Review: 2015 Halloweenathon

What: 2015 Halloweenathon
Where: Aloha, Or.

When: Oct. 31, 2015

Distance: 5k

My dad always loved Halloween. 

He was the guy who didn't dress up for Halloween, but he always started making plans for Trick or Treaters in mid September. Seeing the kids dress up and giving them treats was probably one of his most favorite things ever.

I always think of my dad on Halloween. It was a fun day. So I always try to do something fun with my dad in mind that day.

The Halloweenathon made for the perfect fun thing to do this year. 

Landing right on Halloween was a plus! And that it was put on by the spooktastic folks from Uberthons made it even a bigger plus. I always love Uberthons' events. They are some of the most family-friendly... and slow moving folks-friendly... in the Portland area. 

Plus you got to wear a costume! Hello, fun! Hello, dress up! At the last minute, like the night before the run, I whipped together a sad looking Wonder Woman-inspired costume. Not the most awesome, but it did the trick. Made me feel like a kid again and made the experience even more fun!

This year's race was back at the Reserve. Last year's race was supposed to be there, but it got moved at the last minute due to to a scheduling conflict. I am sure glad it was back. The Reserve course is one my favorites (even though it's got some ups and downs) because it's completely paved. No mud. Last year, my shoes were a muddy mess.

This year, you could run for time or you could run mostly for fun and take part in a number of challenges along the way as part of the Run For Your Bones II challenge. The challenges looked like they were a lot of fun, but I make no bones (ha.... get it) about being slow. The first few I passed had lengthy lines when I went by so I decided to just bypass them and keep going. 

At the Finish Line, our names were read as we crossed over the sensors. We were handed our medals and treated to high 5s by Darwin from the Uberthons team. Thanks, Darwin. I sure appreciate your encouragement.

What we got:

A big honkin' Uberthons medal. Always so fun! This one has a blinking light. There were also pins for top age-group finishers. (And because this was a Halloween race, there was a costume contest and prizes given for that.)

We were also treated to a trip down the Uberthons Nacho bar after the race. Chips, cheese, beans and a lot of other tasty fixings! ;) 

Final thoughts:

Like always, Uberthons did not disappoint! Their races are always well put together, family-friendly and friendly to speedy folks and slow folks. I appreciate that a lot! Looking forward to the next Uberthons event!

Review: Rock 'n' Roll Vancouver

What: Rock 'n' Roll Vancouver
Where: Vancouver, BC

When: Oct. 24, 2015

Distance: 10K (Half Marathon races available the next day too)

This was a bucket list item of sorts for me this year.

After completing both Portland and Seattle Rock 'n' Roll runs this year, a trip to Vancouver meant the opportunity to score a bonus medal from the Rock 'n' Roll series. Whatever the distance, if you completed all three stops, you could score a Cascadia medal.

When I mentioned that I was thinking of going, my running buddy's ears perked. I was just going for the Cascadia medal as I am just mostly a short distance girl. But she completes a lot of half marathons in the RNR Series and would qualify for even more medals by going, including the coveted World Rocker medal, so a road trip we planned. ;)  

My pal signed up for the half marathon and the 10k. I just did the 10k.

The 10k happened on Saturday, while the half was the next day. I am slow. She is speedy. Usually, I assume my spot at the back of the pack and say, "I'll meet you the finish line. Good luck!"

She decided this time to go slow with me as she was doing the half the next day as well.

Because this run happened the week before Halloween, we were encouraged to wear costumes. I decided to be a "crazy" American and dressed in red, complete with a tutu and visor. The white and blue came in the form of dollar store pompoms and an assortment of stars and tulle bows (on the back of my hydration pack and on my visor and shoes). My pal was the patriotic M&M! ;) 

The course was flat and fast. It was along Vancouver's Seawall.

When a visiting Canadian friend of mine mentioned before the race to me it was along the Seawall, I must admit that I wasn't that impressed. I figured it would be like Portland where there's water. You walk and run by the water but you deal with traffic too.  Boy, it was sure not like that all. It was dream!

