Portland Marathon - Round 2

I had high expectations for marathon number four.

In 2012, I ran the Portland Marathon with my friend Cami.  (Read about it here)  Cami had a tough time, and I ended up slowing down and staying with her (totally my choice, and a decision I don't regret).  But I felt good that day, and since then I've always wondered what could have been.

Fast forward to 2013.  My son and I spectated at that year's Portland marathon, cheering his old college roommate (who proposed to his girlfriend at mile 26).  Seeing all those runners streaming by rekindled previous year's memories.  The marathon bug bit hard.  A month later, I was clicking "register" for Portland 2014.

Roger and I in the wee hours prior to start time

What seemed like a good idea at registration time, by late summer became a huge time-sucking obligation.  At first, I had high hopes of taking care of 2012's unfinished business.  I wanted to break my previous fastest marathon time of 4 hours and 30 minutes.  However, by September, I was so tired of running, my training started to flag.  I missed hiking, and began to substitute hikes for training runs.  By the time race day rolled around, I was ready to get this thing over with.

Mill Ends Park - Smallest park in Portland

Early the morning of October 5th, Roger accompanied me into downtown Portland.  I found my designated corral, and began a long wait until the 7 am start.  To pass time, I took advantage of closed streets to investigate Mill Ends Park, Portland's smallest City park, located in a tiny median island in the middle of a normally busy road.

Sunrise over Mt. Hood and Willamette River

And I witnessed a lovely sunrise silhouetting Mt. Hood in stunning shades of orange.  (Too bad I had only my point and shoot camera to capture the moment).

Ready to run a marathon!

Anticipating cold early morning temps, I'd brought a jacket and arm warmers.  But the air was so warm, I was comfortable in short sleeves.  This wasn't a good sign - I was afraid by mid morning things would heat up.  It's no fun to run in hot weather - especially for 26.2 miles.

Inching towards the starting line

My corral started to shuffle towards the starting line, so I bid Roger goodbye, and plunged into the crowd.  It was a high-spirited bunch of people, whooping and cheering.  I got caught up in the revelry.  Crossing under the start banner, I never felt more ready.  When the crowd began to spread out, I let 'er rip.

Marimba band on an overhead pedestrian bridge

The early morning air was still cool and fresh.  My body, rested for most of the past week, was ready to go.  The pack of runners headed south of downtown Portland, then circled back after three miles.  Early on, there was lots of entertainment.  Bands, cheerleaders, singers, and a wonderful marimba band stationed on an overhead pedestrian bridge.

Golden morning light bathes runners

Heading back into downtown, the sun rose above the hills, bathing runners in a lovely golden light.  I tried to capture a few photos on the run, but only a few actually turned out.

Liked this guy's shirt

From the very beginning, I got caught up in the crowd's energy.  Looking at my watch, I ran the first few miles at sub 10-minute mile pace, which is fast for me.  My plan had been to start slow, and then gradually increase my speed.  But at the starting line, all that went out the window.  I was feeling good, and started having visions of beating my previous personal best.  I also knew it was going to get hot later, and wanted to bank some time against a slowdown in the later stages of the race.

Arrrrr....pirates!

Mile 4, I passed back through downtown, and I was surprised to see Roger in the crowd.  He'd come down with a nasty cold the night before, and was feeling lousy when he dropped me off at the start line.  I didn't expect him to hang around!  It was nice to see him one more time before I headed out of downtown, not to return until mile 26.

One of many funny signs

Miles 4 through 11 passed quickly.  There was lots of entertainment along the course, complete with more bands, cheerleaders, and my personal favorites - the pirates.  Miles 11 through 13 routed runners through mixed residential and commercial areas.  Lots of spectators lined the streets, holding funny signs.  One neighborhood group had erected a tent, and offered cups of PBR to runners  (uhhh......no thanks!)

We ran through some of the more "interesting" parts of town

I passed the half marathon mark with a time of 2:08, which in a marathon, is a fast time for me.  Although I was still feeling good and running well, tiny alarm bells were sounding in my head.  A little voice kept nagging "you'll pay for this fast pace later!"  And the bright morning sun was beginning to heat up the course.  I made the decision to slow down.

