Hippie Chick Quarter Marathon

Our Hippie Chick experience started Saturday with a trip to the race expo at the Embassy Suites by Washington Square. Brad helped me pick up our swag:
Got up nice and early Sunday to prep for my big race.

Originally, Mom, Eryn and I were supposed to run the Mother's Day event together. But Mom's been sidelined with an achilles injury, so Sarah was going to run in her place. Unfortunately, she texted about 5 a.m. to say she'd been up sick all night and wouldn't make it. Major bummer.
(Hope you're feeling better, Sarah!!)
Brad took a quick pre-game photo before we headed out the door at 6:45.
The race started and ended at Hillsboro Stadium, a quick drive from home. But traffic was backed up all the way onto Highway 26, and we nearly didn't make it in time. Starting to panic a little, we finally pulled off into a Les Schwab parking lot (closed on Sundays) and walked to the stadium.

We dropped our stuff at the bag check (super efficient, by the way!) and Eryn headed to the bathroom while I went to the starting line. I had debated wearing my hat and finally decided that the sky looked too threatening to risk it. Running in the rain with glasses is no fun. (But it never rained - yay!!)
Three thousand women ready to go!
A quarter marathon is 6.55 miles. I'd been sick all week with a cold, laryngitis and a yucky cough, so my time goal turned into just hoping to finish without walking.

I was feeling really good for the first several miles - surprisingly good. The super-flat course was very crowded, and I was going a slow, easy pace - around 10:15-minute miles. Around mile 5, I was suddenly very cold and covered in goosebumps. I felt like I was chilling, and I got sorta faint.

I slowed way down and thought through what I'd do if I started to pass out. I moved to the side of the road and decided to sit down if I started to go so I didn't collapse in the middle of course. I was also thankful I'd worn my Road I.D. in case I went down. Though maybe not the best decision, I kept chugging along tentatively and grabbed a quick swig of water at the last aid station.

We turned off the road and into the sports complex and I dug deep and sped it up. Brad was up in the stands snapping some great pictures as I sprinted to the finish!
Into the stadium and onto the turf:
I made it!
Official time was 01:09:31. My Garmin said I went 6.66 miles, and my average was 10:27-minute miles. All things considered, I'm thrilled with my time.

I grabbed my medal and some water and then almost died :) I practically coughed up a lung (or two!) while waiting for Eryn to finish. Seriously pathetic.

Here comes Eryn:
Yay! Longest and farthest she's ever run.
Sisters with finisher medals!!!!!
We love races sponsored by Jamba!

The race entry included a breakfast burrito that really hit the spot.

It was a really fun event that I'd like to do again. Maybe next year Mom will be healed and able to run with us!

A big thanks to Brad for being our personal photographer :)