A Hot Half

I'm back!  I'm back!  I've returned to running!

My daughter and I before the start

Some of you may remember in October 2014 I had bunion surgery on my right foot, and then had the pins removed the following June.  Having endured the same surgeries on my left foot several years before, I knew recovery would be a long process.  But I hadn't anticipated how difficult it would be returning to running.

Starting line crowd

It took a long time to get back into the habit.  All through the dark, rainy winter, I'd get up early two mornings a week and join my neighbor for a 3-4 mile romp around the neighborhood (if not for her, I would've stayed in bed!).  Then I'd attempt longer distances on Saturdays.  Some days my foot would do okay, others it was achy and cranky, and throbbed for the rest of the day.

Annd...we're off!

But I kept at it.  Continued my physical therapy, occasionally iced the area, and if nothing else worked, I'd resort to good old "vitamin I." (ibuprofen that is)  Slowly, I built my mileage up.

You see, I had a goal in mind.  Every April I run the Corvallis Half Marathon.  Last year, a still-healing foot forced me to sit this race out.  I was bound and determined to toe the starting line in 2016.

Flag man

And last Sunday that's exactly what I did.  I drove to the college town of Corvallis, home of Oregon State University (go Beavs!).  My daughter, who lives nearby and is also an OSU alumni, came along as spectator and support person.

Cruising through campus

Spring here in Oregon is normally cool and wet.  That's the conditions I'd been training in.  However, race week, the weather decided to do a complete turnaround and morph into summer.  Highs in the 80s were forecast for Sunday.  Noooo!!  I don't do so well in hot weather, and it being early spring still, my body wasn't used to running in heat at all.

OSU campus in bloom

But you can't change the weather, and all I could do was put on my big girl panties and deal with it.  Knowing the heat would slow me down anyway, I decided to take things easy and just enjoy my first post-surgery half marathon.  That, and drink lots of water!

Yay shade!

My daughter accompanied me to the starting line, in the heart of the Oregon State campus.  It was a festive scene.  Runners dressed in colorful attire mingled and the OSU pep band played some upbeat tunes.  Time passed quickly, and before I knew it the crowd was counting down, a horn blasted, and I found myself shuffling across the timing mats.   Showtime!

Slow down runners!

The first two miles wind through the beautiful Oregon State campus.  I admired the stately brick buildings and the colorful landscaping, in the height of spring bloom.  Spectators lined the streets, waving and shouting encouragement.

Great pic courtesy of Corvallis Half Marathon

I deliberately kept my pace slow and soaked in the scenery passing by.  Since I don't run with music, I also enjoyed listening to the other runner's conversations around me.  By mile 3, our course left the OSU campus and headed towards the outskirts of town on a wide bike path.

Passing through the covered bridge

One of my favorite parts of the Corvallis Half Marathon course - the bike path passes through a cute covered bridge.  Not only did I get a few images of the bridge, one of the course photographers caught me exiting the other side (camera in hand!)

The photographer caught me in action!

After mile four, the bike path continued through a large natural area at the foot of a hill.  This was my favorite part of the course - the entire area was bright green with new spring foliage.  We passed by a scenic old barn (that I didn't get a photo of).  It was absolutely beautiful.  And - there was even a bit of shade here and there, which was a good thing, as the day had already heated up.

Lovely countryside west of town

By mile 5, I was beginning to feel a hot spot under the big toe joint of my left foot.  I'd had trouble with this area on some of my training runs, and hoping to head off trouble, had applied a liberal amount of Bodyglide that morning.  But it appeared the heat had worn it off.  My daughter was meeting me near the park at mile 8, and I was now wishing I'd asked her to bring the Bodyglide stick out of my car.

Purple Camas in bloom

Well, nothing I could do about it now...the course then left the nice green natural area and dumped us runners out on a semi-busy road.  Despite my left foot issue, I realized I was feeling pretty good and holding a faster pace than anticipated.  Passing by the halfway mark, I thought to myself if I kept it up, I'd probably finish with a time of  2:10, faster than anticipated.

Will this  hill ever end?

