Eugene Race Report

 We set the alarm for 4:45 A.M.  We wanted to make sure we had plenty of time to drive to the hotel to meet S & Kim.  Especially since we were unsure what roads might be closed.  We ate a banana and bagel and tried to hydrate.  This will end up biting me in the butt later.  Note to self ~ Watch Jason to make sure he doesn't drink 5 gallons of fluid on race morning.

This was the first night I actually slept pre-race.  Whether I'm nervous or not it's always been a problem.  Except for the dog barking in the room next door, it was a good night.  We showered, dressed, and headed out into a crisp morning.  We had to scrape ice off the windshield.

I'm looking a little tired.

The sunrise on the way to the start.

We easily made it to S & Kim's hotel only to find the parking lot looked jam packed.  I had a brief moment of panic until I saw a tiny little spot to squeeze into.  We could barely get out of the car but we were in :)  We hit the restrooms and as soon as we came out S & Kim met us in the lobby.  We decided to rough it and just leave our sweatshirts in the car.  One less thing to worry about even if it was a bit nippy.

It was a quick walk to the start from their hotel.  Kim even has her own photographer.  Pretty sweet.  He snapped a few shots for us.  Jason then informed me he had to use the restroom, which we all know what that means.

Oh the joys of waiting in line.  I was freaked that we would still be trapped in this line when the race started.  Due to about a 10 minute late start, we had plenty of time to spare.  After getting in our corral, I took a few pics and video.

Kim's photographer caught us again right at the start.  I'm sad we don't have any action shots.  That's what I get for pressuring bribing begging signing up my photographer to run with me.

I noticed immediately that my hands were freezing.  This wasn't the first time so I was ready to tough it out.  I knew I wouldn't stay cold for long.  We saw Biker Boy around Mile 1 and waved like crazy people.  Hopefully he knew it was us :)  Soon after, Jason informed me he had to pee again.  I promised a potty stop as soon as we found a spot.  Luckily for him that was at Mile 2.  This is where I paced back and forth and watched sadly as a bunch of people we passed ran by.  He had to wait awhile and I was chomping at the bit to get going again.  

Here is a quick video at Mile 4.  I have several more of these but Jason wasn't excited about sharing how sexy he looked while running :)

I was thrilled by the time we hit Mile 6.  I was watching for the 10K mark and when we crossed it my Garmin(Need For Speed) showed 6.5 miles.  Jason was holding steady and feeling good.  I didn't want to push him harder at this point since 6.2 miles was the furthest he'd ever ran and I knew it was going to get harder for him.  It was going better than I had hoped.  According to Garmin if we would have been able to maintain our pace we would have had a 2:25 finish.

Mile 7 created some havoc.  Jason informed me he had to pee, again.  AARRGGHHH!!!  I figured we would hit a porta potty at any point.  I saw a woman run off into the tall grass, squat, and quickly rejoin the group.  I told Jason there was plenty of trees and tall grass to hide behind.  Did he go?  Nope.  As we kept running it became too painful for him to run.  I'll admit it was hard for me not to get angry and say something stupid.  I kept reminding myself this whole experience was for fun and to support him through it.  If I freaked, he'd probably never run with me again.  He finally dove off at some point and I just speed walked until he caught back up.  I used this time to have a mini emotional moment.  Wouldn't you know, around the next corner was a porta potty.  Go figure.

The next hurdle was the huge hill around Mile 8.  I think if I hadn't had to slow down so many times this wouldn't have been an issue.  Regardless, Jason wasn't prepared for it but we laughed our way up it.  Along the way we enjoyed so many great signs.  My favorite was something about being a stranger/not even knowing you, etc.  I really wish I could remember what it said.  Anyone else remember this guy?  I saw him 3 times along the course.

Soon we were running past Hayward Field and the gates entering to the finish.  I started looking at the runners heading to the finish.  Just around Mile 9 I looked across and spotted Kim cruising towards the track.  I jumped over to the middle waving and screaming her name but she never saw me.  I was excited that I saw her though and happy that she looked very speedy.

