Sunday, April 12, 2015: Get your training for the ORRC Vernonia Marathon and Half Marathon with Coach Jim’s Elite Runners in Training!
Think you’re too busy to fit in your long run because of all the holiday frenzy? Run Oregon knows that the time between Thanksgiving and New Year’s can be a little tough, but we also know that making time for yourself helps recharge your energy levels. You could even argue that it’s even more important to take some “me” time so you have time to think through your to-do list and make a mental plan.
This weekend’s run will be a two-loop run of 14 miles total, from the Grand Central Bakery on N. Fremont. Please RSVP on the facebook event page to help Coach Jim and his experienced pace group leaders plan!
Where: Grand Central Bakery at 714 N. Fremont St. in Portland
What time: The run will start at 8a, so be there by 7:45 to use the potty and find your pace group
Distance: 14 miles
The run is set up as part of a plan for runners training for an early spring marathon and half marathon. That is why the run is split into two runs; so you don’t run too much for your training plan. Coach Jim’s group’s goal race is the ORRC Vernonia Marathon and Half Marathon, run mainly on the Vernonia-Banks Trail. The race is on Sunday, April 12, 2015 and if you register by December 31, 2015, you will save some money. Until then, the half is $27 and the marathon is $50 if you are an ORRC member (add $5 if you are not a member).
The first route is 6 miles of what Coach Jim calls a “real estate tour” … traveling through neighborhoods of large, stately homes along Fremont, Knott, and Tillamook. The second route (also starting and finishing at GCB), is 8 miles along the bluff on N. Willamette, turning back before reaching the University of Portland.
Be sure to dress in layers, since it will likely be windier on the 2nd loop than the first. You should also bring your hydration and nutrition for the run, along with a little snack for after the run. Pack up a full set of dry clothes for after your run – just leave it in your car, and then you can change before joining other runners for some delicious snacks from the bakery.
Please be considerate of Grand Central Bakery’s other customers, and park on the street instead of in their parking lot. They graciously let the runners use their restrooms before and after each route, so help their regular customers find parking more easily!
