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: 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.