Marathon Training ~ Week ONE ~ "Come along for the Ride"

July 16, 2016 I will run my tenth marathon, The Oregon Marathon! This will be my fourth attempt for a Boston Qualifying (BQ) time. 

For my age/gender, I need to run at 3:45 marathon.  I really would like to get a sub 3:40 to make sure I get into Boston, should I qualify! So my goal pace is about 8:20 minute miles for 26.2 miles. This is a doable goal, I just haven't got there quite yet!

I have never blogged much about my training, goals and dreams in too much detail.  I typically only talk about this stuff while out on a long run with my group of weekend runners. Then, blog about the race after all that training is over.  

This time, I decided to bring my readers/followers along for the ride!  I would love to get some accountability from my readers/followers.  I will simply post how my week went and how I'm feeling. You guys (my readers) are keeping me accountable, simply by being on-line.  So many of you have came to me at races or found me on facebook and told me you're actually read my blog.  So, hear we go, please come along with me.  I will do the work, and you can watch.  Along the way, I hope we can meet up for a race or training run.

Darcy, who inspired me to run my first marathon in 2010

I am a 39 year old female who started running in October 2008.  I did run in high school but found a new love for running in 2008,

 shortly after moving to Dallas Oregon. After I meet Darcy, who was training for her first marathon, I was  inspired to run my first  marathon in 2010.  Now, 8.5 years later, I find myself not just wanting a marathon, I want a BQ.

In the last few years of training I've seen improvements every year.  I've come to the conclusions that I am lacking in two areas. My diet, not to be confused with "a diet." Simply "diet" the kind of food I eat!  I will make this very clear, I do not believe in diets! Also, core work/cross training.  

I am really good at getting my weekly miles in.  In fact, I am often ending my week, wishing for one more run!  I feel free when I run.  I feel alive and well! Because I like to run so much, it's hard for me to want to be in the gym.  I am well aware of the foods I need to eat, and what I should stay away from.  With some simple weekly planning, this is doable.  I have already started eating better and have seen some extra unwanted weight come off. 

I believe if I get my core into better shape, it will help considerably with my last six to ten miles of the marathon, plus, it's just good for the body in general.  I started going to R.I.P.P.E.D classes about five weeks ago and I am loving it!  My classes are in Independence Oregon at Fitness with Studio Fuego.  If you are local and ever want to join me, I almost always take a friend or two, it's fun!

Every week, I will post my workout schedule and any thoughts about my week (good/and or bad). I may post a new recipe or two as I find new yummy healthy foods to try. I will post random stories about my journey and other stuff as I think of it.

I invite you to comment and share your journey with me as well.  It's amazing how we can do more as a group than alone!

So, lets do this.....

Run with me March 28th to April 3rd. First full week of Uberthons The Oregon Marathon training! Whoohoo, can you meet up for a run or two? 

Monday, 5:30 am, 60 min run

Monday 6:15 pm, RIPPED class with Olivia (if back from my son's tennis match, a big maybe). Fitness w?Studio Fuego

Tuesday 5:00 am, 50 min. run

Wednesday 5:00 am, 50 min. run

Thursday 7:00 pm, class with Olivia at Fitness w/Studio Fuego

Friday 5:00 am, 50 min. run

Saturday 7:30 am group run in Dallas. 12-14 miles.

 Let me know if you can meet up and I'll send you meeting places and more details (all in Dallas this week).

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Check out Uberthons Events HERE!

Corvallis Half Marathon Race Preview 2016

 Corvallis Half ~ Race Preview

------------------> Register HERE <-------------------

Saturday April 16th 5k 

Sunday April 17th half marathon

Course description: The 5k "One of the flattest around, you can expect a PR"

The half marathon is described as "scenic" "mostly flat with two gradual climbs and two gradual descents. The course is on paved roads, bike paths and sidewalks."

Check out more details about the course HERE!

Packet Pick up for 5k ~ Samaritan Athletic Medicine, 845 SW 30th St, Corvallis, OR from 9:00 am to 10:20 pm

Half Marathon ~ Health and Wellness Expo at Gill Coliseum

Saturday 9:00 am - 4:00 pm 

The Expo will also be open on Sunday from 7:30 am - 1:00.  Be sure and stop by. 

