do that to a person. I have taken the weekends to sleep more and even allow a nap if we are just hanging around at home. I have been having a slight discomfort in my left foot. No surprise here. If I have an issue it's always the left foot. I injured it in the 8th grade. As an adult have sprained it at least three times and was diagnosed with Norton's Neuroma a year or two ago. I was told get a series of injections or surgery. The injections worked but were painful. The last one the doctor told me I had to decide how many I wanted as far as the pain level goes. Pain meaning how much am I will to live with for the rest of my life? I left after 7 or 8 knowing I should get one more. I still feel it when I run hard but, I know it's not something that's hurting me long term. The current issue in my foot feels minor but I want to keep it minor! I work with a several Physical Therapist so I decided to take advantage of that! About 8 days ago I asked one of them to take a quick look and wrap my foot up. It helped. After a few day's I gave my feedback and he took another look and told me my foot was weak! I have to be honest, I was shocked, but then I thought about it and it all made sense. It's totally weak as I've never fully rehabbed my foot. I've been doing the exercises he recommended and I'm happy to report that it's working. It's amazing how a little extra work, makes a HUGE difference! 

I am going to continue wrapping my foot for now as I need the extra support and I will defiantly do my exercised daily. Training for a marathon is taxing on the body, but if done properly it'll make you stronger. Not only physically, but mentally. 

My quality runs continue to be on point. I honestly feel stronger than I think I ever have as a runner right now, yet racing is the real test! My next race that I've worked into marathon training is this coming Sunday! Portland Shamrock 15k. I have big goals! 

 In 2018 I was in really good shape and ran Shamrock 15k at 1:09:33 (7:28 pace). I believe I can do better this year. It's going to be hard and I will have to fight for it but I have to try! 

I am also choosing to race Shamrock as a platform to bring awareness to a 13 year old's recent cancer diagnosis. I work with this Young Man's Mother and his story hit me hard. I will be adding the deets on this at the end of this blog. There's really easy ways to be involved in helping this family if we all do just a little bit. I've learned over the years that all the little things, add up to make a HUGE difference. Not just in life, but training as well. Don't ever think that something small doesn't matter! 

Pass the Mason Jar

Mason Ball was recently diagnosed with Hodgkin's Lymphoma. He's an 8th grader at Santiam Christian School.  He's a very social young man who enjoys sports.

Currently we are at just under 2k

How can we do a little to help a lot? On Sunday March 12th I will be running Portland Shamrock 15k. The course will take my right by Doernbecher OHSU where Mason's going weekly for the next 6+ months for treatment. As I train, I pray for this family and I will run that race praying for Mason. I am asking that you give $15. $15 isn't very much but together is will add up. They money that comes in will go 100% to Mason and his family to do with what they see fit. They will be making many trips to Portland and will need gas and food money on top of the bills. 

Please partner with me as I pass the Mason Jar. I will run 15k, can you give $15? I am currently taking Venmo, cash or check's for the family. All funds that come in, even after the 15k will be given directly to the family. 

Marathon Training: Week 3

 Week three started with nice easy miles. As I went out to my first quality workout of the week, I reminded myself how quality workouts used to really stress me out. I think it was due to a couple of reasons. I didn't have as much "experience" in serious training. I wasn't as strong as I currently am and I doubted myself. I almost always overthought the workout! 

 Although training isn't always easy, I go about it a little different than I used too. I try to leave the thinking to my coach. This is hard and I still struggle with it. I have proven to myself I can run the pace I'm training for! If I don't hit pace for one run, I will be ok and I'm not a failure. Chances are, I'll have a bad run or two in the mix! The big picture is the math problem leading up to June 4th, the marathon. One or two bad runs are expected. 

 This week ended with a race. Last week I talked about "being tested." I like to work in a few races during marathon training, not only get a good strong workout in, I need to go through the emotions of "race day" as it's pretty intense emotionally and physically. Going through this is extremely helpful and I feel necessary to do at least once. I will be doing two more races during my training cycle leading up to Newport. Each race will be much shorter than the marathon but all will be hard as shorter races are run at a faster pace, testing my abilities to handle the pressure come June 4th. Running has so much mental in it! If you don't practice the mental practice races and training runs, you are missing it big time! 

