Race Recap: The Volcano Race PDX

On Sept. 28th, the family and I headed out to Mt. Tabor, a dormant volcano, in the city of Portland to play at the park and run a race.

This race was so much fun!  It is a smaller event, with under 150 running the 5K and less than 100 running the 10K options.  The Volcano Race PDX also had a kids dash after the other races were well over (allowing for kids to run or be pushed in a stroller by their parents in the earlier races or ensuring that family had crossed the finish before the kids dash started).  

When I picked up our goodies the day before at packet pickup, I was surprised by all the goodies!  The swag included lots of vegan goodies (score for me!  I'm a vegetarian...), coupons for the Children's Museum, vouchers for free entrees at Veggie Grill and jamba juice and other coupons and flyers.  The kids got a cotton race shirt and I received my tech shirt for this event.  If all that swag wasn't awesome enough... the race beneficiary is a really neat project to help inspire young people and encourage and expand their learning through the arts.  Go check out Young Audiences some time.  

Mariah who guest blogs on this site for me at the finish with me

Near the start and finish was a large volcano with a fog machine to mystify (see what I did there?) the kids and provide a great photo op (if the lush and picturesque park wasn't enough).  

Before the races started, two free yoga classes were offered for participants.  I'm not well acquainted with yoga, but enjoyed the soft music and practicing being aware of my breath.  The 10K and 5K were staggered by about 20 minutes.  

As I queued up for my 5K, I watched as Timber Joey held up the course map and directions were explained to us.  Give me a simple loopty-loop and I'm easily confused and doubting my sense of direction... but this course was very well marked and volunteers were out to help direct runners where to turn and which direction to go.  Thank you volunteers!  

Me off on the 5K and Bugaboo and Squeakers on their Kids Dash

The course is, of course, hilly since it is on a mountain... but the challenge is a lot of fun and very beautiful.  I enjoyed seeing the cityscape of Portland over the reservoir.  When I neared the finish with 1 mile to go, I ran past Mariah running the other direction nearing her finish line for the 10K.  The end of her race  had stairs... and while I didn't hear her complain about it, I'm sure it served as a nice challenge.  Maybe I'll be better trained for the 10K (or better rested) next year? 

When I crossed the finish line, my family wasn't there to greet me.  This is the first time that they were at a race with me but weren't there to cheer me in.  This wasn't a surprise since there was a playground next to the start/finish gate.  I finished my cooldown run and was happy to seem them busy and engaged with the volunteers at the "Art Zone".  

Afterwards, the kids dash was off and the kids had a blast running 1K through a flat part of the park.  At their finish, Timber Joey greeted them with cheers and a high five.  Parents had the option of purchasing a finisher's medal to commemorate the kiddos' race and proceeds going to Young Audiences, so we went ahead and purchased that for them and my husband rewarded them with their medals.  Of course they were over the moon to get one.  

They made masks, painted their faces, played with bubbles and listened to live performances from several different musicians and singers.  I enjoyed my complimentary beers in the beer garden and we all enjoyed the plethora of snacks offered.  

I highly recommend this event and look forward to seeing how it grows and expands over the years.  This event went off very smoothly with no issues and very well organized.  It's also nice to run a smaller event race too now and then.  I really really enjoyed the family festivities this one had to offer.  

Race Review: Dogathon Fun Run

Dogathon Fun Run on Aug. 31st, 2014

at Bella Organic Pumpkin Patch and Winery

Beneficiary:  Oregon Humane Society

Participants for this event were large and small and the event had a little bit of something fun for everyone.  This is the first time I had been to an event that wasn't just "dog friendly" but doggie participation was encouraged.  It was so much fun to see so many different K9 companions.

Packet pickup was the morning of the event.  Start time for runners was 10am and walkers an hour later at 11am.  I admit that with two young kids in tow (without a running stroller to keep them moving forward at a good pace) that I queued up at the back of the 10am wave.

I think it would be safe to stagger the walkers 15 or 20 minutes after the runners, but an entire hour will make for a long event for those waiting for the walking event to start.

It is hard to believe that this is only the second year for this event!  It went off without any complications and was so much fun.  Goodie bags at packet pickup included a bag for dog owners to clean up after their K9 running/walking buddy should they go potty on the course, some doggie cookies, a cookie for the runner/walker, your race bib, a cotton t-shirt that is pretty darn cute and besides some coupons and ads for the event host (Bella Organics) a voucher for a plate of (two) pancakes.  

The start and finish line was located in the main courtyard of the farm, near the farm store.  Course map was a complicated looking drawing with lots of loops on a dry erase board.  I had my doubts about it.... but the course was very clearly marked with volunteers at every turn or fork in the road to help direct the runners and walkers. 

The course was extremely beautiful.  The dirt road were soft dirt and in many places there were deep ruts from large farm equipment and trucks.  This would not be ideal for a running stroller, but I have been through worse with my behemoth stroller and saw some stellar moms councouring the trail with their strollers.

There were several aid stations providing water.  I forgot to turn on my garmin, so I can't tell you how close or far they were, but I can tell you that as soon as Bugaboo would whine "I'm thiiiiiiirsty."  There would be a water station!  Dogs enjoyed large wading pools full of water for them to take a dip or a drink from.

It was a hot, sunny day.