Wonderful aid station volunteers

About the time I decided to back off, I noticed a very enthusiastic lady, cheering and smiling.  I love running with upbeat people, and sidled over to her.  We began a conversation.  The woman's name was Leigh, she was from Seattle, and was running her very first marathon.  I began to chat with her about my past experience with this race.  Mile 14, 15, and 16 quickly slipped by, and before we both knew it the St. Johns Bridge came into view.

Military men and women cheering for the runners

The St. Johns Bridge is a very lovely span that crosses the Willamette River.  Running over this bridge was the highlight of my 2012 Portland marathon experience.  But first runners have to climb up a steep on-ramp, the only significant hill of the entire course.

Crossing the St. Johns Bridge

But Leigh and I chatted away the entire climb and we reached the top of that ramp in no time.  Easiest hill I've ever run!  And then it was time to soak in the sights from the bridge deck.  Leigh grabbed my camera and got this great shot of me running towards the St. Johns' Gothic towers.

I tried to reciprocate and get Leigh's photo, but it didn't turn out quite as well.  She's the one in the Seahawk green hat and t-shirt (a diehard fan!)

My buddy Leigh on the St. Johns Bridge

Mile 17 occurred mid-span of our bridge crossing.  As I hit the ground on the opposite side, my quad muscles began to complain.  Hmmm......this wasn't a good sign.  I still had a long ways yet to go.  Somewhere between miles 18 and 19, my legs began to hurt.  My pace, which up until then had been holding steady, slowly began to decrease.  Instead of running, I felt as if I was now shuffling.

Leigh and her brother

Passing by the University of Portland campus, I got an unexpected boost.  My neighbor and morning running partner Penny, materialized out of the crowd, and ran with me a short distance.  It was great to see her and I appreciated the encouragement.  After Penny left, Leigh's brother jumped into the street, and kept us entertained for another mile.

Almost at the finish - and I'm dying!

Leigh and I wound through the neighborhoods surrounding the U of P campus. The people who live here are great marathon supporters, and they were out in force!  Lots of cheering, more funny signs, and some folks even offered food, drink or aimed their sprinklers at the road.  At this stage of the race, very much appreciated by this tired, hurting runner.

Finish line celebration with my new friend Leigh

By now the temps were downright toasty.  The combination of heat, my fast start, and undertraining had caught up to me.  I was dying.  My legs felt like there was no energy left.  I wanted to walk so badly, but Leigh kept egging me on, saying "C'mon! We are not walking!"  I continued on, shuffling alongside my new friend.  Leigh, although not feeling good either, kept up her positive banter.  It helped so much - by then I was starting to feel tired and grumpy (I'm afraid I wasn't great company, it's a wonder Leigh stuck with me!)  As we crossed over the Broadway Bridge, en route to downtown Portland and Mile 25, a fellow runner commented to us: "All this suffering for a lousy t-shirt!" 

My son Cody came to watch

Back into downtown Portland again, the crowds began to thicken.  Spectators cheered loudly.  But I was overheated and beyond tired.  My legs kept shuffling along, but it felt like I was barely moving.  Leigh, on the verge of completing her first marathon, was getting excited.  A half mile from the finish, she began to pull ahead.  I kept her in sight and willed my legs to follow.  The last few blocks were pure agony.  But, finally, the finish line came into view.  With a final burst, I propelled my tired feet over the timing mats.  I was never so happy to be done.

Boy did I earn these!

Leigh and I celebrated with a high five and sweaty hug.  I thanked my new friend for her help, and then we headed towards the crowd to find our families.  Roger and Cody were waiting, and I was so very happy to see them.  I headed home for a well-deserved beer, and a huge slice of cheesecake Cody had made especially for me.