 Yesterday I had a chance to practice. I stayed nice a calm pre race. My husband raced too. We arrived in plenty of time to get our race bibs, go use the bathroom and then do a warm up. The warm up is always important but I felt even more so this morning as the wind made it bitter cold and we would be running HILLS! It ended up being colder than I thought with the wind chill so at the last minute I decided to wear a light long sleeve, rather than my usual race tank.  We started from the finish line on gravel going slightly up hill. The hill didn't bother me but I did start boxed in by other runners. The slower runners were a slight problem and the gravel felt slick. I carefully weaved through the runners and found my pace group. 

I took the first incline really well, and then headed downhill like a speeding bullet. I was playing back and forth with a lady in a purple shirt. After about 1.5 miles in, I realized purple shirt and I were neck n neck for women's 3rd place! The 2 women in 1st and 2nd were young and extremely fast. They were going to have there own battle and I wouldn't be in it! Ha! I decided it was time to duke it out with purple shirt. I had to find out who was the stronger runner so I gave her one for her money, She gave it right back. I love this game! It's really a fun part of racing. After we passed back and forth a few times I really pushed the pace as we headed back up the hill. As I got to the top and got to cruse for a bit I realized my game had worked. I had broke her! She wasn't on my tail anymore! I wondered when she would be back? Would I break??? 

I hit the halfway point and headed down hill FAST! I knew I would have to come back up this hill to get to the finish line and it was going to be hard! I got to mile 4.5 and had to turn around and go back up the steep hill, over a mile long! Was I even going to make it? 

At this point you can give up and walk because nobody really cares if you do or not, you can walk off the course because it's hard or you can dig deep and say, what if I actually make it to the finish line without walking! I felt nothing but run up the hill! It got really hard as there was no leveling out for this final 1.4 miles of up! All I knew was to RUN to get to the top! I once had a coach that told me, "push it up the hill Julie, you'll recover...I promise, you'll recover!" I always tell myself this when racing hills now.  I didn't stop, not once. I saw a couple of my running friend on that hill, giving me a little hope and encouragement. I was able to finish strong!

I am thankful for another week of training. I am very sore today, but I know the process. I will recover! Yesterday's race was a great test and I feel like I passed in my own little weird way! 

If you've taken the time to read this, I love you for it! 

PS Purple shirt never even came close to me as I ran up that hill! I beat her! Ha! 

Jerry and I both won 1st in our age group. Jerry 2nd male and Julie 3rd female. We are too old to beat the teenagers! ha!!!

Marathon Training: Week Two "I'll understand if you eat my lunch"

Week Two: 

 I'm extremely nervous as I write today! I'm not sure why except I am always expecting someone not to understand why I do what I do. I guess that's to be expected 😝🤣 

My goals are big and I have trained "advanced" before. I know what it takes, that's probably why I'm nervous. I did realize one thing this last week! Some of you who are new to following a "marathon runner" don't know exactly what a full marathon is. It's not just any old race. Its a race you train for, for about 16 weeks and on the big day, you will race 26.2 miles. It's a really long race, thus the jokes about marathon watching when you binge on your favorite TV series. 

This last week I had a day where I was just mentally exhausted. I decided to take a day off and rest and it did me good. Most often I will  have a "active rest day" where I still put in some miles but they are very slow, just to keep the legs loose. Even though I chose to take a break Wednesday, I got up Thursday and went right back into my training. Resting is fine but the marathon will not run itself. 

By the end of week two I felt very happy. We are just beginning but we are off to a really great start. I haven't felt this strong is a few years. I did the work to get a really quality base of weekly miles up after healing from an injury. As I go into track work/speed work the last two weeks, I'm already feeling a difference. I'm ready for this! 

People at work are catching wind that I'm in training and I'm hearing, "I'll understand if you eat my lunch." and " I'll understand if you're in a bad mood."  I will be the first to say, I work with a very supportive group of folks! They don't understand why I am doing this but seem happy to support my journey and watch the process. I sure love them for that support.