The Seawall has a path for walking and biking. No cars. It literally takes you right along the water and beach. The whole 10K was impressive with beautiful views of the water, sand and the city in the background. 

It was very flat. Let's be honest: I'm a total weanie when it comes to hills. If there were hills, I feel they weren't noticeable. At one point, a runner quipped as she went by me that she was so happy that we were going downhill at that point. Immediately, the thought passed through my head, "If that was a hill, this is my dream race." Hee! 

One thing the RnR series does so well is provide live music along the course. There wasn't really an abundance of music during this race, but there was some. I particularly got a kick out of the Elvis act toward the end. I regret not stopping for a quick selfie with him, but at that point, my mind was focused on reaching the Finish Line so Elvis and I simply exchanged high 5s as I buzzed by him.

What we got:

Of course, we got a medal. The RnR series is great at having opportunities to earn bling and bonus race bling. For completing the Portland and Seattle races as well, we received a bonus "Cascadia" medal.

Runners who completed both the Vancouver 10k and the half marathon received a special Vancouver RnR spinner medal. Also, if you completed a half marathon in the USA previously and the half in Vancouver, you could bring home a World Rocker medal. (And there was also the opportunity to earn those awesome heavy medals for those taking part in the half marathon. For my running buddy, it was RnR Half #9 this year! For real!)

Besides the bling, we received a tech shirt. And we received coupons for a free beer in the Beer Garden after the race.

Final Thoughts:

It was so fun! It was a lot of work completing three runs to get the bonus medal, but I'm so glad I took part! Also, big props to Lisa, an RnR Ambassador for Vancouver. I remember talking to her in Portland about the run. She made me want to take part, just because of her enthusiasm. I had never met her before but she definitely made an impression on me. I saw her at the race during the weekend talking to other runners and giving high 5's to folks as they came in on Sunday after the half marathon. I've done a lot of runs and rarely have I seen a race ambassador take such an active row aole in cheering other runners on (even us slow folks) and be so involved. Thanks, Lisa, for your excitement!

Review: Crawfish Crawl

What: Crawfish Crawl
Where: Tualatin

When: Aug. 1, 2015

Distance: 5K (10k + Half Marathon races available too)

I signed up for the Crawfish Crawl mostly because a couple of my running/walking friends said they were planning to do it. They made it sound like it would be fun so I was all, "Ok. I'll give it a go."

Knowing the course was somewhat similar to the Rum Run helped too. I had really enjoyed the jaunt to Cook Park when I took park in that event so I figured it'd be a win so I signed up.

The race started near Tualatin Commons, just down at the way the Crawfish Festival. It took us up the trail to Cook Park and through Cook Park and back. (I took part in the 5k. There was also a 10K and a half marathon.)

The course was relatively flat. And while the trail to Cook Park is fairly narrow, the HTC Race Series folks helped keep it orderly with lots of volunteers along the way and cones that broke the trail into two lanes. This was great because it made for easy passage and also easy mingling with folks not taking part in the race but on the trail. 

To add to the fun, this race also had a costume contest. Me and my running pal? Yeah. We dig that costume thing and both decided to give it go. I crafted together a crawfish costume with a visor (complete with big eyes and crawfish antennae and an "Eat Chicken" sign) while my buddy work full-on crawfish costume. 

We weren't really sure how the judging worked. Turns out it was at the end of the race, after all the speed winners were announced. We waited... and waited... and waited. We went up (with one other costume wearer) to the stage. And they said we all won.  I am pretty sure they pretty much made our whole month!  ;) We each came home with a bottle of wine, headphones and a Crawfish Crawl glass (similar to the ones all the age group time winners received).

What we got:

Of course, there was a fantastic Finisher's Medal.

We also received a goodie bag with a snacks and coupons for local businesses. And we got an orange Tech shirt. And we got a coupon for a free drink (non alcoholic) and a free alcoholic drink (beer or wine).