I refocused on Jason and getting us through the last few miles.  Around Mile 10 he had to pee for the 3rd time.  I couldn't believe it.  I just kept going and waited for him to catch me.  We passed over the river at this point and took a moment to stretch.  As we ran over the bridge a photographer was on the other side.  He hollered at us that he didn't have a kissing shot yet, so we quickly puckered up.  I can only imagine how that turned out.  Good thing we were actually a couple.

Mile 11.  My favorite number.  Yes, I'm a nerd and had to take a quick pic.  While I was focusing on this, Jason witnessed a woman completely trip and fall flat on her face.  Her face, arms, and legs were bleeding.  Luckily, she had several friends with her who were helping her.  She was still in good spirits.  I hope she finished.

This was the view where the 1/2 marathoners headed to the finish and the full kept on going.  I was very thankful that I was part of the 1/2 marathon group.  Jason isn't sure exactly where he hit the wall but I noticed a huge difference in him after Mile 10.  We've all been there when it feels like you have nothing left.  My MOJO was off just from all the starting/stopping/peeing.  I do well just keeping at my pace.  That being said, there is no way I would have left him behind.

I tried to get us pumped up once we saw Mile 26.  We could hear the crowds and just feel the excitement.  As we turned to head through the gate I saw S & Kim cheering us on.  I can't even begin to express how grateful and happy that made me.  I will never take for granted one friend/runner/family member who hangs in there to support me, especially if they have to wait awhile for me to finish.  Just another great moment.  As we entered Hayward Field, it only got better.  The feel of the track under my feet, the people cheering in the stands, the jumbo-tron screen, the finish line, was all more than I was expecting.  I could feel myself getting extremely emotional rounding the last corner.  I grabbed Jason's hand and tried my best to get a decent finishers shot.  I heard them call out our names together and as I let go of Jason's hand I saw the finishers medal.  It almost felt like I couldn't catch my breath.  Just an overwhelming experience on top of sharing it with Jason for the first time.  I was so happy to get that medal around my neck.

Jason had his right quad muscle completely seize up on him when we entered the track.  That kind of destroyed the moment for him until after he finished and worked it out a little.  It really freaked him out.

Here's a look back at the finishers line.  No, I don't know the guy in yellow.  Wrong place, wrong time for him :)

Here we are waiting to get out official finisher's photo.  Jason is an official 1/2 Marathoner!!!!

After we cruised through the finish area, Jason wasted no time and got a plate full of pancakes.  While he ate I looked around a little and to my surprise I found Rhonda.  A few minutes later, S & Kim found us and we quickly took advantage of another photo op.  BTW~Both Kim & Rhonda got new PR's.  Congrats Girls!!!!

We hung out for awhile, said our good-byes as everyone left, and then headed over to get our official race results.  Our finish times were 2:49:36 & 2:49:37.  Guess who won???  That's right, me.  Once I whip Jason into shape I'm sure that will change.

We walked back to the car and headed to the hotel.  We had just enough time to shower before we had to check out.  I forgot to tell you that the dog I told you about before howled all morning long after we got up and then proceeded to howl the whole time we were getting ready to leave.  I mentioned it at check out and got $20 off our bill.  Better than nothing I guess.  Still not happy we had to drive almost another 100 miles extra because of our hotel situation.

By this time my stomach was working and with the sun out I though a milkshake sounded great.  So before getting on the freeway we bought a chocolate milkshake to share.  We stopped in Albany for some real food and to stretch.  Sitting in a car that long after running isn't good.  I felt really bad for Jason.

 In case you were wondering, I did wear my medal all the way home.  I LOVE IT!!!!

 My green pom poms from the EXPO and my medal in it's new home.

You all knew I wouldn't be able to escape an EXPO in Eugene without getting something green, right?

I'm extremely proud of Jason for doing so well and for being a good sport.  I know running isn't something he loves like I do.  Anytime I can share it with someone else, it is amazing.  This weekend was awesome.  Congrats to all of you who ran Eugene and any of the other races this weekend!!!

Here are a few other race reports from Eugene.

Kim @ (Just) Trying Is For Little Girls

Julie @ Adventure Is Out There

Rhonda @ Little Fruit Fly In Rainbow Colored Socks

Beth @ SwimBikeRunDC

Laurie @ The (Mis)Adventures Of A Jogging Stroller Mom

Amy @ Welcome To Boston

Small Town Runner

Michelle @ Carpenter's Corner

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