This morning was glorious! I went on a little run with my friend Amity up Mt. Pisgah. The Craguns, founders of the Pacific Northwest Marathon, were also there with their four adorable children. There is something so invigorating and peaceful about starting your day early and with a communion with nature. Fog hugged the hills, the air was fresh and cold, and the sounds of nature (and our labored breathing) was all that broke the still beauty of the trail. Amity and I struggled to run up that hill. It was hard, we had to stop and walk a couple of times to avoid DEATH…….maybe I am exaggerating a little…but we kept at it and made it up to the top in decent time. I had to keep reminding myself that we did our long run yesterday so today was just frosting. It was just fun!
I have four fantastic kids. I love them! They are energetic, intelligent, creative and they laugh at my jokes. How could a mom want anything more? Every once in a while, though, I feel bogged down, overwhelmed and outnumbered and my running has become this sweet moment of personal inner peace. I often feel like I could just lift off of the ground and fly through the air. I am so filled with euphoria as I run. I don’t know how else to describe how delicious it is to me. This morning was such a moment for me. As I continued on with the rest of my day I kept thinking about how energized my soul feels-that may sound a little silly, but its true. I feel energized down to the core.
I am filled with gratitude. I am grateful to the Craguns for reaching out to me and including me in their journey and vision for health, fitness and running. I am grateful to my friend Amity who is like a mentor to me. She is so talented and strong and has experience and knowledge about training that she selflessly shares with me. I am so grateful to my husband who has so wholeheartedly supported my crazy running and given me encouragement while carrying an extra load so that I can do the things I need to train for the marathon.
Training has required commitment, effort and the planning and labors of several individuals. We never have a road that we truly travel alone. What a wonderful life.. It is good to remember the things we are grateful for, the people who have given to us so that when we feel tempted to give up, feel discouraged, or even complain we remember all the efforts and love from all of the people who care about us and for whom we care.
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I loved running the half marathon this year!! The course was diverse, well laid out, and clearly marked. All the volunteers were cheerful and helpful. I loved the food at the end, the music and the great energy and enthusiasm of all those involved. It was very evident that great care and thought went into every detail of this fantastic race. A big thank you to everyone who put so much time and effort into making this race a great experience!! Each succeeding year of this race gets better and better--I look forward to next year!
I had a blast. The course was well laid out and the stations were a great sight to see. The finish line was set up wonderfully. The after food, music, stretch tables and crowd were very welcoming. Thank you for everything. I really can't wait till next year.
My first Marathon! This was a great experience, extremely well marked course not only that but someone at every turn cheering you on was great, big thanks to them! Aid stations lots of them, after mile 20 my belt was empty and I was almost running on empty, they relly helped me finsh, they had everything I was even able to get a gel packet. I will run it again, and would recommend it to anyone. Thank you!
I do travel out-of-state for races from time to time and when I heard about this one, I had to participate. From the amazing/scenic course to the incredible volunteers, friendly participants & spectacular weather, I'd have to give kudos for a job well done. You guys just keep rocking it like you are and it won't forsake you. I hope to be back next year!
This was my first race ever and it could not have been any better! The energy on the course was amazing, everyone cheering each other on was inspiring. Having a pacer helped me complete my half marathon in my goal time! The whole event was well planned and a fun day all around, can't wait to do it again!!
The race was awesome. A really beautiful course. So many kind volunteers cheering us on along the way. Lots of free yummy food at the end. Also live music, physical therapists to help you stretch afterward. The t-shirts were great. My friends from Georgia and I are planning to make this our memorial day tradition!
Great event! I just ran the half today! The race seemed well organized and the course is fast and flat as described and runs through lovely neighborhoods and parks, nicely shaded, lots of beautiful trees and greenery, etc. Loved the venue for the start and finish. Loved the free hot dog or burrito option at the end for participants and BTW the "dawg's" were great and the fellow that owns and runs the hot dog stand was really cool!! He even took the time to snap a few pics of my friend and I for us. Enjoyed the live music while we were eating and waiting for award announcements. I would definitely run this race again and since I won a free race entry (division award) I plan to do just that next year!
This was a very well organized marathon, especially for an inaugural one! Beautiful and fast course. I got a new PR! Great support along the course, especially in the last hard miles. The race director even ran with me for a little bit. :-) I would definitely recommend it. It was small being it's first year but I expect to see it grow a lot in the coming years.
