I love this event! Portland events are always nice (I love the area!) and having live music is such a plus!
I decided long before the race that I wasn't going to push myself and end up hurt. I'm actually tired of being hurt - Imagine that! If I were properly training, pushing would be expected but since I'm not, I was out to enjoy the WALK and that's exactly what I did. Finishing in a certain amount of time was not part of my day's agenda. Enjoying myself and finishing was all that mattered. As a result, I had a GREAT time even in the POURING DOWN RAIN! :)
The day before the event was the expo and really, even though you go to pick up your bibs, the expo is ALL ABOUT SHOPPING! heh heh! Nanette and I really like that part! You can find some good deals, new ideas, plenty of supplements and of course, new additions to your wardrobe. This year we found rain jackets that we had to have because it was expected to rain (big surprise there, huh?) and because the color was awesome! I've never purchased a jacket with writing on it specific to a race but this one was a "must have". As it turned out, it was well worth the money - such a great jacket! We also bought some headbands - a first for me to wear... the jury is still out on whether or not I liked it... but fun, nonetheless.
When we showed up on race day, it was raining! (Real shocker!) There were over 7000 people doing the half and thousands more doing the 10k! It's a HUGE event! We lined up in our corral and waited ... and waited ... for our corral to get to the starting line, which was in excess of 30 minutes AFTER the race officially started. There are that many people. Amazingly, after going a couple of miles, the crowd thins out and you can comfortably do your own thing without worry about tripping over each other. Sounds crazy, and it is at times, but it works.
Nanette was feeling good and out to run her race so she went on ahead right after crossing the start line. My friend Cindy and I held back and walked. We walked the entire event (just jogged down a couple of hills) and really enjoyed our visit. I haven't seen Cindy in quite awhile so it was nice to catch up. We had 13.1 miles to do so! :)
The rain tapered off and for most of the walk and we were dry. It was cool and great walking weather. Then, all of a sudden, with two miles left to go, it DUMPED on us! Seriously, it P-O-U-R-E-D. We were SOAKED and we were LAUGHING and we were HAVING A GOOD TIME! We didn't hurry our pace and didn't worry... we just continued on our merry way.
Nanette met us at the finish line (she finished over 30 minutes ahead of us!). Cindy's husband was also there... he meets Cindy at the finish line of almost EVERY event she does! So sweet! Nanette finished in 2:54:09 - 13:18 per mile and Cindy and I finished in 3:29:27 - 15:59 per mile.
The rain stopped almost as soon as we did. Naturally! haha
I really enjoyed sharing the day with my friends! It felt good to smile and be active again, rain and all. :)
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| Lookin' lovely, I know! haha |
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| Cheers!! |
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