Newport Marathon Week One!

 Ive been absent here for a few years as I blogged for another company. I'm back, and am keeping it real. I've chosen to come back starting with Newport Marathon training 2022! I plan one weekly blogs with my thoughts and feelings for the week, but chances are, I will miss a few! Thanks for taking the time to read. 

Week one training: As I go into training for my 16th full marathon I think, what would my PT (physical therapist) think about this??? Sometimes it better not to share everything!!! I've had doctors tell me that running more than 3 miles a day is too hard on the body. Many people think I'm ruining my knees and damaging my body. The truth is, over the last 13 years, I've slowly, ever so slowly built up the tendons in my ankles, legs, knees, shoulders and more. I've taking my heart health to a beautiful healthy level and I feel and even look so much better. The key is taking it slow, knowing it won't be perfect and consistently. 

I don't expect everyone reading this to finish to the end or even be remotely interested. This is just the thoughts of a crazy marathon runner who has been on a 13 year journey to bettering herself. 

Week one: This week I was excited to get started. My last training cycle (2021) was cut short due to a mild injury resulting in PT and a major cutback in high intensity workouts. I have a great PT and was back at it in a matter of months. I had lost way too much training to race. I took a step back and slowly got my mileage back up, got my eating patterns back on track and am running very strong once again. 

The thing that scares me the most about this and most training cycles is knowing that my goals won't be handed to me. I very well might fail and then feel I will need to tell you. I actually have to work my butt off, miss social gatherings and go to bed early, really early! I know that even if I have a steller training cycle, race day comes with rain, wind, heat, injury, or it will all come together like a perfect song! Just because I train with a coach and do things correctly will not ensure a perfect ending in June 4th. The thing is, when it does comes together perfectly, every long run, every track workout, every early morning easy run, everything I gave up over the last 4 months is made worth it!!!! 1000% worth it! I have tasted this perfection three times and I've run so many races I can't count them anymore. Only 3 times! One 1500 in HS, one marathon in Eugene and one 15k in Portland. There's nothing like the finish line of a perfect race! I suppose when you get a taste of something so so great, it's something worth going for again. 

It's such a perfect thing, I try to get anyone to give it a try. Most people won't take me up on it but the ones who do .... They typically find great joy and fulfillment in the run even with completely different goals than I have. 

I am trusting myself and my hard work over the last 13 years to carry me through the next 16 weeks of training. 

Tomorrow (Sunday) I'm meeting a couple friends for my long run. In the coming weeks I may be a little crabby from time to time. I may try to eat your lunch. My body will be rested as I believe in rest being part of training but the truth is, training for a marathon sucks so please be patient with me and if I seem tired, just feed me 🤷‍♀️😘

Dreaming the Big Dream~Eugene Marathon 2020

One of big goals for 2020 is to run Eugene Marathon on April 26th and Qualify for Boston. I want to do this with title of EMbassador. Although, not a huge "title" person, I find joy in having the honor of representing my favorite Oregon Marathon. I was an EMbassador for 2019, I ended up injured but still ran. My goals just had to sit on the back burner that year. I enjoyed being an EMbassador to the extreme. I talked the Eugene Marathon talk, and walked the walk everywhere I went. I was able to make an in-pack on peoples lives because of the work I put in from the "title" of EMbassador!

I fell in love with Eugene Marathon in 2018 when a friend talked me into running Eugene, close to home (I grew up in Drain). I had run many marathons but, hadn't picked Eugene yet. I found a running coach and got really serious. With some hard work I qualified for Boston for the first time. It was a dream come true, cut short when my time still wasn't good enough to actually get into Boston that year. In 2019 I anticipated qualifying as an EMbassador but ended up with an injury. Iwas just happy to take part, make connections, and inspire just by finishing on the fifty. Although my heart was broken due to dreams cut short, I kept dreaming of 2020!
Eugene 2020 will be my 16th marathon. Because of my experience running marathons, I have a huge influence on runners wanting to run a full, new runners wanting to get advice on a 5k or half and also people asking what races I'm running because they want to train with me and go where I go.