Register Online HERE

5k $35.00

Half Marathon $75.00

Both $85.00

ALL net race proceeds are given to charity!   This is a fundraiser for the Rotary Club. Funds go to Linn Benton Food Share, Corvallis Public School Foundation, OSU Foundation Track & Field Foundation and many more. Check out more about where the funds go HERE! 

One thing to note that's different this year.  We can't finish on the 50 yard line this year due to stadium renovations. The finish line will be moved to Ralph Mill Lane between Reser Stadium and Gill Coliseum. Check out the course maps HERE! 

Finish with the wellness expo and the beer garden, all just steps away from your finish after Sunday's half marathon.

Are you a football fan? The OSU Beavers football team is hosting their Spring game on that Saturday after the 5k.

Like Corvallis Half on facebook HERE

Follow me (Julie) on facebook at ZaoFit.  I would love to hear your story.

Uberthons Luckython 2016 Race Review

Saturday March 12th was my 4th time running Uberthons Luckython.  I have always ran the 5k, but I ran the 10k this year.  I've been running since Oct 2008 and had yet to run an official 10k!

Races:  5k, 10k, 15k, 15k Relay, and Kidathon

Place:  The Reserve Vineards and Golf Club in Aloha, OR

Times:  5k 8:00 am and 9:00 am start
5k, 10k, 15k and 15k relay, 9:00 am start
Kidathon 10:00 am start

My fully loaded potato.

All finishers received an awesome Luckython Belt-buckle Medal and a trip through the Potato Bar.

There were plenty of tables and chairs under the large tent for finishers to eat and find out race results.  The three tall heaters where a plus on this windy wet morning. 

I arrived early Saturday to help with a few things. Many volunteers were already there setting up.  It was wet and windy but there was a nice set up inside the tent! I helped with selling Uberthons gear!  They have some awesome shirts, a jacket, scarves, hats and athletic socks you can purchase at any Uberthons race.






I got to lead the walkers and runners in a few pre-race stretching.  This ended up being a lot of fun!  It was chilly, so moving around to get warmed up felt really good. The 8:00 walker/runners took off and then we got the 9:00 walker/runners checked in and ready to go!

9:00 am was when my race stated (the 10k).  I always like to come up with some sort of goal pace/time.  Today I just thought 48:00 minutes because that's what my Hood to Coast Captain threw out as a guess for my time.  This just happens to be Uberthons Alan!  The 10k was two large loops around the paved golf course (south side).  I wore my rain jacket because I was so cold at the starting line.  After mile one, I knew that wearing the jacket was a very bad idea!  There was a few small rolling hills during the first mile, then it started to even out.  At mile two, I took my race bib off so I could remove my jacket and gloves.  I know better than to overdress for a

race, so I was very irritated at myself!  

As I came around to the finish line for the 5k, I handed off my jacket and gloves to a lady who was helping out, giving runners directions.  She gladly took my stuff and pointed me in the right direction.  Doing the loop again.  I felt much better without my jacket and gloves but had dropped my safety pins.  I had to carry my bib but I didn't mind.  Was glad to have that jacket off!  Now, the temperature felt perfect for racing.

It was about 42-44 degrees, with some wind and rain.  There were some puddles out on the course, but it wasn't that bad.  I dipped down into the rollers a second time and knew I only had about two miles left.  I was feeling pretty good with my pace.  

As I came around for that last mile, I was pretty sure I was in second place for female finishers but there was a lady not too far behind me.  

I tried to keep my pace steady, to keep her from getting any closer. I ran through that finish line with a time of exactly 48:00 minutes. I couldn't believe it!  It was my exact goal time! 

I went to the tent to eat and potato and be with some friends.

My husband lead the kids race at 10:00.  It was raining even harder at this time, but the kids didn't seem to mind!

Uberthon's Darwin was back at the tent giving out age group winner medals and making announcements on upcoming Uberthons events!

There are LOTS of fun Uberthons races already planned for 2016.  Check them out HERE!  I would love to meet you! 