My only complaint would be that after about 2 miles in the course, my husband had to make a shortcut to rush Bugaboo to the bathroom.  Though i suppose there aren't many 5K races that need to put a porta potty out on course.  I think it was just over 2 miles, because when they went off course and back to the farm, Squeakers and I kept on walking for 15 or 20 more minutes and just as we crossed the finish line, my hubstud and Bugaboo crossed within 2 minutes of us.  

At the finish line, we cashed in our vouchers and enjoyed two HUGE pancakes dripping with strawberry sauce and strawberries and then whipped cream on top.  A band played some fun, jazzy tunes and if you wanted other food, wine, beer or beverages, the farm's food court was open along with other fun events such as the children's maze, activities with Radio Disney and other farm activities (such as picking blackberries or riding on the farm's "cow ride").

For more information the website for the event is Here.

I'm glad we found this event and proud of my family for getting out and trying (even if the hubstud and I ended up carrying the kiddos for a great portion of the "race").  I just wish the event was also when more berries were in season.  I always seem to miss the strawberries and blueberries.  

Have you done a "pet friendly" race?  Do you run with a K9 companion?  

Happy Pi Day!! (food focused house and the projects that keep me from running)

Happy Pi Day!  Did you get out and get a run in?  3.14... miles, maybe?  Did you eat pie?

I won't lie, I still need to get a run in, but I did eat some pie... 

Chickpea Pot Pie

Serves 6

2 teaspoons olive oil

1/2 lbs small white mushrooms (quartered)

2 carrots, chopped

2 celery stalks chopped

1 onion chopped

1 poblano pepper chopped (and deseeded.  You could also use a green bell pepper instead.)

2 garlic cloves minced

3 cups veg. broth

3 tablespoons cornstarch

2 ounces soft neufchâtel cheese (or cream cheese softened)

1 (15oz) can of chickpeas (rinsed and drained)

2 tablespoons of chopped fresh sage

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 large pie crust (14 ounces)

(we ended up using two pie crusts, each in a 9 inch pie pan.  Our favorite recipe is from a vintage Betty Crocker cookbook that is 1 1/4C flour and 1/3 C butter and 4-5 tablespoons cold water and 1/4 tsp salt. Mis the dry together and cut in the butter.  Slowly adding in the water.)

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.  Spray pie pan with non stick spray.

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over med heat.  Add mushrooms, carrots, celery, onion, poblano (or green bell) pepper and garlic.  Cook, stirring until veggies are softened.  Stir in broth and cornstarch in a med bowl until blended.  Add to skillet and stir constantly.  When mixture starts to boil and starts to thicken, add in neufchâtel cheese and stir until smooth.  Stir in chickpeas, sage and salt.  Spoon mixture into pie crust.

Place pie crust over filling; press edges with fork for decorative edge and cut one inch slits throughout top for ventilation.

Place on baking sheet and cook until crust is golden brown and filling is bubbling.... about 25-30 minutes.  Let stand about 10 minutes before serving.

Hope you enjoy!  I loved it!

I'm not really injured, but this was a good segway picture...

I had a spring cleaning bug bite and have been reorganizing a closet in my "craft" room.  Well, to be completely honest, it's the "zoo" room.  We have birds and a couple bunnies... and it's a dusty mess.

Anyway, I've been cleaning and sorting... and came upon some old clippings and note pads from my beloved great grandmother...  Oh, how I miss her.  

The irony is I came upon this stuff in the back of a spare closet... just sitting and waiting to be looked through and remembered... on the anniversary of her death.

12 years now without her.  

I still remember the feeling of her knotty hand holding mine so tight, and I think some of the stuff still smells like her, so I've hidden it away again so it will keep those memories fresh....  but not before scanning it in the computer for some craft projects.  

Her handwritten recipe for zucchini bread, an open notebook of hers with writing peaking through the pages, a business card from the 1950's for a cafe in Boise and a different aged note pad.

I typed "on" to the paper with a computer program to create a "menu board" to hang in my kitchen...

I'll create something like a scrapbook page with her recipe, some old coupons for spam and fake butter, and other odds and ends (that will fit without being too crowded) and throw it all under glass in a picture frame... then I'll get a fine point dry erase marker to write out the week's menu and any grocery items we need to add to it.  Then, in theory, it can all be wiped off and used again.

And, in theory, my sweet family can stop asking me "What are we having [for lunch/dinner]?"
"Go check the Menu board..."

The best part is this is all scanned in a high resolution in my computer, so if I don't like the size/shape of the board, I can start again with a bigger picture frame.

This is what I have so far and will post a finished product (as soon as the spray paint on the frame dries and I can get it all together.)

Family Menu Board!

So, with heart strings tugged and lots of tears the last few days as I sort through this stuff and work on this project, I have been ignoring my fitness.  

Tomorrow I'm working at a half marathon to help direct runners on the course... I'm really looking forward to that and then I get to be a walking buddy to an amazing young gal who is walking her first 10K race.  I promise to get an interview up with this young lady, but you will be inspired.  She has a disease that is wrecking her muscles and deteriorating them... but before she is made to be unable to walk ever again, she has a goal to tackle a half marathon, and since she's up to 9 miles on her training walks, it's only a matter of time before you see her on the half marathon course!  ;-)

Happy Pi Day and Happy St. Patty's day tomorrow friends!  Hope it's a good one for you.

It's been a week of deep reflection for me... I won't lie, I might end the day tomorrow with a little Irish Whiskey to wash down my corned beef and cabbage dinner.  But not before getting a run in... really.

I really really need to run.

Does running help you sort out your thoughts and work out the heaviness in your heart?
Does grief for a lost loved one ever ease?