Final Thoughts:

For the costume contest alone, I will be back next year! ;) 

Review: Twilight Half

What: Twilight Half
Where: Vancouver Lake

When: July 11, 2015

Distance: 5K (10k + Half Marathon races available too)

Saturday was a great day for taking part in a foot race.

After what felt like weeks of hot, hot, hot temps (ok, I might be bending the truth a little but it sure has been hot), the weather was perfect for running and walking. Not too hot and not too cold. In the upper 70s. It was just right to take part in the first every Twilight Half festivities.

I had thought about signing up for the 10K, but I decided just to go with the 5k.

This event, organized by Good Sport Promotion, happened at Vancouver Lake. It was the perfect location. Lots of parking and super flat course. We basically went up a roadway near the lake and then up a trail. The trail was paved and out and back. 

One of the things I really liked about the trail was is nice and wide so you didn't feel like you are going to collide with people going the opposite direction. There was also ample room to pass other walkers and runners. I really appreciated that.

What we got:

A glow-in-the-dark T-shirt and flashlight, as well as an owl medal. I must admit that this medal is probably one of my favorites that I've received.

No matter what distance you ran (or walked), you got the same medal.

There were also coupons attached to our bibs for a free burrito and a free glass of beer or wine.

Final thoughts:

If you are thinking about taking part in the Vancouver USA marathon or half marathon, this would be a great race to train on. You cover some of the same terrain those who do the marathon cover. Also, if you are a slower mover, this is a good race to take part in. Sign up for one of the shorter distances. Since the half marathon is happening, you are able to really take your time getting through the course. 

Review: 2015 Red White & Blues

What: Red White & Blues
Where: Downtown Portland

When: July 5, 2015

Distance: 5K (10k race was available too)

It was no question whether I'd sign up again when I saw registration for this year's Red White & Blues race open up. It was pretty much done upon learning it was open. 

Like last year, there were two distance options (5k and 10k). I opted for the 5k in order to give myself a little extra room to take my time.

The 5k course was one loop. The 10k course was 2 loops.

The course was right along the Portland waterfront. It started and finished near the fountain. The course took us up Naito Parkway, over the Morrison bridge, up and down Water and then over the Hawthorne bridge to the Finish Line. It was relatively flat other than over the Morrison bridge and then going up the ramp to the Hawthorne bridge.

My favorite part was the Finish Line. Ok, and let's just be real for a minute: Who doesn't love the Finish Line? He he! 

What was cool was it ended right at the fountain on the Waterfront. So being a hot day and all, if you desired, you could have run through it. I resisted ... but, boy, was I tempted. ;) Of course, not seeing any other adults doing it, I figured I should hold off. But still... wink. 

What we got:

Each participant received a Finisher's Medal and flag at the Finish Line.  

We also received a race shirt and some assorted goodies (a Franz pie, chips of some sort, beef jerky, a Clif bar and some papers with special offers from places in the local area. 

We also received two coupons attached to our bib to redeem at the Finish Line. One was for a beer or wine and other other for water or a soda.

Final thoughts:

If you are looking for a stress free 5k to take part in, this is a great one!  You get the whole experience of a timed race, but you have the comfort of knowing that a 10k is happening at the same time so that time is built into the race. That way it's OK if takes you a little longer to get it done.

Review: Freedomthon

What: Freedomthon

Where: Beaverton, Ore.

When: July 4, 2015

Distance: 5k

2015 marked the second time I've completed the Freedomthon.

I am a fan of all things Uberthons so it didn't take much to get me to sign up again.  It went a little like this: "4th of July? Yep. I'm there."

What I love about Uberthons is they offer family-friendly races that have a competitive edge for those who desire that but they also offer an atmosphere for people like myself who go slow but really just want to get out there and complete the race no matter how long it takes them. I appreciate that they offer that for us who just want to do it. I also appreciate that they encourage folks no matter what they want out of their personal race experiences.

This year's race was in downtown Beaverton. We started right by the library and then worked way up to Western where we turned back. It is a very flat course, but enjoyable. It on the city streets all the way. (No trail! Yay! Sometimes I crave that.)