I lead a very full life, working full time as the lead in Nutrition Services at Salem Health/West Valley Hospital. The influence I have at work when it comes to running and eating/training right is huge. I have staff asking me questions or telling me about their running/workout goals several times a week.

I also coach at World Gym Fitness Center in Dallas, OR three nights a week. I teach Barre and coach HiiT Camp. I've had many in classes argue that they will "never be a runner." It always makes me chuckle when they come to me excited they ran a mile after class or actually decide to sign up for their first race. 

People are watching!

I am a Mother to two adults kids and a 15 year old. My husband is a runner because he wanted to spend more time with me. This is a man who hated running. He now runs marathons himself.
I have my own running club/group. When I started running in 2008, my town (Dallas, OR) was new to me. We had moved there in 2007. I knew one person who ran but I always saw people out. In an attempt to find running friends, I made Dallas, OR Run the Open Road (now called ZaoFit) and started blogging. I started with a walk/run ladies group and it's grown to a full on, everyone's welcome marathon training group. I also am a blogger for Run Oregon and am able to stay in the runners loop very well this way. I am recognized at running events and it always makes me laugh because social media, when used right, works.

I am big on Instagram finding it fun and easy to share in creative ways. I love to use story and tag people and events bringing in tons of views and getting others attention. Twitter is okay, but it's not something I put a lot of time into. Facebook is fantastic and that is were I do a lot of communicating to the runners out there. People follow my personal page and people from all over follow my ZaoFit running page. I get new people asking about races, and group runs often. I like to use story on this platform as well. I also share on the World Gym page and share at the gym itself, bringing in tons of interest. Word of mouth is the best. I do use Run Oregon to promote and share the races I have an interest in as well. I am free to share anything to do with running and shared a whole lot about Eugene Marathon in 2019 using all of these platforms.

I know I can promote Eugene with the platforms I have access too. When it comes down to it, I just love EM, I love Eugene and I want to not only help, but be a part in the whole dynamics. I'm not just a marathon runner, I'm a dreamer who wants to spread joy to others by helping them dream too! 

Race Recap: Eugene Marathon 2019

2019 Eugene Marathon Embassador team!

Eugene Marathon:
Sunday April 28 2019
#finishonthefifty

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

"Misery Loves Company"

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

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

Running out the last miles of the marathon!

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

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

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

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

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

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

Jerry qualified for Boston today, so proud of him!

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

Race results and photos can be found HERE!

Race Preview: 2019 Heart-breaker Half-Martahon, 10k and 5k Run/Walk (Hillsboro)

Heartbreaker Half-Marathon, 10k and 5k

February, a month to celebrate with the one you love! It's always a good month to celebrate with a race! Consider joining me and my love February 17th at 8:00a for the 2019 HeartBreaker Half. If you don't like the idea of a half-marathon, there is also a 10k and 5k. You can chose to walk or run the races although take note: you will be asked to complete the races at a 15 minute pace (four miles an hour). This is a family fun event, so bring the kids for the Kid's Dash! The Kid's Dash will begin after the half, 10k and 5k. 

The half marathon is a three loop course. One of the loops will be run two times. It's a beautiful route that will cover country roads, beginning opposite side of the tennis courts adjacent to the track and will circle the football stadium. This isn't a "flat" course, although there are flat parts of the course. Expect a little elevation gain during mile one and a few climbs (up to 50 ft elevation gain) before heading up Heartbreak Hill! Don't forget, you do get to run down those hills too! It's a bit challenging, but an excellent way to spend the morning! Heartbreak Hill is going to be timed as a separate race. The fastest man and woman will receive a special prize! This race will finish inside the stadium, running the track into the finish line.

Check out the cool swag!

The 10k course is one of the loops on the half-marathon course. The 10k doesn't include the Heart Break Loop. It's a beautiful course ran over quiet and scenic country roads. It's mostly flat with a few moderate rolling hills (max elevation gain, less than 50 ft). Runners and walker will finish on the running track and cross the finish line inside the stadium. Note: the 10k will be slightly longer than an official 10k, ending at about 6.32 miles. 