But...that's what happens when one begins to get overconfident.  Mile 7 to 8 totally kicked my butt.  The course followed another busy road up a gradual incline.  Although not terribly steep, it was enough to take the wind out of one's sails.  Not only was I running uphill, there was no shade to be found.  Blazing hot sun baked my body.  I didn't think mile 8 would ever come.

Relief at mile 8

But finally I saw the trees and the park ahead.  After passing through an aid station (where not only did I drink a cup of water, I also poured another on my head) I looked around for my daughter.  Not seeing her in the crowd, I had no choice but to continue on.  Although disappointed, I reckoned she must've gotten stuck in traffic.

Fun garage band

Now for some blessed downhill!  Not only did the course follow a steep downhill, the wind had picked up and a strong breeze flowed over me.  After the hot uphill it felt divine! 

However, my left foot was beginning to really bother me.  Disappointed that I wasn't able to catch my daughter, I realized there was probably a good sized blister already forming on my foot.  Oh well, nothing I could do about it.  Trying not to think about the discomfort, I pushed on.

The final push (thanks Corvallis Half for the free race photos!)

Now the course wound through a series of neighborhood streets.  Many of the residents lined the sidewalks, waving signs and shouting encouragement.  By this point of the race, it was much appreciated!

Girls on the Run water station

Almost to the mile 10 marker, I looked over at an adjacent parking lot and there was my daughter!  She snapped a few photos of me, and I stopped briefly to say hello.  As I thought, she'd been stuck in traffic and unable to reach the mile 8 park.  I almost asked her to get the Bodyglide for my foot, but then reasoned with only three miles left, maybe it was better to just hurry up and finish.  So I continued on.

Gorgeous pink rhody bush

Mile 10 brought a welcome surprise.  A garage band had set up on someone's driveway and was entertaining the runners with loud, upbeat music.  So much appreciated!

Also appreciated - between miles 11 and 12 some wonderful residents had set up sprinklers in the street.  A nice volunteer was pointing runners towards them.  Oh, did that cold water feel good!  I didn't even care if it got my camera wet (it was in a case so no worries).  Then, passing by another park, I spotted a mother with two young boys who were equipped with super soakers.  I held up my hands and told one of the boys to squirt me.  And boy did he!  But it felt great, and was a welcome relief.

Reser Stadium is in sight!

The final two miles of the course were the toughest.  I was tired, it was unbearably hot, and by now my left foot was calling me bad names.  I ran up fraternity row, and was disappointed not to see any beer-drinking frat boys cheering the runners as they had in past years.  Then, dropping back onto the OSU campus, I knew the end was close.  Admiring some lovely pink rhody bushes, I was surprised to see another photographer capturing pics of the hot, tired runners.  (And he got another shot of me with my camera in hand!)

Amost there!!

Again circling through the OSU campus, the last mile seemed to take forever.  But when I spied the top of Reser Stadium, I knew the end was near.  In previous years, the finish line has been on the 50-yard line of Reser Stadium.  However, due to construction, this year's finish was on the adjacent street.  Although kind of disappointing, by the time I saw the finish banner, I was happy to be done.  I crossed the line with a time of 2:18:57, right about where I thought I'd be.

I was never so happy to see the finish!

After reuniting with my daughter, downing some water and a cup of hard-earned beer, (it tasted sooo good!) I finally worked up the nerve to pull off my left shoe and sock.  There on the bottom of my foot was the biggest blister I've ever seen.  I decided it was probably a good thing I didn't try and fix it at mile 10 - I might have been too freaked out to finish.

Glad to be done

It's good to be back in the running groove!  I'm happy to race the Corvallis Half once again.  Despite the crispy temps, not only did I get a decent time (13th out of 52 in my age group I later discovered) my rebuilt foot behaved wonderfully (wish I could say that for my other foot....)

Thanks to my daughter for being my support person once again.  And thanks to the folks putting on the Corvallis Half for another great race.  I'll see you again in 2017.