“This was my very first Uberthons race. I thought it was extremely well put on and I loved that it wasn’t too crowded. Everyone was very friendly and I love the medal/belt buckle, such a cool idea! The baked potato bar was a great touch as it warmed our bellies after racing across the finish line in the cold, rainy weather. Overall, I was very happy I attended and I am already putting several more Uberthons races on my calendar in the near future. My daughter is hoping to join me as well!”  ~Kristi Clack (1st time running an Uberthons event)

Follow Uberthons on Facebook here!

Instagram here!

Twitter here!

Follow me on Facebook at ZaoFit here! I would love to hear your story!

Uberthons  Luckython Giveaway going on right now! A winner will be chosen on Wednesday March 9th for the March 12th Race!  Don't miss out! Enter to WIN and share today!

 

-----------> You can also REGISTER for Luckython HERE <------

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Uberthons Gear at Luckyton 2016

-----------> REGISTER HERE! <------------

Mo and Alan, showing off their UBERTHONS Jackets!

If you're looking for a fun race, join me for Uberthon's Luckython on Saturday March 12th.  Uberthons offers a 5k, 10k, 15k, 15k relay, kids mile and kidathon.  Read more about it here! 

Darwin, sporting a UBERTHONS Scarf!

Look at this UBERTHONS shirt!

Find me and say hello! Would love to meet you!

I'll be at the gear table with all kinds of fun stuff for you to purchase. Fun items like Team Shirts, Other Uberthons shirts, Jackets, Athletic Socks, Hats and Scarves!  Come see me when you get to the race!  I would LOVE to meet you!

More awesome UBERshirts to choose from!


Follow me on facebook at ZaoFit,
I would love to hear your story!

Athelete IQ Review for Road Runner Sports ShoeDog

Check out my lasted Review over at Athlete IQ HERE!

Also, find out where you get get a free Shoe Dog experience! Make sure your running or walking shoes are the correct fit for you! 

Follow me on Facebook at ZaoFit.  I would love to hear your story! 

Run Wild Adventures~Buck Mountain Mudslinger Trail Run 2016

Jerry and I, getting ready to run!

Saturday February 27th was my 4th time running Buck Mountain Mudslinger.  It's a race I know I can't run very fast, but going up over that mountain in the mud is somehow a great time! This year was more muddy than last year.  We had lots of rainfall in the 24 hours leading up to the race.  








My husband Jerry loves trail races, I love road races, but I am always up for a Run Wild Adventure Event.  They are very challenging and loads of fun.

It was the most beautiful weather I have ever seen at this race. High 40's with a light mist.  I call this perfect race weather!  We started just after 9:00 am at Howard Creek Horse Camp.  Entry fee was $25.00 or $40, day of race.  I always pre-register for the better price.  It often will fill up before race day too.  It would be a shame to miss out! 

Our climb! 

As we ran to the left onto the trail head, I was preparing for mud!  In past years I have seen snow out on this course, but it was too warm for that today! I started closer to the front this year.  I didn't want to get boxed in. It is possible to pass people on this trail, but can be tricky at times.



We started up the mountain and soon the familiar "burn" of trying to run up Buck Mountain hit!  It was extra muddy, so trying to keep from slipping and falling was a challenge.  I had to walk some of it! But as I looked around, everyone around me was taking walk breaks as well!  It was steep!!! 

The course is 6.5 miles long, with lots of up hill.  We where nearly at 4 miles before we got to really start cruising down.  There was a "bonus" sneaker hill just before the end too! Not bad compared to the last hill we had just gone up.  This course was MUDDY, and absolutely beautiful.  It was fun, I did slip several times, but I never fell down!  

I really wanted to win a boot medal

Prize table 

I ended this year with a 3 minute PR. It was unexpected with it being muddier this year. Starting near the front helped.  Also seeing that they were giving out age group winners a cowby boot medal, really kept me moving!  I really wanted to win a boot medal!  

Jerry had already come in when I got to the finish line.  I was feeling really good, but really hungry!  We went to the food table and got some chili and Great Harvest Bread. I didn't care for the chili this year, but the bread was perfect! 

Our friends, Tim, Jerrilynn, and Britt

We found some people we knew and chatted while waiting for awards and prizes to be given out.  They gave away a number of things in the drawing.  Things like new shoes, socks, shirts, beer and coffee.  It gets everyone excited.  I didn't win anything in the drawing but I was so happy to find out I did win 2nd in my age group, a cowboy boot medal winner!!!!

