Calling All Walkers and Runners in Portland, Oregon!

Like to race? Like to give back to the running and walking community in Portland? Here's an opportunity just for you!
The folks at Terrapin Events, who put on a whole bunch of great races in the Portland area, are in need of volunteers for the 2018 My Muddy Valentine 5k Run!
Whether you can hand out water, pass out bids and T-shirts or can help on-course during the race, there's a slot for you.
And here's the cool thing about volunteering: They reward you! Yep. You don't just feel good about the supporting your fellow walkers and runners. Nope! You get a $50 voucher to use for any of Terrapin Events' races. (To name a few, there's Run Like Hell, Bridge to Brews Grateful Dad, Cinco de Mayo and so many more!)
To see all the opportunities, check out the Volunteer listings on Terrapin Events' website!

Cinco de Mayo Race Volunteers Needed!

Hi guys!
Calling all walkers and runners! Terrapin Events needs your help! They are looking for volunteers for the Cinco de Mayo race on 5/7 (and the day before) in Portland. You'll get a $50 voucher for volunteering. Plus enter "CCA" in "GROUP" when you sign up and they'll donate an additional $20 to the Children's Cancer Association.

Sign up here to volunteer!

Also, want to take part in Cinco de Mayo race? They've got 5k, 10k and half marathon distances available! Sign up here. Be sure to use coupon code AMB17TEAN to get 10% off your registration.  Note that you can also use this code to get a discount on Terrapin Events' other upcoming races as well! I personally can't wait to take part in this year's Grateful Dad race, as well as the Run Like Hell one. I'll be a first timer at both!

Review: 2016 Hop Hop Half

What: Hop Hop Half
Where: Portland
When: March 26, 2016
Distance: 5k (There was also a half marathon)

At the very last minute, I decided to do the Hop Hop Half, put on by Foot Traffic.
The. Very. Last. Minute.
It was at the urging of my running buddy (and maybe a little guilt that she was doing the half and I was doing nothing that day), that I decided to do the 5k.
I've wanted to do this one for a long time, but I'd been nervous about about time limits. Foot Traffic is really good about putting that information with their races s you know what to expect.
Time limits are ALWAYS in the back of my head. Hey, I am slow, people. There is nothing I hate more than being at the back of the pack and having a police car tail me as I finish. The extra pressure that adds just kind of freaks me out.
I shouldn't have been nervous at all for this one!
I was able to go slow and take my time. No added pressure of being tailed. YAY!  There was a friendly bicyclist who followed those of us in the back but there was no pressure at all to hurry it up. He knew we were all trying.

The 5K course was changed this year from previous years. Rather than the 5k heading up Marine Drive, we went the opposite direction. We went down 33rd. We turned down a street (I'm unsure of the name) but went up a trail and then turned out. It was a nice out and back jaunt. It was flat.
(By the way, my running "bunny" told me that our course was the same for the half marathoners. It was their first 5k... and then they shot up 33rd and toward Marine Drive.)
At the Finish Line, we were handed medals and water and energy drinks. 

What we got!
Everyone got a giant Easter Egg finisher's medal and a T-shirt.

We also received a Hop Hop Half glass (with Mimosa... yum!) and post race treats of scrambled eggs and a croissant, plus a cinnamon roll. There was also an Easter Egg decorating contest. We decorated our eggs at the very end and walked up and were each given complimentary bunny ears. That was fun!

Would I do it again?
You bet. I love the medal and sure enjoyed the atmosphere.

Review: 2016 Couve Clover Run

What: 2016 Couve Clover Run
Where: Vancouver
When: March 20, 2016
Distance: 3 mile (7 and 10 mile options were also available)

It is fair to say that most runners and walkers have bucket list items.
I have one too. Mine consists of races that just plain pique my interest. Maybe it's the gimmick, the location, what have you.
The Couve Clover Run was one of those "bucket list" races for me. There was something about it that sounded fun. Plus it was close to me and benefited the local community.

And gosh! The chance to dress up? Yep. I'm there! Wink!
It was my first time taking part in a race put on by the folks from WHY Racing Events.
Racers had the option of completing 3 miles, 7 miles or 10 miles. I selected the 3 mile option.
The race started promptly. Just prior to it, the organizers engaged the crowd with some stretching to music. Everyone seemed to have fun loosening up due to the pleasant nature of the stretch leader. I, myself, found myself thinking, "Is it really time to race? This is fun!"
The course route started in downtown Vancouver, went up Officer's Row, cut through the park and over the land bridge. If you were doing one of the longer distances, you went left and strolled down the Columbia River a bit. If you were like me, you went right.
We followed the river over a short distance to the Red Lion and then went north and worked our way back downtown.
I felt like it was a nice, friendly course. The only really significant incline was the land bridge over Highway 14.
As we worked our way toward the finish line, volunteers cheered us on along the way. There was also a fun group right before the finish line that held signs with inspirational phrases on them.
As we crossed the finish line, we received squeeze bottles of water, cans of coconut water and finisher's medals.
Not too long after the race, the folks from WHY Racing Events handed out age group medals and awards to top finishers. It was fun to hear how fast some of my fellow racers went. :) So speedy!