Hot Time in Corvallis

One of my favorite spring races has always been the Corvallis Half Marathon.  Located in lovely Corvallis, Oregon, (home of Oregon State University - go Beavs!) I'd stumbled across it three years ago, while looking for a race in my daughter's college town.  Although she graduated last June, Denise still lives and works nearby.  So naturally, I wanted to continue the tradition in 2014.

My daughter and I at the starting line

I've run the Corvallis half for the past two years, and each time I'd gotten so close to breaking the 2 hour time barrier (2:03 and 2:04 respectively).  I hoped this year, the third time would be the charm.

Great race swag - we even got socks!

So early last Sunday morning, I made the drive down I-5 to Corvallis. I picked up Denise and together we traveled to Reser Stadium, site of the packet pick up and race start.  In addition to a nice looking t-shirt, all participants received - woohoo - socks!  (And if you know me, you know I love socks!)

Starting line crowd

After a typical cool wet spring, the forecast for race day was sunshine and unseasonably warm temps in the 70s.  Although I was glad for dry skies, the predicted heat worried me.  Seventy degrees is a little warm for running, especially for us Pacific Northwesterners, who've seen nothing but cold and rain since November.

The course took us through OSU's beautiful campus

Time passed quickly, and before I knew it I found myself amongst a colorful crowd of runners lining up behind the start banner.  The OSU band played a bunch of peppy tunes, which got me all fired up.  Showtime!  After a quick countdown, the mob began to move across the start line and into the university campus streets.

Exiting the covered bridge

The first two miles of the course gives one a great tour of the OSU campus.  We ran by stately brick buildings and streets lined with colorful blooming trees.  Spectators were plentiful - some clapping, cheering, waving signs and ringing cowbells. 

Past many farmer's fields

I started fast, and held the pedal down as I raced through the campus streets.  Training a keen eye on my watch, I willed my legs to keep pace.  The first two miles passed, and I was on track for a sub-two.

The most scenic part of the course

But my speedy early pace took its toll.  After leaving the campus proper, we runners came out onto a wide paved bike path lined on both sides by open farmer's fields.  Lacking shade of buildings and trees, the sun beat down mercilessly.  I quickly began to fatigue.

One man ran the entire race holding an American flag

Propelling my hot, sluggish body down the path, I realized today was not going to be the day for heroic efforts.  Internalizing the disappointment, I made peace with this, and decided instead of meeting a specific time goal, this race was now going to be for fun.

Great motivational quote on this sign

A slower pace meant I could take in the wonderful scenery, and stop for a photo if I wished.  I could cheer back at the spectators encouragement.  I could shout "thank yous" to the amazing volunteers who handed out water and directed traffic.

My daughter caught me at the 8 mile mark

Nearing the halfway point, I heard a woman behind me cheering loudly.  It was another runner, smiling, woo-hooing, encouraging other runners, and thanking the volunteers.  My running soul sister!  As she passed me by, I whooped loudly and told her she rocked.  Runners in races are usually such a somber bunch, this wonderful lady was a breath of fresh air.

Appreciated the local support

Leaving the bike path, the course followed a busy road for a short stretch, and then it was back on a paved path.  Passing the mile seven marker, I knew this next segment was going to be the toughest.  The path climbed slightly uphill for the next mile.  It was just enough of an incline to require extra effort.  Add to that the intense sunshine streaming down, and everyone seemed to be struggling.  Only a wonderful cool breeze blowing at our faces prevented mass runner meltdowns.

More great signs

The eight mile marker was stationed at a local park.  Here, my daughter was waiting with camera, snapping a couple action shots.  I stopped briefly, informed her I was going slower than anticipated, and she didn't need to hurry to the finish line.

This frat house was cheering us runners

From the park it was a lovely downhill - which I heartily enjoyed!  Then the course turned through a bunch of residential neighborhoods.  The people living here were so awesome!  They gathered in front yards, clapping, waving signs, and shouting encouragement.  At mile 9 on this hot day, it was most very much appreciated.

Reser Stadium is in sight!