Although I didn't beat my personal best time, I came awfully close.  Despite the dramatic slowdown over the final seven miles, I finished with a time of 4:32:30.  Not too shabby for a fast start, hot day, and slack training.  I owe a lot of this to my new buddy Leigh.  If not for her encouragement in the final miles, I'm sure this time would've been lots slower.  Thanks friend!

Am I ready to run another marathon?  No....I'm quite done for now. 

Time for some fall hikes!

Golden

Gallery 26 of the 52 Photos Project is up and awaiting your images!  This week's prompt is golden.

Hmmmm......golden.....I pondered my photographic options.  This time of year, there's lots of golden leaves flying around.  But that's just too obvious.  Then I remembered I'd recently earned something golden of my very own.

My lovely finisher's medal

In my haste to get out a post on my Portland Marathon experience, I'd neglected to include a photo of the finisher's medal.  In the many races I've run, this is hands-down the most beautiful medal of them all.  It's heavy-duty, with a lovely etching of a rose on the front (Portland is the "City of Roses"). 

Back view

The backside is even more special to me.  It has an accurate rendition of Mt. Hood (my favorite mountain) and Timberline Lodge.  There's nothing I love more than spending a day up on Hood, be it skiing or hiking.  And T-line Lodge is such a beautifully constructed building in a fantastic setting.  Because 2012 is the 75th anniversary of the opening of Timberline Lodge, I thought it wonderfully fitting to include this Oregon landmark on the reverse side.

Not only is this medal a lovely shade of gold - having it around my neck reminds me of my huge accomplishment.  I might not have been the fastest runner, but I did finish the entire 26.2 miles.  I'm as proud as an Olympic athlete. 

I too, am golden.

The Portland Marathon

"A journey of one thousand miles begins with a single step"  -Ancient Chinese Proverb

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

Ready to begin this crazy adventure!

Okay, so I only ran 26.2 miles, not one thousand.  That's still a really, really long ways.  And anyone who's ever tackled a marathon will tell you, the race in itself is a journey.  Sunday's Portland Marathon felt like that, and so much more.

Waiting for the race to start

Race day finally arrived!  Cami and I made our way into downtown Portland, joining scores of other sleepy, zombie-like runners emerging from the early morning darkness. We found our designated corral, shed warm-up clothes, and huddled together in the predawn chill.  At seven o'clock sharp, the first group of runners were released.  Our corral was fifth in the starting order.  With over 13,000 registered for both the half and full marathon, I expected it would be awhile before our turn came.

Running through the China Gate

But the marathon organizers had things down pat.  Before I knew it, our group was being led through the empty streets of Portland towards the starting line.  A mere thirteen minutes later, Cami and I crossed under a large "Portland Marathon" banner and over the timing mats.  Our journey had begun!

  

Morning light on downtown Portland

The mob of runners snaked through the heart of downtown Portland.  Spectators lined the streets, cheering wildly.  I was surprised to see so many people at 7 am on a Sunday morning watching a race.  

The Portland Marathon is known for its plentiful course entertainment.  In the first mile alone, there were five musical acts.  Every time I turned a corner, there was a drum corp, a singer, or some musical group making merry noise.  At the China Gate, runners were treated to Chinese dancers, complete in lion and dragon costumes .  What a great way to start a race!

Jammin' DJ

Although the day began cool, the sun was up soon after the start.  I quickly shed my arm warmers.  The early morning chill made for wonderful running conditions. The weather couldn't have been more perfect - sunny, with highs predicted in the low 70s.  Cami and I chatted, people-watched, and of course did "the wave" at each mile marker.  The first few miles passed quickly. 

Arrrrr!  Pirates!

The course first did a loop south of downtown Portland, then turned north and led runners back through downtown, and north into an industrial district.  The road through the industrial district was an out-and-back, so participants got to see runners heading both directions.  Along this stretch, the great entertainment continued.  Cami and I passed a van with a DJ sitting up top jammin' away.  He was great! 

Turnaround at mile 8.7

Then we came upon a group of pirates.  Dressed in traditional costumes, they lined both sides of the road.  One was shooting off a pistol, a group of them were playing in a band (fantastic music!) and still more were hanging along the curb, high-fiving runners.  They were awesome - my most favorite entertainment of the marathon.