I went really slow (like almost ridiculously slow) this time. Even though the race started at 7:30 a.m., it was supposed to be a hot day. I told myself ahead to just take my time and not push it. Not push it I did. (Wink!)

Not too far from Finish Line some volunteers handed up flags so we could carry one over the Finish Line. That was such a nice touch for the 4th of July! I liked that a lot. 

What we got:

Each of us received a Finisher's Medal. It, just like all Uberthons medals, did not disappoint! It's huge... and pretty.

I can't remember the cut off date, but if you signed up by a specific date, your name would be engraved on the back of the medal. I made the cut off. My running buddy didn't. We were both pleased with our medals... name or not.

We also received a ticket for breakfast. Breakfast consisted of pancakes, sausage and fruit. It was rather hearty... and yummy!

Final thoughts:

This race is pretty much on my "must do" list every year. Family-friendly, not over-the-top and just plain enjoyable. Two thumbs up.

Review: Bigfoot Fun Run

What: Bigfoot Fun Run

Where: Yacolt, Wa.

When: June 28, 2015

Distance: 5k

My running buddy stumbled on this race and asked me if I'd be up for the challenge. I wasn't really sure I'd been ready for another event right after the big half marathon six days earlier, but three miles seemed so short that I decided to do it.

The race started right in downtown Yacolt, near City Hall. We snaked out way through the downtown and then worked our way up one road turned around and then began working our way back, turning up another road until we hit a turnaround and then made the final return back to the Finish Line.

The course was nice. It was paved roads all the way. The road was marked with signs that warned motorists that runners were road the road.There were a few cars that passed us, but the motorists were cautious as they passed us.

The course was scenic and pretty. Most of it was in the country so you just got to enjoy the elements. It a hot day (temps in the 100s) though so I put a little bit of mental pressure on myself to hurry it and get this race done. ;)  And while it was a super slow race for me, it could have been a lot slower without that extra pressure... wink.

At the Finish Line, we were met some race volunteers, as well as Bigfoot. Everyone gave us high 5's and cheered as we crossed the line. 

There was an awards ceremony at the end where they gave the top finishers in the 5k (as well as the 10k) trophies. There was also water and bananas and oranges for all participants.

The race was part of a larger day of activities in Yacolt with a parade that followed the run, as well as fireworks at dusk. Had it not been so hot, I likely would have stuck around a little longer.

What we got:

Everyone who took part got a finisher's medal, as well as a cotton T-shirt with Bigfoot on it. 

Final thoughts:

Small, local races are sure enjoyable and this one was no exception. If you are looking for a nice, stress-free, pleasant run or walk to add to your line-up, check out the Bigfoot Fun Run.

Review: Half Marathon during the Vancouver USA Marathon

What: Vancouver USA Marathon 

Where: Vancouver, WA

When: June 22, 2015

Distance: Half marathon - 13.1 miles

I did something I never ever ever ever thought I'd do this last weekend: I took part in a half marathon. And guess what? I'll completed it! Sure. It was my goal, but I must admit that doubt monster inside me hit a few weeks before the event. My knees were shaking.

So before I say more, I should tell you the back story about how I ended up signing up for this half marathon. It was this time last year that I volunteered to help out during the Vancouver USA Marathon. I was there on race day, helping hand out race packets, T-shirts and numbers to folks who couldn't make it the packet pickup.

As I watched the marathon runners and then the half runners take off, I saw people like me taking off too. They weren't all running. They were walking, just with the goal to get it done.

And it was also there that I learned there was a 5 hour limit for the half marathon and a 7 hour limit for the marathon. Many of the half marathons I considered in the past were a lot less generous with a time limit. I thought, "You know, 5 hours?! Hmm. I might be able to do that."

And so I signed up.

I must admit that I had such great plans to train. Life totally got in the way so my training plan really became my line-up of 5Ks and 10ks (and for fun walks), but at least I had that.

So after months and months of waiting (and getting ready), Race Day came on Sunday.

