Week 16 - Day 3 - Stats

Location: Oaks Park to Bridge Loop to East Spring Water Corridor

Distance: 23.10 Miles

Total Time: 4:36:31

Pace: 11:58

Sound Track : Mocking Jay by Suzanne Collins

Run Rating : 4

Week 16 - Day 3 - 23 Miles

"Experience has taught me how important it is to just keep going, focusing on running fast and relaxed. Eventually [pain] passes and the flow returns. It's part of racing." - Frank Shorter

Today we were reunited with the ever changing weather patterns in Portland Oregon.  We were on the trail by 10 am, running under a gloomy yet stunningly gorgeous sky.  The wind resistance was a bit harsh as we rounded the bridges the first time but not terribly cold.  However, on our way back across the Hawthorne Bridge the rain started.  Not just the drizzle that is most common to this area, but large, bloppy, drippy, splashy droplets.  Lots of them.  By the time we completed our second round of the bridges we looked like we had jumped in a pool.  

This was at 10 miles and we were headed back towards the car, not to get in it, but to run past it towards Gresham for the second leg of the journey.  The fact that we were dripping wet and miserable began to play in my brain.  I thought, "nobody expects us to continue to run through this."  But ultimately I knew that it didn't matter that nobody expected anything from me, I mean who really cares anyway right?  But I suddenly realized that it mattered to ME, a lot.  As if the Universe could read my thoughts, the sky stopped dumping water upon us and I saw blue sky to my right.  This happened just in time, about half a mile from the car, plenty of distance for me to build my confidence back up.  We sailed past the car feeling pretty decent, if wet, and never considered going back. 

As usual, by the 15th mile I was not feeling strong.  There were still 8 miles to go and I was running AWAY from the car and my right earphone had stopped working at mile 9.  So on it went until mile 20 and we stopped to fill up our water bottles and use the bathroom.  I was not feeling well at all and concerned that maybe I should consider walking.  But fortunately Justin was strong and determined and I allowed his momentum to push me back into a run.  As we entered Sellwood, the portion of the trail that goes through a (very cute!) neighborhood, I was suddenly able to push my legs again, rather then drag them. I found myself allowing them carry me along, like the wind, all the way down to the curve in the trail and the end of the run.  

Or maybe it was just downhill and I had no strength to resist gravity.

Either way I finished, at a pace of 11:58 minutes per mile.  Today I felt that my training was really starting to pay off, that even though I hurt and have had a few slow runs, my body is getting stronger and my legs are getting faster.  I was hoping for excellence today and I must say I am feeling smugly proud tonight.


They have hung the signs for the marathon along the waterfront downtown.  2 weeks to go!

Week 16 - Day 2 - Stats

Location: Oaks Park

Distance: 4.02 Miles

Total Time: 41:13

Pace: 10:15

Sound Track : Mocking Jay by Suzanne Collins

Run Rating : 5

Week 16 - Day 2 - 4 Miles

"To know you are one with what you are doing, to know that you are a complete athlete, begins with believing you are a runner." 
- George Sheehan


Today I ran like I had something to prove, until my chest heaved and my feet barely touched the ground.  It was a rare sort of run when I am in no mood to take my time.  It was Saturday morning, I had plans later.  


It was almost 80 degrees and I was drenched in sweat by the end.  I am glad I ran on what was most likely that last hot day of the year, just to prove that I can if I have to, and I had to.  It is Saturday and tomorrow is long run day.  23 miles, the last long run before the race.  I pushed this short run to the very last day and there was no time to frack around.

Week 16 - Day 1 - Stats

Location: Oaks Park

Distance: 4.01 Miles

Total Time: 52:22

Pace: 13:03

Sound Track : Mocking Jay by Suzanne Collins

Run Rating : 4.5

Week 16 - Day 1 - 4 Miles

"To get to the finish line, you'll have to try lots of different paths." - Amby Burfoot

There is an area in Portland called Laurelhurst.  It is Keri's neighborhood.  Keri used to run around her neighborhood often.  She loved living there.  It is a perfect neighborhood.  The trees cover the streets, the houses are set up and have wide covered porches.  It is completely enchanting.  It even includes a park that was modeled after Central Park in NYC. 

I had no set course and simply ran up and down, around and over every street I discovered.  The streets wind up and down so my pace was pretty slow but I decided not to mind.  I thought about Keri and how proud she would be of me.  She probably would have been running the marathon with me.   I miss her a lot.  I am so grateful for the short time I got to spend with her.  She had a laid back energy and an absolutely perfect sense of humor.  I don't think I would be running this race if I had never met her.  She got me started and gave me confidence and inspired me to do more than I ever thought I could.  Today I ran through her streets, to let her know I think about her every time I tie up my shoes.

Week 15 - Day 2 - Stats

Location: River Loop to E Spring Water Corridor

Distance: 18.46 Miles

Total Time: 04:06:52

Pace: 13:23

Sound Track : Mocking Jay by Suzanne Collins

Run Rating : 2.5