High-fiving pirates

Soon after we passed the pirates, Cami started having foot troubles.  Her feet were already getting blistered.  I'd noticed the water stations had people passing out Vaseline to ailing runners.  I suggested stopping at the next aid station and taking advantage of the free lube.

Perfect sunshine day

Around mile 10.5 we made a pit stop to take care of business.  Cami removed shoes and socks, and slathered her feet with Vaseline.  While Cami tended to her wounds, I took the opportunity to snap a couple photos.  The sun was climbing high, and it was a lovely blue-sky day.  I was surprised and pleased that the above photo turned out so well.  It certainly captured the perfect weather conditions.

One of my favorite signs

Not far from our stop, the course turned and made a quick jaunt through NW Portland.  It was here that we passed a bunch of spectators holding the funniest signs.  The one in the photo above made me laugh out loud.  But my favorite was from a guy holding a sign reading "Smile if you're not wearing underwear."  Underwear or not, you couldn't help but chuckle.

We reach the St. Johns Bridge

After winding through NW Portland, lined with lots of cheering people, the course dumped the runners out onto Hwy 30.  This highway stretches through another bleak, industrial district.  Out here, spectators were few and far between, as was on-course entertainment.  Heavy traffic, much of it large trucks, sped by at a distance too close for comfort.  It was a long, difficult stretch.  And to top things off, Cami's feet started hurting again.

The beautiful St. Johns Bridge

Not only was Cami having foot issues, her tummy wasn't too pleased either.  She took another Vaseline break, followed by a trip to the port-a-potty.  At this point, we were over halfway into the race, and Cami, feeling like she was holding me back, suggested I go ahead without her.

But I'd already made a decision before race day.  The marathon is a long race, and I knew there was a chance one of us might have issues.  I asked myself what my goal was for this race.  Although I always shoot for an improvement in time, first and foremost my aim is to finish.  And not only finish, but finish with my friend.  So I told Cami, no, I was sticking with her 'till the bloody end.

Willamette River view towards downtown Portland

Cami patched up, we were back on the road again.  The long 3 1/2 mile stretch down Hwy 30 led runners to the next stage - crossing the St. Johns Bridge over the Willamette River.  This lovely old suspension bridge is a Portland landmark.  It's high, graceful steel towers are works of art.  I love bridges, and was looking forward to running over this one.

First we had to get to the top.  That meant climbing a steep roadway ramp.  During training, we'd run our share of hills and had certainly prepared.  But a hill at mile 16.5 of a marathon is not fun.  Starting up the ramp, I noticed most people around us walking.  I'm proud to say Cami and I didn't - we powered up that hill and ran the entire thing.  Take that bridge ramp!

Belly dancers

Then it was time for our reward.  A trip over Portland's most beautiful bridge.  Seeing those steel towers close up was amazing!  Several runners stopped for photos, as did I.  The views of the Willamette River, far below, and back towards downtown Portland were stunning.  Definitely a high point of the race.

Cute little kid at an aid station

Then it was back down the other side into the residential neighborhoods surrounding the University of Portland.  Coming down the bridge, we were met with a loud rock band, and a huge crowd of cheering spectators.  We passed by a bunch of ladies (and one man) dressed up as belly dancers.  They were riotous fun!  After the relative silence and isolation of Hwy 30, the entertainment was most welcome!

Beer stop!

The people living along N Willamette Blvd were amazing!  On every block were throngs of spectators holding signs, ringing cowbells, and shouting encouragement.  Some homes appeared to be having parties - their front lawns lined with chairs and tables of food.  In one stretch, the neighbors manned an aid station, with the cutest little boy handing out water cups.  And the scenery here was great - large broad-leaf trees lined the roadway, framing beautiful old homes.  It kept the mind off my body, which was beginning to feel the effects of running almost 20 miles.