I got there about 20 minutes before the start so I could meet up with my race buddy to hand off her bib to her, pose for a couple pictures together and then head to the start line. 

We took took off fairly quickly after we lined up, giving me no time to chicken out. Believe me, the thought was there. I posted a quick picture online for my friends from afar (who knew of my crazy plan to do the half) to see we were taking off. (Thanks, guys, for the encouragement!)

Just as we started, my race buddy told me to not push it. Start off slow. Take it slow. So I did.

I was slow alright. I was right near the end of the pack from the start.

We whipped through downtown Vancouver and then through a nearby neighborhood. As we started into the neighborhood, the half course merged with the marathon course. 

The neighborhood part was on my favorite parts because of some the residents came out and cheered folks as they passed. One gentleman had a hose and offered to mist runners as they passed by.

I kept thinking early on, "How am I possibly going to do this? Why am I doing this? Why?"

Then I started looking at my phone periodically realized I was making decent time. Shock. Mile 2, Mile 3 and Mile 5. I might get it done in 4 hours.

It was about Mile 4 when I thought, "I can do this. ____ doubts." (You can fill in that blank.)

So there I was all fired up that I could do it.

I hit Mile 5. And then I hit 6. Six is what I remember to be hilly on the way the overpass that would take us over Highway 14 and back toward the Finish Line.

I slowed down. A lot.

I found myself saying, "Regroup. Regroup! You are not crazy. You can do this."

By the time Mile 8 hit, it was starting to get toasty warm outside. And I slowed down even more. 

It wasn't bad early in the day, but once afternoon hit, it was just plain hot. For me, that (+ a few hills) was a recipe for supreme slowness. 

I managed to pull it off though by just going slow, particularly during the last two miles.

I stopped sporadically whenever I hit a shady spot. Not because I was dying from taking part, just really that I wanted to cool down a little. It was the only way I was going to get through it.
The final hill, which took us up toward the entrance to Officer's Row, definitely was my slowest moment of the whole race. I got energized though when a gent from Energy Events drove by, telling me the course was nearing time of closure but I was so close and almost to the end. He assured me I'd finish, get my medal and was soooo, soooo close. Oh yes, and there was a water station just steps away! ;) 
So I sped up, went over another overpass, crossed the street and took a right and then a left and walked right down that Finish Line. It really was close.
The coolest parts at the end was (1) one of the folks from Energy Events congratulated me and it was so sincere and (2) Bart Yasso, running extraordinaire, called out my name as I crossed the Finish Line. Oh yeah, and I loved that the person who handled me my medal was a soldier. In that moment, I didn't care about the medal or the 13.1 miles I'd come. I just thanked her for her service!  
Of course, after that, I grabbed some water and headed to the snack area for races. I picked up a banana, apple and bottle of Gatorade and headed to the nearest bench and just enjoyed the sunlight for awhile, as well as the satisfaction that I'd actually pulled this off. Oh, and I texted my buddy and a friend (who was on standby in case I totally collapsed during the race) to say I'd made it.
It was slow... and slow... and slow...  experience, but dang it. I'm so glad to have had the opportunity to have attempted it. I appreciate Energy Events so much for having a race that makes it possible for a slow mover like myself to have a chance to enjoy that satisfaction others get from completing half marathons. Thank you, Energy Events. 

What we got:

Of course, there was a finisher's medal at the Finish Line. This was the 5 year anniversary of the marathon so this year's medals were inspired by that first one.

Isn't she lovely?

At packet picket, we received a really cool, lightweight T-shirt and a reuseable tote bag with a bunch of promotional swag, including a Jamba Juice cowbell + a coupon for a free small Jamba Juice, deodorant, a Showerpill body wipe, a Clifbar, a packet of Fruit Crunch from Mariani, Belvita Biscuits, a sample of Shave Secret and more. 

Here's a taste of what was there.  

 

I really liked getting a real T-shirt. I've taken part in so many races lately where I received Tech Shirts. While they are nice, it's nice to have a shirt you can wear in general and not just when working out.