This is a race I'm sure I'll do again next year.  I loved being able to represent My Soxy Feet as an ambassador.  They have fun athletic socks you can check out and purchase here.  You can save 10% off with code "GET SOXY"

Follow me on facebook at ZaoFit here. I would love to hear your story! 

"Protein Brownies"

I am often looking and trying a new recipe.  Sometimes I find one I like so much I decide to share it with the world! So here you have it, "Healthy Brownies" and YES, this is exciting! 

First I will share with you the original recipe, then my morphed recipe, inspired by the original.  By the way, both are excellent!   Both are worth making and trying!

"Chocolate Peanut Butter Swirl Pumpkin Protein Brownies"

2 cups oat flour (I simply put oatmeal in my blender, no need to buy oat flour, it's easy to make)

1/4 cup unsweetened baking cocoa powder

2 scoops chocolate whey protein

3 tsp ground cinnamon

1 tsp baking powder

1 tsp baking soda

1/2 tsp himalayan salt

1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce

1 Tbsp vanilla extract

1/4 cup egg whites or two egg whites

1 28 oz can pure pumpkin, raw

1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk

1/2 cup chopped walnuts or nuts of choice (I used raw almonds, chopped up)

1/4 cup natural peanut butter (crunchy or smooth)

Directions: 

Preheat oven to 350 degrees and spray a 9 x 13 baking pan with nonstick spray.  (I used two bread pans).

Combine all ingredients except the peanut butter.  Mix well.  Spread the batter in the dish(s).  Drop spoonfuls of peanut butter onto top of the brownie mixture.  Take a knife, and swirl the peanut butter around in the brownie batter.

Place in the oven and bake for 30 minutes, or until done.

Makes 10 bars or servings.  Per Bar 212 Calories, 19 grams Carbs, 10 grams Fat, 14 grams Protein, 3 grams Sugar, 4 grams Fiber

I made these again today, and after I started, I realized I was out of cocoa, so this is what I came up with! 

"Peanut Butter Protein Muffins"

 2 cups oat flour (I simply put oatmeal in my blender, no need to buy oat flour, it's easy to make)

1/4 cup peanut butter powder (can buy at Win-Co or Wal Mart)

2 scoops vanilla whey protein

3 tsp ground cinnamon

1 tsp baking powder

1 tsp baking soda

1/2 tsp himalayan salt

1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce

1 Tbsp vanilla extract

1/4 cup egg whites or two egg whites

1 15 oz can pure pumpkin, raw

1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk

1/4 to 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips

1/4 cup natural peanut butter (I used smooth)

Directions: 

Preheat oven to 350 degrees and spray a muffin pan with non stick spray or add muffin liners.

Combine all ingredients except the peanut butter.  Mix well.  Spread the batter in the muffin pan.  Drop spoonfuls of peanut butter onto top of the brownie mixture.  Take a knife, and swirl the peanut butter around in the brownie batter.

Place in the oven and bake for 20 minutes, or until done.

   I like these so much, I will be making them and using them for breakfast, a after workout snack, or a snack on the run! They will freeze easily so I will always make extra so they last longer! ENJOY!

Find me on facebook at ZaoFit HERE!

Follow Ubertons on facebook here!  Home of The Oregon Marathon and the Oregon Half Marathon Series

For 10% off at My Soxy Feet , use coupon code GETSOXY.  You can also find My Soxy Feet on facebook here!

Luckython Preview ~ March 12, 2016

~ Register for Luckython 5k, 10k, 15k, or Kidathon  HERE! ~

Some friends who joined me for Luckython a couple years ago! 

For the last three years, my husband and I have had a special St. Patrick's Day weekend.  We start with the Uberthons Luckython and end it with Shamrock in Portland.  Today I want to tell you about what goes on at Ubertons Luckython! 

Erika and I showing off our Uberthons swag '15

Luckython is held every year at The Reserve Golf Club in Aloha, OR.  The race is ran on the paved path that weaves in and out of the golf course.  The Reserve closes down half of the golf course, just for the runners.  No need to be worried about getting hit with a golf ball or ran over by a golf cart!  It's a very safe, off road course.  This is my favorite 5k every year.  I'm thinking about running the 10k for '16. 