Cami "hits the wall"

Poor Cami was hurting.  She stopped and doctored her feet a third time and then visited the honey bucket.  An aid station by the University of Portland was handing out gummi bears, and boy did they ever taste good!  That seemed to revive us both for the next couple of difficult miles.  At one point, Cami stopped to stretch against a building face, and I teased her about hitting the wall.  Cami laughed and posed for a photograph.

Approaching the Broadway Bridge and the new streetcar line

Leaving the University district, we passed by the Adidas Headquarters.  And then we were back into dull, boring industrial wasteland.  Again, entertainment and spectators were scarce.  And my body was hurting.  From my previous two marathons, I knew that things got tough around mile 23.  It was time to start gutting it out.  I spotted one lone family with some young kids standing on the side of the road, and commented to Cami "Hey kids, let's go watch people suffer!" 

Broadway Bridge scenery

But a wonderful surprise awaited us.  At one of the previous aid stations, I'd jokingly asked a volunteer "where's the beer?"  The volunteer (the only grumpy one I encountered all day) sourly remarked it was at the finish line.  Now, three miles later, stationed under the Fremont Bridge, were people holding Dixie cups.  All right - another water station!  But those cups didn't contain water.  It was beer.  The Widmer Brewery across the street was graciously providing liquid energy to flagging runners.  I grabbed a cup and Cami asked "Are you going to drink it?"  I reasoned there was only 2 1/2 miles left, it couldn't hurt that much.  So both Cami and I downed a cup.  The friendly guy passing out drinks teasingly asked Cami if she was 21.  Ha!

This sign was a welcome sight!

On the road again.  The final two miles were a struggle.  Cami was battling extremely sore feet and an unhappy stomach (the beer probably didn't help - sorry Cami!)  We crossed over the Broadway Bridge, back into downtown Portland.  I was never so happy to see the 25 mile marker. 

Almost to the finish line

Weaving the final mile through downtown Portland, all I could think about was finishing.  We'd been on our feet for hours and I was ready to sit down.  We passed the 26 mile marker, and I spotted a large sign of an opera singer proclaiming "It's almost over!"  Now the barricaded streets were lined deep with cheering people.  It was an amazing, electric scene!  One final turn, and there ahead was the most wonderful sight of all - the finish line.  Cami had a great surge, and I had to struggle to keep up.  Before we hit the timing mats, she grabbed my hand, and we crossed the line together, our journey complete.

 

We did it!

There's nothing quite like the feeling after you've just completed a marathon.  It's a combo of elation, pride, euphoria, and relief.  Although not my fastest, it was certainly the most fun.  I was impressed with the organization, crowd support, lovely course, and the entertainment.  Great job, Portland Marathon!  

When running a race of this distance, the trip is always better with a companion by your side.  Sharing this experience with my friend and training partner definitely added to the fun.  To Cami - we worked hard for this day, and I'm glad we got to experience the entire thing together.

My ultimate goal?  To have fun and finish the race with my friend.

Mission accomplished.

It's Showtime!

My big day is almost here.  The Portland Marathon is tomorrow. 

I'd heard great things about my hometown marathon, and one day wanted to run it.  Last January, in a burst of inspiration, I signed up, and convinced my friend and running partner Cami to do the same.  

We're ready to go!

 As many of you know, I've spent my summer doing some running.  Lots of running.   The hardest part about finishing a marathon is training for one.  The amount of time pounding the pavement is enormous.  I've been at this since early June, logging tons of miles.  Many nights, I'd come home from work and immediately head out to run, even though it was the last thing I wanted to do.  Towards the end, when tackling the super-long runs, all other activities fell by the wayside (meaning I had to sacrifice my weekend hikes during this wonderful fall weather).  I've recently battled some minor injuries - super-sore groin muscles, and one very angry hamstring.

But the endless weeks of training are finally culminating to one huge, long race.  Here I am T-minus one day 'till showtime!  We've put in the miles, now it's time for the ultimate test.  Cami and I picked up our race bibs yesterday, and it finally seemed real. 

I'm so ready to do this thing. 

Bring it!