Final thoughts:

I said never again before I did this one. Yeah, well. I'm thinking already about the next half I'll do. But maybe not for a long while.

Review: 2014 Turkeython

(Note: I wrote this ... gasp... last year... and realized I never posted it. Late is better than never they say so I'm posting it now.. Wink!)

What: Turkeython - 2014
Where: Beaverton, OR

When: Nov. 27, 2014

Distance: 5K

When I first got into the race thing, I researched and researched (and researched) the different events in the local area, looking for ones that were friendly toward (1) novices and (2) slow folks.
I kept coming back to Uberthons' website, thinking that it sounded like it might be a good fit for a person like me. At some point, I pulled my "I can do this" trigger and signed up for my first Uberthons event, the 2013 Halloweenathon. I've been a regular at their events ever since.

This year's race was in a new location, Bridgeport Village.

I had planned to pick up my bib number at one of the two packet pickup events before the race, but life got in the way and I had to pick it up the morning of. It was no problem. There were plenty of volunteers manning the check-in table so I was to walk right up and get my number.

We started the race by looping through Bridgeport Village and then went out on the city streets and wound our ways through the neighborhoods near the shopping center.
The course was fairly flat, although there was one small incline. I'm not much of a hill lover so I definitely found myself going a little slower at that part of the race.

One nice thing about this race was parking was not an issue. Because it happened on Thanksgiving, we were able to park in the parking garage without a problem. Now, it did take a little while to get out after the race because so many people wanted to leave at the same time, but what can you do? Turn on your holiday music and take your time.


What We Got:
The most awesome medal. It's stinking huge!
This for me completed year's worth of medals from Uberthons. I competed in all but two of their 2015 events.

Water and snacks at the end too!

Final Thoughts:
You can bet I'll be back for more next year. Uberthons always puts on a great race. They are family friendly events, well run and not too big. I appreciate that a lot!

Review: Seattle Rock 'n' Roll 8k

What: Seattle Rock 'n' Roll 8K  

Where: Seattle
When: June 12, 2015
Distance: 8k

Just completed the first ever 8k race held during the Rock 'n' Roll Seattle Half Marathon and Marathon weekend.

This is my first time trying out the Seattle Rock 'n' Roll event. While it's a short distance, the hills of Seattle + the time limits the half marathon have made me resist giving it a try.

When the RnR series added an 8k this year, I gave a little thought... and then right after the Portland event, I took the plunge and decided to give it a go.

The course started and began at the Seattle Center pretty much right by the Space Needle. It pretty much went straight downtown to Pioneer Square and then turned back. There was some hill action, but it wasn't too crazy. Shortly after we turned back, we made a few turns and ended up heading back via the top deck of the Viaduct. It was pretty cool to look to the left and see the water. We went up a bit of a hill after that and through a really long tunnel. It wasn't too hot out so it was pretty bearable, but I have a feeling it might have been uncomfortable in the tunnel if it'd been too hot.
We made a few more turns, hit a small hill and then it was a pretty straight shot to the Finish Line.

I was struck by the number of people along the course who were cheering for the participants. It was pretty cool at the end to have so many people there, waiting and cheering as we made our way in.

I certainly didn't break any speed records, but I was pleased to not have to stop once along the way... and to not have a pace car behind me. (Wink!) 
I also loved that throughout this race we were mixed with the half marathoners and marathoners. The 8K course was shorter (of course), but we followed the same route these folks did. I really loved that... and appreciated the inspiration during the race from those going the longer distances.

After the run, we were treated to a concert. This year's headliner was Mudhoney.

What we got:

Like all RNR races, we received a t-shirt, a plastic nap sack, a finisher's medal and free beer and an assortment of snacks and drinks after the race.

(The medal for this year's 8k)

Final thoughts:

I'd do this one again. Very much enjoyed it and appreciated the shorter distance being made available.
Definitely need to budget in for parking too. While the race admission wasn't bad, we spent $40 over two days for parking. ($20 for the race expo and $20 for parking at the Seattle Center). Plus, we had to be in the garage on race day by 6 a.m. as the roads were closed off after 6 a.m.

