Portland Marathon - RunMarathon

Well, I was a bit concerned about this race. I had started a 12 week cycle class the week before so I had 2 pretty decent rides during the taper week. I also started swimming again and had a new running clinic on Sat before the race! Not the taper one should be doing for a marathon. My longest run was cut from 22 to 16 due to humidity. So, wasn't sure how this one was going to go. I am a run/walker and had trained with a one mile run / 1 min walk. In a 1/2 marathon a few weeks prior I had changed my plan to run 5 minutes at a 10:30 pace then 1 min walk and nailed the 1/2. So....was going to try that strategy for the marathon, but knowing the prior week I gave myself permission to have a little break and keep under 11:30 for my 5 minute run.

We got up...and oh the rain and wind was all we could see. YUCK and oh what to wear?!?! I went with Arm warmers and my maniac shirt and of course my fancy pants. I also opted to carry my own gatorade and gel...thank goodness! Decided...no hr monitor didn't really care what my HR would be just going to focus on the pace. We donned our garbage bags and off we went to the corrals.

Lisa/Diana dropped me in my corral. I promptly went under an awning to keep as dry as I could...and waited. Finally the corals started to move. As we passed a corral, I ran to the NO LINE porta potty in the now empty coral. :) YEAH me. Got done and was able to get back as the next coral was coming by.

We passed the start line and I was off! I opted not to turn on my ipod right away. there was enough stimulation I didn't need more. Bands, people, lots of people...bands and RAIN...and more rain. I was feeling ok. Kind of watching my time, but not stressing too much. I hear - is that Ann Sloan ?? Yep, two girlfriends spotted my 'fancy pants'. I chatted a bit with Erna and Elizabeth and then headed on my way. In my own zone....
The out and back was fun and distracting. I was looking for all the folks I knew were out there. The 5 minutes were going fast...feeling pretty good..saw lots of folks. during one of my walk breaks a gal started walking with me. She had wanted to qualify for boston...but got an injury. She started running with me and then stopped. It was going to be a long day for her. I had to keep going cause I was feeling good.

After the 1/2 marathons peeled off the energy was a little different. We were on the highway area...the blowing rain from the trucks and cars was a little annoying to say to the least. I also put my ipod in since the rain seemed to have chased away all the bands! Anyway, just kept going.
At some point I downed a gu as 'extra' calories. I'd been drinking my gatorade and EFS gel, but wanted to add a bonus before the hill at mile 17. We hit the hill and I am totally amazed...most everyone is WALKING at the botton...now obviously I have no problem walking since I am run/walker, I was just surprised. I ran the hill...since it wasn't time to walk. It seemed like the energy level was down and I wanted to get up that hill. At the top of the hill...my watch beeped...and I walked. They say timing is everything!
We ran over the beautiful bridge...well as pretty as it can be in the grey rain.
I was still feeling ok and was tracking a good pace. I caught up to the 5 hour pace group and got excited. With my run walk I knew I couldn't stay with them, plus I didn't know if they were in my corral or another one so wasn't sure if we were on the same 5 hour pace. Oh well, I did know I was on pace for a PR..so I told myself..6.2 is still a good amount and I'd be happy with a PR even if I didn't break 5 hours. Focus was my mantra, keep moving. Closer to the finish each step. I skipped a couple of walk breaks since I knew that 5 hour mark was close.
I was feeling my legs but knew they were tired and I wasn't hurting enough to slow down. I was watching my pace pretty close didn't want it to fall. 5 hours within my grasp!
There is that finish line!! SWEET. I did it!
I thank my attitude and mental toughness on this day. It wasn't a great weather day, but I didn't let that bother me actually only thought about it a few times...lord knows I live in a RAINY place and run a lot in the rain. I had a great race and am thrilled with the results!

Absolutely NOTHING! I am a believer in Run / Walk....it got me to the finish line healthy and faster than before.
Glad I carried my nutrition.

walked through the great food line and grabbed a little of everything. then we went to Rogue Brewery! YUM


Nothing....I was faster than I have ever been on a marathon.


The volunteers were AWESOME. they were still smiling and had good attitudes with the conditions.