What we got!
Everyone got a finisher's medal and a T-shirt. There were also water bottles as you crossed the Finish Line for everyone.

The after race festivities featured lots of treats (fruit, soup, a Franz bread stick) and some other goodies. Also, the Main Event had Couve Clover Run glasses for the first 500 people to stop by. They'd fill up the glasses with beer for those 21+ and older.
Oh, and there was a costume contest. When I crossed the finish line, I was handed a bottle of Deschutes beer because they liked my costume! (Thank you! There was lots of hot glue and twine holding that rainbow together and on my head.)

Would I do it again?
Good heavens, yes! This was such a fun race. The course was really nice and the folks from WHY Racing Events were so friendly. They seemed to really care if we have a good time and were happy from the moment we arrived to when we left. It was just great.

Review: 2016 Luckython

What: 2016 Luckython
Where: Reserve Golf Course in Aloha
When: March 12, 2016
Distance: 5k

(Disclosure: Race Entry was comp'd, but words and thoughts are completely my own.)

Uberthons always puts on a good race and this was no exception.  

The 2016 Luckython once again was the Reserve Golf Course. I love this venue because (1) it's just totally nice, and (2) it's friendly to those who go fast and those who go slow.

 I had big plans to wear a costume, but with many days of rain leading up to race day (and rain expected on race day), I opted for the boring. I settled with an Irish-themed T-shirt and head band. The tutu and other Irish inspired custom pieces stayed home. (Insert: Sad Face... because costumes make it so much more fun, you know?!).

One cool thing about this year's race was the folks at Uberthons offered two start times - 8 a.m. and 9 a.m. I opted for the 8 a.m. time., just to have that extra time because I do go slow.

And this race proved to be an extra slow one for this girl. I'd been wrestling with some foot pains for awhile and have been taking lots efforts to get the foot back in a good place. 

I told myself for this race that it wasn't at all about time. It was just completing it... and not having a painful foot. 

So let's say that on both accounts, I was successful. But gosh it was slow going for me. I blame it all on my efforts to have a pain free foot but more my wimpiness at going through water puddles and slowing down at any sighting of even a spec of mud on the paved trail. As I said, wimpy girl is me!

The race course was completely paved, winding through the Reserve Golf Course. But it was a rainy (light) and windy day, resulting in water and some light mud in spots. I'm a wimp. I fully admit it. The thought of a face plant resulted in me really putting the brakes on and going really, really, really slow... and telling myself, "Self, let's just get this done. Don't fall. Just go. You can do it." Hee hee!

So it was slow. But I made it through the course, safe and sound... and face plant free (and also foot pain free).  And still had a good feeling at the end that I completed the course!  Can't beat that.

What we got:

A ticket to go through the Potato Bar after the race. Hello, baked potato goodness (+ fruit and water)!

And a finisher's medal. This year's finisher's medals from Uberthons are belt buckles too. You can wear them as a medal or use them as belt buckles. And if you are a speedy one, there pins for top finishers in all the age groups, as well as bonus medals for top overall finishers. 

Will I do it again?

You bet. Uberthons events are some of my favorites. I plan on taking part in them for a long time.

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: 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: 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: 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!

Review: 2015 Doggie Dash

What: Doggie Dash (for the Oregon Humane Society)
Where: Portland, Oregon
When: May 9, 2015
Distance: 5K and 1 1/2 miles

Just returned from my annual trek with M to the Doggie Dash, a fun walking and running event for canines and their humane companions. :)  It benefits the Oregon Humane Society.
I took part in this event with M, a small but mighty fluffy little dog, last year. It wore him out for two to three days, resulting in me deciding that it would an annual event for us both.
This is not a timed event and is fairly relaxed. There really are just thousands of dogs and people, walking (and running) around Portland's waterfront during the event.
They offer two distances - a traditional 5k that goes around the river and a shorter distance that keeps you on one side.
Because of my companions limitations (plus his abundance of fur ... and a fairly warm day), we opted for the shorter distance.

One of my favorite parts about the event is they hold a Doggie Dash Fair of sorts as part of the day each year. This is great opportunity for dogs to socialize and meet new friends. My canine partner's philosophy this year? Leave no rear unsniffed! ;) He exchanged sniffs with so many other dogs and was so, so happy. That was made the day totally worth it. And he even instigated playing with a few dogs, which usually it's other dogs instigating the playing with him. That was just great!
There are always a ton of great samples to pick up during the fair, as well as cool stuff to purchase. 