Race day is Saturday March 12th. 

Race time: 8:00 am and 9:00 am

Potato bar opens at 8:30 am

Kidathon and kids mile run is at 10:00 am

Kids Race!  So fun to watch! 

What to expect at the race! 


~All asphalt or concrete off road path
 ~Potato bar for all participants

~Awesome belt-buckle medals
~Music
~Cool flags and banners
~Plenty of water
~Lots of GREEN
~Tons of FUN

Luckython offers a 5k, 10k, 15k, 15k relay, Kids timed mile and Kidathon.

It's the year of the Belt-buckle medal! 

Prices:

5k: $30.00

10k:  $35.00

15k: $40.00

15k Relay (3 people teams): $30.00 per person

Kids timed mile: $10.00

Kidathon 1/4-1/2 non-timed fun race: FREE

All races include a finishers medal with registration expect the Kidathon.  You may purchase your child a medal for $10.00

Hope you can join me for this super fun St. Patrick's event!

~ Register and get more information HERE! ~

Find Uberthons on facebook here!

Find The Oregon Marathon (part of Uberthons) here!

Find Uberthons on Instagram here!

Follow me on facebook at ZaoFit here! 

Don't forget, Uberthons has some really cool running shirts, socks and scarves for sale at every race!

  

Uberthons Winter Half ~ Oregon Half Marathon Series ~ Race Review

~~~ Register for the Series HERE! ~~~

Saturday January 23rd was the first race of the 2016 Oregon Half Marathon Series, the Uberthons Winter Half! 

It's the year of the Belt Buckle!

The Winter Half took place at The Reserve Vineyards and Golf Club in Aloha, OR.

Registration Prices:

Half Marathon $75 (limited to 350 people)

The awesome Winter Half shirt!

Quarter Marathon $45 (limited to 80 people)
5k $38 (limited to 70 people)

All races were open to runners and walkers (3.5 hour limit)

Register for the Oregon Half Marathon Series and save $50.00. You will also get lots of VIP treatment at all of the races...check that out here!

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

Saturday morning was a little chilly, but not bad for "Oregon Winter!"  Low 40's with a light mist.  I call that, perfect running weather!

Our race director Darwin!

 Darwin did a great job starting the race with a staggered start.  I started at the end of the first group.  I was worried about feeling blocked in since we were on a golf course, but I didn't feel blocked in at all. There was plenty of

 room.  We ran the South and North sides of the golf course.  Some small rollers with plenty of flat spots on a nice paved path that twisted through the golf course.  As I ran along I saw a few people I knew and talked to them.  As we got in a few miles you could see other runners all over the golf course because of the twists and turns.  It was a beautiful neon rainbow of runners!

The halfway point and the finish line!

It began to rain pretty hard!  We ran the course two time for the half marathon.  The first time around there were a few large puddles that were pretty easy to avoid.  I ran through the starting line to start my second loop and looked up at my halfway time and was pleasantly surprised. I haven't done any heavy training for several months so I wasn't sure how today would go!

My friend Ruth!

This time around I was expecting it to be pretty boring, but it wasn't.  I found myself just counting down the last six miles and enjoying the group I was running with.  Often for the second half of a half marathon, there are spots of loneliness.  Not today, there was always a runner by me.  It made the time tick away faster!  The puddles had grown, as the rain had picked up a lot!  It got to the point of just stomping through the puddles because it didn't matter anymore.  We were all soaked! At mile 12, there was a huge puddle!  I jumped right in...lol!  It wasn't that bad, but it was a big puddle!  I came around the the finish and was pleased with my time.  I managed 1st in my age group and got to run with some really awesome people!

I changed into some dry clothes and joined my husband and daughter for hot soup and rolls in the finish tent!  Uberthons had a couple nice tall heaters to warm up by and plenty of covered seating.

I'm looking forward to the rest of the Uberthons Half Series! Don't miss out, check them out today! Would love to meet you at the next Uberthons event!

My husband Jerry!  2nd in age group, 2nd masters finisher! 

Check out Uberthons here.
Find Uberthons on facebook here
 and Oregon Half Marathon Series here.
Follow Uberthons on Instagram here.

Follow me at ZaoFit, I would love to hear your running story!