**Written by Guest Blogger Liz Dooley**
New Years Day is a day many spend recovering from over indulgence the night before. A day spent reflecting on the previous year and making goals for the days, weeks, and months ahead. Some may spend the entire day on the couch watching football. Most runners I know like to start the year doing what they love best – running. That is why First Run & Walk put on by AA Sports is such a well placed event, since you can literally begin the year, at the stroke of midnight, exercising.
I do love running at night. I especially love running at night when I don’t need to worry about wild animals (my irrational fear that comes on during my night relay runs) or carry my mace. So when Run Oregon asked if I’d like to write the race recap for First Run – I jumped at the opportunity. And then I began to stress about making sure I stay awake until midnight. Since the birth of my children (ages 3 and 6), I usually don’t even stay up to see the ball drop – so just staying awake for this run will be a real feat for me. I have talked 2 other friends into running with me and I am eager to see if I can beat my 5K PR which was established in 2012 when AAA also offered a Jan 1st morning run for those that wanted to run at midnight at 8am, or just didn’t want to run at midnight. Now midnight is the only option, and I for one, am excited to bring in the New Year running down SW Naito Parkway/Front Avenue – and then having a cocktail.
The race starts at the World Trade Center, which is conveniently located 2 blocks from the MAX, so I may be taking advantage of free public transportation so I don’t need to worry about parking or drunk drivers.
First Run & Walk (Portland)
When: Jan 1st at Midnight
Cost: $35 (you can still get a shirt if registered by 12/18); Online or mail-in
Packet Pickup: Downtown Foot Traffic location on 12/31 from 11a-3p
