Foot Traffic Flat Marathon...for Lacy

We made it home, but what a nightmare of a trip that was coming back. It took us 19+ hours from the time we left Seattle to when we arrived at our house. I left my mom's house in WA at 5am Tue morning and didn't get home and in bed until 2am Wed morning. Talk about a seriously long day, especially for the kids.

I could write an entire blog about my traveling insanity, but the real story is about my weekend and my marathon. Jeremy, the kids and I had been staying at my parents' house in Washington. It was great to be able to mix some family vacation in with these couple marathons. I was especially excited about my 2nd marathon because it meant a little break for Jeremy and I. We drove down to Portland, excited to be getting away. It wouldn't be all fun and games though, I still had my 4th of July marathon Sunday morning and Jeremy was to do the half.

Portland had a similar west-coast vibe to Seattle, being very artistically inclined and extremely green. Even our hotel room had recycling bins which I thought was great. The last time I had been in Portland I was a child and I remembered it somewhat differently. I call Virginia home (between my marathon trips) and I generally feel like I have a few too many tattoos to fit in there. In Portland I felt like I didn't have enough! When we arrived we drove past a building that had a huge sign painted on the side that said:

People promote the idea with bumper stickers and I saw enough in Portland that made me think they work pretty hard at it. Don't get me wrong, I thought it was great. Portland was fun and interesting. It's just a far different way of life than what I'm used to these days.

We stayed at a hotel downtown and got a chance to see a lot of the city on foot which I greatly enjoyed. We had fun browsing through their awesome Saturday Market with hundreds of vendors for all different kinds of food, performers, arts and crafts. We got to try out some of the area restaurants and I loved not having to do anything at all. With having 3 kids, the days of having time to get away and unwind are limited and lately the opportunity to blow with the wind and not be constricted to a strict schedule are even fewer. It was unplanned, disorganized and downright fun. The sun was out making for a gorgeous day when picked up our race packets at the local Flat Feet Running Store. Out front they had a grill set up and were cooking free hot dogs and beer. Seriously awesome in every way!

Oregon is all about being active!

After being out way too late the night before, it was an early morning wake up call for our races. I went through my normal routine and it was great to have Jeremy getting ready right beside me. My family time has become nearer and dearer to me as this year as progressed. They say absence makes the heart grow fonder and for me nothing could be more true. I have missed them greatly. The stupid little things that seem like nothing in eternity like cleaning carpets, making muffins for a class party and trying to get to work on time. I've missed being focused on being a mom. I know this year is a sacrifice for everyone and this trip with my family couldn't have come at a better time. Almost halfway through my year of marathons, I really needed to be recharged. I really needed them.

My kids with their cousin

The race took place on Sauvie Island, which is about 15 minutes from Portland. The island is small and is a farming heaven. We ran a huge loop that covered the majority of the island and were treated to beautiful views. I got to see my friend Brad before the start and saw many more friends on the course and afterward, but as we stood waiting to begin I was looking for someone in particular, Christine.

Just before the start - if I look half asleep - I probably was!

Christine, a Facebook friend of mine, had contacted me several months ago and wanted to run this marathon with me. I was really looking forward to her company on the run. As much as I would have liked to run with Jeremy, the half marathon was starting 15 minutes later and our paces don't match up well (that's code for, he's SLOOOW). Just before we started I found Christine and then the announcements were made. Apparently the singer for America the Beautiful was caught in traffic trying to get to the island so the race director lead the runners and we sang it ourselves. I laughed and sang along with the pack.

 Jeremy before the start - as you can see - much more awake than me!

It was another beautiful day with comfortable running temps and the miles piled on and on as we ran along. Christine is a pastor's wife, mother of 3 beautiful boys and she leads the music ministry at their church. We immediately clicked on a lot of different levels with similar life changing weigh loss that sprouted us into the runners we have now become. She shares my fancy for tattoos, serving others, and is also a cereal junkie! Together we tackled the distance and as it is when I have a good friend to run with, the time slipped away. As always my left leg was a constant reminder of the miles. But all in all I had kept myself quite distracted of the distance by our fun conversations until we got to around mile 20. At that point my lack of sleep the night before and my left knee started catching up to me. It was getting rather painful and as Christine's right leg was giving her trouble, it worked out well to take more walking breaks.

Views from the course

Fields and farms

One thing that we talked about in detail was adoption as she and her husband adopted their 3 sons. I personally think that adoption is one of the most beautiful things ever and as I'm running these marathons for orphaned children in South Africa, my heart breaks for these children that have so little. They are left with no parents and little hope. Lacy, the girl I was running for is one of these orphaned children. She lives in a slum area called Lover's Twist in the Eastern Cape of South Africa. She is blessed to be able to attend a preschool that is sponsored in part by 25:40, but daily living is still a huge struggle. The needs are great, the resources are few. As I am already almost 50% done with my marathons I've been frustrated by the fact that I've only been able to raise about 25% of my $26,000 goal. I urge you to please help make a difference in the life of a child! I think a lot of people think they can't afford to give, but even $1, $5, is such a help as more and more people give. Even if you can not give, please pass on my website info to your friends and family! Maybe you work for a company that makes corporate donations or have an idea about how you can help. If you have any suggestions, ideas, or want to help with spreading the word please contact me!

 Trying to balance everything has been such a struggle for me and I need your help to get the word out about what I'm doing! The more people that can be reached, the bigger the impact for Lacy and the other children I've been running for!

 My medal - made from recycled bicycle chain. 

It has to be one of the most green and unique designs

Sunday I crossed the finish line for Lacy. Another week, another marathon done. But what outcome will it make? This journey isn't about miles, it's about lives. If I complete all 52 marathons, and fail to raise funds for these kids then my running has been worthless.

With Christine at the finish

Have you ever wanted to live your life? Give it!

Final Race Stats:

Finish time 5:25:06
367 out of 397 overall
169 out of 189 women
35 out of 39 for my age group (25-29)