I again ran into my alter ego - the woo-hoo woman.  We ran together for a bit, talking, laughing, and cheering in unison.  I really wish now I would've asked her name, but by mile 10 of this half marathon all I thinking about was surviving to the finish.  On one street, some really nice ladies had a cooler full of ice cubes and were handing them out to runners.  I grabbed a couple cubes and shoved them into my sports bra.  My companion did the same and cracked me up when she remarked "I'll bet all those guys are wishing they had sports bras!"

My very favorite sign

Mile 11 directed runners down the streets of fraternity row.  Gaping at the amazing huge frat and sorority houses distracted me from my pain and fatigue.  In years past, a lot of the inhabitants would sit out on the lawns cheering for the runners.  But this year, I only one small dilapidated house was spectating.  I stopped to take a photo, and jokingly asked a guy if he had a beer for me.  He held out a can and urged me to take it.  (That's what I get for asking)

Down the ramp....

After mile 11, the heat began taking its toll on the runners.  My feet felt blistered and sore.  My face was grimy with salt.  I passed a lady laying down in the street, being attended to by paramedics.  After that, I made sure to take in more fluids.  Every water stop I drank half the water in the cup, and poured the rest down my back.

Through the end zone......

Mile 12 brought us back into the OSU campus.  Only one more mile to go!  But as in any race, the last mile is the longest.  Again in the open sun, I felt like I was running in slow motion.  No matter how much I tried, my legs decided they were not going any faster.  But slowly with every step, the distance shrank, and rounding a final corner, the top of Reser Stadium came into view.  Such a sweet sight!  Passing the 13 mile sign was so inspirational it made me tear up a little bit.  Maybe I wouldn't make my time goal, but I was damn proud to be finishing.

Finish at the 50-yard line

Down the ramp into the stadium I flew.  Out onto the football field, camera in hand, I shot a few photos as I headed towards the finish (yes, I'm such a dork - my daughter said that's how she knew it was me).  Crossing the timing mats, I was never so happy to finish a race.  Another Corvallis Half Marathon was in the bag. Bring on the cold beer!
 
I finished with a time of 2:12:06.  Yeahhhh.......not exactly what I'd hoped for.  But considering the unseasonably hot weather, I was happy to survive the race without any ill effects.

It always feels better when you're done

Once again, the Corvallis Half Marathon did not disappoint.  It's still a beautiful course, the volunteers are top-notch, and the post-race food and goodies are always great (they even had beer this year!  Yeah!)  Plus, their mile marker signs are the best!  My favorite.

And after watching me run this race for the past three years, I've finally inspired my daughter to sign up for and run a half marathon of her own.  I couldn't be more proud.


To see my previous Corvallis Half Marathon blog posts, click on Corvallis 2013 and Corvallis 2012.

Return to Corvallis

(Linda's note:  This post is dedicated to all who were affected by the Boston Marathon tragedy, especially those wonderful spectators who took time out of their day to cheer for the runners.)

One of my favorite races last year was the Corvallis Half Marathon.  It had a beautiful course, lots of friendly volunteers, and finished on the 50-yard line of Reser Stadium (go Beavs!)  And since my daughter attends Oregon State, it provided an excuse to go visit.


Size matters!  Click on any photo to enjoy a larger version.

Race swag

So when it came time to sign up for this year's races, the Corvallis Half was first on my list.  But, as with last winter, I managed to do more skiing than running.  And I battled some injuries - first a wrenched knee, and later a sore hamstring.  Race day morning found me feeling quite unprepared. Unsure how my body would perform, I gave myself permission to take it easy.

Shannah and I at the starting line

My daughter's friend Shannah, who with Denise watched me in last year's Corvallis Half, decided to run this year's race.  She'd never before ran this far and was a little bit apprehensive. 

Mile one done!

Race day was a cold, rainy morning.  Denise and I met Shannah at the starting line.  We ducked under the covered entryway to Gil Coliseum and stayed there until it was time to start.  Happily, the rain stopped just before the race began.

Hot dog man

I'd been battling the same sore hamstring and Shannah had spent some time the day before icing an achy hip.  So both of us came into this race with no expectations except to finish (that, and Shannah wanted to run the entire distance). 