Review: Run for Life

What: Run for Life 
Where: Lacamas Lake
When: June 6, 2015
Distance: 1.2 miles

The location of this walk (love the lake) and that I could get there without getting up at 5 a.m (as I live fairly close) totally lured me into signing up for the 2015 Run for Life.
This event consisted of a 1.2 mile walk, as well as a 5K run and 10k run. Knowing how hilly the area is around the lake, I decided to go with the short distance this time. 
And a wise move that proved to be as I found myself really taking my time, going up the hills (and down them) and really just enjoying the views of the lake the trail presented.

I mean, you just can't go wrong with views like this. :) 
This event benefitted Pathways, a local non-profit pregnancy resource center. Folks could get sponsors to make donations to Pathways. They could also just pay to register and take part. 

What we got: 
Registration costs included Run for Life Swag bag (a drawstring nap sack with a "Pathways" bracelet, a Jamba Juice bell that could be turned into Jamba Juice for a free smoothie, some coupons for local businesses and information about Pathways), as well as an event T-shirt.

Everyone who took part also received a wooden finisher's medal on race day.

Final thoughts:
It's always fun to take part in a race that supports local folks. If you are local to Lacamas Lake, I'd totally recommend taking part in this one. While I did the short distance this year, I might consider a longer distance if I did it again. Although I sure loved being able to take my time and enjoy the view. 

Review: 2015 Rock 'n Roll Portland 10K

What: 2015 Rock 'n Roll Portland Half Marathon and 10K
Where: Downtown Portland
When: May 27, 2015 
Distance: 10K

This was my second time taking part in the Portland Rock n' Roll 10k. I signed up last year at the race expo, even before completing the 10k the first time. It was a leap of faith at the time, but I was sure glad after I finished that first race that I decided to give it a go again. 

I got off to a bad start this year.

The Start Line for the 10k was different than the Half Marathon. The half started about 30 minutes earlier so I decided to see my running buddy take off. Well, just as she was about to take off, a kind half marathoner spotted my 10K bib and said, "Did you know your race is starting down there?" A quick "OMG! and thank you!" and a quick jaunt down the Waterfront to my start line started the race for me. 

I ended up in the very back of the pack. I had a couple minutes to regain my composure and then we were off. I don't usually mind being at the back of the pack because... you know... I may be slower than most but I'm still doing the distance. No shame in that. But it kinda freaked my mind out with a police officer tail car right on my tail so early in the race. I feel like pushed myself a little too hard early on because of that. 

A mile or so in, I regained my composure and pushed ahead so that I wasn't the very last one and didn't have the tail car right on me. It did a lot for my brain. Pretty much everything was smooth sailing at that point. 

The course was different than last year. This year, the half marathon went one direction, and the 10k went the opposite. Now I get that it helped with congestion (and kept slowpoke 10K'rs from clogging the way for speedy half marathoners). 

But I must admit that I sure missed crossing paths with the half marathon folks and looking for familiar faces I've seen at other races (as well as friends taking part in the race). There's just something about making your way down the course and seeing a familiar face and hearing the "YAY!!!!!" yell... or getting a big hug mid-race.

Half marathoners went over two bridges. We went over three (Hawthorne, Steel and Morrison). And we went over the Steel bridge twice.

One of the cool things about the RnR series is they have entertainment along the course so there was some music along the way. Plus they always have a concert at the end. The headliner for the Finish Line concert this year was Portugal. The Man. They were pretty fantastic. I can't remember who last year's headliner was. :)   

What we got: A race-specific tech shirt, a plastic drawstring bag (handy for bag checking your stuff during the race) and a race specific Finisher's Medal. Our bib included a ticket for a free beer after the race. At the Finish Line, we received several samples: chocolate milk, bagel, some popcorn treats, Gatorade and water. 

