McKenzie River Half Meets Long Run

While 13 miles is already a pretty hefty run on it's own, in marathon training land, you've got to hit the 20 mile mark to really feel like you're prepared for race day. 

About a month ago, I signed up for the McKenzie River Half (an inaugural race) thinking it would be a fun race, beautiful course and make a training run go much faster. 

I woke up at 6 am, had some cereal and tea and then drove to the park where the race would finish with my little long run plan. 

Hello, my name is Lauren and I like purple just a bit...

My plan: Park at the finish at 7:30 am, run the 5.5 miles to the start line of the race nice and easy (~9 min pace) and be ready to race by 9 am. 

And that's pretty much what happened! I arrived at the start area around 8:35, ate a mini blueberry larabar, used the bathroom and found Lindsey. We jogged another .5 mile or so and then it was time for the race to start. 

The first few miles weaved through the flat neighborhoods in Springfield and out to Old Mohawk Dr and finally on to McKenzie River View where the small hills began. 

Somewhere around this point we caught a few glimpses of the manfriend who opted to ride his single speed out to the course while his other road bike was in the shop. 

Photo courtesy of Sonny, Lindsey's boyfriend

McKenzie View is a favorite of cyclists - one I even frequent when I actually get my rear on my bike. It's great because it's scenic, has a few small rollers and is close to town. 

By the 8 mile marker (14 miles on these legs), I was really feeling it. I had a few moments of "whoa, I need to stop and walk." But Lindsey and I had stayed together the whole time so it motivated me to just keep the legs moving!

Even on tired legs, we were clocking 7:56-8:15 min miles.

I was so happy to see this bridge and the sign for mile 12. Just one final torturous mile into the park before the finish line!

Aaaand done! According to results, we finished in 1:47:18, which we were both happy with and took 1st and 2nd places in our age group. Thank you, small race. It's likely I will never again receive a prize for placing in my age group. 

Just after our finish, we parted ways and I finished the long run off with 2 slow miles around the park to make it 21 miles total for the day! Long run done. 

On the drive home, I quickly consumed a peanut butter and jelly sandwich and the second half of this bag of rice chips. These things are amazing! If you haven't tried them, you need to. SO crunchy!

Now where did that weekend GO? I feel like I blinked and Monday is here again.