The 5k course is going to be fast and flat! It will be ran in a beautiful business park and ending around the track, circling the football stadium.

Race Details:

When: Sunday February 17th 2019

Where: Liberty High School (21945 NW Wagon Way, Hillsboro, OR

Time: Half Marathon 8:00a

10k 8:10a

5k 8:20a

Kids Dash 10:30

Cost: Half $79.00

10k $59.00

5k $44.00

Kid's Dash (ages 2-10) $15.00

Note: Price Increase February 3rd!

Register: HERE!

Packet Pick-Up: Location and time TBA. There is going to be a Heartbreaker Expo. Watch your e-mail (if registered) or website for updates on time and location. There will be no race day packet pick-up.

Join the event on facebook HERE!

Check out the events website here for more information. 

Ambassador for Eugene

For several years now I have been trying to run a "fast" marathon.  One "fast" enough to get me to Boston!  My friend Kristi Clack (2018 ambassador) asked me to run Eugene with her in 2018.  She told me it's her favorite course, the weather has always been good for her, and she's always run well at that race.  I signed up for 2018 and trained harder than I ever had.  It all paid off.  I ran a great marathon in Eugene this year and did get that BQ after many failed attempts.  Eugene marathon has become my favorite course.  It was my 13th marathon.  I tell everyone, it's a "must run race! "

I started running as an adult in October 2008, not knowing any runners.  I had recently moved to Dallas, OR and just decided I wanted to be a runner after not running since High School.  I soon meet a couple ladies who also ran.  I learned from them and slowly got stronger.  In Dallas, there are people out running all the time.  I had a dream to bring some of these people together.  I started a facebook page inviting people to run with me on Saturday mornings.  I started meeting more and more runners in the area.  I also started a running blog and meet more runners from simply writing about it.  It's wasn't long before I decided to run a marathon.

My running group runs and trains together regularly now. We get up at the crack of dawn and go out and run, share advice and help each other keep believing we can all get stronger, working together! It's such an encouragement to run with others. I would like to represent Eugene and encourage my group along with area runners, to run Eugene 2019 because I had such a great experience there in 2018. Eugene for me was a "magical" experience. I had very good training, so overall I ran well, but there was something extra special about Eugene.  I meet some really amazing runners out on the course that day.  When it got hard out there, I had people around me that somehow helped.  I had to gut it out the last two miles.  Finishing on Hayward Field is something I will never forget!  I went back and ran in Eugene "just for fun" in July.  I went out on parts of the course.  It was again "magical."  From running on Pre's Trail to feeling the Eugene Running love!  It is place I want to take all my friends.  It's an inviting place, a comforting place.  A place the community seems to embrace the runner.  I love it! I cannot wait...to finish on Autzen Stadium 50 yard line in 2019!!!

I not only run with my running group in Dallas, OR, but I do go to Salem, OR and run with the Gallagher's Fitness group. I am also an ambassador for Uberthons . I travel to the Portland area every month or so for their races, talking and sharing with other about the benefits of running to be healthy, for fun, and for competition.

I know I'm a good fit because I have a knack for sharing with others what I love to do in person, and on social media.  I often am asked about what races I would recommend and for training advice. I am a Run Oregon Blogger as well.  I believe a little encouragement goes a long ways! I take weekly photos to share on social media already.  If I am asked to represent Eugene, I will find creative ways to share the Eugene love without hesitation.


Social media is something I've been playing with for several years now. My three favorites are facebook, instagram, and blogging.  Twitter can be a lot of fun as well.  I love sharing photos and giving encouragement while using hashtags to help get my posts out a little further.  You can read about my 2018 Eugene Marathon experience HERE!

I look forward to representing Eugene for 2019!

 Julie is a 41 year-old runner from Dallas, OR.  She works full time at West Valley Hospital/Salem Health and runs as often as she can.  Julie ran in High School but as an adult, started running in 2008. Eugene 2018 was Julie's 13th marathon and her first BQ! She's loves to runs with local runners - it's what keeps her motivated and consistent! Never stop dreaming big!