Columbia Gorge Half Marathon

Today Stacy and I walked the Columbia Gorge Half Marathon in Hood River, Oregon. (We missed you, Ginger!!) Stacy did this half last year and told me how much she loved it so I jumped at the opportunity to discover something new out there, knowing the scenery would be awesome!

Hood River is a rural city located in the heart of the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area between Mt. Hood and the Columbia River, approximately 60 miles east of Portland, Oregon. It took us a little over an hour to get there from Vancouver. It poured down rain the entire way and I just knew we were in for a very wet walk. Luckily, the rain stopped as soon as we arrived and it just drizzled a few times during the walk.  Perfect.

We went into this walk knowing we weren't there to beat any previous records and were just going to enjoy each other's company and the scenery. Even on a cloudy/rainy day, the Gorge is absolutely beautiful.





 

Both of us were having "shoe issues" and needed to stop and fix our laces numerous times. With my newly added inserts, my shoes fit differently than before so I knew today would be a time of adjusting the laces to get that perfect fit. It took several tries and many miles before I found the comfort I was looking for. The inserts helped a lot and honestly, my heel did not hurt the entire time. My arch on my right foot suffered a bit because of the unfamiliar pressure under it but I knew that was not a problem and was something I would eventually get used to. Not having the heel pain with every step I took was MAJOR improvement for me. Do I dare believe these inserts are going to solve my foot problems?! Damn, I hope so.

We started at the Hood River Marina Lawn (water level). After a short trip through town, we hit the Historic Columbia River Highway State Trail (interesting info if you click on it) and went UP into the beautiful trees. What a great time of the year to be walking this trail with all the spectacular fall colors!

We could see the Columbia River almost the entire time. I always think about how tiny we (people) actually are on this earth when I see scenes in nature like this. The Columbia River Gorge is amazing! 

 

 

Look how small the cars are on the highway below.

Remember... we started down there!

There is a house on that island - how cool would that be?!

Of course the wind is always blowing through the Gorge

so crazy hair just comes with it! ;)

I loved the tunnels!

 

 

These were a couple Halloween characters cheering us along!

(creepy, is what they were!)

 

 

We did it!

We received handmade ceramic medals made

by a local artist in Hood River. Awesome!

It was another great day on another great course! And before you ask... I set another PR! Yes I did! This PR is extra special too... it is my Personal Record SLOWEST walk ever! haha We had a great walk and didn't care about time at all. Pictures and conversation (and shoe adjustments!) were top priorities. It was such a wonderful day!

13.1 miles in 3:50:16, averaging 17:34 minute miles. I loved it. ;)