Running thru campus

Shannah and I stuck together at the start, and in unison dodged through the pack of runners for the first mile.  We saw Denise and mile one, and she snapped a couple quick photos.  Denise also got a shot of a man running the race in a hot dog costume!

Cherry trees in bloom

The first couple miles of the race winds through the beautiful Oregon State campus.  Cherry trees in full bloom lined some of the campus roads.  In addition to the stately brick buildings, we had some pretty landscaping to enjoy.

Man on the left running with his dog

Near mile two was an aid station manned by screaming little girls from the local "Girls on the Run" organization.  These girls were awesome!  They cheered, rang cowbells, waved wonderful signs, and handed out water like pros. 

Pretty tu-tu

Then our course left campus for a scenic bike path that passed by pastures full of sheep.  We got passed by a man running with his dog.  We joked with him that the dog needed a race number too.  The man said he was counting on the dog to pull him through to the end.

Crossing the famous covered bridge

My favorite part of this course was crossing over the covered bridge.  Such a pretty setting!

Shannah's still happy

Shannah was going strong at mile five.  No hip pain whatsoever, she was smiling and chatting away.  I attempted to grab of photo of her running, but this was the best I could do.  It's a little blurry, but captures Shannah's joy perfectly.

Views of the scenic course

Still following the bike path, we emerged into an open area of golden farm fields.  Ahead was a forested hillside, marking where the path turned and headed back into town.

The wonderful mile marker signs

Having someone to run with helps so much!  As Shannah and I chattered away, the miles seemed to pass effortlessly.

Finally just before the halfway point, we left the beautiful bike path for the shoulder of a busy country road.  From there, the course climbed a slight incline until it leveled out at a local park.  Waiting for us at the park was Denise, two of Shannah's family friends, and Shannah's boyfriend holding a sign that read: "Go Shannah!"  What a nice surprise!

Still smilin' at mile 8

From the park, the race course wound through several residential neighborhoods.  I remembered from last year that the people who lived here were great!  I wasn't disappointed.  The streets were lined with spectators clustered around streetcorners, waving signs, cheering, and ringing cowbells.  So nice and much appreciated at this point in the race.

Funny chicken entertaining runners on the course

Miles 10 through 11 were tough for both of us.  My energy started to flag, and I could tell Shannah was feeling fatigued.  The course passed through an area full of student apartments, and there were no spectators to be found.  I figured the college students had all slept in.  Even passing the fraternity houses, which had some of my favorite spectators last year, produced only a couple of guys looking out a window.  But rounding a corner, we came upon a race volunteer in a chicken costume, and this funny sight restored us a bit.

Finish line celebration

Approaching the outskirts of the OSU campus, we were greeted by screams of encouragement from the Girls on the Run.  Most welcome at this point!   Passing the mile 12 marker, I decided it was time to put the hammer down.  Shannah gave me permission to go on ahead so I reluctantly left her behind as I accelerated.  Looking at my watch, I knew I'd miss the sub 2-hour mark, but I was hoping for a finish time around 2:04-ish.

I finish just behind Shannah

Oh, it was hard to keep up this fast pace late in the race.  But Reser Stadium looming ahead seemed to give me some energy.  Then, with about 400 yards to go, I heard a voice, turned around, and was surprised to see Shannah passing by.  She had her afterburner on big time and was making a beeline for the finish.  I had enough time to yell "go Shannah!" before she left me in the dust.

Victorious runners!

Turning the corner into the stadium, I could hear the cheers of the spectators.  I flew down the ramp and emerged onto the field.  Aiming for the finish line I gave it all that I had.  I crossed the line and my watch read 2:04:25, only 30 seconds slower than last year.

Shannah was waiting for me at the finish and we gave each other a sweaty hug.  Having finished her first half marathon, she was euphoric.  We wandered through the maze of spectators until we located Denise and Shannah's boyfriend.  And then, as if on cue, the skies opened up and rain began to pour down.

Denise was a great support!

It was an amazing race.  My body behaved, the rain held off until I finished, and I helped Shannah complete her first half marathon.  And she totally kicked butt!  What a great start to my 2013 running season.


If you're interested, here's last year's race recap.