Monday, October 10, 2011

Portland Greatness Sneak Peek

I thought the Portland Marathon weekend would be cool because it was local, a big race with a great reputation, friends would be there and I wouldn't have to run in the blazing sun.

It was that and so. much. more! So much more that I'm giving it two separate blog posts, which is a rarity for me. I'm still processing what to write, so I'm helping myself by writing this little "teaser" of some of the weekend's highlights!
  • I met Jeff Galloway, got his autograph, had a photo taken with him and talked about how I was planning on using his run/walk/run method the next day since I was already having so much success with it.
  • I got to hear great stories about Steve Prefontaine from the people that actually knew him, which led to ....
  • I got a photo with Frank Shorter AND Steve's sister Neta. 
  • Neta was awesome! I was completely shocked when I was talking to a woman and she told me he was her brother. She was so cool. Okay - I'll save it for the "real" blog post.
  • Pre-race dinner was yummy!
  • I lived up to my reputation in more ways than one at this race.
    • Unable to eat before hand
    • Jazz hands, singing and pure delirium during the last 1/2 mile of the race
    • Finish line sickness
    • AND my first official visit to the med-tent
  • Not only did I achieve my goal for the race, I more than exceeded it and completely stunned myself!
  • The swag .... Holy cow, the swag.... shirtS, medal, coin, pendant, rose, Douglas Fir seedling, backpack, a space blanket .... Portland knows how to reward it's runners!
Right now I am just totally exhausted. I spent all of Sunday napping off and on and eating. This is the first time I've skipped swim class because I just really had to sleep. Plus my ankles are sore and my knee is stiff. I'm certainly feeling the run - and I'm loving it!

This exceeded my expectations and I'm hoping the high will stay with me as I prepare for the next race!

**Wait until you see the photos Biker Boy snagged during my moments of delirium. Seriously, they are so bad that I cannot wait to share them. Most would be embarrassed, but I think they really capture how I was feeling!**

Before we part, I'll leave you with the finish times of my 7 half marathons. You'll see that I am not consistent at all, that Disneyland was crazy long fun and that something big happened yesterday! (* indicates stopping for character photos)
  1. Disney's Princess Half Marathon:  2:50:12*    
  2. Corvallis Half Marathon:               2:43:29
  3. Eugene Half Marathon:                2:37:07
  4. Seattle R'n'R Half Marathon:        2:53:52
  5. Lacamas Lake Half Marathon:      3:01:34
  6. Disneyland Half Marathon:           3:35:34*
  7. Portland Half Marathon:               2:35:54

10 comments:

  1. You kick so much ass. I cannot wait to see pictures.

    Holy crap that's some awsome swag. TWO shirts???

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  2. TWO! One short sleeve shirt that you get with your backpack at the expo, then a long-sleeve shirt after you cross the finish line!

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  3. 1- congrats on a NEW PR!!!!
    2- Frank Shorter- thats awesome!!! Loved the article in Runner's World they did on him.
    3- anxious to see the photos- love when they really "capture the moment"

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  4. Congrats on your PR! Way to go!
    And, I'm looking forward to the pictures. Glad BB could be of some use to you during the race, haha.

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  5. You are awesome~ I want to be you when I grow up :P lol. Can't wait to see pics and the recap!

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  6. LOVE reading your blog!!! You seem like you really love life and you're blog always makes me laugh!! I would love for you to talk about the interval times you use!!! I just did my first half in Chicago (RnR in August) and used Galloways method and finished with a 2:53 - Would love to know what the "secret" interval is so I can break 2:45!!!!! :)

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  7. Thanks Allie! I'll be sure to put my interval info in the race recap just for you! :)

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  8. Congrats on your PR! I would have to agree... Portland sure knows how to reward its runners with swag. I just hope that the shirts fit better this year than they did last year. :)

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  9. You did it. You finally did what I knew you were capable of all along!

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Thanks for reading my little blog, your comments rock my compression socks!! ºoº