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.