(These were the half medals)

(And here is the 10k one. Our ribbon was Airport Carpet inspired, but it was blue rather than green)

Prior to the race, at the Race Expo, there were several vendors offering samples (as well as ones selling stuff) and a number of photo opportunities.

I didn't pay a great deal of attention at who else was at the race after the race, but the folks from Chobani where near the concert stage, handing out free samples of yogurt, and folks from Jimmy John's were giving out sandwiches.

  

Final thoughts: I was ready to sign up to do it again at the Expo this year, but the RnR folks were still working out details with the city. When registration opens, you can bet I'll do it again.

Review: 2015 Rum Run

What: 2015 Rum Run from Energy Events
Where: Tualatin Commons
When: May 24, 2015
Distance: 5K

Just returned from the 2015 Rum Run. 
I hadn't planned to take part in this event, but the stars aligned (aka: my weekend was free and I had a free race coming to me after volunteering a couple times for Energy Events) so I decided to give a go.
The race started and ended at Tualatin Commons, which (1) is a great place to start with a pretty waterway smack dab in the middle of the Commons and (2) lots of parking. 
The race course took us just up the way from the Commons and to Cook Park and back.
What I dug was it was a really scenic and pretty course. Lots of vegetation, water and just nice stuff to look at it as you made your way through the course. Much of the course was paved, although there were a few spots in Cook Park where we went onto the trail. I'd say maybe 20% (if that) is how much trail racing we did to pavement racing.
The course didn't have a lot of hills or elevation. It was mostly flat. 
Of course, me being slow (and OK with it) was at the back of the pack. :) No worries. For me, it's about getting it down... not trying to be first.
My one frustration was it was bit crowded on the paved part of the course at times. Because I'm usually toward the end, I end up going slow. However I found myself wanting to pass a few of my fellow walkers at one point and couldn't for some time because there were runners 2 and 3 up heading back to the finish line, making it a challenge to actually make a quick pass. Not the end of the world, but passing a fellow racer is something I rarely experience at my slow speed. 
There was also a quick racer with stroller (coming the opposite direction who wasn't paying attention) that veered clear onto the right side of the path where I was. I ended up jumping off the trail quickly to avoid being hit and quickly not back on. Not the end of the world, but a bit startling for a second! ;) 
Overall, I actually love out and back courses like this. It's fun to cheer on those who are faster.... and seeing familiar faces of people I see time and time again at the races. And, bonus, I got to see my friend and her hubster too on their return trip to the Finish Line! It was great to give my friend a high 5!

Me and a friend at the start line!

The course ended near where it began in the Tualatin Commons. Our names were called out as we crossed the Finish Line and we were handed Finisher's Medals, which serve double duty as really, really, really big Kracken Rum bottle openers. 
There were a number of vendors and tents at the finish line with some samples and freebies and some items for sale. And, of course, there was the alcohol area. Each of us received a ticket for Mojito and a beer attached to our bibs.
The lines for drinks after the race were a bit long. I had planned to guzzle (... just putting it out there...) down a Mojito after the race. (I had handed off my beer ticket to a friend before the race because I only had one drink in me.) I ended up at the back of the line (about 20 back) and waited about 10 minutes. The line did not move so I decided my Mojito could wait until another day and handed my ticket for it to someone else and headed home.

What we got:
At packet pick-up, we received a Rum Run shirt and a bag with several handouts about upcoming races and one about a local store that carries Kracken Rum, a Clif Bar , a sample of Speed Stick and a package of Belvita bars. Our bibs had tickets for a free Kracken Spiced Rum Mojito and beer after the race. Also, at the Finish Line, we received a finisher's medal (a huge bottle opener)! 

The Finisher's Medal for the 2015 Rum Run

Final thoughts:
I'd do this race again without hesitation. It was just a pleasant race with really nice scenery. Few hills too, which this slow girl likes a lot. Energy Events always puts on a good, well-organized and fun event. I'm pretty sure I'll sign up right away to do it again next year. And the medal was just icing on the cake! Thank you, Energy Events!