On December 8, 2019, I ran the Portland Holiday Half Marathon for the second year in a row, and while it was at least on my calendar for a few months versus a few days this time around, I’ll be the first to admit that I didn’t totally think through running another race just six weeks after Rio Del Lago 100.
Naturally, I had some serious butterflies going into the weekend. I wasn’t sure I was truly recovered enough to race that kind of distance, or if I would be able to get my head in the game.
That said, in true Holiday Sweat spirit, I put my uncertainties aside, and decided to honor my commitment and just show up and do it – even if it wasn’t my best. And I’m so glad I did. I managed to shave 6 minutes off of last year’s time – with an official time of 1:38:14 (7:29 average pace) which was miraculously only 20 seconds slower than my 2019 half marathon PR time (Rock Tahoe). While a strong finish is always a good feeling, the best result is that it gave me the mental boost I needed to get back into running again.
Plus, I got to witness my friend Jackie’s epic costume. And yes, she ran a half marathon in this costume (and a fast one at that!).
And I got to put my yoga breathing to practice after Jackie and I got a late start to the race and showed up at the starting line with only 6 minutes to spare.
I also got to see my friend Hope crush her race, and spend a little time at the finish line catching up.
And if that’s not enough, my post race belly issues gave me a perfect excuse to lay on the couch for an hour and avoid all other parenting (and / or adult) responsibilities for a hot minute.
And finally, it was a good cause for celebration which meant veggie burgers, french fries, and a delicious sour beer in one of my new favorite spots in Portland – Modern Times. Next time, I’ll just have to figure out how to leave Colby at home so I can actually enjoy some of my french fries….
I hope to return and run again next year and am thinking we’ll have to set up a runner’s recovery station at Flex & Flow with light stretching and yoga, massage, acupuncture, coffee, NOW Foods BCAA Big 6 recovery beverages, and all.the.carbs. Let me know if you’d be into joining in on that!
Thanks to Daimler and Foot Traffic for another great Holiday Half!
Stay sweaty!
XO
Jamie
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