This picture doesn't show it all, but we came home with a bunch of foods, treats and goodies for M to try. He even got a few toys, a traveling water bowl and  K-9 seatbelt. We also received some treats and catnip to give to the neighbor kitties. Their owners were thrilled. 
A huge thank you to the generous vendors... and to the Oregon Humane Society for putting on such a fun event!
I definitely look forward to taking part in this event again with my canine buddy!  

Review: Biggest Loser Run Walk

What: Biggest Loser Run Walk 
Where: Everett, Washington
When: Oct. 12, 2014
Distance: 5K

This race has been on my bucket list since the 2013 one in Seattle. Just one I wanted to do.
So when they announced this year's race, I quickly signed up and announced to a couple of my friends up north that I was planning on making the trip for this event.

Lucky for me that a month or so before the race, my friends agreed to do it with me. It's always so much fun when you do it with friends.

My friend, B, and I went to packet pickup the day before. We really weren't sure many people the race would draw so we figured it would be our best bet. Plus, they said there was a race expo to check out.
Packet pickup was seamless, although, unfortunately, a volunteer had given my number out to someone else so I had to get a different number. Ask me how I know? Yeah. After the race I was checking out the results and saw my name (and hometown) and assigned race number ... and certainly not the time I completed in it. Someone had used my original bib. That disappointed me as we were supposed to show photo ID to pick up our numbers, which I did.

The expo was pretty tiny with a handful of vendors and a lot of talks. We didn't stick around any of talks, but we did quick tour of the booths. Enjoyed some some juice and bread samples.

On Race Day, we arrived at the location. We were told it was $2 to park, but we ended up finding a free parking spot and didn't have to pay. And bonus! We pretty much were parked right by the finish/start line.
My friend, P, had to pick up his packet that morning. It was a quick process, although there was a problem. They didn't have his requested shirt size, but they made it right by letting him pick out a different apparel item. Much appreciated.

The course itself was flat and fast and out and back. On a scale of 1 to 5 for difficulty, I'd rank it a 1. Not strenuous at all.
The course took us on a street right across from the Everett docks. We never left that street. We went up a ramp and then turned around and went our way back.

About halfway into the race, we were met by blaring music and by Biggest Loser contestant (and super nice guy) Jackson Carter. Jackson was super nice, giving high 5s and posing for pictures. There was also a water stop near by.

We were pretty slow to complete our 5K. So we were at the end of the pack of the 5k'rs but a bit ahead of most of the half marathoners. Bikers escorted the quickest half marathoners, telling us they were approaching so we could move to the side of the road for them and not worry about getting run over.

We made it to finish line and each received a finisher's medal, as well as water, a banana and bagel.

What we got:
A T-shirt, a nap sack (complete with some goodies, including vitamins, coupons and a few snacks) and a Finisher's Medal. There was one for the 5K and a special location-specific one for the Half Marathon.
We also had the opportunity to meet and get our pictures taken with a couple folks, who had appeared on the Biggest Loser show. At this race were Jackie and Dan Evans, Vinny Hickerson and Jackson.

Final thoughts:
It was a fun event. Definitely a super friendly race with nice folks. And definitely one that anyone could do... whether you've done a ton of races or are just doing your first one.
I'd consider doing this one again, although I'd love to do one that's closer to me than this one was.

Review: Red White and Blues

What: Red White and Blues
Where: Downtown Portland

When: July 6, 2014

Distance: 5K

I go slow so it's always a concern for me if I'm going to go too slow to fall within race time limits. So when I saw this race had a 10K, I figured it was a safe bet for me to do the 5k.

This race coincided with the Waterfront Blues festival so it started at the festival, went down and up the waterfront, across the river over the Burnside Bridge, next to the river and then back over the Hawthorne Bridge, where it ended at the festival.
The course was (mostly) flat, outside of crossing over the bridges.

I really enjoyed the course. I mean, it's good any time you can race in the daytime next to the water.
Everything went well, except just before the Hawthorne Bridge,  I stumbled on a sidewalk crack. I managed to catch myself, escaping injury. But I will admit that I felt some strong pain in my foot for a couple days afterwards.

At the end of the race, we were treated to some blues at the festival.

I think I took this picture about 8:30 a.m. ;)

What we got:

We received a t-shirt with our entry fee, as well as a goodie bag. We also received a really cool medal at the finish line, irregardless of how far we ran.

I must say that is probably one of my favorite race medals I've received!

Our race bibs included a ticket for a free beer or non-alcoholic beverage and free bottle of water.
I had heard some folks complain that they were limited to one bottle of water. Since I was wearing a water pack, it wasn't an issue for me. It was a hot day thought so I totally understood where they were coming from.

Final thoughts:
I can't wait to do this one again next year!